Restaurants

A glamorous institution in its late 20th-century heyday, Mr Chow still draws a pedigree crowd. Its chic interior has a retro elegance thats offset by modern art on the walls. The food may be Chinese, but the waiters are Italian, theres a champagne trolley and you can have tiramisu for dessert. The unusually short menu is geared towards Western palates, but is nevertheless competently executed. Salt and pepper prawns were salty and crisp, topped with a moreish combination of spring onions, sliced chilli and fried garlic. Shanghai little dragon buns were innocent-looking small steamed parcels that burst to release hot savoury stock and a beautifully moist porky filling delicious. Glazed pork comprised two small, wonderfully tender and sweet cubes of pork belly. Gamblers duck (better known as crispy aromatic duck) was also excellent, and notable for the translucent pancakes with which it was served. Mr Chow has everything you would expect from dining in Knightsbridge: smartly appointed surroundings, slick service, dependably good food and elevated prices.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008