Cooking and restaurants are in Amy Poon’s blood. The Poon family ran the legendary Chinatown restaurant Poon's from 1976 until its closure in 2003, and though Amy always swore she wouldn’t follow in their footsteps, she eventually took the helm of the family business when her parents retired in 2006. ‘I always said I would never go into the family business,’ she reflects. ‘For over twenty years, I succeeded in staying away, but maybe food is in my blood. What chance does one stand against kismet?’
Amy worked hard to forge her own path away from the restaurant. For 25 years, she built a career in PR and advertising, living in Japan and Singapore while raising a family. Yet, no matter how far she strayed, cooking remained central to her life. Memories of her mother’s dishes stayed with her, shaping her tastes as she travelled and worked abroad.
In 2018, Amy returned to London, and found she could no longer ignore her culinary heritage. Since then, she has spearheaded a new era for Poon’s, reviving the family’s tradition of producing exceptional wind-dried Chinese meats, alongside soy sauce, chilli oil, and other condiments that have earned acclaim. That journey culminated in 2025 with the opening of a new restaurant - Poon's at Somerset House - the first permanent Poon’s in London since the original closed in 2003.
As the flagship of Somerset House’s new food offering, Poon’s at Somerset House joins the likes of Imad Alarnab’s Aram in the building’s New Wing. The space is glamorous yet welcoming, and the cooking - elegant and precise - has drawn praise from critics and diners alike. Poon’s at Somerset House is a worthy successor to the original.
All of which is to say: Amy’s restaurant knowledge runs deep, so we couldn’t wait to find out which spots she loves most. Read on for her recommendations, including a few Chinatown favourites.
Clarke's, Notting Hill
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Amy says: ‘Oasis of calm and comfort – brings up the sentiment from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” when Holly Golightly says “nothing can go wrong at Tiffany’s,” - it’s the same at Clarke’s. Assured of good service, excellent produce cooked with elegance and respect - a timeless, grown-up place.’
Where: 122 Kensington Church Street, W8 4BH
Book now: Clarke's
Pastaio, Soho
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Amy says: ‘Fun and fabulous. Simply the best lobster pasta in town with a wonderful range of seasonal small plates as well as exceptional pasta dishes. Extremely well priced, energetic and supremely satisfying.’
Where: 19 Ganton Street, W1F 9BN
Book now: Pastaio
Royal China Club, Marylebone
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Amy says: ‘My go-to for dim sum. I like that it is somewhat calmer than Chinatown. The dim sum is delicate and fine and the dishes are always thoughtful and well-presented.’
Where: 40-42 Baker Street, W1U 7AJ
Book now: Royal China Club
Four Seasons, Soho
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Amy says: ’No nonsense, no fuss, hits the spot every time for Cantonese roast duck and rice. What it lacks in atmosphere and decor, it makes up for with delicious roast meats.’
Where: 23 Wardour Street, W1D 5PR
Book now: Four Seasons
Oliveto, Belgravia
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Amy says: ‘I have recently rediscovered Oliveto which has moved to the former site of Olivocarne, following a kitchen fire. Mauro, the owner, is omnipresent. Something for everyone - from pizzas to a very fine veal chop. Just easy, a little local and old school - I like that.’
Where: 49 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9PP
Book now: Oliveto
Get more restaurant recommendations from the likes of Roberta Hall-McCarron, Adam Byatt and Jeremy Lee.