Three to try: Japanese restaurants

Whether you're after delicious or nutritious, we've got you covered

Japanese food comes in three principal varieties: carb-loaded and deep-fried, one of the most comforting culinary indulgences we can think of, a fusiontastic blend of traditional and Western flavours, and as sleek, elegant plates of refined fish and nuanced embellishments. Whatever you fancy this weekend, one of these hotspots will be sure to give you a taste of Tokyo without having to rack up a few thousand air miles in the process.

Suzuki Kitchen

With three branches scattered around Beijing, Suzuki sets its agenda very early on and sticks to it: tasty curries, some of the best karaage chicken we've ever had the privilege of scalding the roof of our mouth with and an easy, acessible introduction to Japanese homestyle food that should win over even the least refined palate. 

All of the Suzukis have a discernable bunny theme; small dolls and ceramic versions of the furry critters seem to reproduce like, well, bunnies. They’re on tables, on the counter, there’s even a bunny in the logo. Still, the little guys add some character to the otherwise bright, basic – and archetypically Japanese – polished wood interiors of these cheap and cheerful joints, where 60RMB can get you a generous pile of grub plus a local beer. We'll drink to that. 288 Shique Hutong; 77 Xiaojuer Hutong; 10-14 Yangmeizhu Xiejie.

Hana

Depending on your levels of puritanism regarding Japanese food, the California sushi roll is either a joyously colourful example of fusion gastronomy – celebrating a Japanese classic with a dash of west-coast irreverence – or a grave and misguided culinary offence.

Those in the latter camp would do well to head down to Hana, Hatsune’s sister restaurant in the recently opened vortex of Beijing dining that is the China World Mall. Situated on the seventh floor, it naturally has spectacular views of the adjacent CCTV building, but more importantly it has stunning plates of Californian sushi rolls, too. China World Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Daijie.

Yotsuba

Okay, so a meal at either of Yotsuba's temples to sushi and sashimi is going to take a serious dent out of your wallet, but these classy joints offer a veritable sushi heaven in Beijing, with seafood flown in daily from the Tsukiji market in Tokyo to ensure the requisite freshness. For a full-on sushi experience, park yourself at the counter where the chef does his stuff right in front of you, and don't you dare dunk your rice into a sordid little bowl of soy sauce like a philistine: this is Japanese food for the discerning, and we'd forgive the staff for throwing you on your butt in the gutter for indulging in such an etiquette faux pas. 39 Maizidian Xijie; 9-3 Jiangtai Xilu.

Not in the mood for Japanese cuisine? Hit '阅读原文' for our pick of Beijing's best pizzas instead.

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