5 Best Restaurants in Chinatown, London (with a Bonus!)
Last Updated on February 17, 2025 by Amitylux
London’s Chinatown is home to over 80 restaurants packed into just a few streets. That’s more dumplings than you could eat in a lifetime—but we dare you to try. Whether you’re after a late-night dim sum fix, crispy roast duck, or the spiciest Sichuan hotpot that’ll make you question your life choices, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore best reastaurants in Chinatown London.
Food critic Jay Rayner once said, “Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.” And in Chinatown, that couldn’t be more true. The magic isn’t in fancy plating or 12-course tasting menus. It’s in decades-old roasting techniques, handmade noodles pulled right in front of you, and dumplings so juicy they should come with a warning label.
But with so many choices, where do you start? Some places are tourist traps, while others are hidden gems only locals know about. That’s where we come in. After endless bowls of noodles, countless dumplings, and maybe a food coma or two, we’ve narrowed it down to the absolute best restaurants in Chinatown London. No fluff. Just the real must-visit spots.
Ready? Let’s dig in.
Bun House
Stepping into Bun House feels like stepping into a traditional tea house straight out of old Hong Kong. Located in Chinatown in London on Lisle Street, this charming eatery specializes in buns filled with an array of savory and sweet fillings. From classic pork buns to innovative options like chicken and mushroom or custard-filled buns, there’s something to satisfy every palate. In addition, pair your buns with a steaming cup of Chinese tea for the ultimate experience.
Four Seasons
No visit to Chinatown in London would be complete without sampling the iconic roast duck, and Four Seasons on Gerrard Street is the place to go to taste this delicacy. Further, be sure to order a side of noodles or rice to complement the rich flavors of the duck.
Dumplings’ Legend
For lovers of dumplings, Dumplings’ Legend is a must-visit destination in Chinatown in London. Situated on Gerrard Place, this bustling restaurant offers an extensive menu of dumplings and dim sum, made fresh to order. Whether you prefer steamed, fried, or boiled dumplings, you’ll find an impressive variety here, including classics like pork and chive, as well as more adventurous options like seafood and spinach. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to try their signature xiao long bao, delicate soup dumplings bursting with flavor.
JinLi
For a taste of Sichuan cuisine, look no further than JinLi on Leicester Street in Chinatown in London. This restaurant is known for its bold and spicy flavors since Sichuan cuisine is a culinary adventure for the adventurous palate. At JinLi, you’ll find a diverse selection of dishes ranging from fiery hotpots to numbingly spicy stir-fries. Moreover, be sure to try the mapo tofu, a Sichuan classic featuring soft tofu in a spicy, aromatic sauce, or the mouthwatering dan dan noodles, topped with ground pork and peanuts.
Chinatown Bakery
No visit to Chinatown in London would be complete without indulging in some traditional Chinese pastries, and Chinatown Bakery has you covered. Located on Newport Place, this cozy bakery offers a tempting array of sweet and savory treats, from egg custard tarts to barbecue pork buns. Whether you’re craving a midday snack or looking for the perfect dessert to end your meal, Chinatown Bakery has something to satisfy your cravings.
3 Honorable Mentions
While our top five picks are must-visit spots, Chinatown has many more incredible restaurants that deserve recognition. Here are a few restaurants in Chinatown London worth checking out.
1. YiQi
📍 Location: 15 Lisle St, London WC2H 7BE
YiQi offers an exciting take on Pan-Asian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation. Their signature dishes include spicy Chongqing chicken and melt-in-your-mouth crispy duck. With a lively ambiance and an extensive cocktail menu, it’s a great spot for casual dining with friends.
2. Speedboat Bar
📍 Location: 30 Rupert St, London W1D 6DL
If you’re looking for something beyond traditional Cantonese food, Speedboat Bar takes inspiration from Bangkok’s Chinatown, delivering bold Thai flavors with an urban street-food vibe. The pork skewers and wok-fried noodles are local favorites, best paired with their signature Thai iced teas.
3. Four Seasons Restaurant
📍 Location: 12 Gerrard St, London W1D 5PR
A legendary name in Chinatown, Four Seasons is famous for its roast duck, which many claim to be the best in London. Their classic Cantonese menu is packed with comfort food, from crispy pork belly to steaming bowls of wonton noodle soup. Expect a bustling atmosphere and no-frills service, but the food speaks for itself!
Tips for Dining in Chinatown
To make the most of your dining experience in Chinatown, here are some insider tips.
✔ Avoid peak hours – Most restaurants get crowded between 6:30-8:30 PM, so either go early or prepare for a wait.
✔ Cash is still king – While many places accept cards, some traditional restaurants still prefer cash payments, so bring some just in case.
✔ Sharing is the way to go – Chinese dining culture is all about sharing. Ordering a variety of dishes for the table is the best way to experience the flavors.
✔ Look for the busiest spots – A long queue outside often means authentic and delicious food. Chinatown regulars know where to find the best eats!
Conclusion: Now, Go Eat!
You came here looking for the best restaurants in Chinatown London, and now you’ve got them. You know where to find the crispiest roast duck, the juiciest dumplings, and the spiciest hotpot that’ll set your taste buds on fire (in the best way possible).
But here’s the deal: Chinatown is best explored with an open mind and an empty stomach. Sure, you can follow this list and hit up the top spots. But the real joy? Wandering into a tiny, family-run eatery with menus in Chinese and zero Instagram hype, ordering something you’ve never tried before, and discovering a new favorite dish.
So, what’s next? Book that table. Grab some friends. And go eat. Because Chinatown isn’t just a place—it’s a feast waiting to happen. And trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
So next time you find yourself in London, join us on a walking tour and be sure to take a stroll through Chinatown and embark on a culinary adventure you won’t forget.
FAQ
Absolutely! Chinatown is one of London’s most vibrant areas, packed with authentic restaurants, bustling street markets, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re here for incredible food, festive events like Chinese New Year, or just the lively atmosphere, it’s a must-visit spot.
London’s Chinatown is the largest and most famous in the UK, offering the widest selection of authentic Asian cuisine. However, Manchester’s Chinatown is also highly rated, known for its historic Chinese Arch and diverse food scene.
The West End is London’s entertainment hub, home to world-class theaters, bars, and restaurants. Nearby, Soho and Chinatown offer some of the best dining experiences, from Michelin-starred spots to late-night street food.
London’s Chinatown is famous for its authentic Asian cuisine, vibrant festivals, and historic Chinese community. It’s a food lover’s paradise, with everything from dim sum to regional specialties like Sichuan hotpot and Hong Kong-style roast meats. Plus, its iconic red lanterns and traditional decor make it one of the most photogenic areas in the city.
