From the moment you walk in, Tattu gives you drama and elegance. Forget the comfies, you’re going to want to get dressed up for this one.

I know it’s hard to give up our comfort orders – especially when it comes to a Chinese. But you don’t have to worry about that here. The menu has everything you love about Chinese food but taken to another level. We kicked things off with the Szechuan rock shrimp – crispy, fiery, and not too fishy (which always says a lot about the quality). I’d go back for that alone.

For mains, our waiter recommended the Chinese BBQ Chicken, and wow – they knew what they were talking about. Sticky, smoky, and just falls apart. 

Now let’s talk dessert. We Brits love our Sticky Toffee Pudding. Well, Tattu took that and absolutely ran with it. The Asian Pear Sticky Toffee Pudding is everything you want and didn’t even know you needed in a dessert. The rich, warm decadence of the classic, but with this fresh, juicy twist that somehow makes it even better. You can’t leave without trying it.

Have to try: Asian pear sticky toffee pudding
Perfect for: Dating, fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £150-200 + drinks

This one completely changed my expectations of dining out.

I don’t say that lightly, but after eating at Hunan London, I don’t think I’ll ever look at a menu the same way again. Now, in all honesty, the idea of a “no menu” policy freaked me out. I’m the type who decides what I’m ordering before I’ve even made the reservation. So the thought of leaving my dinner in someone else’s hands was certainly challenging.

Turns out, this place was made for people like us –  the “I know what I like” crew who usually won’t stray too far from the usual faves. But here’s the twist: the chef actually asks what you love, what you hate, and what you’d rather not see anywhere near your plate. 

No stress, no surprises you didn’t agree to – just ridiculously good food, tailored to you. And somehow, still full of flavours and textures you’ve probably never tried before.

Now let me rave about something simple: the crispy garlic chilli beans. I know what you’re thinking – a green bean? Really?  But I’m telling you, these were different. Smoky, crunchy, spicy, rich and nothing like the sad little veg we push around our plate next to a roast. I’d go back just for those.

If you’re feeling like a change, get to Hunan, hand over the reins and let the chef surprise you. You’ll be obsessed, I am!!

Have to try: Cuttlefish with spicy aubergine salad
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £150-£200 (drinks included)

If you’re after Chinese food that actually tastes like home cooking, with a glow-up of course, Wong in Pimlico is your spot.

Every dish feels like it’s been made with serious care – none of that rushed, commercial chaos. Just proper passion, patience, and food that speaks for itself.

Let’s talk about that Wonton with garlic, chilli oil and soy-poached yolk. It melted in the mouth. So simple and unassuming but we all know those are always the dishes that steal the show.

Another standout was the garlic steamed wild tiger prawn with mung bean noodles which were drenched in a rich soy. If you’re anything like me, you understand the pain of being served dry, tasteless food. You think you’ve had this combo before, but then you eat at Wong and suddenly question every prawn dish you’ve ever eaten. 

And can we talk about how refreshing it is to find a place that doesn’t westernise every other dish? I’m over menus that slap on a sweet chilli glaze and call it Chinese. The waiter was telling us how the chef uses family recipes that have been passed down through generations – and you can taste it. It’s that comforting, homely vibe you just don’t get at your usual chain spot.

Have to try: Crispy wonton ‘prawn cocktail’
Perfect for: Family, Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £150

If you want to feel like an absolute celebrity (which let’s face it, most of us do), then sprint – don’t walk – to Hutong at The Shard. Quite literally, you feel on top of the world.. 

Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever had one of those random meat aversion days (just me?) where you’re craving something lighter and veggie options suddenly sound much more appealing. But let’s be real, tofu is risky business. Half the time it tastes like damp cardboard. But not here.

I went for the deep-fried charcoal tofu which was coated in a spiced salt and I’m not exaggerating when I say: it changed me. Crispy, salty, perfectly seasoned. If you’re a tofu hater, I dare you to try this. You’ll be a convert in one bite. I swear.

For mains, we kept things light with dim sum — because honestly, it paired magically with our bottle of red . I ordered the pan-seared corn & mushroom crystal dumplings and they were these delicate, flavour-packed parcels that somehow still felt indulgent.

Meat lovers, don’t worry. My friends wouldn’t stop going on about the pan-seared ginger lobster bao.

Hutong nails the balance between modern fine dining and traditional Chinese soul. You go for the view, but you stay for the food

Have to try: Sichuan style aubergine tempura
Perfect for: Dating, Catch-up with friends
Approx price for 2: £200

Talk about dinner with a show.

If you’re in the mood to switch off the small talk and just let the food do the talking (and honestly, we all have those nights), then Imperial Treasure is calling your name. One minute you’re sipping wine, the next you’re hypnotised by live seafood being prepped right before your eyes. 

You do not have to worry about freshness here – it’s as premium as it gets. I went for the Canadian crab, and because I was feeling bold, I asked for it Singapore-style. Did I know exactly what that meant at the time? Not really. Did I love every single bite? Absolutely. Sticky, spicy, and bursting with flavour – trust the process.

And for a little added indulgence, the signature Peking duck with caviar is an experience in itself with the crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth meat.

Also, shoutout to the staff who made the whole thing feel smooth and effortless – especially for the picky eaters (you know who you are). They’re more than happy to tailor dishes to your taste, which is honestly such a green flag.

