Whether you’re desiring dim sum, in search of street food or are craving a colossal Cantonese feast, head to one of London’s best Chinese restaurants - and not a Chinese buffet in sight!
1. Min Jiang
Find traditional Chinese cookery updated for the modern age at Kensington's Min Jiang. A great place for provincial Chinese dishes, many come just for the legendary wood-fired duck, which is served over two courses. Perched on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, this stylish restaurant boasts views of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Where: Kensington (2 - 24 Kensington High St, W8 4PT)
2. Imperial Treasure
Classic Cantonese flavours are on offer at this London outpost of an international chain, housed in a former bank and combining grandeur with an intimate touch. The lip-smacking dim sum is particularly special, but if you want a taste of luxury, try Imperial Treasure’s signature Peking duck with caviar.
Where: St James’s (9 Waterloo Place, SW1Y 4BE)
3. Mandarin Kitchen
Although it's been around for decades, the Mandarin Kitchen sports a modern and stylish interior while remaining welcoming and friendly. Famous for its fabulous whole lobster noodles with ginger and spring onion, this is a temple to Cantonese-style seafood. Don't miss the steamed minced pork with salted fish or deep-fried baby squid with garlic and chilli.
Where: Notting Hill (14-16 Queensway, W2 3RX)
4. A.Wong
Boasting two Michelin stars, A.Wong is a London landmark for any category of dining, giving traditional Cantonese dishes a modern British twist. The unforgettable 10-course tasting menu draws on traditional recipes from all of China’s provinces, but if you’re looking for something more relaxed, it's one of London’s best dim sum eateries.
Where: Pimlico (70 Wilton Rd, SW1V 1DE)
5. Dim Sum Duck
Tuck into authentic Cantonese dim sum at family-owned Dim Sum Duck in King's Cross – a firm favourite among locals. Pick from a finger-licking selection of handmade dim sum and fresh noodle dishes and don't forget to order a Peking duck for the table. You can't book a table here so get down early before the queue starts to grow!
Where: King's Cross (124 King's Cross Road, WC1X 9DS)
6. Ping Pong
With locations across London, Ping Pong offers a lively and reliable stopover for a light bite during a busy day out in Soho, South Bank, St Paul's and Marylebone. Specialising in dim sum, teas and cocktails, these contemporary restaurants offer some of the best Chinese in London for those on a budget.
Where: Southbank (Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX), Soho (45 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JL), City Of London (Unit 7-9 Bow Bells House, EC4M 9BE) and Marylebone (29a James Street, W1U 1DZ)
7. Hakkasan Mayfair
Discover a menu packed with modern Cantonese fare at the stylish Hakkasan Mayfair, which was born in London and has since become a global brand. The Mayfair venue boasts a typically sleek, dimly lit interior that screams intrigue. Don’t miss the signature crispy duck salad with pomelo, pine nut and shallot.
Where: Mayfair (17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB)
8. Feng Shang Princess
Imagine lazing in a quiet backwater of Guangdong’s Pearl River at Feng Shang Princess, a floating restaurant on the canal by Regent’s Park. Cantonese flavours dominate, with traditional favourites such as soft shell crab, crispy shredded beef and sweet and sour pork attracting a host of celebrity diners over the past 30 years.
Where: Regents Park (Southern Star Cumberland Basin, NW1 7SS)
9. Plum Valley
Plum Valley in London Chinatown offers a calm escape from city life, with a peaceful setting inspired by a Chinese garden. The menu is a Chinese, Japanese and Thai fusion. Start with dim sum, then try the famous Hong Kong-style stir-fried whole crab.
Where: Chinatown (20 Gerrard St, W1D 6JQ)
10. Yauatcha
Delve into dim sum at Alan Yau's famous Yauatcha. Alongside dumplings and specialties such as venison puffs, you’ll find more substantial dishes at the relaxed all-day “tea house” in Soho. Its appearance may suggest formality, but that’s far from the case; making it a great place for grazing over a relaxing lunch or dinner. You can also find Yauatcha in the City.
Where: City of London (Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QS) and Soho (15-17 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL)
Explore more of the capital's asian culinary offering with the best London Chinatown restaurants. Or, check out the top traditional British restaurants.
