Chinese New Year 2026: 20 celebratory menus to try at some of London's best restaurants

Chinese New Year in London just happens to be the biggest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside of Asia, so we’re pretty confident in saying this isn’t one to miss if you love all the pomp and majesty that goes along with international celebrations.

2026 brings with it the Year of the Horse, which is all about energy, opportunity and breakthrough. More specifically, each Chinese Zodiac year has a corresponding element within the cycle and on 17 February 2026, we enter the Year of the Fire Horse. So, what does all this mean? You might see fresh opportunities, in both your personal and professional life, and you can expect to experience a faster pace of life - be it periods of rapid change, bold steps forward, or a general feeling of being in motion, rather than standing still. Hold tight!

Aside from the fascinating folklore that surrounds Chinese New Year in London, there are also plenty of events, restaurant deals and entertaining acts to seek out. Chinatown is set to be the focus of the celebrations, with thousands due to gather in London's West End to witness the parade. But no celebration would be complete without somewhere to eat and, as luck would have it, plenty of London's top restaurants are putting out speciality menus that'll run throughout the entire celebration - so you could definitely try more than one!

We've rounded up our favourite celebratory menus across the capital, combining that with all the information you could need to know for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations - including dates, parades and the Trafalgar Square festivities. The restaurants are a mix of high end spots and cheap and cheerful Chinese restaurants, so there should be something for every occasion.

When is Chinese New Year 2026 in London?

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday 17 February 2026. It’s nearly always celebrated on the rising of the second new moon following the winter solstice, which makes it a movable feast, a bit like Easter in the Christian calendar. Across Asia the celebrations last 16 days, with seven of those days typically gifted as national holidays. 

Chinese New Year parade London 2026

What better way to kick off the Year of the Horse than with the traditional Chinatown parade? Lion Dances are set to make their way through the streets to mark the occasion - this is one that you won't want to miss!

London's Chinatown hosts the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia, with Lion Dances ready to make their way through the city's Chinese quarter on Sunday 22 February. Expect everything from beautiful red lanterns, to special craft food stalls, as the dancers stop by restaurants to wish the owners good luck. The parade is always a popular event, so make sure to get there early and bag a good spot, as the streets quickly get busy come procession day. There are usually regular performances passing by, so don’t be disheartened if you only see the tail end (if you’ll pardon the pun) of one as there should be another along shortly. 

Chinese New Year Trafalgar Square celebrations 2026

An honoured tradition, Trafalgar Square is the place to be - outside of Chinatown of course - if you’re wanting to ring in the new year. Be sure to get the date in your diary and celebrate amongst the crowds with food stalls and a number of different performances.

Once you've kicked off the celebrations in Chinatown, head over to Trafalgar Square to continue the party. Every year, the area becomes swarmed with free stage shows, showcasing everything from martial arts displays, to traditional dances, to Chinese pop performances. There are also often additional supporting performances on stages on Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. 

Celebrating with the whole family? Leicester Square is the family zone, with plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained, including arts, crafts and dressing up. As the evening closes in, the night sky will be lit up with colourful fireworks and techno Lion Dances.

The events in Trafalgar Square and around the West End are usually free and unticketed, so expect large crowds. And after you're finished with the celebrations, be sure to check out one of these Chinese restaurants nearby!

What’s the difference between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year?

When speaking about them in the context of the wide-spread celebrations across Asia each year, they’re effectively the same thing but have different names according to various people’s stance. Outside of China it can come across as offensive to celebrate ‘Chinese New Year’ specifically when so many other cultures across Asia follow a lunar calendar, and so celebrate their new year at the same moment. There are of course similarities across some aspects of the celebrations, but with countries like Vietnam, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia all celebrating, there are also marked differences in traditions.

There has also recently been controversy over labelling the celebrations as Lunar New Year at all, as some other religions and cultures – including Jewish and Muslim people - use a lunar system and some think it’s insensitive to those groups to use a blanket term that doesn't reference their celebrations.

Best Chinese New Year restaurants in London

It’s no surprise to any one that London’s restaurant scene is taking the festivities by storm and creating speciality dishes for the Year of the Horse. From fine dining set menus to classic dim sum and bao, take a dive into these celebratory menus launching across the capital.

