Located in Beijing’s thriving retail district, Mandarin Oriental, Wangfujing is a boutique hospitality offering just steps away from the Forbidden City. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Mandarin Grill + Bar, was designed by New York-based firm Tihany Design as a contemporary celebration of the traditional Chinese steakhouse.
The intimate bar and lounge is set around a rounded square black stone bar illuminated by the warm glow of a drop-down display shelf in etched glass and polished brass detailing. The brass accents are repeated throughout the bar, from the inlay of the onyx bar front to the spherical etched glass pendant lighting and bountiful seafood display along the entrance side of the bar counter. Clad in mahogany wall paneling and anchored in a rich color palette, the space is inviting with a distinctively masculine appeal. The white coiffured ceiling echoes the shapes of the checkered stone floor while a feature Impressionistic mural harkens pastimes from another era. Plush burgundy banquettes and emerald green sofas and lounge chairs invite guests to sink in and savor the experience.

In the dining room, the checkered stone of the entrance and bar is replaced by chevron patterned wood flooring and the lounge furniture makes way for dark wood dining chairs and sofas upholstered in traditional Chinese inspired fabrics. Four semi-circle burgundy banquettes form a featured seating arrangement at the center of the room. The dining area continues the design language of the bar, with strong, contrasting materials balanced by carefully executed details. Etched glass partitions and soft table lamps divide the booths at each end of the restaurant. Along the window walls, gold striped Roman shades allow for full control of the natural light. The restaurant is comfortable and engaging, capturing the lively spirit of Beijing’s commercial district while exuding a bespoke, finely crafted elegance.

Photography: George Apostolidis for Mandarin Oriental