Top Beijing eateries roll out festive menus for year's end

"The menu is a feast of seafood and fresh ingredients celebrating the anticipation and joyful expectation for the New Year," he says.

Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Il Ristorante's Niko Romito has devised a holiday menu of dishes to enhance the festive atmosphere.

His panettone is a major treat. The sweet Italian bread is fragrant and airy, and is traditionally served at Christmas.

For Chinese New Year, chef Li Qiang from Michelin-starred Cai Yi Xuan has prepared a classic poon choi using premium ingredients.

According to Li Qiang, this traditional dish is a symbol of unity and abundance, and is a staple of Cantonese New Year celebrations. Made of a variety of ingredient, its layers represent prosperity, good fortune and family harmony.