Park Chinois, Mayfair

What: Park Chinois is a lavish Mayfair restaurant, which takes inspiration from 1930s Shanghai speakeasies. Each year they offer an unbeatable Chinese New Year feast, and so far, they've teased a special edition menu and golden lychene fortune fritters for 2026. Keep your eyes peeled for more to come - their combination of plush interiors, elevated dining, and live entertainment is not to be missed.
How much: TBC
Where: 17 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EA
Book now: Park Chinois

Noisy Oyster, Spitalfields

What: All mini Martinis and sustainable seafood, Noisy Oyster has become one of the hottest reservations in town, and this Chinese New Year they're teaming up with sAme sAme - a modern Thai restaurant heralding from Brisbane. The collaboration takes place on 17 and 18 February, with head chef Arte Assavakavinvong set to bring his fire-breathing, seafood-led Thai cooking to London. We have a feeling this will be a popular one, so gather a glamorous crew and book ahead for a decidedly chic start to the Year of the Fire Horse. 
How much: Four courses for £85 per person (extra £45 with drinks pairing)
Where: 2 Nicholls Clarke Yard, E1 6DB
Book now: Noisy Oyster

China Tang at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: This fine dining Chinese restaurant boasts dramatic, deco-style interiors, sharp service and peerless celeb-spotting opportunities – even supermodel Kate Moss is a fan. When it comes to the buzzy vibe, things are dialled up another notch come Chinese New Year, and this year, China Tang is celebrating with special dishes and traditional Lion Dances. Executive chef Chong Choi Fong has selected a series of ten dishes, each with a symbolic meaning, including a steamed dover sole to express abundance, and a British squab associated with good fortune.
How much: A la carte
Where: 53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Book now: China Tang at The Dorchester

Yauatcha, City & Soho

What: Kick off Chinese New Year with a welcome cocktail at Yauatcha, followed by a sophisticated four-course dinner. To start, enjoy steamed dim sum, before tucking into a duck claypot with brussel sprout and shimeji mushroom. Dessert is clementine with chilli and cacao, and drinks are made in partnership with Moet & Chandon Brut. Guests will also receive a red envelope with a surprise gift inside, and if you're after an extra sweet treat, Yauatcha is bringing back its beloved pineapple pastries for the occasion. 
How much: £98 per person including a welcome cocktail (minimum two guests)
Where: 15-17 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL; Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QS
Book now: Yauatcha Soho; Yauatcha City

Mimi Mei Fair, Mayfair

What: An elevated Chinese restaurant in the heart of Mayfair, Mimi Mei Fair brings a touch of luxury to Chinese New Year. From 5 February to 7 March, it is hosting an immersive experience inspired by the Year of the Fire Horse. The four-course sharing menu sees rock oysters doused in Sichuan sauce, and wok-baked lobster submerged in a hearty broth. In collaboration with Grey Goose Vodka, there will also be a limited-edition mini cocktail menu - expect superb Martinis - and a Wishing Tree visual installation, where guests are invited to share their intentions.
How much: £138 per person including cocktail pairing
Where: 55 Curzon Street, W1J 8PG
Book now: Mimi Mei Fair

Shanghai Me, Mayfair

What: Shanghai Me is a high-energy, Pan-Asian rooftop restaurant at the London Hilton on Park Lane, and a swanky space in which to celebrate Chinese New Year. This year, no expense has been spared - there's going to be live performances, seasonal dishes, and immersive decor. Oh, and it's a one-night-only affair, so get a table booked in for 18 February to avoid missing out!
How much: A la carte
Where: 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE
Book now: Shanghai Me

Hakkasan, Mayfair

What: This year, Hakkasan's Mayfair restaurant is going all out with a Chinese New Year installation featuring themed Chinese lanterns hanging above the staircase, a red arch welcoming guests at the entrance, and large fans and umbrellas displayed throughout the restaurant. The food is no less impressive. The four-course menu features king crab with scallop and water chestnut, grilled Australian tenderloin, and wok-seared sea bream. For dessert, there's a mandarin mousse, and drinks will be created in partnership with Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Champagne Billecart-Salmon. 
How much: £98 per person (minimum two guests)
Where: 17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB
Book now: Hakkasan

