Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine — Restaurant in London

The attempt of creating a premium environment using expensive things, doesn't work. How could I be clearer? Just using the most expensive products available, doesn't make a restaurant an exclusive destination. Paying an average of £200 per head, inwould expect Imperial treasure to be above every standard in London, with the massive pedigree of having a location with a Michelin star in Asia (whatever that means), one walk into the restaurant, expecting the most exclusive dinner, yet, you're greeted in a lobby, and pulled to your table without given the option to sit in the bar. Of course, then you see the bar, and realise that it wasn't a good idea, a massive marble worktop greets you, but then the tables and high chairs are feeble and poor. The drinks selection is mediocre, with a couple of super premiums dotted around, what's the point of having a bottle of Black Tot on display? Cocktails where mediocre, the single malts selection was nearly nonexistent (a complete joke of a bar selection really), so we decided to leave it and go to the table.

It is important to say, that this is not your typical walk in restaurant, you need to study the menu or have come before, because the duck needs to be pre-ordered. At least that's what the waitress told us, because when we said we were going to have it, she doubted for a few seconds, before saying that it took a long time to prepare and that it needs to be pre ordered... perhaps we should've asked for a manager, because I still can't believe you go to a restaurant in London today, and unless is something really exclusive and limited, no dish takes more than 50 minutes to be prepared.

The selection of dim sums was fine, but nothing impressive, China tang or Ming Yiang have a similar choice and quality. What really put me on my nerves, was the lobster. Nicely presented, no doubt, on a expensive dish, with head and tail and all that... but where the f**k was the lobster? I would very much prefer the more simply presented lobster at ming yiang, at least I feel I'm eating what I paid for! They claim, if you like seafood, thisnis the place to come to, in all honesty, breaded dressed crab or a gigantic steamed clam, is not my idea of "enjoying" seafood, I rather visit hakkasan, where at least they respect the natural taste of the sea, spiced up with excellent knowledge of the ingredients, definitely before having a soft shell crab bathed in a broth that tastes more like something taken off a pre-cooked pack.

Mediocrity doesn't end on the seafood, it carries on with the meats, poor and lazy preparations, no attention to detail and basically everything thrown in expensive dishes with tons of sauce and garlic. A bit more refined cooking couldn't harm, especially when you are basically selling your name. Mind you this is not a basement, like China-tang, but it has nearly no windows and the decor is obscure. If at least the view was nice, you could excuse the prices for the quality...

The wine list could be much better, so the sommelier as his knowledge seemed to go around the same wines over and over again. The selection was the same as you could get in quaglino's basically: David Moret, Domaine Laroche, josmeyer? Lucie. Crochet.... or supermarket wines like Elena Walch, that by the way, is sold in my local deli. Mr Sommelier, I know you feel limited with just under 200 references, but I have seen better curated wine lists with 20 wines.

The facilities and location are super, everything is spotless clean and new, that's why I give it two stars, and because the bartender made us laugh a good deal, although we didn't drink a drop of his selection. He just needs to rid of super premium rum that no one drinks and buy...

Great place, beautiful interior, but terrible pricing and a mixed of reviews for the food (depends).

Firstly I just want to say that if you’re here for a formal meal, this place is excellent for the view and for its services. However, if you’re here for a casual meal, I advice trying somewhere else, as you might find it hard to swallow with the price and the taste of the food.

The interior of the building is glamorous and exquisite, high ceiling makes the dining area spacious and the warm lighting (which are not too dim like other high-end restaurants) makes dining a comfortable place. There is a bar area which I believe you can access before your meal. Toilets are fine, clean and grand. A firm one star for this.

The service is excellent, you will be greeted with professional host and they will guide you to your seat. The waiter will shortly come to you for the food and drink. I am in awe with the care and effort that the waiter put in, professional, delightful, and kind with what he does. This alone deserves a star because of the quality of service - it’s as if you were in a family friendly dining place but at the same time professional.

Now the good and bad part, it has something to do with the food choices. I went there for a special occasion, and with that, I had the Double-boiled Chicken and Dried Sea Whelk Soup, Pan-Fried Silver Cod with Soya Sauce and Marinated Cold Jellyfish with Boiled Pork first. These 3 dishes are a must to have (maybe optional for the third one if you’re not a heavy sauce person), you will be amazed by these dishes. They might sound like simple dishes, but you will never get this kind of umami flavour in any other restaurants in soho area.

