Craving a Chinese but fancy a step up from your local takeaway? We’ve put together a list of the best restaurants that serve up authentic dishes the right way.
From Michelin-stars and private dining options to local Chinatown favourites, these are the top spots to book in for.
Park Chinois
For London’s most opulent Chinese restaurant, it’s got to be Park Chinois. The Mayfair institute is a favourite for private dining, parties, and immersive experiences.
Inspired by 1930s Shanghai, the restaurant mixes the very best of fine dining with live entertainment. Every night is party night here, packed with performers, dancers, and a live band.
There’s a menu option for every occasion, from sharing menus and set lunches to their brand new brunch that’ll transport you to underground Shanghai.
17 BERKELEY STREET, MAYFAIR, W1J 8EA
WWW.PARKCHINOIS.COM
A Wong
Championing China’s diverse culinary scene and its 3,000 years of foodie history, A Wong is a restaurant by chef Andrew Wong. Named one of the top restaurants in the UK, guests can look forward to travelling the country’s 14 international borders through food, from their dedicated dim sum menus through to dinner set menu, the ‘taste of China’.
Downstairs lies the Forbidden City Bar, a secret speakeasy-style bar that serves up the best wines, spirits, Champagne, and A Wong-inspired cocktails and snacks.
Expect to travel to the country’s 14 international borders through food.
70 WILTON ROAD, PIMLICO, SW1V 1DE
WWW.AWONG.CO.UK
Din Tai Fung
Famed for their traditional techniques and popular Selfridges outpost, Din Tai Fung has just opened another site at Centre Point, allowing more Londoners the chance to tuck into their delicate dumplings.
The Taiwanese restaurant chain will be bringing their famed signature dishes to the table, from pork and vegetable wontons with black vinegar and chilli oil to signature pork chop with egg fried rice; their famous xiao long bao to salted egg yolk custard lava bun.
CENTRE POINT, 11 ST GILES PASSAGE, WC2H 8AP
WWW.DINTAIFUNG-UK.COM
Four Seasons
Everyone’s neighbourhood favourite, Four Seasons (the restaurant, not the hotel group) has been serving up some of London’s best Chinese dishes since opening its first branch in 1990. Fast-forward to now and it’s near impossible to get a seat at their flagship restaurant.
But if you can get a table, it’s definitely worth the wait. Their roast duck is sensational – make sure you order enough to go round the table as everyone will want a bite.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
WWW.FS-RESTAURANTS.CO.UK
Hutong
Enjoy fiery Northern Chinese favourites while you dine in the clouds at The Shard’s Hutong. Book in for a romantic evening and experience the best traditional dishes refined – think sea bass fillet in a spicy chilli broth poached with wild mushrooms and Chinese celery; aromatic beef rib in lotus leaf; and their signature roasted Peking duck, which is served in two stages – as a starter and the second stage served as a side dish.
If cocktails are more your thing, look to their sleek bar inspired by Shanghai nights. Pair one with some of the best views of London and you’ve got the ultimate date night.
31 ST THOMAS STREET, LEVEL 33 THE SHARD, SE1 9RY
WWW.HUTONG.CO.UK
MiMi Mei Fai
From its elegant interiors and seductive bar to the dishes inspired by Empress MiMi’s travels across the world, MiMi Mei Fair is a must-visit.
Spanning three floors and six rooms, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re after a pew at the alluring Moon Bar or you want to book a private dinner inside their ornate Peacock Room, complete with hand-painted silk chinoiserie wallpaper.
55 CURZON STREET, MAYFAIR, W1J 8PG
WWW.MIMIMEIFAIR.COM
Hakkasan
Famed for being a hit with the A-listers, Michelin-starred Hakkasan is home to two London locations, in Mayfair and Hanway Place. It blends ancient techniques and flavours, transporting them into modern-day delights.
Start the night with their signature Peking duck, with a choice to add 30g of caviar before making your way through dim sum; roasted silver cod in honey; spicy prawns; charcoal-grilled Japanese Wagyu beef sirloin; and stir-fry veggies.
HANWAY PLACE & MAYFAIR
WWW.HAKKASAN.COM
Yauatcha
Home to a City and Soho location, Yauatcha brings together dim sum, mixology, tea, and European patisserie to create a really unique experience. Think of a modern-day tea house with an edge.
Choose from your choice signature menu, complete with dim sum, aromatic duck, veggies, rice, and hearty meat dishes or go a la carte and choose from your menu favourites.
CITY & SOHO
WWW.YAUATCHA.COM
Cafe TPT
A Chinatown favourite, this humble restaurant may not look like much from the outside but you won’t want to bypass this one. The Wardour Street institute is renowned for its hearty dishes specialising in Cantonese and Malaysian cuisine.
Inspired by street food, expect to find sizzling pots of spicy aubergine and minced pork; beef flank curry; warming soups; and more.
21 WARDOUR STREET, W1D 6PN
WWW.CAFETPT.COM
Mei Ume
Tucked away inside Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, Mei Ume offers a selection of traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes with a modern approach. The standout dish? The Mei Ume whole Peking duck of course – served with pancakes, leeks and cucumbers, followed by a crispy duck salad with cherry tomatoes and tonkatsu dressing to be enjoyed with your main dishes.
Those looking for something more intimate, book into their private dining room. Sweating up to 12 guests, it’s separated from the main restaurant by bamboo screen panels so you can have a bit of privacy whilst still enjoying the lively atmosphere.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LONDON AT TEN TRINITY SQUARE, 10 TRINITY SQUARE, EC3N 4AJ
WWW.MEIUME.COM
Jinli Chinese Restaurant
Named after the famous foodie street in Chengdu, Sichuan, this small restaurant group serves up authentic Chinese Sichuan food across its two London branches. The menu is wide and diverse, featuring hotpots, rice, noodles, dry pots, and set menus, perfect for when you can’t decide.
UNIT 15, CENTRAL CROSS, 16-18 NEWPORT PLACE, WC2H 7PR
WWW.JINLI.CO.UK
Hunan
Since its opening in 1982, the style of Hunan’s offerings has shifted slightly. Headed by chef Peng, who originally named the restaurant after the birthplace of Peng’s mentor, the restaurant’s and chef’s style has flourished into its own, all heavily influenced by the food of Taiwan.
The menu changes regularly but if you’re lucky enough you might be able to sample their favourite dish: a hearty broth of minced pork, Chinese mushroom, and ginger. The ultimate winter comfort food now that the weather has grown cooler.
51 PIMLICO ROAD, SW1W 8NE
WWW.HUNANLONDON.COM
By The Handbook