2009 Oct 30 Capital Bites: Sanlitun Restaurant Explosion
If I had a kuai every time a new restaurant opens at The Village at Sanlitun and its surrounding streets, I could probably afford some fish nuggets at Let's Seafood (two doors down from Let's Burger). To keep you apace with the gastronomic goings-on, here's a round-up of the new and coming soon.
Niajo - Spanish restaurant at Nali Patio
Spanish owner and chef Alex Sanchez (pictured) has opened up two doors down from Mosto on the third floor of Nali Patio. Hailing from the east coast of Spain, he's been busy for the last five months getting the place up and running.
Inside you'll find an open kitchen, simple bistro-style decor, and a menu showcases tapas dishes, salads and even imported Iberico ham. According to a local bar owner, the paella (RMB 148 for two) is particularly good.
Orient Kitchen - Hong Kong and South Asian restaurant
Beside Blue Frog in the Village, Orient Kitchen is scheduled to open November 15. Split over two levels, it shares a roof terrace upstairs with Va Va Voom. According to the work-in-progress menu, diners can expect to pay about 50-60 RMB per person on dishes like Hainan chicken and rice, curry noodles soups and laksa.
Queen's Cafe / Queen's Konditori - Cantonese snack shop 
Construction has only just begun on this huge space at the south end of the Village overlooking the fountains. Judging from the promotional material, you can look forward to Hong-Kong style dim sum, milk tea and pastries.
Little Bangkok - Thai restaurant
Close to Luga's Villa (just behind The Opposite House), this colorful Thai restaurant has been open for little over a week. Today is the final day of a 30% off promotion, so might be a good time to check it out. Free delivery also available.
La Pizza - second branch of Solana restaurant
Beside 3.3 Shopping Mall, authentic Napoli pizza, courtesy of Chef Giuseppe De Stefano is coming sometime in November. You can check out reviews of the original Solana location here.
i Burger & Stuff - Burgers, spaghetti, coffee and snacks
Last (and potentially least), this small joint just north of Le Petit Paris has a decent looking menu of burgers, wings, salads and coffee.
Look out for a Worker's Stadium round-up next week.
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