Royal China Club

This flagship branch of the Royal China chain might have doubled in size thanks to a four-month renovation in the summer of 2018 but compared to its huge siblings, it still feels intimate; instead of one large dining room, the restaurant is split into two, while five new private dining rooms benefit from natural light. The new look is slick without being intimidatingly stylish: gold leaf on the ceiling, red lacquer on the wall and enough black leather seating to make the restaurant smell like a luxury stand at the Beijing Motor Show. 

While rivals in this price bracket might concentrate on innovating regional Chinese cuisine, Royal China Club’s approach is to stick to the classics, but using premium ingredients: fresh abalone tossed with caviar, pan-fried scallop with foie gras, or a grilled Wagyu fillet in teriyaki sauce.

If the size of the bill isn’t a concern, you will eat very well here, although more budget-minded diners may not feel that the high prices are worth paying for dishes that are not dissimilar to the Baker Street Royal China a few doors down: £22.80 for a basket of eight seafood dim sum struck us as very steep, no matter how well made the contents.

Elsewhere, soft-shell crab with salt and peppercorn was well timed and well spiced, Szechuan king prawns had noticeably fresh seafood in a well-balanced sauce (though purists may wish for more chilli heat); while roasted crispy Iberian pork belly was a faultless version of a classic dish.

Staff are delightful, and even early in the week, there is a loyal market of regulars happy to pay Royal China Club’s prices for a comfortingly reassuring dining experience. If price is a concern, daytime dim sum offers a relatively more affordable way in.

Royal China Club offers refined Cantonese cuisine and exceptional dim sum in the heart of Marylebone, London.

Located on Baker Street, Royal China Club is the flagship of the Royal China Group, nestled in one of London’s most vibrant and upscale neighbourhoods. Just a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Street, the restaurant is ideally placed for both leisurely lunches and elegant evening meals.

Royal China Club blends traditional Chinese culinary artistry with modern luxury, offering an elevated dining experience in the heart of London. Inside, the décor is elegant and contemporary, with gold leaf ceilings, red lacquered walls, and private dining rooms that add a touch of luxury. The atmosphere is refined yet welcoming, making it a favourite for business lunches, family gatherings, and special occasions.

The menu showcases premium Chinese cuisine, with a particular focus on Cantonese specialities and Hong Kong-style dishes. Renowned for its dim sum, Royal China Club serves delicate parcels of flavour such as scallop dumplings, crispy prawn rolls, and char siu buns, all crafted with precision and flair. The à la carte selection includes Peking duck, lobster with ginger and spring onion, and wagyu beef with black pepper sauce, reflecting the kitchen’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and sophisticated presentation.

Vegetarian options and seafood dishes are plentiful, and the restaurant also offers seasonal menus and chef’s specials that highlight regional Chinese flavours. The wine list is carefully curated to complement the bold and nuanced dishes, while the service is known for being efficient and attentive.

Royal China Club is a standout destination for those seeking authentic Chinese flavours in a polished London setting. With its impeccable service and beautifully plated dishes, the restaurant sets the standard for upscale Chinese dining in London.