Park Chinois

The symbol of Chinese fine dining in London

Park Carbonara, Inaniwa Udon, Sea Urchin, 65˚Organic Egg and Guanciale

There are not that many fine dining Chinese restaurants in London and a good one is even rarer. Located in the luxury area of Mayfair, Park Chinois is a contemporary fine dining Chinese restaurant and it has prestige written all over it. The decor is inspired by the 30s era of Shanghai which had deep influences by both the British and the French empires, a time when the rich and lavish lifestyle of the high society has transformed into Park Chinois. Together with the classy live music and the well-dressed front of house staff, Park Chinois won't look out of place in a Bond's movie. The a la carte menu is heavily focusing in Cantonese cuisine, with a touch of western twist and plenty of luxury ingredients, such as wagyu beef and caviar.

Shu mai

Har gau

Soft Shell Crab, Chilli and Curry Leaf

Jasmine Tea Smoked Chilean Wagyu Beef

Potted Rice with Japanese Squash and French Chestnut

We opted for a selection of dishes from its a la carte menu, the starter of jasmine tea smoked Chilean Wagyu beef was sensational. The floral and smoky aroma had a fine balance, the meat cuts like butter and had a lovely melting texture. The grilled black cod in yuzu could easily rival the signature black cod dish from Nobu, the fish was so flaky with the soy added so much umami taste, along with a lovely sweet and sour aftertaste from the pickled mooli. The Spanish carabineros was a creative and impactful dish, it was loaded with so much rich and earthy flavours from the prawn roe and sea urchins, the rose wine steamed egg added a touch of sweet and creamy taste that matched so well with the seafood, it was exquisite and original. The good kept on coming with the main of grilled Poulet de Bresse, it was so tender and cooked to perfection, the nutty and robust flavours from the turmeric sauce were heavenly, a really well-executed chicken dish.

Grilled Black Cod in Yuzu and Soya Sauce, Pickled Mooli and Pomelo

Spanish Carabineros with Sea Urchin, Peppers and Steamed Egg

Grilled Poulet de Bresse in Ginger and Tumeric Sauce

Grilled Dry-Aged Irish Rib-Eye 35 Days, Black Pepper and King Soya

Pâte Sucrée, Lemon Custard, Italian Meringue, Gold Leaf

Park Chinois surprised me, the cooking was really top-notch, the creativeness also made it exciting with some very unusual dishes that you won't normally get from a Chinese restaurant. Judging from what I have encountered, the quality of the cooking really deserves a Michelin star. The service was also decent, our waiter really knows everything about the menu and every dishes were delivered at a steady pace. However, the prime location of the restaurant, along with the stunning decor and great food, does come at a pretty heavy price. Most dishes in the mains session would set you back £40 and a whole duck would cost close to the £100 mark, a very premium price indeed.


Food 4/5

What I paid: 
£125 per head with a cocktail

Average cost without drinks and services:
£80

17 Berkeley St, Mayfair, London W1J 8EA

https://parkchinois.com/