Best Dining Spots for Families – Liangmaqiao | jingkids international | Beijing | January 5th, 2010

Takenosuke

Cuisine: Japanese
Non-smoking section: No
English-language menu: Pinyin/Japanese/English menu with lots of photos which makes ordering simple.
Kid-friendly food: The restaurant is near the Japanese embassy, and many Japanese families bring their immaculately behaved children here for the okonomiyaki.
Three healthiest items for kids: Grilled salmon, grilled vegetable skewers, gorgeous avocado salad and delicious steak.
Kid-friendly staff: Staff speak Chinese and Japanese only, but they are not immune to the charms of English-speaking kids.
Bathroom: Sit down and clean.
Kids’ play area: N/A
Seating: Wide booths in which a family of four can spread out comfortably. There are also two shoe-free tatami rooms, which can accommodate larger parties. There is at least one highchair.
Average price: RMB 150
Parking: Yes
Credit card: Yes
Atmosphere: Casual and friendly
Must-order item: Takenosuke specializes in okonomiyaki, savory pancakes which are one of Japan’s favorite comfort foods. There are at least six different varieties offered here – including the classic Kansai and Hiroshima versions – and each can be customized, pizza-style, with a list of ingredients (eggs, cabbage, bacon, fried noodles, green onion, vegetables, cheese, etc.).
In a nutshell: Known as “Osaka soul food,” okonomiyaki are great fun to wolf down hot off the griddle from the comfort of one of Takenosuke’s roomy booths. AP

Mon-Fri 5-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. 27 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (6431 8238)
武之助, 朝阳区亮马桥路27号

Bubbalicious
Cuisine: Brunch
English-language menu: Yes
Kid-friendly food: There are plenty of kid-friendly options including French fries, pizza, chicken wings, and more dessert options than they’ll know what to do with.
Three healthiest items for kids: Avoid the fried foods and try freshly made pasta with your choice of ingredients. If your kids are adventurous, opt for the kid-sized sushi rolls with avocado, or a lightly spiced Indian curry.
Kid-friendly staff: The staff speaks good English
Bathroom: The bathroom is very clean with sit-down toilets.
Kids’ play area: A large kids’ corner complete with magician and face painting, soft toys, games, coloring books … you name it, they’ve got it.
Seating: Standard tables and chairs set-up with highchairs available.
Price: Adults: RMB 368+15% includes free-flow Veuve Clicquot. RMB 298+15% includes free flow of juices, smoothies and soft drinks. Kids (age 6-12) eat for half-price, and kids under 6 eat free.
Parking: Yes
Credit card: Yes
Atmosphere: This light, modern brunching venue is always busy on a Sunday, but never overcrowded.
Must-order item: Just because you can, order anything with lobster in it. The kids will love the chocolate fountain.
In a nutshell: Voted “Best Brunch (hotel)” in the Beijinger’s 2009 Dining Awards, Bubbalicious thrills kids with yummy finger-sized appetizers, while grown-ups love the wide range of fresh seafood. Parents can relax while the attentive staff in the kids’ corner look after the little ones. With hundreds of eating options, no one will be disappointed. IK