The best Chinese restaurants in London

Located inside Somerset House, Poon opened late last year with much anticipation, as the best Chinese restaurant runs in founder Amy Poon’s family. His grandparents owned a restaurant in Macau, and his parents opened Poons in Chinatown in 1973. His second restaurant in Covent Garden received a Michelin star in 1980. After her parents retired in the 2000s, Amy revived the Poon name with a series of pop-ups and sauces. This outpost off the Strand is her first permanent restaurant and reflects Amy’s growing appetite for flavourful, authentic dishes. The space is cozy and elegant, with pale terracotta-washed walls and murals. trees Creeped towards the high ceiling, and that day Home and garden Visited, invited welcome.

Elevated home cooking is the name of the game here, with a menu made up of snacks, wontons, small and large plates that lend themselves well to sharing. The signature wind-dried meat is made to an old family recipe, while the memorable chunky prawn toast called Lardo is far from the kind found in many local takeaways. Cocktails, refined and inventive, include options like the refreshing Hong Kong Milk Punch and the martini made with Poon’s chili oil. – Tillie Wheeler

What to order: The crudités with seriously addictive fermented tofu dip is a hero dish that should not be missed. For vegetarians and vegans, the braised tofu puff with Chinese mushrooms, pumpkin and glass noodles is recommended, otherwise the outrageously steamed pork with shrimp paste and ginger is gently fragrant and strongly umami.

New Wing, Somerset House, Lancaster Place, London WC2R 1LA

Since 1982, the Peng family has been delighting diners with an exceptional chef’s tasting menu. Expect an ever-changing dizzying array of 12 to 18 Hunanese small plates—from xiao long bao with black cod and black vinegar reduction and garlic green beans in a peppercorn sauce mild and spicy that will have you questioning what kind of witchcraft was used. Inside is a white tablecloth, but without the stuffiness. Strictly relaxing, casual and fun exploring, a night of surprises and delights as you traverse the route Courses. You’ll be well looked after with exceptionally friendly service where you won’t even notice that your drinks are constantly topped up.

What to order: There’s no menu, but diners are asked if they have any likes, dislikes, special dietary requirements and spice levels — and with that, the meal begins.

51 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8NE

Look up the word “absolute” in the dictionary, and you’ll find Canton Blue. As expected from a restaurant located in part of Hyde Park and The Peninsula Hotel, the luxurious decor is a true marvel, with displays of Cantonese porcelain and elegant backlit ceiling panels featuring celestial navigation maps. And the food? Expect high-end Cantonese fare with all the bells and whistles: Cornish-at-your-table peking duck with barbecue sauce and black sesame, Cornish blue lobster with fried ginger and spring Onion and braised whole abalone with oyster sauce. If you prefer an aperitif or digestif before or after your meal, head to the Little Blue Bar – the perfect way to start or wind down a fascinating evening.

What to order: A finely executed dim sum is an absolute must here. Order the delicious earthy siu mai chicken dumplings with black mushrooms and fluffy barbecue pork buns. Don’t miss out on the Lunar New Year menu while it lasts, featuring dishes like gold-dusted goldfish dumplings, tempting lobster slathered in salted duck egg sauce, and a sumptuous creamy chestnut creme mousse.

The Peninsula, 1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ

This legendary family-run Cantonese seafood spot has been thriving since 1978. It’s the kind of place where, from the moment you step inside, it feels both familiar and inviting — a place where new family dining traditions are born and you find yourself vowing to return. Run by the Cheung family, it attracts Asian foodies from around the world, as well as East and Southeast Asian royalty like Michelle Yeoh and Sandra Oh, eager to sample their famous lobster with ginger and spring onion hand-pulled egg noodles. Seafood is the main attraction here, with impressively fried Dover sole shaped like a wave to catch chilli and onion, razor clams steamed in your mouth with garlic and massive salt-and-pepper prawns.