Riverside Cafe, Beijing

Sadly now closed down: no idea why as it was always popular. t wil reopen as Schindler's Docking Station, presumably (but in China not necessarily) related to the existing Schindler's.

A well known expat and diplomatic spot just at the far, far, far north end of Sanlitun (just as you pass the Arctic Circle), the Riverside Cafe is not really by the river, as the Liangmahe is another few metres beyond, but in a country which has no trade descriptions act it is close enough to being an honest name.
Owned by Australians, the Riverside Cafe is a popular lunchtime spot, with plenty of filling sandwiches, stuff from the bakery and some good three course meals.
There is an outside terrace during the summer, but it just always seems to be just that bit too windy or stiflingly still out there: ust be something to do with the feng shui!
Inside there is an upstairs and a downstairs.....either provides a friendly lunchtime bite.

Favorite Dish: Nothing outstanding, but pretty much everything on the menu is good. The Riverside Cafe has a particularly well stocked wine shop alongside, but as it is technically separate, you pay retail for the wine and a 60RMB corkage fee. Reasonable enough.
The Riverside is a good place for business lunches because it remains quiet, the service is smooth and quick, and it's just 5 minutes from my office! Can't complain!