Wine-wise, the list is strong. We went for a silky red that cut through the richness of the crab perfectly. Imperial Treasure is where you want to be for good food done properly, with a side of theatre.

Have to try: Crispy Lemon Chicken
Perfect for: Dating, Catch-up with friends
Approx price for 2: £180-200 with live seafood view + wine

Whether you’re out for a quick bite before the night begins or you are the type who considers eating the actual event, Chop Chop has you covered.

Tucked inside the Hippodrome, it’s right in the heart of the party. Feeling tired after a long day, don’t worry. The second you walk in, they sort you out. Neon signage and buzzy energy forces you to perk up.

As we all know, Leicester Square is chaos at all times of the day, and I fully expected a wait. But we were seated immediately, and everything ran like clockwork. Fast, friendly, no faff. Love to see it.

We said we were going to keep it light because we had plans to go out… but that plan fully collapsed after a few bites. No regrets though.

I started with the Dragon Fruit Margarita – fruity, a little salty, and the prettiest drink I’ve had in a while. And even if you’re not drinking, the mocktail list is strong and exciting. None of that sad lemonade or a lonely Diet Coke.

They offer contemporary Chinese food with real character. Perfect for sharing, or not sharing at all (no judgement here). Every dish came out looking so good we just kept adding to the table. Warning: light bite intentions turn into a three course meal plus countless cocktails. 

Have to try: Char siu BBQ pork
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £130 (with drinks)

Whether you’re near Liverpool Street, wandering Brixton Village, or passing through St Paul’s, it’s good to know a solid meal is never too far away. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why that matters. You will crave it again.

The name Three Uncles honestly couldn’t be more fitting. Every dish feels like it’s been cooked by a relative who really knows their way around the kitchen. The kind of food that feels both comforting and seriously well done.

Don’t get me started on the meat – these uncles know their stuff. I went for the roast chicken, and added the soy & rock sugar sauce for just a little extra (worth every penny). Sweet, sticky, savoury, and packed with umami – it was giving rich flavour without being over the top.

Because health is wealth and all that nonsense (and yes, we considered going in harder on the meat) we added the salt & pepper broccoli. But it was fresh, zingy, and the perfect counter to the richness of the chicken. If you’re someone who usually avoids ordering veggies, this one might just convert you.

Have to try: Char siu bao
Perfect for: Family, Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £70-£90

Isn’t it actually the worst when you can’t decide what kind of takeaway you’re in the mood for? One minute I’m dreaming about that sweet, sticky Chinese goodness and the next I need that fiery, rich Indian spice immediately.

Well at Fatt Pundi you don’t have to choose. You literally get both – an Indo-Chinese fusion.

Whatever you do, I’m begging you, get the momos. They’re like little Indian dumplings and they honestly do everything right. Texture? Spot on. Flavour? Unreal. It’s a dish that you would so rarely find on any other menu, so grab it while you can.

The vegetarian options were incredible. I know places sometimes treat vegetarian dishes like an afterthought, but here they’re stars of the show. I had the hakka chilli paneer lettuce cups and I’m not joking – I was nearly emotional. The paneer gives you that soft, rich, cheesy hit, but then you’ve got the fresh crunch of lettuce and this sweet-spicy sauce absolutely drenched over everything. Drooling even as I’m writing this.

Casual in ambience but the food is next level.

Have to try: Chicken momo
Perfect for: Family, Catch-up with friends
Approx price for 2: £70-£90

This is one of those spots where you’re not there for the glam or a shiny IG reel – you’re there for the food, and that’s the whole point. Super casual, super affordable, and just quietly doing everything right.

The hand-pulled noodles were just unbelievable. So soft, so fresh, so clearly made in-house. It actually made me realise we’ve been out here accepting dry, chewy store-bought noodles for way too long. The texture was silky, springy, and comforting. Only problem is, I might be too bougie now to go back to packet noodles. Consider this your warning.

We also had the smacked cucumber salad, which sounds basic but was so fresh, spicy, crunchy, and cold. It was perfect for cutting through the richness of the noodles. 

When you’re over the scene-y, try-hard restaurants and just want food that slaps, Master Wei is the one.

Have to try: Hand-pulled noodles in Xinjiang style
Perfect for: Family and friends catch up
Approx price for 2: £50-£60

Hear me out before you scroll – I know “tofu” and “vegan” together can sound like a threat. But think about it, if someone’s bold enough to establish multiple restaurants in central London, chances are they know exactly what they’re doing. And Tofu Vegan proves it.

I’m not going to lie and tell you it “tastes just like meat” because it doesn’t. And that’s actually the point. What I love about this place is that it’s not trying to copy meat, instead it’s celebrating everything plant-based food can be when it’s done right. The freshness and the creativity are unmatched. Essentially, what I’m saying is that you don’t miss meat, which I believe to be the USP of this place.

I highly recommend the fried tofu in black bean sauce, I could eat plates and plates of it. The annoying thing about tofu is that it can go from firm to just a soggy mess too fast. Not here. It held its shape, was packed with flavour, and had that rich, umami depth you always hope black bean sauce will deliver.

It’s a super relaxed spot- no need to get dressed up- but the food is the kind that warms your soul. It’s comforting, thoughtful, and genuinely satisfying. Perfect with a glass of wine, a spritz, or even just a cold, crisp glass of water if you’re keeping it clean.

Have to try: Assorted dim sum
Perfect for: Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £45-£55