Harden's survey result
Summary
This “atmospheric Cantonese restaurant in the Dorchester” was designed by the late Sir David Tang 20 years ago, and “whisks you to 1930s Shanghai when you walk in”. “One of the finest Chinese restaurants in London”, its menu lists “some mind-boggling but expensive dishes”, such as Japanese size 18 abalone at £388 or Peking duck with 125 grams of Kristal caviar at £480. Dip your toe in the water with the dim sum menu (which is served in the evenings as well as at lunchtimes). Or, from late 2024, pop into the Harrods Food Halls, where there’s a new ‘China Tang’ stall.
Summary
“Gorgeous” decor taking inspiration from 1930s Shanghai (particularly in the marvellous, small cocktail bar) has always won admiration for this deluxe basement (originally created by the late Sir David Tang). When it opened in 2005, it was a pioneer of serving dim sum at any time of day, but there’s also a full menu offering blow-out dishes to share for £200-£300 including Peking duck with caviar, suckling pig, abalone and seafood hotpot. Complaints about pricing were absent this year, and praise for the cuisine and “romantic” atmosphere on the up.
Summary
The late Sir David Tang’s take on 1930s Shanghai in the basement of this famous hotel divides opinion: some praise its “sublime food” including “wonderful Peking duck” (with the option of caviar) and other luxurious dishes to share (such as suckling pig or abalone) for £200-£300; others complain of “crazy prices” for “average meals” that are “no better than the standard Cantonese”. On the plus side, the more affordable dim sum selection is available in the evening as well at lunchtime, and plenty of guests have a good time (to the point one reporter found it “rowdy”). Top Tip – plan on a cocktail in the superbly atmospheric bar.
Summary
Although the late Sir David Tang’s recreation of Art Deco-era Shanghai in the basement of this famous five-star continues to inspire mention of its ‘arm-and-a-leg’ prices, even those who noted its “eye watering expense” this year thought a trip here was “worth it”. In fact, reporters have become more appreciative in recent years of its classic Cantonese offering, which includes dim sum at both lunch and dinner (the best bet for keeping the bill manageable). In the afternoon, there is also the option of a Cantonese Afternoon Tea. If you want to check it out, start with a cocktail in the superbly evocative bar.
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 China Tang, Dorchester Hotel?
53 Park Ln, London, W1K 1QA
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £50.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
53 Park Ln, London, W1K 1QA
Opening hours
| Monday | 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑5 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
Best Chinese restaurants nearby
Chinese restaurant in Mayfair
Chinese restaurant in Mayfair
Chinese restaurant in Mayfair
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Mayfair
Fish & seafood restaurant in Mayfair
Peruvian restaurant in Mayfair
