Bom Apetite

Alameda Restaurant and Lounge, Sanlitun Bar North Street

"Alameda" is an 18th-century Spanish word that describes a shady tree-lined avenue and conjures with images of colonial ports around the world. Thus Alameda Restaurant, off the main Sanlitun thoroughfare, is a glass-covered conservatory-style venue cleverly positioned beneath a line of trees clothed with rich foliage, a cool retreat in both senses of the word during the blistering summer days ahead. 

A product of the colourful partnership of Brazilian gastronomes Vivi and Gaby, Alameda blends market-fresh ingredients with simple home-produced flavours, fused in the manner and habit of the restaurant's "open" kitchen and with Brazilian creativity as the guiding culinary hand.

Lunch and dinner menus are set (Table d'Hôte), dictated ad-hoc each day by the morning's market bounty. Succulent boeuf mignon with sweet pumpkin puree, pan-fried crispy Brazilian "tainha" fish, salad greens and rustic black-bean and sausage "feijoada" distinguish Almeda's tables with something for everyone. Delicious rich and creamy home-style desserts -- "like mother used to make" -- add novelty to the eclectic mix.

Bitter aromatic Brazilian coffee; "caipirinha", a local favourite sugar-cane spirit; and a wide choice of international wines and liqueurs invite a strong seal of approval to this excellent dining spot.

Find Alameda is to the rear of the throng of eateries along Sanlitun North. It is opposite the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, down a narrow lane and positioned to the left of another Sanlitun favourite, Tapas. Call for reservations: +86 10 6417 8084