Live eel rice [Photo provided to China Daily]

During winter, there are few things more pleasurable than to eat a delicious meal in a cozy restaurant, either by oneself, or with family and friends.

With its delicacies, stylish environment, and great service, Manbo, a Japanese restaurant, has captured the hearts of foodies since it opened in Beijing near the Workers' Stadium a few months ago.

The restaurant in the tourist haunt of Nanluoguxiang was opened in early October, and has since built up a reputation ensuring that it is always packed.

The restaurant, which has ambitions of becoming a chain, specializes in Taiwan-style Japanese cuisine and focuses on light meals.

The owner, Qin Feng, picked up the model from Taiwan.

Born in Fujian province, Qin has been in catering business for more than a decade, mostly running Japanese restaurants.