5 Places for Indoor Drinks and Dining in Chinatown

May 17th is fast approaching which means goodbye to rainy reservations and hello to indoor drinks and dining galore. Keen to eat and drink out again? Here are five great places for indoor drinks and dining in Chinatown. These restaurants and bars are back to serve you authentic ESEA drinks and dishes in the comfort of the dining rooms we have missed the most.

1) C&R Cafe

Tucked away on Rupert Street – just past the Chinatown Gate, is the unassuming C&R Cafe restaurant. A family run Malaysian establishment, bringing the authentic flavours of Malaysian cuisine to the streets of London’s West End.

The large food menu boasts a whole selection of traditional dishes, showcasing the finest Laksas, noodle dishes and street food faves.  Drink like a local, too, by testing their specialty drinks including sweet Chrysanthemum Teas, Seaweed Jelly Drink, Bubble Teas and superior Luo Han Guo.

2. Evelyn’s Table

Another hidden gem, set back from the hustle and bustle of London’s West End is nestled in the basement of The Blue Posts pub – Evelyn’s Table.  The eleven-seat kitchen bar feels exclusive and high end without the crippling prices. This intimate spot serves Southern European small plates and an ever evolving menu, combining their love of British produce, Japanese techniques with classic French training. Their short and sharp wine list is just as carefully curated – selecting wines and sakes to complement each dish.

3. Misato

Misato is the go-to Japanese restaurant in London’s West End, with their casual, no-frills, canteen-style surroundings and their big portions at reasonable prices. 

If you’re a fan of sushi, bento boxes and Japanese curries you certainly won’t be disappointed. The Chicken Katsu Curry is a firm foodie favourite, enjoy with your pick of their selection of Japanese beverages such as Asahi or Sake.

4. Orient London

In the heart of Chinatown on Wardour Street, Orient is a truly traditional Cantonese restaurant serving dishes that are prepared the way you would find them in Guangdong. Tuck into their freshly folded dim sum made by the dedicated dim sum chef or opt for one of their many seafood dishes – the real stars of the show at Orient. Try the fried soft shell crab with chilli & pepper or the sizzling pop of their Squid with Ginger and Spring Onion, or their mouth-watering signature Fresh Lobster.

5. Opium

Cool and quirky cocktail bar Opium should be at the top of your bucket list for places to visit, serving the elite combination of dim sum, cocktails and tea. A brand new cocktail menu comprised of unique mixes and flavours will be available from May 17th. Don’t miss out on these tempting tipples – such as the “Chasing the Dragon” cocktail; Aperol, Pisco El Gobernador, Kumquat & Chilli Cordial, Pineapple & Chilli Jelly and Franklin & Sons Pineapple and Cardamom Tonic.

Follow @chinatownlondon on Instagram to find out about more of the restaurants and their offerings. Tag us in your food snaps – we’ll be sharing our favourites!