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: Japanese
English menu? Yes, with pictures and descriptions
General kid-friendliness of menu: Though Hatsune is known for some mind-boggling sushi rolls, it also has a range of more standard rolls and tempura for picky eaters.
Best dishes for adults: 119 Roll (RMB 55), Black Widow Roll (RMB 85), Pork Shabu Shabu Salad (RMB 55)
Kids’ menu? No
Best dishes for kids: Original California Roll (RMB 50), Roxy Roll (RMB 75), Chicken Donburi (RMB 50)
Kids’ play area? No
Play areas nearby: Sanlitun Village, Yashow Market
Kid-friendly staff? Yes, English-speaking, moderately attentive; food isn’t always served quickly
Bathroom: Shared with Sanlitun Village, just across from Union Bar and Grill. The sit-down toilets are reasonably clean, but people sometimes smoke in the stalls and there’s no changing table. However, there’s a Parents’ Room across from Jaya Crepes in the basement level of the Village with changing tables and toddler seats.
Seating: Indoor seating with bar stools, tables and chairs, and highchairs available
Price: RMB 500
Credit card accepted? Yes, both foreign and local
Parking? Yes, underneath both Sanlitun Village North and South at RMB 6 per hour for a maximum of two hours
Must-order item: There are over 50 kinds of California rolls (made inside out with cucumber, crab or imitation crab, and avocado) on the menu ranging from the standard California roll to the extravagant (like the Hiersun Roll with gold flakes, caviar, and lobster).
In a nutshell: Featuring an elegant shoal of fish swimming across the main dining room, Hatsune has become a go-to restaurant for many sushi-loving families. The wide selection of rolls, sashimi, bento boxes, and tempura dishes ensure that there’s something for every palate. The best way to experience Hatsune without breaking the bank is through their daily teshioku lunch sets (starting from RMB 75), which include pickled vegetables, miso soup, and egg custard.
Additional note: There’s no signage on the exterior; it’s the one with the big, heavy door right across from Element Fresh.
Also try: Matsuko, Haru
Photo by Judy Zhou