Luce

Luce Restaurant Review:

Luce has what a lot of other Beijing restaurants don’t: space. Whether it’s the clever use of lighting (the ceiling is part skylight), the fact that it’s split over several levels, or the effect of the potted jungle, Luce is the perfect place for an intimate meal. The little rooftop terrace looks out over eaved hutong roofs and the bell and drum towers. The limited menu runs from light salads---the mozzarella and orange is a good choice---to pastas and risottos and the heavier main courses of steak and Chilean sea bass. Sunday brunch brings a big buffet spread. But it’s the romantic setting and the fair wine selection that distinguish this restaurant.