Liu Shi Zhiyin Jiulou (刘氏知音酒楼, Huayuan Street)

Liu Shi Zhiyin Jiulou (Liu Family Zhiyin Restaurant) is at 278 Huayuan Street in Harbin's Nangang District, Heilongjiang province. It is a Dongbei restaurant known for river fish, drawing on Harbin's position on the Songhua River and the Northeast tradition of stewing freshwater fish in a soy-based broth. It sits in a residential and commercial part of Nangang, away from the tourist crowds of Central Street, and is mostly a local dining choice.

The emblematic dish is Demoli stewed fish (Demoli dun yu), a Harbin river-fish classic in which whole fish is braised in a rich, savoury sauce. Guobaorou, the crisp sweet-and-sour battered pork, and a range of Dongbei stir-fries round out the menu. Dishes are large and meant to be shared, and the menu suits groups who want to try several Northeast staples.

The dining room is a traditional Chinese jiulou, or restaurant hall, with round tables and private rooms suited to family gatherings and business meals. The atmosphere is convivial and moderately loud, and no dress code applies. Beverages follow the Chinese banquet pattern, with tea, soft drinks, beer and baijiu on offer.

Prices are moderate. Reservations for groups can be made via Dianping, which is also the best place to check current opening hours; the restaurant is roughly open 10:30 to 21:00 daily. Weekend evenings and holidays are the busiest, and large groups or those wanting a private room should book a day or two ahead. Because the stewed fish is prepared to order, allow time for the dish and order it early in the meal.