The Wolseley Piccadilly, St James's

What: The Wolseley Piccadilly is an iconic London restaurant, famed for its classic British cuisine and luxurious all day dining experience. This year, The Wolseley Piccadilly is celebrating Chinese New Year in style, with a limited-edition afternoon tea. Available from 16 February to 1 March, the menu nods to the building's past life as a Chinese restaurant, with classic offerings, like finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones, as well as a traditional mooncake and sparkling teas from Saicho.
How much: £46.50 including a limited-edition bake
Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB
Book now: The Wolseley Piccadilly

3 Gorges, Fitzrovia

What: Specialising in Chinese fine dining, 3 Gorges is putting on an impressive spread to mark Lunar New Year. The whopping nine-course set menu ranges from rainbow salad with salmon fillets, to sweet glutinous rice and butterscotch. In between, you'll get to enjoy steamed whole plaice with Chinese leaf and coriander, Scottish lobster with noodles, and corn-fed roasted chicken with XO sauce. 
How much: From £88 per person
Where: 36 Goodge Street, W1T 2QN
Book now: 3 Gorges

Mambow, Clapton

What: There's a whole host of exciting events happening at Mambow to celebrate Chinese New Year. A brand new menu inspired by the Lunar New Year is available now, with dishes like grilled celeriac skewers with persimmon sauce, and garlic fried chicken served with chicken fat chilli sauce. As part of their new Sunday cookout series, the Malaysian restaurant is also collaborating with Ta Ta Eatery for a seven-course set menu on 22 February. Expect steamed rice cake with caramelised onion, pomelo salad with prawn crackers, and lamb mixed grill - hearts, tongue, and all! 
How much: Chinese New Year menu is a la carte; Ta Ta Eatery set menu is £60 for seven courses
Where: 78 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0RN
Book now: Mambow

Carousel, Fitzrovia

What: At Carousel, Chinese New Year is a cause for collaboration. This year, they're calling on acclaimed chefs John Javier and Jackson Boxer to rustle up a flavourful, confident and creative menu for a five-day Chinese New Year residency. Expect dishes like monkfish and prawn siu mai with trout roe, bang bang chicken, poached squid in superior broth, burnt cabbage with fish sauce butter, and a rather delicious-sounding deep fried milk ice cream for dessert. Now, that's a menu we can get behind!
How much: £69.50 per person (extra £55 with wine pairing)
Where: 19-23 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RL
Book now: Carousel

Belly, Kentish Town

What: Chinese New Year is a time to feast, and to honour that, Belly will be dishing up a celebratory centrepiece of whole roasted duck, between 18 and 22 February. The platter is served with pink peppercorn and honey, alongside a variety of bold sides, including foie gras fried rice, adobo offal ragu, and BBQ plum with beetroot XO. There's only four ducks available each day, so be sure to pre-order!
How much: £160 per person
Where: 157 Kentish Town Road, NW1 8PD
Book now: Belly

Xi Home, Shoreditch

What: Specialising in Northern Chinese dumplings, Xi Home is celebrating Lunar New Year with a 'Golden Spring Feast' which launches on 17 February and runs until 16 March. The feast includes a selection of specially curated dishes, ranging from Spanish mackerel dumplings, to golden prawn sticks. There will also be an enoki and tofu salad, golden-coated sea bass bites, prosperity braised pork, and abundance sea bass with plum. For a sweet touch, they've also created cute hand-crafted Lion Dance Buns, made with authentic Northeastern Chinese pastry techniques and filled with custard and matcha. Yum!
How much: TBC
Where: 10 Blossom Street, E1 6PL
Book now: Xi Home

Duck & Waffle, City of London

What: From 16 to 20 February, Duck & Waffle is marking Chinese New Year with a delicious, limited edition menu. Start with a spread of small plates, like prawn crackers with crispy chilli oil, and smashed cucumbers. Later, move on to crispy duck confit pancakes, or plant-based pancakes with crispy oyster mushrooms. The Year of the Horse celebrations continue with dessert - your choice of duck egg custard tart with matcha ice cream, or rice pudding with poached rhubarb and honey. There will even be fortune cookies to round out the night! 
How much: Four courses for £40 per person
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Duck & Waffle

