Yauatcha

Description:

• This Asian eatery is a showcase for Alan Yau, who won Britain's first Michelin star for his Chinese cooking at London's Hakkasan. This is a more informal dim sum outlet where service is casual, and it's so popular you're practically rushed through your meal to make way for newly arriving patrons. But the food is worth it if you don't mind a slight hassle. The ground floor is a chic teahouse and patisserie, and the restaurant is in the basement. Dim sum, among the finest in London, is served for both lunch and dinner. The roast venison dim sum is spectacular. The prawn and date dumplings literally melt in your mouth. Other notable specialties include har gau -- scallops and prawns with fish eggs or a pan-fried bean curd roll with prawns and yellow chives. The uniforms of the waiters are by Tim Yip, who won an Oscar for art direction in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010