Gouqi

£50–60

£90–100

£100+

There I was, wiping away tears on Chinese New Year’s Eve as a Chinese, instead of celebrating. It was the close of the Year of the Rabbit, and all I wanted was to dive into authentic Chinese cuisine with my friends, sharing the flavors I cherish deeply. We picked this restaurant for its rave reviews—authentic dishes, an atmosphere buzzing with energy, and the promise of a dragon dance that brings any celebration to life. Despite a frustrating start with our booking, the actual meal blew me away. The food? Spot on, every single dish. The vibe, with dragons dancing through the room, and the team's kindness made it unforgettable. It was supposed to be a night about the joy of sharing food, not frustration. But getting to that point was a headache. I tried to tweak our booking to fit more friends in, avoiding a set menu that was a no-go for me (thanks, lobster allergy). All I asked was to shift our night out by a week. Simple, right? Wrong. The restaurant's director shut me down with a cold No, you can’t. It’s $100 each if you reschedule now... That’s the policy. before that I already have several phone calls with them. What got me was OpenTable said fees were for no-shows or cancellations, not pushing a date back. This felt like hitting a wall when I was just trying to share a piece of my world. In the heart of China, food transcends mere taste—it weaves emotions, memories, and a sense of belonging into a rich tapestry of communal experience. Fuchsia Dunlop captures this essence beautifully, noting the enduring impact of a meal on our souls. Yet, before even setting foot in the restaurant, the anticipation was marred by procedural sourness. Now, having dined there, both I and my friends are all praise for the food and vibe. I It's just a shame that the journey there was marked by such unnecessary stress.I hope future guests can enjoy the great food and ambiance, feeling welcomed by the genuine warmth and flexibility that epitomize true Chinese hospitality.

£30–40

Fantastic food exemplified by incredible customer service by Nathan and Bradley. Such staff has come from established popular hotels such as the Shard and the Corinthians. I was overwhelmed from such customer service This restaurant is a hidden gem owned by former head chef of Hakkasan. We opted for a duck tasting menu, the peking duck was incredible as was the dessert. All the food is halal, so I’d highly recommend. I highly recommend this Chinese restaurant, very modern and elegant. We were provided with a private booth due to celebration of a promotion dinner, whereby complimentary dessert was provided. I am super impressed by this restaurant in a fantastic location, I will be revisiting! Thank you again for a fantastic experience - one of the best Chinese restaurants in the country.

£100+

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Gouqi in London, and it was an exceptional experience. The Beijing Duck, both the first and second courses, were undoubtedly the highlights of the meal. The flavors were rich and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression. The culinary expertise showcased in these dishes truly set Gouqi apart. Equally noteworthy was the impeccable service provided by the staff. Their professionalism and friendliness added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. It's evident that the team is well-trained and committed to ensuring a positive dining experience. The restaurant's location near Trafalgar Square is a definite plus, making it incredibly convenient and central. The atmosphere and decorations further enhance the dining experience, creating a pleasant and inviting ambiance. In summary, Gouqi exceeded my expectations with its delectable cuisine, attentive staff, and prime location. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in London.

Wir waren eine Herrengruppe von 9 Personen und sind auf Grund der Bewertung im Gouqi gelandet. Zum Glück sind wir auf dieses Restaurant gestossen. Sämtliche Speisen waren sensationell, vor allem der Salat hat es uns angetan. Jeder von uns wird das Gouqi wieder besuchen, sollte er das nächste Mal in London sein.

£100+

I absolutely love the stunning decor, stylish furnishings and overall vibrant ambiance. The highlight was undoubtedly the dim sum and duck, both of which were incredibly delicious. The service was top-notch too. My only complaint is the cucumber and leek that came with the duck were dry and the sauce was a bit too sweet for me. For the second course of the duck dish, try 椒盐鸭架!

Incredible dining experience! The sharing dim sum platter stole the show in the theatre set menu, and the desserts were a sweet delight. Service was top-notch, thanks to the friendly and attentive Bradley and assistant manager Nathan. The prices align perfectly with the superb quality, presentation, and the inviting ambience. Can't wait to return for another special occasion and explore more set menus!

A restaurant that successfully fuses elegance and modernity with traditional details and recipes. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. We loved the duck menu, including duck salad, soup, Peking duck and duck fried rice. The dessert, a medley of mango and passion fruit, was also out of this world. Can’t wait to go back to try their dim sum.