Hakkasan

This incredibly popular restaurant and bar is fashionably tucked away in a back street off Tottenham Court Road. Housed in a dramatic basement at the bottom of an Indian slate stairwell, it's presided over by a doorman and attracts an adoring crowd with its dark, club-like atmosphere. The dazzling modern interior reflects the wealth of Chinese culture, with lots of black lacquer and red calligraphy, and delicate Balinese latticework used to divide up seating areas lit by low-slung spotlights. Add close-set, darkwood-polished tables and leather banquette seating, club-style music, a long bar and attentive, knowledgeable staff and the backdrop's set for some exceptional Chinese cuisine. The lengthy menu is built on Cantonese foundations, with influences from other regions, and includes a dim sum selection (available lunchtime only) as well as a range of 'small eat' snacks, and a handful of specials requiring 24-hour notice, such as braised supreme dried whole Japanese abalone with morels and sea cucumber, or whole Peking duck with Royal Beluga caviar and baby cucumber. There are old favourites too, often with a twist, and distinguished by first-class ingredients, dazzling technique and plenty of flair. And if all that weren't enough, the cocktail list is great too: an enticing array of tipples that includes Jasmine FonFon, The Long Dragon, and the intriguingly named Green Destiny. Not to be missed.

From station take exit 2, then 1st left, 1st right, restaurant straight ahead
Nearest station: Tottenham Court Rd

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