Capital M

Capital M Restaurant Review:

The ancient gate of Qianmen, Tiananmen Square, is visible from Capital M’s terrace, as is Mao’s giant portrait fronting the entrance to the Forbidden City (if you squint hard enough). Weather permitting, dining on the Tiananmen-facing terrace is preferable but the massive interior has a pleasant, chilled feeling with its smoky glass and comfortable brown chairs, almost 1970’s disco lounge-like. Capital M is the last in a trio of restaurants opened by Australian restaurateur Michelle Garnaut. The menu is playful with its language: “a poached happy egg” sits on top of the house-smoked salmon while “it takes two to mango” is the name for the fruit fool dessert. We suggest the almond and garlic gazpacho starter. The house specialty slow-baked leg of lamb meat slips off the bone in juicy slices with a mere tap of the knife. Ingredients are fresh, sauces are intricate and biting, and portions are not shy. The wine list does not disappoint. Naturally, there’s an emphasis on Australian vineyards (the chef and owner both hail from down under) but there are also plenty of French classics, some of which are available by the glass or carafe. The one downside is the dim lighting on the terrace that leaves you a little in the dark as to what exactly it is you are eating.