Qiu’s Roast Oyster Restaurant

The words ‘I’m sorry, all the tables on the terrace and by the window are full, but we can squeeze you in upstairs,’ from a lakeside restaurant serving oysters conjures up images of exclusive dining at tables delicately set for two. The reality is far less romantic; Qiu’s Roast Oyster Restaurant is far more suited to rowdy groups of friends fending off the munchies after a night on the tiles along Super Bar Street – think: chuan’r with plates. The Chinese language menu is aimed squarely at carnivores with cumin, chilli and sesame spiced kebabs of succulent lamb (16RMB/12 pieces), chicken wings, chicken hearts and tofu (all 10RMB/12 pieces) joined by slices of potato baked in foil and slightly caramelized in chilli oil, garlic and ginger (8RMB). Platters of 12 large oysters (36RMB) and huge mussels (6RMB each) come barbequed in chilli, garlic or black pepper. With the accompanying grilled mantou (10RMB/ 6 pieces) to mop up the tasty sauces, diners quickly create an impressive debris of sticks, bones, foil and beer bottles.

If for some reason you find yourself on Super Bar Street, Qiu’s is a good after drinks venue, when you’re too lively to go home, but too rowdy for Bellagio. However with most dishes containing enough garlic to fell half the vampires in Transylvania, it might not be advisable to bring your date here… unless, of course, you wanted it to be your last.