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Hakkasan was sold to an Abu Dhabi-based company by Alan Yau in January 2008, but so far, it seems it's business as usual; Mr Yau is still involved in the day-to-day running of the restaurant. And eating at Hakkasan is still a glamorous affair. Getting past the bouncer might puff up your ego a bit, and the sense of occasion will only be reinforced when you slide into the moody 1930s Shanghai-style basement dining room. Tables are separated by geometric wooden screens, the lighting is low, and diners tend to be fashionable or on expense accounts. Stop at the bar for a cocktail or go straight for the food, which is exceptional ‘creative Chinese’ (as our server put it). Braised Duke of Berkshire pork belly in a clay pot was typical: perfectly cooked, top-notch ingredients. Deep-fried soft-shell crab had been beautifully spiked with chillies; hot and sour soup, with abalone and tofu, was far more delicate than its Chinatown counterparts. Pi pa duck had the crispest of skin in a classy spiced plum sauce; and braised tofu in broth was a study in textural contrasts, with smooth deep-fried own-made beancurd juxtaposed with rubbery fungi and expertly cooked spinach. This is sophisticated and thought-provoking Chinese-inspired food, and must qualify as one of the chicest nights out in the capital. Our top tip though is to go at lunchtime, ask for the dim sum menu (and you do have to ask), and you can feast for under £20 per head.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
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I'm Romain, a 20 years old french guy who's just arrived in town. I'm here for working, actually it's an internship, part of my engineering...
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After being asked to pay 40 pounds per head for late cancellation - of my reservation - I politely but decidedly cancelled my reservation. Hakkasan is unfortunately losing it, not just overpriced. The food is generally outstanding but, as most would generally agree, far too expensive. Time to move on and go elsewhere.
yes its a little bit pretentious, arriving and getting seated is a bit of a fuss and last night they were running quite late with our table and it all seemed rather out of control. but once you get a delicious rose petal martini, all the fuss and pomp melts away instantly. food and service good if humourless but we found that funny. its something to try when you're feeling flush and perhaps in the mood for something flashy.
Went for luch and had the absolutely best dim sum I've ever tasted. The steamed items were soft and jewel-like, the fried items melted in the mouth, the grilled food was toothsome. Service was extremely attentive. Everyone seated in the general area seemed well-pleased and served. Atmosphere was dreamy. Loss of one star only because it was so very expensive when, realistically, everything could have been priced at a pound less without compromising quality or profit.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner in Hakkasan. We decided the last moment to dine at the restaurant and we went without any reservation. Still we could find a table even though it was crowded. The waiters were very helpful; we asked them to recommend us some plates and they were all very willing to help us. We drank the soup with lobster and spinach which was very good and as a starter we had the fried squid and the prawns with susame which were really good.Our main dish was a Pi Pa duck which was excellent and chicken in Jasmine tea, which was OK (nothing special). For the desert we had a wonderful piece of chocolate cake with cocconut ice-cream.
In general we liked very much both the restaurant, the service and also the food. It is an expensive restaurant but it worths
Bar area felt like standing in a busy corridor and with beer at £9.50 a throw it's unacceptable. Service was hurried as we were on the first sitting. Table water topped up frequently and you'll see why when you get the bill! I paid £1400 for 10 of us only to be told we couldn't use the lounge bar afterwards as it was fully booked. Don't waste your money- go to China town instead.
One of the best restaurants in town. It gets a little bit crowded on Fridays and Saturdays but the food is delicious.
Ignore the comments above. Hakkasan looks spectacular - easily the most beautiful restaurant in London. Wins on substance as well as style - for dim sum, it's amongst the best in the world, way above anything else in London and - whisper it - a bargain. For dinner, the food is less special and way more expensive, but still a good experience in my book.
Over-priced, dated and pretentious. This placed used to be cool, but not anymore. Rude staff, food feels "chainy", bar is crammed with nowhere to sit, and everything is over-priced. The high concept decor now seems out-of-date and tired. Last I went it seemed only filled with tourists, probably since it's now become a default in every city guide book. It's time has come and gone. Many other better bars and restaurants to choose from this great city.
Overhyped. £11,500 for a bottle, yes a bottle of whisky. Dull and surly staff. Meals probably come from another source. Chainy and staff characterless. Western music played. Western Clientele. Chinese restaurant but Western Music Played. Lots of tables free. Tables too close together for an intimate lunch. Small pot of Chinese tea. Brilliant birdcage interior setting. and that's really the the only reason I would return.