Lunchtimes are always bustling at the Blue Castle branch of this local chain of Japanese restaurants known for its inventive rolls (i.e. the "Olympic Roll" sprinkled with pop rocks, the "CBD" named for its home district, and the "Vancouver Roll," a tribute to the restaurant's Canadian roots) and fresh sashimi and sushi.

The salads (one is aptly named the "CCTV Salad") and tempura are also freshly made, but the real draw is the lunchtime set meals, which includes a generously portioned sushi bento (with at least a dozen pieces, salad, miso soup and steamed egg custard for RMB 60) and a RMB 70 sashimi platter.

Service is efficient and the dining areas include a downstairs sushi bar and second story that is amply spaced for non ear-splitting lunchtime conversation.

Location : B113, Regent Complex, 66 Gongti Beilu

Chaoyang District. Dongsishitiao.