Chef Too
Best steak
Cuisine: American
English-language menu: Yes
Kid-friendly food: No kids menu but they’ll love the penne meatballs. With a little help from mom and dad, kids can share one of Chef Too’s famous steaks with a side of mash. If you’re happy for them to get their hands messy, try the BBQ ribs. Brunch is where the real kid-friendliness kicks in, though.
Three healthiest items for kids: For dinner kids will love the bruschetta or any of their yummy pasta options. For brunch, try the poached eggs with a side of spinach and mushrooms.
Kid-friendly staff: All staff speak good English; providing they’re not super busy, they are very attentive.
Bathroom: Very clean with a sit-down toilet.
Kids’ play area: N/A
Seating: Indoor seating with some booth-style seats as well as the standard table and chair setup. They also have a few highchairs.
Average price: RMB 400
Parking: Yes
Credit card: Yes
Atmosphere: Cozy neighborhood restaurant
Must-order item: A prime fillet steak with merlot sauce, and creamed spinach and home fries on the side.
In a nutshell: Their steaks are chilled and shipped over from Australia rather than being frozen. You can taste the difference. Though dinner may be a tad advanced for very little kids, don’t be surprised if you see the same families there every Sunday for brunch. IK
Tue-Fri 11am-2pm, 5-10pm; Sat-Sun 9.30am-3pm, 5-10pm. Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu (north of Block 8), Chaoyang District (6591 8676) 朝阳区朝阳公园西路枣营南里小区东门南侧
Veg-On
Cuisine: Vegetarian
English-language menu: Yes, but mainly it is a buffet.
Kid-friendly food: No MSG used and there are many healthy items. Three healthiest items for kids: The various tofu dishes, the fresh vegetables and fruit, the steamed potatoes and corn.
Kid-friendly staff: Not many staff speak English, but all are friendly with the kids.
Bathroom: Very nice toilet, sit-down, always has soap, no changing table.
Kids’ play area: None, but parents often take their kids to the other play areas in Solana, and satisfy their post-play appetite at Veg-On.
Seating: Indoor, tables and chairs.
Average price: RMB 80-RMB 120. (RMB 39 per adult – kids eat free or for half-price depending upon age)
Parking: Yes, free underground and above ground parking at Solana
Credit card: Yes
Atmosphere: Simple, but they do have private rooms.
Must-order item: Hot Pot! Not only do they have a buffet with 40 or so items, the price includes a hot pot for each table!
In a nutshell: Veg-On is a vegetarian buffet, with a very family-friendly price and great food options for the kids. If you ever wished your kids ate more tofu and vegetables, this is a great place to make your wish come true! JC
Daily 11am-10pm. Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District (5905 6301/6) 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区
