The Forbidden City isn’t known for gourmet dining—but don’t let that stop you. While this ancient palace complex is a feast for the eyes, there is also a modest selection of eating places in the Forbidden City.
In recent years, a few convenient spots have popped up to keep visitors fueled. You’ll find basic meals and snacks at places like the Ice Cellar Restaurant, the Palace Museum Restaurant, and the Corner Tower Café near the Shenwu Gate – the Best Restaurants in Forbidden City.
The food is simple—think hot noodles, rice bowls, or a cold sandwich. Nothing fancy, but enough to keep you going. Since options are still limited, it’s smart to pack a bottle of water, some biscuits, or light snacks, just in case hunger strikes during your visit.
In this guide, we’ll show you where to eat, what to expect, and how to make the most of your Forbidden City adventure.
1. Palace Museum Restaurant: A Warm Stop Near the Hall of Clocks and Watches
Tucked near the Hall of Clocks and Watches, the Palace Museum Restaurant 故宫餐厅( Forbidden City Restaurant ) is one of the eating places and the best restaurant in the Forbidden City — if you’re looking for a hot, quick bite without leaving the grounds.
Inside, the aroma of fried rice and steaming noodles fills the air. Outside, a few tables offer fresh air and palace views. It’s not fine dining, but after hours of walking, that bowl of soup noodles or hot chicken wings hits the spot. On a cold or snowy day, the warmth feels like pure relief.
Expect Chinese fast food—fried rice, hot dogs, mushroom soup, and more. Prices stay reasonable, around 40–50 yuan per meal.
However, it gets busy fast. By noon, lines stretch out the door. Want a peaceful meal? Try coming before 11 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m.
It’s not gourmet, but it’s dependable, warm, and surprisingly satisfying.
2. Ice Cellar Restaurant 冰窖餐厅
What is it like to eat in the ice cellar of the Forbidden City more than 300 years ago? The “Ice Cellar” restaurant, is a stone cellar near the famous Cining Palace ( 慈宁宫 ). Since the ice cellar is a semi-underground building, from the outside, it looks like a huge and low old house.
The History of Ice Cellar
The ice cellar of the Imperial Palace was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. There are 4 existing, north-south, semi-underground arch cave buildings. The rammed earth between the wall and the arch roof and the roof tiles are very thick, and the heat insulation is very good.
The Layout of Ice Cellar Restaurant
The Ice Cellar Restaurant is mainly divided into three parts: a book bar, a cafe and a restaurant.
The book bar and the coffee are opposite each other in the same courtyard, and the book bar sells books and cultural and creative products from the Palace Museum Press. The Cafe environment is simple and fresh, sitting inside looking at the outside of the red walls and green tiles, light and shadow mottled, bamboo shadow dancing.
How to Get to the Restaurant
Just follow the red wall from the Cafe, then walk to the restaurant.
The ice cellar restaurant also develops creative products with the cultural characteristics of the Forbidden City according to the cultural connotation of the ice cellar. For example, the packaging design of ice cream with palace characteristics is derived from the imperial ice of the Qing Dynasty, which is full of cultural characteristics of the Forbidden City.
After the introduction of cold drinks, ordinary visitors can also enjoy the “Royal ice storage”, so that visitors can enjoy quality services at the same time, through cultural creativity to understand the ancient palace summer methods and ice system.
1.The ice cellar restaurant of the Forbidden City is in the direction of Cining Palace ( 慈宁宫), or you are most likely to be Lost in the Forbidden City!
2, The ice cellar restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday 08:00 to 16:00, but basically 3:30 p.m. no more dinner.
It is closed every Monday.
3, There is no mobile phone signal in the ice cellar due to the heavy masonry,. You can turn on the WIFI.
Hours: Daily 10:30–14:30
Avg. cost: ¥70 per person
3. The Corner Tower Cafe 角楼咖啡
Actually, the Forbidden City Corner Tower Cafe is located on the left side of the outside Shenwu Gate ( Gate of Divine Prowess, or the North Gate) when you finish your visit on your south-north visiting path. So when you go out of the north gate to Forbidden City, just turn left and take a break to immerse yourself in the Palace Musuem’s Cafe culture.
On December 1, 2018, the Palace Museum Corner Tower Coffee was officially opened, and visitors can enjoy coffee and feel the culture of the Palace Museum without having to be in the ” the palace”. With partitions, gray bricks, wooden chairs and other coffee shop interior furnishings, antique, and wall wallpaper, the Corner Cafe is now a tourist attraction itself in Beijing. In November 2020, it was selected into the list of the first Beijing Internet celebrity punch card (100 in total).
The “Palace” flavor is full of “The palace Selection” menu list: heart-nourishing coffee, three thousand beauties milk tea, Buddha’s hand tea, a ride of red dust concubine smile – Lychee black tea and other special drinks.
Address: Shenwumen West Room, Palace Museum, No.4 Jingshan Qianjie, Beijing
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 08:30-17:30
If you’ve been visited the eating places above in Forbidden City, please give us some feedback for the convenience of the new visitors.
Remember to dress comfortably, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring sunscreen, water, and snacks as needed. Be respectful of the historical site, don’t touch or climb on the buildings, respect any photography restrictions, and be mindful of other visitors. Enjoy your visit to the historic and magnificent Forbidden City!
🌟Further Reading
How to Buy Forbidden City Tickets On‑Site: Maps & Travel Tips
Forbidden City Autumn Photography: Best Fall Color Photo Spots
Forbidden City Spring Blossoms: Best Photo Spots and Visitor Map
Where to See Caisson Ceilings in the Forbidden City
Forbidden City in a Wheelchair: Accessible Paths & Toilets
Toilets in the Forbidden City: Locations, Map & Tips for Visitors
Best Route to Visit Forbidden City: 3 Walking Routes & Maps
Forbidden City Night View: A Guide for Visitors
Forbidden City Turret and Moat Photo Tips
Eating Places inside the Forbidden City
Avoid Crowds: When Not to Visit the Forbidden City