Next, Crispy Rice with Seafood in Shrimp Broth, as well as the Abalone and Corn Fed Chicken with Salted Fish in Claypot, they are something that you may want to have if you’re up for it. Crispy rice is a big dish (you might need 2-3 or more people to share it with) might be a little too plain in terms of salt level, but that’s good because then you can season it with table salt the way you like it, you won’t miss out the umami flavour because it’s made with shrimp broth.

Do not get Canadian crab made with Singapore style, they are not worth the price at all and the sauce is unacceptable in terms of flavour and texture. The fired mini buns that came with it are absolutely disappointing as they tasted like rubber. You can get better price and taste at Chinatown (try four season). Braised Noodle with Mushroom and Truffle Oil is also another dish that I will not recommend, well it depends on your preference. The smell of the dish is excellent as it has truffle oil, but I believe they might have put in an ingredient that kills the taste of the dish. I have has better Braised Noodle with Mushroom and Truffle Oil somewhere else, but definitely not here. Do add salt as well because it is lacking with that.

Desserts are good, get the Steamed Charcoal Bun with Custard and the Osmanthus Jelly.

Price wise for this restaurant, I think it’s a bit disappointing. It really depends on the food, some dishes worth the price, some are absolutely a no no. For the price that I paid, I think I’ll be better off at some Michelin restaurants in London that serves better Chinese food and the price point. Maybe I came in for the wrong food, as this place is recommended by Michelin for their duck, but I’d say maybe, if you’re...

🌟 An Exquisite Culinary Journey at Imperial Treasure, London 🌟

As a seasoned food reviewer, I'm always on the hunt for authenticity and excellence, and my recent visit to Imperial Treasure Fine Cuisine in London was nothing short of spectacular. This isn't just a meal; it's a grand experience that speaks volumes of culinary mastery. 🇨🇳✨ Atmosphere & Service 🏙️ From the moment you step in, the ambiance exudes elegance and sophistication. The decor is refined, creating a perfect backdrop for a special occasion or a serious business dinner. The service was impeccable—attentive, professional, and knowledgeable staff who guide you through the menu with grace. You truly feel looked after from start to finish. 🤵‍♂️👌 The Star of the Show: The Food! 🍽️ Every dish we ordered was a masterpiece, but a few truly stood out and deserve a special mention. 🦆 Legendary Peking Duck: This is a must-order. The ceremony of the duck being carved at your table is a treat in itself. The skin was phenomenally crispy, and the server's recommendation to dip it in a little sugar before wrapping was a revelation—a perfect sweet and savory crunch! The duck meat that followed was tender and flavourful. For our second course, we chose the remaining duck to be fried with garlic and spices. It was divine and incredibly moreish. I cannot recommend this enough! 🐟 Steamed Seabass in Red Sauce: The fish was cooked to perfection—flaky, moist, and delicate. But the real star was the signature red sauce it was bathed in. The sauce had a complex, rich flavour that complemented the seabass beautifully without overpowering it. A truly memorable dish. 🥟 Dim Sum Platter: We indulged in a selection of six different dim sums, and each one was a perfect little parcel of joy. From the delicate wrappers to the flavourful fillings, the craftsmanship was evident. It’s a wonderful way to sample the kitchen's skill. 🐔 Drunken Chicken: A classic dish executed flawlessly. The chicken was tender and infused with a fragrant wine aroma. The key is to eat it with the accompanying chili and soy dipping sauce—it elevates the dish from great to absolutely sublime. Don't skip the dip! 🍲 Seafood Congee: This was, unexpectedly, one of my favourite dishes of the night. It was the ultimate comfort food, but elevated. The congee was silky smooth and packed with fresh seafood. What made it special was the addition of crispy, crunchy bits that provided a delightful textural contrast. A surprisingly delightful and incredibly delicious bowl. Final Verdict & Price 💰 Imperial Treasure Fine Cuisine is a testament to high-end Chinese gastronomy. Every single dish was a hit, showcasing premium ingredients and expert technique. It's a culinary experience that justifies its premium price tag. Our bill came to approximately £140 per person, which, for the quality and experience, felt entirely appropriate. If you're looking for an unforgettable Chinese meal in London and are ready to splurge, this is the place to be. Highly, highly...