Hakkasan

Zargel

totally overrated 25th October 2009

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Good food and nice atmosphere.
But totally overpriced. What a pretentious rip-off!

Is there no other way in London to have good food?!

Litro_K

Special occasion worthy 28th August 2009

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I was surprised with a birthday dinner here this week and had a stupendous time. I can safely say it was one of the loveliest London outings I've ever had.

Ok, that was definitely at down to my company for the evening, but everything from the scent of the jasmine incense wafting up the stairs upon entry, the greeters at the front of the restaurant, the fresh flowers on the (incredible) cocktails, to the food itself, not to mention the dark wood and sexy low lighting everywhere - really impressed me.

We began with a drink at the impressively stocked bar (nice tactic, Hakkasan) and drank in the ambience along with a Purple Emperor and White Buffalo (both lip-smackingly good). The place was buzzing; some business types, some families, some couples - good for people watching!

Food-wise, we started with the dim sum platter and sweetcorn soup. The 8 dim sum were filling, each one better than the last. The sweetcorn soup was a far cry from the usual glutinous goop served in takeaways and lesser restaurants. Mains were wolf fish and claypot-cooked king prawns with taro and black beans. Seafood definitely seems to be the strong suit here, but next time I'd love to try out the dim sum menu.

We were far too full for dessert, and I was glad I'd plumped for a starter instead, although the sound of chocolate ganache, morello cherry sorbet and praline mousse did have me tingling...maybe next time I'll leave room!

A very lovely place with a spectacular vibe and memorably good food and cocktails. I would wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone with a special occasion coming up.

sootle

1st March 2009

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food is excellent especially the fish dishes. its pricey but worth it for a special occasion.

missynm

they got everything right 17th November 2008

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Yes its pretty pricey, but i'd say you definitely get what you pay for! An usual setting, Hakkasan is to be found down a side street of tottenham court road, very discreet. You are greeted at the door and make your way directly down steps into the basement of the building. Service is equally discreet but friendly and attentive. The way the restaurant is set out with decorative wooden screens separating the dining and bar areas work really well and even though the place is noisy (seating a couple of hundred people) the low lighting and choice of music creates a sense of privacy at your table. And the food completely matches up to the setting. The dim sum platters are great as is the clay pot poussin. I guess its possible some customers are pretentious types but if you pay attention to the environment that has been created rather than those sat at other tables i dont see why you wouldnt have a fabulous time. Perfect for a special occasion.

Weeboo

Dim sum, yum! 29th August 2008

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This is by far one of the best dim sum restaurants I've tried in London. I cannot recommend the food enough. My mouth is watering right now as I type this *grin*.

The surroundings are suitably trendy, with an almost nightclub feel. Its lively and tends to get very loud in there. A good venue choice for a social night out with workmates or a hen party.

Regrettably, the service can feel overstretched or inattentive. Last time I dined here I waited over half an hour for the food to arrive after it had been ordered, and that was only after nudging the waiter. Considering how pricey the menu is, they could do more to improve the service.

gerrymc

Best Chinese ever 19th September 2007

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Took my lady out for a birthday meal.

Dim Sum to start was exceptional as where the Jasmine tea smoked ribs I had. Singapore Roast Chicken & Sha-Cha rib-eye beef where both exceptional. Highly recommended but not a weekly expense!

shelo9

When you feel like being spoilt... 5th May 2007

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Cocktails are good. My main meal was not amazing but i think that was due to bad luck that night. Arrived early so the staff let us sit in the bar and then they called us when the table was ready. You have to leave by a certain time, but it was ample enough time for us.

My friend's meal was good. The atmosphere is black and trendy but sometimes its nice to have that vibe in your life. Book in advance, dress fabulously and remember that its going to be an expensive night and you will love it.

Hugo

Would rather not go back 23rd April 2007

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Not my cup of tea. I thought it was rather over-trumped, try hard and pretentious. I debated whether to give it one star or two.

The food was average and I thought that the noisy bar/ nightclub feel was rather irksome.

Quite amusing for people watching but looking round I realised that it was more curiosity/ horror rather than genuine interest. There were a surprising number of families where it looked like the parents were trying to impress the kids with their trendyness. There were also a suprising number of couples, who mostly seemed more interested in seeing who was looking at them.

I should think that some people would love this place and the surroundings but not me.

I fear I sound a bit like a grumpy old codger.

qwghlm

7th March 2007

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Cool decor, the food is great and the cocktails superb. But beware the prices; it's best to save this for when you want to impress someone, or you don't have to foot the bill.

maisaac

19th February 2007

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Well documented and popular but lives up to the hype with tasty treats and cool cocktails. One of my favorites in London.