Christoff.ai

Hutong

restaurants•
London
London

Hutong

lvl 33, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Perched on the 33rd floor of The Shard, Hutong isn't just another high-rise restaurant trading on views alone. This sophisticated Chinese establishment delivers award-winning Northern Chinese and Sichuan cuisine with the kind of authenticity that makes you forget you're dining in a tourist magnet. The legendary Red Lantern soft-shell crab and those floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking London's skyline have earned this spot its reputation as one of the capital's most impressive dining destinations.

Hutong: Northern Chinese Excellence 33 Floors Above London

Where authentic Sichuan spice meets The Shard's spectacular skyline

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into Hutong and you're transported into a Beijing hutong-inspired sanctuary that feels worlds away from the clinical modernity you'd expect at this height. The interior strikes an impressive balance with dark woods, glowing red lanterns, and hand-carved moon gates creating an atmosphere that's simultaneously glamorous and romantic. Those floor-to-ceiling glass windows aren't just for show – they frame London's sprawling cityscape in a way that feels genuinely cinematic. The red lantern glow bathes everything in warmth, making this feel more intimate than its 7.5/10 social group size score might suggest. Weekend evenings bring a buzzy energy with live DJs during the Dynasty brunches, though the sophisticated 9.0/10 rating means it never descends into chaos. The private dining rooms offer escape for special occasions, though securing those coveted window tables requires planning ahead.

Food & Drink

The kitchen takes Northern Chinese and Sichuan cuisine seriously, employing authentic techniques that justify the elevated setting. The legendary Red Lantern soft-shell crab lives up to its billing, while the Halibut in flaming chilli broth showcases proper Sichuan spice blends that don't compromise for Western palates. Hand-pulled Hutong Dan Dan noodles demonstrate technical skill, and the crispy de-boned lamb ribs offer something genuinely special. The perfectly roasted Peking duck, carved tableside, can be elevated with a caviar upgrade option for those wanting the full splurge experience. Weekend Dynasty brunches feature dim sum platters alongside medicinal-inspired cocktails, though the hand-pulled noodles and authentic Northern Chinese techniques remain the kitchen's strongest suits. The menu shows real depth beyond the Instagram-worthy presentations.

Service & Experience

Service operates at the sophisticated level you'd expect from a venue scoring 9.0/10 on refinement, though the data suggests occasional delays that prevent it from being flawless. Staff understand the menu's complexity and can guide diners through the Sichuan spice levels and Northern Chinese specialties. The tableside Peking duck carving adds theatre without feeling forced, and servers handle the window table requests and private dining arrangements professionally. However, those occasional service delays mentioned in reviews suggest that even at this level, the premium pricing doesn't always guarantee seamless execution. The team manages the buzzy weekend atmosphere well while maintaining the romantic dining standards that make this a reliable date night investment.

Value for Money

With mains ranging from £28-68 and tasting menus at £90-130, Hutong sits firmly in splurge territory before you factor in that £60 weekend brunch plus £25 for drinks. The pricing reflects both the premium location and the quality of ingredients – that caviar upgrade and the 33rd-floor real estate don't come cheap. You're paying special-occasion pricing for what genuinely feels like a special occasion, though the premium-for-location factor is undeniable. The £60-£145 per person range excludes drinks and supplements, so expect the bill to climb quickly. For sophisticated diners seeking elevated Chinese cuisine with those Shard views, the value proposition works, but this isn't casual dining by any stretch. The authentic techniques and quality ingredients justify some of the cost, though you're certainly paying for the postcode.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Book a window table for 5pm to catch the sunset dinner service – the 360° London skyline views at golden hour are genuinely spectacular. Weekends bring the buzzy Dynasty brunch atmosphere with live DJs, though expect higher energy levels. The restaurant operates daily from 11am-1am, giving flexibility for both lunch with views and romantic evening dining.

What to Focus On

The Red Lantern soft-shell crab is non-negotiable – it's their claim to fame for good reason. Follow with the Peking duck carved tableside, and consider the £40 duck upgrade for the full experience. The Hutong Dan Dan noodles showcase their hand-pulled technique, while the Halibut in flaming chilli broth delivers proper Sichuan heat. For special occasions, the caviar upgrade option elevates the experience considerably.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Request window tables well in advance – they're not guaranteed and make all the difference for that skyline experienceThe venue is wheelchair accessible, unusual for such an elevated locationPrivate dining rooms are available for intimate occasions, though window views may be limited

The Final Verdict

Hutong succeeds where many high-rise restaurants fail by backing up its spectacular setting with genuinely accomplished Northern Chinese cuisine. The 8.5/10 uniqueness score feels earned – this combination of authentic Sichuan techniques, sophisticated atmosphere, and those Shard views creates something genuinely special in London's dining landscape. Yes, you're paying premium prices for the location, and occasional service delays prevent perfection, but the Red Lantern soft-shell crab, hand-pulled noodles, and sunset skyline views deliver an experience that justifies the splurge for special occasions. The Beijing hutong-inspired design and authentic spice blends prove this isn't just style over substance.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

couples celebrating special occasions with deep pocketssophisticated diners seeking authentic elevated Chinese cuisinevisitors wanting iconic London views with genuinely good food

Quick Details

1

Hutong

⭐️ Skyline views
⭐️ Special occasion
🇨🇳 Northern chinese
💎 Luxury dining

Thirty-three floors above London, Northern Chinese cuisine meets theatrical skyline dining in ways that redefine special occasions. The Beijing hutong-inspired interior - dark woods, red lanterns, hand-carved moon gates - creates intimacy despite floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city's sprawl. Their legendary Red Lantern soft-shell crab arrives with tableside theater, while Peking duck gets the caviar upgrade treatment for those seeking maximum indulgence. Weekend Dynasty brunches feature live DJs spinning while guests navigate dim sum platters and medicinal-inspired cocktails. The halibut in flaming chili broth provides Sichuan fire with panoramic views - a combination that exists nowhere else in London. Hand-pulled noodles demonstrate authentic Northern Chinese technique at altitude, proving that elevation doesn't compromise culinary integrity.

What's Great

✓ Peking duck carved tableside with caviar upgrade option

✓ 360° London skyline views from level 33 of The Shard

Keep in Mind

× Premium pricing of £60-£145 per person excludes drinks and supplements

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Request window table at 5pm for sunset dinner service

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Venue details

🕐"Daily: 11am-1am"
📍lvl 33, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY, United Kingdom
💷££££
📞+44 20 3011 1966
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Hutong has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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