Park Chinois Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

Park Chinois: Mayfair's Most Theatrical Chinese Experience

Where 1930s Shanghai decadence meets modern Michelin-starred mixology

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Jacques Garcia's lavish interiors immediately transport you to 1930s Shanghai, with rich red decor and velvet-draped luxury that screams special occasion. The venue cleverly splits its personality across two floors: the ground-floor Salon de Chine offers intimate fine dining with live jazz creating a sophisticated backdrop, while the basement Club Chinois transforms into a full theatrical cabaret space Wednesday through Saturday nights. With sophistication scoring 9.5/10 and energy levels hitting 7.8/10, this isn't your casual Tuesday night spot. The space handles larger groups well (8.5/10 for social group size) but maintains an opulent, almost decadent atmosphere that feels genuinely unique in London's crowded dining scene. The theatrical elements aren't just decoration—they're integral to the experience, creating what the venue aptly describes as 'Shanghai decadence' in the heart of Mayfair.

Food & Drink

Chef Lee Liang's refined Chinese cuisine centers around the venue's claim to fame: a 72-hour roasted Duck de Chine that comes with theatrical tableside presentation. The menu spans premium dim sum, Wagyu beef short ribs, black cod with yuzu, lobster shumai, and seasonal truffle dishes—clearly targeting the luxury end of Chinese dining. Sharing menus cater to groups of four or more, while weekday set lunch offers a more accessible entry point at £29. Weekend champagne brunch commands £120 per person, positioning this firmly in special-occasion territory. The Michelin-starred cocktails deserve particular mention, elevating the beverage program beyond typical restaurant offerings. With an OpenTable rating of 4.6/5 from 756 reviews, diners consistently praise the 'amazing food' alongside the ambiance. The Cantonese and seafood focus, combined with premium ingredients like Wagyu, suggests serious culinary ambition rather than theatrical gimmickry.

Service & Experience

With 756 OpenTable reviews consistently highlighting 'excellent service' alongside the food and ambiance, Park Chinois clearly invests heavily in staff training. The venue offers private dining options and manages the complex transition from elegant dining to vibrant late-night entertainment with DJs and live performances. Given the theatrical nature of signature dishes like the Duck de Chine, service becomes part of the show rather than just functional support. The fact that they successfully operate two distinct experiences—intimate upstairs dining and basement cabaret—suggests well-coordinated service teams who understand the venue's dual personality.

Value for Money

At price level 4/4, Park Chinois demands serious investment—expect £120+ per person for the full experience. The weekend champagne brunch at £120 per person sets clear expectations about positioning. However, the weekday set lunch at £29 provides a more accessible entry point to experience the venue and cuisine. Despite premium pricing being noted as a concern, the 4.6/5 rating suggests most diners feel they receive value for the outlay. You're paying for the complete package: refined cuisine, theatrical presentation, live entertainment, Michelin-starred cocktails, and Jacques Garcia's opulent interiors. The 'worth-the-splurge' tag seems accurate—this isn't everyday dining, but for special occasions, the investment buys an genuinely unique experience in London's luxury dining landscape.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Book Salon de Chine at 6pm for optimal golden hour lighting, then transition to Club Chinois for the full cabaret experience. Wednesday through Saturday nights offer the complete theatrical transformation, while weekday lunches provide a more subdued introduction at £29. The venue operates Tuesday through Saturday, 12pm-12am for dining and until 1am for the bar.

What to Focus On

The 72-hour roasted Duck de Chine is non-negotiable—it's the venue's signature with theatrical tableside presentation. For groups of four or more, the sharing menus showcase the kitchen's range. Don't skip the Michelin-starred cocktails, and consider premium options like Wagyu beef short ribs or lobster shumai for the full luxury experience.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The venue is just 3 minutes from Green Park station, making it surprisingly accessible despite the Mayfair locationTwo distinct experiences exist under one roof—book upstairs for intimate dining, but the real 'boss fight experience' happens in the basement Club ChinoisWeekend champagne brunch at £120pp represents the venue at its most decadent, while weekday set lunch offers a £29 entry point to experience the cuisine and interiors

The Final Verdict

Park Chinois succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: create an immersive theatrical dining experience that justifies its premium pricing. The 1930s Shanghai theme never feels gimmicky because the food quality, cocktail program, and service execution match the opulent setting. Yes, you'll pay handsomely for the privilege, but the combination of refined Chinese cuisine, live entertainment, and genuinely stunning interiors creates something rare in London's dining scene. The dual-floor concept works remarkably well, offering both intimate fine dining and cabaret spectacle under one roof. While the premium pricing limits accessibility, those willing to invest receive a complete entertainment experience rather than just a meal.

Christoff's Rating:

8.2/10

Perfect For:

Special occasion diners seeking theatrical luxuryGroups of 4+ wanting to share premium Chinese cuisineDate night enthusiasts who appreciate live jazz and opulent settings

Park Chinois

Park Chinois

Christoff's Take

Park Chinois: Mayfair's Most Theatrical Chinese Experience

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

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