The owners of Starfish were supplying fresh, imported oysters to some of the best restaurants in Beijing long before they decided to open their own place. Unsurprisingly, these shellfish are the highlight of the menu. With a selection of around eight kinds of seasonal oysters, the diversity here is a draw for connoisseurs, but the quality of the oysters and recommendations by the knowledgeable staff make Starfish a good jumping off point for oyster virgins. The so-called “house” Yaquina Bay oysters from Oregon (¥27 for small, ¥32 for large) are wonderfully sweet and serve as the foundation for Starfish’s baked and fried oyster dishes. Skinny oyster lovers will enjoy the smooth and sweet Virginica Misty Points oysters from Nova Scotia (¥37). For a change of pace, try the Olympia oysters from Oregon (¥35). They’re a whole different species, and thus have a whole different flavor. Don’t be deceived by the small size either—these guys are already 4 years old. Finally, you can’t go wrong with Kumamoto oysters (¥42). Contrary to the name, they’re bred in Oregon and have a fat and creamy texture, making them a fan favorite. They also make a good introduction for first-time oyster eaters.

Find it: 22-1 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, 东直门外大街22-1号, Tel: 6416-5499