All this month, we’ll be introducing 50 picks for some of the best family-friendly restaurants in Beijing. These reviews originally appeared in the January/February 2013 issue of beijingkids (see end of post).
Type of cuisine: Western and Asian
Smoking? Not indoors. Only permitted on the patio and rooftop
English menu? Yes
General kid-friendliness of menu: Portions are large, so they’re great for sharing; otherwise, children will have leftovers. The menu is clear and descriptive of spice levels and main ingredients. Substitutions and modifications are easily made upon request.
Best dishes for adults: Grilled salmon salad (RMB 108), Savona Salad (RMB 78), mixed seafood with vegetables (RMB 85)
Kids’ menu? Yes
Best dishes for kids: Home-style macaroni with mozzarella and parmesan (RMB 65, add chicken breast for RMB 28), Caesar salad (RMB 58, add chicken breast for RMB 28), pasta puttanesca (RMB 58)
Kids’ play area? No
Play areas nearby: Si’de Park, Lido Park
Kid-friendly staff? Yes, English-speaking and very attentive
Bathroom: Clean, sit-down, with a changing table
Seating: Both indoor and outdoor seating; tables and booths; highchairs available
Price: RMB 400
Credit card accepted? Yes, both Chinese and foreign
Must-order item: Grilled salmon salad
In a nutshell: As its name would suggest, Element Fresh is all about freshness. The juices and smoothies here are impressive enough to stand on their own, but they work even better when coupled with a crisp salad. The atmosphere is clean, slightly modern, and just a little bit dressy. Service is excellent and the staff is willing to help in any way, which makes it great for families with special requests, picky eaters, or individuals with food allergies. This restaurant is a mellow retreat for delicious and healthy food.
Also try: Wagas, Hercules
Photo by Mitchell Pe Masilun