Taste the turning of seasons

As summer's long days slip away, Beijing's culinary scene is sending off the season with a colorful, flavor-packed finale. From park-side escapes to sizzling new steakhouses, the city's latest openings and seasonal menus capture a sense of transition.

In Haidian district, a new landmark has taken root within the leafy grounds of Beijisi Park. "MOWU", a 1,000-square-meter Italian-style wooden pavilion, blends bookstore browsing, Italian dining, specialty coffee, fresh flowers, and even outdoor camping experiences. Billed as the first park-based commercial project of its kind in the district, it offers a space where culture, cuisine, and nature meet. Its restaurant — nicknamed the "magic house of gastronomy" — serves traditional pizzas baked in imported Italian kilns, handmade pastas, and premium steaks, paired with a free-flow Italian wine service that lets guests toast to the Apennine spirit under the trees.

Across the city in Chaoyang district, Yomoo Steak is making its debut with a bold concept: "five sauces, five flavors". Each steak arrives with a choice of vibrant accompaniments, from fiery Spanish red pepper to refreshing Argentine chimichurri, aromatic white wine mustard, creamy cheese, or its signature red wine glaze. Fresh pastas round out the menu, with a classic tomato option available in both beef-studded and vegetarian-friendly forms — the latter pairing flat noodles with zucchini for a bright, herbal lift.

And with autumn jogging routines already weaving into the city's mornings, the Meizhoudongpo restaurant chain is introducing an upgraded breakfast menu to greet the dawn. Freshly made jianbing guozi, stuffed pancakes, and a selection of hearty staples await early risers, turning post-workout refueling into a ritual worth waking up for.

Romance also finds its place this season. As Chinese Valentine's Day approaches, Bvlgari Hotel Beijing is curating bespoke experiences: the Bvlgari Bar and terrace garden serve cocktails designed for the occasion, while the one Michelin-starred Il Ristorante – Niko Romito presents an elegant six-course dinner framed by views of its private garden.

From sunrise breakfasts to twilight toasts, Beijing's tables are setting the stage for a season of slow transitions — where the last notes of summer mingle with the first tastes of fall.