Restaurateur Alan Wong celebrated a milestone in the expansion of his F&B empire last Thursday, April 16 with the opening party for the new Village at Sanlitun branch of his successful Japanese restaurant, Hatsune.

With high ceilings and expansive windows that draw in the bright lights of the surrounding Village, the new spot has a glitzy, downtown feel, distinguishing it from the cozier Zen atmospherics of the original Guanghua Lu branch. Designed by Wong himself, the impressive decor features an underwater theme replete with a waterfall, flooring designed to resemble the ocean bed as viewed from above, and a centerpiece “shoal of fish” display inspired by the work of UK artist Dominic Bromley.

Delicate Japanese-style prints embellish the walls and sofa coverings, while a large central bar adorned with taiko drums is stocked with sake, wines and spirits in floor to ceiling racks accessible by a moveable ladder (bartenders bang on the drums each time sake is served). The venue’s sole 12-person, glass-encased VIP room features an intricately woodworked sunken table, and a cozy terrace on the opposite side of the restaurant overlooks The Village’s main plaza area. Behind two sushi counters and inside the split-level kitchen, chefs prepare sushi rolls, sashimi and other dishes from Hatsune’s all-new menu (also offered at Guanghua Lu), partly composed of selections from Wong’s previously “secret menu.” Expect an even newer “secret menu” soon.

Check out the gallery pics here

.Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm. S8-30 (opposite Element Fresh), Bldg 8, The Village at Sanlitun, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6415 3939) 朝阳区三里屯路19号The Village南区8号楼S8-30