China Cafe   

Regional cuisine from China varies from the spicy heat of Szechwan to the more refined delicacy of Cantonese, and the China Cafe offers diners a diverse choice of Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan entrees in a casually elegant atmosphere. Housed in a pleasant space on Del Mar's Carmel Valley Road restaurant row, China goes way beyond typical Asian strip-mall eateries with fresh ingredients and authentic preparation. The cooks are careful to avoid the "Americanization" of their cuisine, determined to present the true taste of China. Don't be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations or explanations from the menu; Western folks sometimes mistake the Eastern respect for personal privacy for a lack of interest; ask and you'll get all the help you need. Portions are more than generous and can be served family style, so order up an assortment and try a little of everything. The family owned restaurant boasts a gorgeous aquarium and has a patio for quiet lunches and special-occasion gatherings such as birthdays or baby showers.