The best Chinese restaurants in London for dim sum, Peking duck, noodles, and vegan stir-fry
Cuisine from Dongbei to Guangdong.
Even though Lunar New Year has come and gone, the feast need not end. London’s woks are hopping all over town. Traditionally, Chinese families (like mine) gather around turntables in beloved local and Chinatown restaurants, where steaming parcels and plates circle. But now, Chinese cuisine is a mix of fine dining in the West End to trendy Shoreditch eateries. Here are the best Chinese restaurants in London no matter what your price point, occasion, or dietary requirements.
The best Chinese restaurants in London
1. Golden Phoenix | Chinatown
When you think of big family gatherings, Golden Phoenix is your quintessential Lunar location. It’s one of Chinatown’s largest restaurants, so expect many a wedding reception here within the lucky red and gold rooms (there are seven party rooms spread over three floors and a huge banquet space). Authentic dim sum and a la carte Cantonese options include lobster with ginger and spring onions, pork chop with red bean curd paste, and prawns with cashew nuts. Set menus are also available to sample the greats, and the restaurant recently launched a luxurious ‘golden caged’ dim sum afternoon tea, Monday to Friday, 12 pm – 4 pm.
Find out more about Golden Phoenix
2. Dream Xi’An | Tower Hill
Dream Xi’An is the best place to taste the cuisine of Xi’an, Northern China, specifically the physically demanding ‘Biang Biang’ noodles. These hand-pulled bowls are full of silky bounce and jam-packed with flavour, whether you go down the veggie, beef, pork, or combination route. Guirong handpicks the very best chillies herself for that linger-on-your-tongue finish. And noodles aside, you’ll want to save room for street food plates such as the spicy cumin beef bun, and the pan-fried chicken and mushroom pot sticker dumplings. If you love a kick with your Asian food, this is your number one Spice Girl.
Find out more about Dream Xi’An
3. Kai Mayfair | Mayfair
One of the most awarded and highest-ranking Chinese restaurants in the city for decades, Kai Mayfair is a London must. Beautifully marrying the classics with contemporary uplifts, guests are treated to wonders such as the Iberico ‘open bao’ char siew, the Rich Uncle’s beef, ginger and rice (a luxurious homage to the owner’s family), and it certainly wouldn’t be a decadent affair without Kai’s crispy-skinned tender duck. Our fave? The ‘chicken’ cashew nuts, made with guinea fowl – a delightfully decadent substitution.
Vegetarians are well catered for in tandem thanks to a special veggie menu comprising ‘vegan scallops’ and homemade Ma-Po spicy tofu with aubergine. The durian & vanilla soufflé with salted caramel deserves a standing ovation, harnessing the flavours of real durian and showcasing Kai’s flair in dessert making that can be further explored over an afternoon tea session.
Find out more about Kai Mayfair
4. DanDan | London Bridge
You can probably guess what the speciality is at this modern Sichuan dining restaurant in London Bridge, and each slurp of their fresh hand-pulled noodles has the power to transport. But before doing so, there’s much more to pique. Dim sum options are solid, including the xiao long bao; cold items are ideal for the summer, such as the refreshing fungus with chilli and coriander; and those golden king prawns with salted egg yolk are unlike anything you’ll find this side of the Thames.
Make sure somebody at the party orders the Lanzhou beef noodles in addition to your classic dan dan. As a casual eatery, and in true Chinese style, it’s all best enjoyed sharing, so you can maximise your pick of the plates. Speaking of which, we recommend skipping dessert and going bigger on starters and mains, perhaps even with another portion of the golden king prawns, for a no-regrets first time.
Find out more about DanDan
5. Xi Home Dumplings | Shoreditch
For authentic Northeastern Chinese dumplings, head to Xi Home, helmed by Dalian native Wenjun Xiang. This dumpling mecca folds around 20 different handmade parcels for the table, including classics like the spicy pork and the king prawn, to the ultra-luxurious Jade Lobster dumpling, a Xi Home signature; and all generously portioned. The menu also features buns, rolls, pancakes and soups (we recommend ordering a big wonton soup so you can dip your other dumplings in, plus the tableside sauce), and Dalian speciality desserts include crispy milk curd and steamed sticky pumpkin cake. It’ll be hard to resist ordering everything from their magazine-style menu—expect to carry home leftovers.
Find out more about Xi Home Dumplings
6. Three Uncles | Liverpool Street
The original outpost of Three Uncles feels exactly like a hole-in-the-wall in Hong Kong; counter service, just 12 seats, and a kitchen peddling the tastiest roast meats and rice in town. No need for all the bells and whistles. Siu Mei is one of the most popular everyday foods for Hong Kongers, taking marinated meats which are then hung and fan dried overnight before laborious roasting and resting. The result is a burst of flavour on every tender bite. It’s served here with pak choi and white Jasmine rice, or you can have them sliced on top of a generous portion of lo mein noodles. We always go for the meat combo. Remember, this is a first-come, first-served situation, so arrive early during peak hours for your succulent Siu Mei fix.
