24 for '24 continues our series highlighting 24 of Beijing's top venues for dining, drinking, and relaxing in 2024 (now in 2025), aimed at encouraging people to venture out and explore the city's fantastic food and beverage spots.
Situated on the 79th floor of the China World Summit Wing Hotel, Grill 79 offers diners an unparalleled view of Beijing. With sweeping panoramas of the city, including iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, this restaurant delivers an extraordinary dining experience.
The interior design is equally impressive, featuring a red glass theme, sophisticated seating, elegant table arrangements, and striking crimson chandeliers.
Nevertheless, the culinary offerings truly steal the show. Grill 79’s menu aims to provide guests with fresh experiences through inventive food combinations using top-quality ingredients. On February 17, they will introduce a new A La Carte Menu, allowing patrons to enjoy the exquisite blend of French cuisine infused with Chinese elements. The updated menu presents a variety of tempting dishes, some of our favorites include:
**Canapés**
A perfect way to begin your meal at Grill 79 is with their selection of canapés. New additions now include the Tiger Prawn and Avocado Tartelette, Beetroot with Feta Cheese Macaron, Salmon Gravlax with Sour Cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano Puff with Iberico Ham, and delicate Foie Gras. We were particularly fond of the macaron, where the feta complemented the beetroot beautifully, and the choux pastry puff was wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
**Appetizers**
Among the appetizers, the Foie Gras with Truffle exemplifies Grill 79's culinary creativity. The foie gras, combined with local Chinese truffle, is served on a brioche base and accompanied by raspberry sorbet, which balances the richness of the foie gras. Little cubes of cola jelly add a playful touch to the dish.
Another dish illustrating Grill 79's knack for adding a Chinese twist to traditional fare is the Sous Vide Oysters. Topped with a soy milk foam, which lends creaminess, it conceals a layer of red cabbage sauerkraut enriched with dashi for a touch of umami.
**Seafood**
A visually striking new addition is the locally caught Turbot, elegantly plated with a vibrant yellow French fish bone sauce garnished with pearls or caviar and salmon roe. The turbot is tender and flaky, and the sauce not only enhances the dish's color but also elevates the subtle flavors of the fish.
**Chef Special**
Next, we explore some chef specials that prominently feature Grill 79's high-quality steak options. The Tenderloin Rossini is a standout, allowing you to choose from Mayura Wagyu Beef or USDA Prime Beef, topped with crispy buttered bread and slow-cooked foie gras infused with truffle broth for luxurious flavor. It's served with a rich truffle sauce crafted from the aforementioned broth, simmered with red wine and grated truffle, offering a sweet yet robust taste. The dish is crowned with freshly sliced truffle, sourced locally from China.
Another remarkable tenderloin preparation is the US Prime Angus Beef Tenderloin. Although it may appear simple, it is expertly cooked. Accompanied by grilled pineapple for a hint of tangy sweetness, diners can select from various salt blends to pair with the steak. Traditionally served with seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a jug of rich beef jus for personal customization.
**Sweets**
Lastly, we conclude with desserts, featuring the Jasmine dessert, which, despite its plain name, boasts multiple layers. A quenelle of coconut ice cream rests atop layers of jasmine tea jelly, ice jelly, and berry compote, imparting a delightful tartness to the milder flavors. This dessert is beautifully presented on a pillow-shaped plate, symbolizing the perfect conclusion to your meal — a reminder that these new dishes will linger in our memories!
Alongside the new A La Carte Menu debuting on February 17, Grill 79 will also introduce a special Degustation Set Menu by Chef Zoe (priced at RMB 888/package) on March 3, featuring many of the dishes discussed here, so stay tuned!
Additionally, it's worth mentioning Grill 79's extensive wine selection, perfect for pairing with your meal. If wine isn't your preference, they also offer cocktails, beer, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and more to enjoy while taking in the stunning daytime or nighttime views of Beijing.
**Grill 79**
79/F, China World Summit Wing, 1 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District
Hours: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm; 5:30 pm - 10 pm
Phone: 010 8571 6459
READ: 24 for '24 Restaurant Series
Images: courtesy of China World Summit Wing
Grill 79's updated A La Carte Menu combines French and Chinese culinary traditions, presenting innovative and fresh food combinations.
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