(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2006-07-11 11:19

Die-hard foodies are often sceptical about hotel dining. Yamazato, however, is no ordinary hotel restaurant.

This tranquil sushi house may cater to out-of-towners, but the excellent food and unobtrusive service is superior to many of its domestic counterparts. There are several set menu options available: the most affordable allows you to sample eight fresh, delicate sushi creations for RMB 260, accompanied by a bowl of miso soup with a rich, complex flavour-and the welcome addition of mushrooms.

Also on offer is a wide selection of grilled meats and noodles-we sampled one of the udon varieties (RMB 120), a generous portion of thick, steaming noodles in a delicate broth topped with tempura shrimp.

To close the meal, the chef appeared in person, offering his guests a snack of salty, crunchy fried eel, a hospitable gesture that local restaurants would do well to adopt.

Yamazato
Location: Okura Garden Hotel, No. 58 Maoming Nan Lu
Opening time: Daily 6:30-9:30am, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm. All cards.
Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 520
Tel: 021-64151111