Undoubtedly, it’s been said time and time again: Beijing is a city with countless dining options. From mobile kowlongmian carts that roam the streets to five-star sit-down restaurants of all cuisines to even the infamous universal sprawl of fast food, this city is a sheer agglomeration of different cultures and unique flavors, sure to satisfy almost any palate that comes through. With that said, we all know that some of these options, unfortunately, aren’t exactly the family-tailored establishments we oftentimes look for when we want to take the kids out for a pleasant, feel-good lunch or dinner on the weekend.

Fortunately, the city isn’t also without its countless establishments that cater perfectly to a comfortable group visit that is guaranteed to leave you satisfied and with full bellies. Feel welcome to try one of these five great family-friendly restaurants on your next family night out!

1) Haidilao Hot Pot

As the old saying goes, no food tastes better than food you cooked yourself. Enjoy a tasty and social experience as the family sits around a table with a hot pot in the center, where you can dip in all your favorite delicacies—from lamb to seafood to pork brains (yep!)—that arrive uncooked at your table. Be sure to order their shoulamian, a dish and a show rolled into one!

You can find Haidilao at various locations throughout the city.

2) Din Tai Fung (Soup Dumplings)

Experience a refined rendition of a unique cultural cuisine. Din Tai Fung is renowned the world over for their signature xialongbao, a mini steamed dumpling packed with meat filling and a soup that is indescribably rich in flavor. Enjoy xialongbao and various other cultural delights in a vibrant and pleasantly busy atmosphere that plays homage to the vibes of traditional Chinese dianxinfang (“Dim Sum Houses”).

You can find Din Tai Fung at various locations throughout the city.

3) Moka Bros (Healthy Fare)

Ever dream of collapsing into an inviting beanbag chair and chowing down on a tasty meal at the same time? Well, Moka Bros has got you covered. From Poké bowls to quinoa salad to fresh smoothies, this restaurant offers countless healthy options that are a treat for your taste buds (and your waistline). Be comforted to know that the kids will be eating fresh and locally sourced ingredients, all while enjoying the fun, homey atmospheres their various locations provide for customers.

You can find Moka Bros at various locations throughout the city.

4) Slow Boat Sanlitun Brewpub (Wings and Burgers)

A brew for the parents and a burger for the kids. For years in tow, Slow Boat Brewery, first in the hutongs and now in Sanlitun has reclaimed the crown this year after their back-to-back victory in the 2015 and 2016 Beijing Burger Cup with their award-winning “Fryburger”—a beef patty topped with cheese, house aioli sauce, and a golden tower of beer-battered French Fries. Other delicious options include their signature wings, a sweet dessert selection, and (of course) their very own craft beer for the adults. Though their menu may be bold and adventurous, their venue is simple and aesthetic, a perfect setting for a family dinner out and about in the city.

You can find Slow Boat Brewery at #6 South Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang District.

5) Kerry’s Kitchen (Brunch Buffet)

If the kids won’t eat, let them run around in the Adventure Zone and work up an appetite! No, seriously, Kerry’s Kitchen Brunch at the Kerry Hotel in Chaoyang offers a kids’ play area in conjunction to their mouth-watering buffet of both Eastern and Western classics. The dining area is spacey and inviting, and their Buffet Package offers complimentary wine and beer for the grown-ups.

Photos: Haidilao.com, Everythinghapa.com, Thebeijinger.com, Tripadvisor.co.uk, Lumdimsum.com

Din Tai Fung was founded in Taiwan in 1958, originally as a cooking oil company. The owners began making xiaolongbao as a side business, but their food proved so popular that they turned the premises into a restaurant. They now have branches all round the world, including five locations in Beijing.

Sampling the flavors at the Parkview Green branch for us are Temurmalik Kurbonov (age 8), his brother Anvar (6) and mom Dono. The boys attend Fangcaodi School (International Section), and dad works at the Uzbekistan Embassy. Mom is a French teacher by profession, so in conversation the boys switch effortlessly between English, French, Chinese, Russian, and Uzbek! The family has lived in Beijing since 2013.

While we’re ordering I get to know the boys better. Temurmalik is serious and thoughtful, poring over the menu with furrowed brow, while Anvar is full of fun and mischief.

“I like this!” he exclaims, pointing to a picture. Braised Shanghai Hairy Crab Roe and Meat with Beancurd? It’s your party, kid.

I ask them who their favorite superhero is, and mom translates for Anvar.

“Green… Lantern?” she suggests uncertainly.

Oh yes, Green Lantern – that’s a sophisticated choice for a 6 year old.

“Superman!” Anvar adds enthusiastically. “Spiderman! Hulk!”

Temurmalik has been giving the matter careful consideration, and announces that he’s choosing Thor, because he’s a god, so must be the most powerful.

The first dishes arrive: Jellyfish with Special Sauce (RMB 48) and Cold Lily and Fungus Salad (RMB 30) are sweet with an acid vinegar tang. Mom has ordered Fried Rice with Shrimps and Egg (RMB 49), explaining that the Uzbek national dish, plov, is made with rice, meat and carrots, so they always go for a rice option. Anvar though has eyes only for the Homemade Sea Fish in Sweet Soy Sauce (RMB 49).

“It’s very unusual that he has rice and isn’t eating it, he’s eating something else,” mom says.

Temurmalik prefers the baozi: Steamed Specialty Seafood Dumplings (RMB 108 for 10), and Steamed Specialty Chicken Dumplings (RMB 49 for 10).

“It’s very tasty,” he says, “I like the sauce inside,” and I have to agree.

“Where’s my crab?” Anvar wants to know, and it arrives shortly, a delicately flavored, creamy dish (RMB 98). None of the food is too spicy for the kids, and our host explains that Din Tai Fung follows a tradition of southern Chinese cuisine which uses much less chili than most.

Mom is persuaded to try the Double-boiled Chicken Soup (RMB 48), although she tells me she’s never had a soup in China which she likes. That record is about to be broken.

“It’s delicious, like home-made,” she says delightedly. She is very impressed generally with Din Tai Fung.

“When you try something on your own,” she says, “sometimes you don’t like it, and you end up eating takeaway from Annie’s. But when someone introduces you to something, then you know it and can go back. I’ll definitely come back here.”