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).
Michael’s Place Italian Ristorante
北京明天意大利餐厅
Type of cuisine: Italian
English menu? Yes, with pictures of some dishes as well
General kid-friendliness of menu: With pizza or pasta, you can create your own dish. Pasta dishes are available in smaller portions.
Best dishes for adults: The pasta options vary from eight pastas and 12 sauces and range from RMB 40-65; 14 pizza choices range from RMB 45-75 – both pasta and pizza allow for a build-your-own experience. The homemade tortellini filled with beef and mushroom in a cream mushroom sauce (RMB 55) and the lasagna bolognese (RMB 60) are also popular on the menu.
Kids’ menu? Yes
Best dishes for kids: If kids prefer to deviate from the many pizza and pasta dishes offered, their menu items are all RMB 28 and include fish fingers, chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.
Kids’ play area? No
Play areas nearby: Euro Plaza, which has a toy shop on the fifth floor as well as a play area for younger children.
Kid-friendly staff? Yes, English-speaking and attentive
Bathroom: Clean, both sit-down and squat, located in the mall corridor. No changing table
Seating: Tables and chairs; highchairs available
Price: RMB 250
Credit card accepted? Yes, both Chinese and foreign
Parking? Free parking at Euro Plaza, outside or in basement garage; parking at Lake View Place is also free
Must-order item: Create a pizza or pasta dish to your liking
In a nutshell: Michael’s has a great catering reputation, for parties as well as special holiday meals. The mall location makes is an easy choice for a good meal out.
Additional notes: Both Michael’s Place and Michael’s Cafe have dine-in, carry-out, delivery, holiday meals, parties and catering.
Also try: Little Italy, Annie’s, Alio Olio
Photo Courtesy of Lova and Small World Photo Studio