Hidden in an unassuming residential community just north of the Yuyang Hotel off of Xindong Lu, it is admittedly unlikely you would ever accidentally stumble across O-toku Sake Ba [sic] (大德酒场). If the name sounds familiar, you may have visited the Lucky Street branch, which has been open for three years. If happen to find yourself in the Xinyuan Xili neighborhood, you will be rewarded with a solid Japanese meal at reasonable prices. 

The small space is plainly decorated, although we appreciated the abstract Japanese-style art on the wall (as well as the spick and span Western toilet …). I am no sake expert, so I can’t claim to understand the extensive list of sake varieties on the drinks menu, but I do know they have mugs of cold draft Asahi for RMB 20.

Beers ordered, start with a portion of the homemade tofu (RMB 40), served with seaweed, bonito and soy on the side so you can season the plain base to your taste. Sashimi (prices vary; the platter we were served was RMB 280) is as fresh as it should be, the majority of the fish imported directly from Japan and the salmon imported from Norway. A selection of nigiri sushi brings equally fresh fish, although the rice is slightly under-seasoned.

The sashimi-grade fish is also used in their signature salads, served with a surprisingly well-judged dressing of sushi ginger and soy sauce. Choose this instead of the sashimi platter and your meals won’t find yourself shelling out too many red notes. 

O-toku Sake Ba
(Daily 11.30am-11pm) 1/F, Bldg 12, Xinyuan Xili Community, Chaoyang District (8400 4388)
大德酒场: 朝阳区新源西里社区12号楼1层

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Photos: Robynne Tindall