Billed as a market-style restaurant, Joy Luck brings a value-packed dining experience to the Sanlitun masses. Modeled after a food-station concept, most items at this brightly lit restaurant are freshly prepared after the swipe of a pre-paid card and then served by the friendly, English-capable waitstaff. Standard execution on a broad range of offerings, like pizza, sushi or dim sum, is Joy Luck’s strength. We were particularly fond of the Joy Luck VC juice (¥18), which packed a quirky combination of orange, cucumber, carrot and celery juice. While we enjoyed the bacon-wrapped filet (¥78), we’d go back for the honey stewed duck breast (¥21). Don’t miss the chilled mango sago (¥25) garnished with pomelo for dessert. The 80-bottle wine list is priced at retail and provides terrific bang for the buck. From tossed salad and knife cut noodles to grilled, imported sausages, the breadth of choice makes Joy Luck well suited for a large group outing and should become a family favorite.

Phoenix Torrijos

Find it: Room 5001, 5/F, 3.3 Building, 33 Sanlitun Road, 三里屯路33号3.3服饰大厦5层5001室 Tel: 5136-5760, 5136-5762