Hatsume
The best sushi in Beijing…
….was disappointing.
Hatsume is well known for being the best in Beijing but it was quite a few steps below the neighborhood sushi restaurants back home. But considering it is the best, I would defiantly avoid any other sushi place in town.
Despite the quality of the fish this restaurant is pretty busy during the dinner hour. Reservations are absolutely necessary.
On this occasion Kris reserved the traditional sunken Japanese dinner table. We took off our shoes and climbed under the table hand picked out chopsticks from a little presentation and then ordered four dishes. Braised salmon and tuna in garlic cream miso sause, a salmon tuna roll in spicy 119 (911 in china) sauce, a roast duck and cucumber roll and tempura sweet potatoes.
In the taste category Hatsume warrants a 7. It was not that bad, in fact I did enjoy the braised salmon and tuna with garlic cream miso sauce. But their sushi grade fish was not what it should have been. The duck roll was actually the better of the two rolls, with is saying a lot for the duck and not a good review of the fish. I usually hate sushi rolls with anything other than fish it them.
For two people we spent $ for two people including a decent bottle of French Riesling. It was paired perfectly with the salmon and tuna but did not pair as well with the roast duck roll.
The atmosphere was kind of cute, it had little fountains and zen sand walkways but it was currently under construction or renovation so half the walls and ceiling were covered in painters tarp. Hopefully they will finish it soon.
Overall I give this restaurant a 7 out of 10. It was ok, and probably a little better than I give it credit for, but I have come to expect top rated sushi places to be absolutely exceptional. The quality of the fish is everything, and the variety and creativity of the menu should come second.
