Restaurants

Despite its location in an isolated area of post-industrial E16, Yi-Ban has managed to attract a loyal following since it opened a few years ago. During the day its a popular dim sum destination, offering fantastic views of the Royal Albert Dock and London City Airport. At night the elegant first-floor dining room is transformed by multicoloured lighting and translucent white fabric into a much more lively affair, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when meals are accompanied by jazz music. There are three menus. The first, available until 5pm, deals with dim sum, offering competently prepared standards such as siu mai and prawn cheung fun. The second covers Anglo-Chinese favourites, including sweet and sour pork, while a third (which weve always had to request specifically) offers more unusual choices. Double-steamed daily, the intensely flavoured lai tong (house soup) proved a refreshing appetiser. Other highlights included wonderfully fragrant steamed king prawn with Chinese wine, and some moist, juicy quay fay chicken, served cold and on the bone. Service has improved immensely since the restaurants opening; our tea cups were regularly refilled, even though the place was busy.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008