BAO, Various locations

What: Having started out as a small East London street food stall, BAO has become synonymous with London's top restaurants, having retained a Michelin Bib Gourmand at its Soho site for nine years. This year, you can taste their beloved cooking with a special Chinese New Year set menu, fittingly named the 'Dark Horse' menu. From 10 February to 26 February, the sharing menu will offer Taiwanese fried chicken, mushroom dumplings, salmon salad, chilli crab noodles, and of course, a bao of your choosing. 
How much: Five courses for £35 per person
Where: 53 Lexington Street, W1F 9AS; 1 Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ; Battersea Power Station, SW11 8DD
Book now: BAO Soho; BAO Shoreditch; BAO Battersea

Din Tai Fung, Various locations

What: Din Tai Fung has long been looked at as some of the best dumplings in London, with fans regularly willing to queue for their xiao long bao and salted egg yolk custard lava buns. This year's Year of the Fire Horse is being celebrated with an array of limited edition Lunar New Year specials. Available from 9 February to 22 February, there will be all manner of salads and sharers, like soy noodles, dynamite prawns, and prawn and egg fried rice with XO sauce. Each guest that spends over £180 will also receive a complimentary set of Din Tai Fung bespoke red pockets.  
How much: A la carte
Where: 5 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8PT; 11 St Giles Passage, WC2H 8AP; 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB
Book now: Din Tai Fung Covent Garden; Din Tai Fung Centre Point; Din Tai Fung Selfridges

HUO, Chelsea

What: Over in Chelsea, Pan-Asian restaurant HUO is galloping into the Year of the Horse with a whole host of limited edition dishes, centred around a luxurious dim sum basket, which includes chicken siu mai with XO sauce, prawn and truffle har gau, and aubergine and spinach dumplings. Elsewhere, you'll find crispy duck spring rolls, whole Dover sole, and much more. For all the classic favourites, done right, head to HUO this Chinese New Year. 
How much: From £11 to £44.20
Where: 9 Park Walk, SW10 0AJ
Book now: HUO

Mei Ume, Tower Hill

What: Right in the heart of the city, the Four Seasons Hotel London is entering the Chinese New Year with a ten-course tasting menu by in-house restaurant Mei Ume. Specialising in Chinese and Japanese food, Mei Ume has curated a set of special dishes, starting with a traditional prosperity salmon salad, followed by Iberico char siu, and finishing with a black sesame rice ball. If you fancy a sophisticated tipple, head to the hotel's Rotunda Bar & Lounge for a bespoke cocktail, and make a wish on the wishing tree at the bar!
How much: Ten courses for £128 per person
Where: 10 Trinity Square, EC3N 4AJ
Book now: Mei Ume

ULI, Notting Hill

What: Sister restaurant to the aforementioned HUO, ULI brings the food of the Chinese diaspora to Notting Hill. Available across both lunch and dinner, from 17 February to 3 March, their special Chinese New Year menu features warming dumplings, fresh whole Dover sole, and longevity noodles. As always, everything is made from scratch and designed to pair with the a la carte menu, so you can pick and choose whatever takes your fancy!
How much: From £11 to £44.20
Where: 5 Ladbroke Road, W11 3PA
Book now: ULI

Fatt Pundit, Covent Garden

What: To celebrate the red hues of the Lunar New Year, Fatt Pundit will be dishing up these limited-edition, bright red momos from their Covent Garden site between 17 to 22 February. Each one is filled with Sichuan chicken and infused with Sichuan peppercorns, served in a burnt butter with beetroot and smoked tomato sauce. We have no doubt that these will taste just as good as they look!
How much: A la carte
Where: 6 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA
Book now: Fatt Pundit Covent Garden

If you've got a hankering for Asian cuisine, you should check out the best Thai restaurants in London. Hungry for more? Here's some of the best set menus in London, and some more affordable tasting menus too.