Chinese dining comes in various forms at these restaurants: explore fine dining spots offering a pioneering approach to cooking, as well as trusty local hideaways serving classic recipes, unchanged for generations.
Hakkasan Mayfair
A sultry underground hideaway in well-heeled Mayfair, Hakkasan blends its high-fashion aesthetic with ancient culinary customs. Guests descend a striking blue-lit staircase to the renowned cocktail bar, while the Hakkasan menu spans from luxurious main courses to perfected dim sum - the diverse range of menus also includes a vegan offering.
Book Hakkasan Mayfair
Shikumen, Shepherds Bush
Set amid the hubbub of Shepherds Bush, Shikumen is a chic yet understated restaurant serving time-honoured Chinese dishes. Peking duck and hand-crafted dim sum are mainstays of the Shikumen menu, and in the sleek dining room find sweeping communal bench tables, ornate carved wood and suspended lanterns.
Book Shikumen
Duck & Rice, Soho
A former Soho watering hole, Duck & Rice is a lively West End spot originally opened by Alan Yau. The menu focuses on hearty, classic comfort food filled with flavour: think piled-high plates of fried rice, jasmine-smoked pork ribs, and Cantonese-style lobster. Staying true to its pub heritage, guests will find cosy booths and fireplaces indoors, plus mammoth copper beer tanks.
Book Duck & Rice
Yauatcha City, Broadgate
A sprawling spot in the City with multiple bars and terraces, Yauatcha City offsets its authentic, moreish Chinese grazing dishes with luxurious handmade chocolates and desserts. Yauatcha’s penchant for sweet things is demonstrated at the downstairs patisserie – find the counter filled with its renowned pastel-hued macarons and more.
Book Yauatcha City
Kai, Mayfair
Launched by a Malaysian owner and head chef, Kai cherry picks recipes from the breadth of China and its individual provinces, with a focus on the south’s Nanyang area. The menu’s piquant dishes weave innovative techniques throughout, bringing a lightness and elegance to traditional recipes. A notable vegetarian selection is on offer, too.
Book Kai
Park Chinois, Mayfair
A flamboyant hideaway in Mayfair, Park Chinois combines its Cantonese menu with live music and theatrics, plus a creative cocktail list served at the Wave Bar. Served to a backdrop of pink, red and gold, the Park Chinois menu journeys through China, staying true to classic recipes.
Book Park Chinois
Trongs, Ipswich
The epitome of a local favourite, Chinese restaurant Trongs is run by a family team in Ipswich. The menu is filled with familiar dishes, drawing inspiration from north China, the country’s great lakes, and the River Yangtze.
Barshu, Soho
Specialising in Sichuan cuisine, Barshu has long been a Chinatown mainstay, and is known above all for its fiery, spice-packed recipes. As well as showcasing a range of time-honoured recipes, the Barshu menus features creations inspired by China’s street vendors, where lesser-used ingredients feature. The understated interior is filled with wood carvings, low-hanging lanterns and mahogany furnishings.
Book Barshu
Beijing Dumpling, Soho
Upon arriving at Beijing Dumpling, guests are greeted with views of chefs crafting their namesake goods in the front window. The discreet dining space – filled with wood panels and furnishings – is a fitting backdrop for contrastingly vibrant dishes. Enjoy Chinese dumplings, bao and classic mains, alongside Indonesian and Malaysian creations.
Book Beijing Dumpling
A. Wong, Victoria
The celebrated eponymous restaurant from Andrew Wong, A. Wong brings a playful yet exacting Chinese menu to Victoria. Influenced by his journeys through China’s provinces, Wong presents his own interpretations of classics, with dishes spanning from sharing Peking duck, through to an elaborate 13-dish tasting experience.
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