If you're in search of a Japanese fine dining experience, Karaku (Japanese for "happiness") says it all.

Situated in a leafy compound, this restaurant is fronted by a Suzhou-style garden spread outside the four-story restaurant. The vast first floor with its refined decor, provides guests with a sense of near complete tranquility. On our visit, however, we were guided to the second floor, where oak chairs were placed side by side in front of a long table atop a cream-colored carpeted floor. Traditional hoji cha was served alongside our hoshi lunch set menu (RMB 260+10 per cent): amuse bouches, 10 different kinds of tempura, rice, akadashi soup and dessert, all served on attractive tableware. Servings come in the small portions typical of Japanese cuisine, but happily Karaku is at least as big on hospitality.

All told, this eatery offers an excellent way to explore Japanese culture.

karaku
Daily 11:30am-10:30pm. All cards.
Address: 2421 Xietu Lu, by Wanping Lu
Tel: 021-64383822