Find out more about Three Uncles
7. Liu Xiaomian | Soho
Lui Xiaomian is pure noodle heaven. Founded by Charlene and Linda Liu, who hail from one of China’s spice capitals, Chongqing, expect the heat brought into Soho. We love the Spicy beef noodles and their numbing wonton soups that harness the team’s incredible homemade chilli oil, but don’t worry if you can’t handle fire. The hearty minced pork and chickpea noodles, and a variety of sides from edamame to aubergine salad, pack punches of flavour sans spice. No matter your spice level, this is an absolute gem on the first floor of Kingly Court.
Find out more about Liu Xiaomian
8. Shan Shui Social | Victoria
The hottest new opening of 2025 is here. Shan Shui Social is the brainchild of Ellen Chew, who brought Singapulah and Rasa Sayang to the capital, and this new concept fans the flavours of Guangdong (and beyond) within an intricate 1920s Shanghai space. Whilst there’s no going wrong with anything from the dim sum, wok, or roast menu, we highly recommend the beautifully marinated sweet pork belly char siu, the funky wood ear fungus in Chef Jason Li’s Kaofu, and the fresh garlic-tossed Gai lan. There are two desserts, light enough that you might as well order both, and anything from Ellen must be capped off with a stiff Singapore Sling.
Find out more about Shan Shui Social
9. Lido | Chinatown
Fact: this is one of London’s oldest Chinese restaurants, established in 1969. 56 years later, it’s still going strong. Dim sum is always a treat, especially if you save room for their creamy custard buns. The a la carte and set menus feature items such as sizzling chicken with chilli and black bean sauce, and a range of dumpling soups that feel like they were lovingly made by Chinese granny. Lido also has an extensive wine list.
Find out more about Lido
10. Bun House | Chinatown
How do you like your buns? If warm, pillowy, and darn right delicious is your answer, there’s only one place for them: Bun House in Chinatown. The Cantonese steamed bun specialists make them from scratch on-site, including both sweet and savoury options spanning ‘Lamb Bun’ to burst-open-runny ‘Custard Bun’, plus the odd limited edition holiday treat on CNY or Halloween. These buns aren’t just to go either. Guests who park upstairs can side with fresh dim sum, HK curry chicken wings, and HK teas for the complete experience.
Find out more about Bun House
11. Chop Chop | Leicester Square
The Chinese community in Soho spends a lot of time in casinos, so it’s only natural that the biggies of Leicester Square are serving them right. Chop Chop was a delightful surprise for us; from the folks behind Four Seasons Chinese restaurants, it’s best known for Hong Kong-style roast duck. Don’t miss the other Cantonese delights like the Ma Po tofu, Braised tofu with pork belly (the tofu’s all really good!), and the soya chicken. A casual yet funky dining den tucked underneath The Hippodrome.
Find out more about Chop Chop
12. Hutong | London Bridge
With the Shangri-La and Hutong in residence, The Shard certainly has a slice of Asian haute living. Level 33’s the stage for Northern Chinese cuisine. Hutong’s Sichuan beef and deep-fried lobster have just the fire, while the brothy halibut fillet and sweet pork ribs perfectly offset the spice. Dim sum is decadent and the roast duck is served in a traditional two-stage fashion. Stay a while to admire the view from another vantage point following your meal: the Shanghai Bar around the corner is open till the early hours.
Find out more about Hutong
13. Tao Tao Ju | Chinatown
Dumpling feast in Chinatown? It’s steaming over at Tao Tao on Lisle Street. The Cantonese & Sichuanese eaterie serves it with finesse, with standouts including the crystal prawn dumplings and the steamed rice roll with prawn. It’s also a top spot if you like things spicy: the curry prawns and pork in Sichuan spices have all the fire. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list.
Find out more about Tao Tao Ju
14. Imperial Treasure | St James’s
Survey folks around the world on their best Chinese fine dining experiences, and chances are, an Imperial Treasure lands on their tongue. This group has multi-awarded and acclaimed outposts in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris…and right here in London. On Waterloo Place, expect perfectly executed classics that span Cantonese Roast Duck, Sautéed Lobster with Black Truffle, and wildly delicious garlicky Beef Tenderloin chunks, alongside special occasion items from the live seafood menu and an abalone list. The Imperial set menu is our tip to first trying the greats, and surprisingly, our standout was the oh-so-homely Diced Seafood & Beancurd in Thick Soup. Wine pairings may be added to the feast, or anything else from the full bar.
Find out more about Imperial Treasure
But wait, there’s more…
- Check out the complete list of our favourite restaurants in London
- We review the London Stock in Mayfair and discover the best bread basket in town
- Getting your roast duck in Hong Kong? Consider staying at the St. Regis with our review
