Boasting the first Michelin Star ever awarded to a Chinese restaurant, Hakkasan can justly claim to be the best of its kind in London. The food here really is exceptional. Straying from the traditional route to provide Western variations on Chinese staples the cuisine is both modern and mouth-watering. Also described as the “sexiest” restaurant in London, Hakkasan’s appeal doesn’t just rest with its food. Lurking underground at the end of a fairly unappealing (bordering on dingy) side-street, initial impressions aren’t great. However, as you walk step by step down the dimly lit staircase, surrounded by cooling slate walls embedded with tiny ruby red lights, a whole new world opens up before your eyes. Bathed in a mysterious, icy blue light, the dining room’s discretely placed arrangement of tables appear to emerge gleaming under the moonlight of an exotic Oriental night. Carefully placed screens create an air of privacy and subterfuge, further enhanced by the shadows created by flickering candles and dramatic spots of light. The suavely dressed waiters who slip silently in between tables and behind screens provide an appropriately unassuming yet attentive service, which is key to this whole dining experience. Expensive this is - it doesn’t deserve to be anything else – but it’s worth every penny.
Best for:
Michelin star and modern Chinese cuisine, slate walls, seduction and sexy décor.
Did you know?
Renowned Turkish Cypriot fashion designer Hussein Chalayan designed the uniforms for Hakkasan staff.
Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HF
Hakkasan is solid proof that Chinese food in London doesn't just have to equate to an all-you-can-eat buffet in some insalubrious... More
Hakkasan
Hanway Place, W1P
Hakkasan is London’s first Chinese to win a Michelin Star. The food is exquisite, modern Chinese cooking with an array of unforgettable flavours.... More
Stylish, huge and well-run, his is one of the more popular places with the locals of Chinatown and on weekends it’s completely packed. The house ... More
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