Yauatcha City

With its polished interiors, tightly choreographed service, and high-end Cantonese menus, Yauatcha City bears all the hallmarks of the Tao Group playbook. Primely placed within the foodie hub of Broadgate Circle, it remains a firm favourite amongst the well-heeled City crowds, even a decade after its launch.

By day, we imagine that the sweeping glass facade floods the space with natural light, but by night Yauatcha provides a front row seat to the bright lights and bustle of the circle below. The seamlessly ending dining room is low lit, a curved window that follows the contours of the building, anchored by a bar and open kitchen. Tables are closely packed, spotlit against a moody backdrop, with waves of guests keeping a constant buzz throughout the evening.

Dumplings are the main attraction and, frankly, a non-negotiable when it comes to ordering. Drunken chicken and prawn wontons are incredibly moreish; plump parcels arrive swimming in a deeply rich sesame sauce and topped with cashews, peanuts and a healthy scatter of sesame seeds. Cheung fun may look understated at first glance, but the fatty chunks of honey-roasted pork encased in silky rice noodle rolls are a standout. They're served with a flourish, doused in soy and sliced at the table, providing the perfect balance of sweetness against the salinity.

A duck salad brings a touch more theatre to the evening. Crispy chunks of meat are shredded tableside, mixed through with salad leaves, and the sweet, citrussy bursts of pomelo wedges and pomegranate seeds that help cut through the intensity.

Not every detail lands perfectly. A seasonal Spicy Apricot Margarita promises heat but arrives topped with an unexpected cream that muddles the drinks balance. A Lychee Ginger Collins, however, is bright and well-judged, a pleasingly refreshing combination of gin and ginger that hits the mark.

A meal here could quickly become expensive, especially after multiple rounds of dim sum. But with its confident cooking and lively atmosphere, Yauatcha remains a delightfully dependable spot in the city.

Nestled in the heart of the City, in the vibrant Broadgate Circle, Yauatcha is a Cantonese, dim sum tea house, the second London site from the Tao Group who had previously conquered India and Saudi Arabia, with this high-end dining experience.

Sleek and sophisticated areas are befitting of this City location, with high-top tables and chairs set against floor-to-ceiling windows that drench the space in natural lighting. An open kitchen sits at the heart of the restaurant, allowing guests to watch as a skilful brigade of chefs hurry about preparing each plate. Come Summer, Yauatcha offers an al fresco retreat for those looking to drink and dine in the sun.

When it comes to the food, Yauatcha City brings its signature Cantonese flavours, offering ever-changing menus packed full of dim sum and those straight out the wok. Start with the likes of cucumber salad, spicy sesame noodles or drunken chicken, before moving on to steamed dim sum, available as individual portions or as part of a platter. Opt for edamame truffle dumplings, blue swimmer crab siew long bao or spicy pork szechuan wontons. Mains span seafood, meat and veggie options, offering something for all dietary requirements, with kung pao chicken, crispy prawns and mapo tofu with soy mince.

Elsewhere, you’ll find three signature set menus, for those looking to get a true taste of the Yauatcha experience. For those looking to pop in for a brunch with a difference, the ‘Infinite Yum Cha’ menu offers something a bit different. Diners can expect a strawberry spiced Margarita on arrival, followed by unlimited dim sum and bao, as well as mains of sweet and spicy cod curry or stir-fried beef in a black bean sauce. Finish off with souffle pancakes, or upgrade to include one of Yauatcha’s selected wines.

Drinks span iced teas, wines, and an extensive selection of cocktails, so you're sure to find the perfect pairing for your dishes.