Harden's survey result
Summary
“Without a shadow of a doubt the very best Chinese restaurant in town” – Andrew Wong is “such a talent” and his “genius” cuisine inspires unending superlatives regarding his Pimlico HQ (previously run for decades by his parents as Kym’s). “Exceptional craft is on display” in the preparation of the “exquisite dim sum” and other “clearly Chinese dishes” (“none of your fusion nonsense here!”) and for some reporters it is “one of the most extraordinary culinary experiences ever”. But since the award of a second Michelin star (the first ever for a Chinese establishment) a meal here risks becoming “prohibitively expensive”, with minimum spends for lunch and tasting menus only in the evening. On most accounts it’s “worth it despite the high cost”, but the equation is more evenly balanced now, and the levels of service and ambience have struggled to keep up with the “hellish” bill. Even so, “there’s scarce table availability even with the extension into the outer terrace”.
Summary
“A next-level culinary adventure” – Andrew Wong’s “unique interpretation” of his native cuisine “makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Chinese cooking” and has elevated his relatively humble-looking establishment, near Victoria station, to a place of foodie pilgrimage. Run for decades by his parents (when it was called Kym’s), the premises have been transformed over the last 10 years by their LSE-graduate son, to become Michelin’s highest-rated Chinese restaurant outside China; and, “put very simply, there is no better Chinese restaurant in London”. (A move to a new site has been mooted over the years, with no final announcement as yet). The “exquisite” dishes display an “unexpected degree of artistry” – in particular “the Five Movements tasting menu is absolutely incredible”: “ruinously expensive but bizarrely feeling like exceptional value”. (“The grated foie gras with pork and wind-dried sausage was a full-on work of genius; as was the crab claw with tomato and wasabi, which truly looked nothing like the description, but was so moreish it’s untrue”). Somewhat more affordably, “the innovative Dim Sum is simply outstanding… if you can get in” (“the second star makes it even harder for long-time fans to book”). “And prices are up, up and away...but still it’s worth it for such astonishing food”.
Summary
“The second Michelin star was well deserved” at Andrew Wong’s Pimlico superstar – the survey’s No.1 Chinese, and, since January 2021, the first Chinese restaurant outside China to reach such a level. Success has come quickly – it doesn’t seem like yesterday (it was 2012) that he opened this comparatively simply decorated fixture on the site of his parents’ former restaurant, Kym’s (and he recently announced that the search is on for a new, grander home). With its “inspired” and “strikingly varied textures and flavours” (“stunning wagyu tart with peas…”, “featherlight dumplings…”, “legendary custard buns that justify Jay Rayner’s enthusiasm!”) the kitchen demonstrates “extraordinary ways of handling Chinese cuisine”; its output includes some “really interesting dishes from different regions in China”. And on the service front, “his friendly and professional team bring it all together with style and professionalism”. “A true gastronomic adventure!”
Summary
“He’s won my heart, and my taste buds…” – Andrew Wong’s Pimlico venture “a short walk from Victoria Station” is the survey’s No. 1 Chinese nowadays due to its “absolutely amazing”, “elevated cuisine, beautifully plated and full of flavour”. At lunch time, the attraction is “dim sum as you’ve never tasted it before” – “mouthwatering and so delicate”, with special mention to the “incredible soup dumplings” – while at night there’s “a brilliant tasting menu, taking you on a whistle-stop tour of Chinese culinary delights”. “Happy” and “super-efficient” staff also rate special mention. “Plush the decor is not” – in fact the ground floor can seem “an oddly canteen-ish environment” – but, by contrast, the basement bar “has a beautiful ‘secret club’ feel to it”. See also Kym’s.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at A Wong?
70 Wilton Rd, London, SW1V 1DE
Restaurant details
A Wong Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A visit to A.Wong has been a long time coming but now after our amazing lunch on Saturday we just can’t wait to return and enjoy the full dinner experience. The restaurant is situated on Wilton Road and only a short walk from Victoria Station. When we arrived the place was already full and had a lively and friendly atmosphere. We received a fabulous welcome before being taken downstairs to the Forbidden City Bar for an aperitif. Here we enjoyed the A.Wong Negroni and the special Gin and Tonic. You also got to see the chef’s making the Dim Sum. Now it was time to head upstairs to our seats at the counter in front of the bar ready to begin the afternoon’s festivities. We opted for the Touch of the Heart Tasting menu that included a wine pairing. This would be fifteen courses and five glasses of wine priced at £195. Personally I thought it was definitely worth it. The staff couldn’t have been more friendly and professional throughout our lunch as they explained every single dish and recommendations on how it would be best enjoyed. The sommelier was also excellent and the wine pairings were amazing. The menu includes some absolutely stunning Dim Sum to begin before moving on to dishes including Memories of Peking Duck , the Cantonese Chicken , Wonton with Garlic , Shanxi ‘lamb burger’ , dessert and petit fours. Every single dish was beautifully presented and the flavour combinations were simply incredible. These are matched perfectly with the wine chosen by head sommelier Mickael who it was a pleasure to meet. This really was a team at the top of their game and now I just cannot wait to come back for the full evening experience. If you haven’t been to A.Wong yet then I would highly recommend you do so. This is Chinese food like you’ve never tasted before and the service is excellent so my recommendation is to Book Now. Many Thanks to Andrew and his team for a fantastic dining experience and look forward to seeing you again soon. "
"Probably still the best Chinese restaurant in London but not quite as good as before. "
"We tried about 16 dishes. scallop with crispy pastry and iberico pork (millefeiulle ish) was really yummy, but honestly, everything else was just ok. Really disappointed. Prefer the Royal China, even with its terrible service, long queues etc - but the food there is brilliant."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £52.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
70 Wilton Rd, London, SW1V 1DE
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 5:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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