Mayfair has a reason to look up. High above the city, on the 28th floor of the Hilton on Park Lane, Shanghai Me London has landed with all the glamour of its Dubai and Doha siblings. From the moment you arrive, you’re swept into the world of 1930s Shanghai, with Art Deco design, golden light and velvet finishes that strike the perfect balance between opulence and ease. The service is sharp without being stiff: attentive, charming and quietly confident. It’s the kind of place that draws you in for a quick lunch, only to have you lingering long into the night.

Starters immediately set the tone. The crispy duck salad with pine nuts and cress is fresh, vibrant and full of flavour. The mixed steamed dim sum basket showcases a variety of delicate bites that are light yet satisfying, and the yellowtail carpaccio with black truffle is as indulgent as it sounds, marrying clean, fresh fish with the unmistakable richness of truffle. These are dishes designed to excite from the very beginning, and they succeed.

The mains at Shanghai Me bring a real sense of occasion. The braised beef short rib, Shanghai style is slow-cooked to perfection, rich and deeply comforting. The Cantonese style roast duck is classic in style and beautifully executed, with crisp skin and tender meat that embodies the restaurant’s high standards. The longevity seafood crispy noodles deliver both texture and flavour, with a generous mix of seafood and that addictive noodle crunch. This is refined Asian dining that feels both elevated and genuinely satisfying.

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Dessert is where Shanghai Me truly has fun. The giant fortune cookie is its signature, a playful creation that cracks open to reveal matcha mousse and almond crunch – a clever twist on tradition that feels both nostalgic and modern. And then there’s the chocolate fondant, my personal benchmark for any great kitchen. Perfectly risen, spongy on the outside and luxuriously molten at the centre, it was indulgent, balanced, and the ideal finale to the meal.

The dining room is nothing short of striking. Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow across deep red velvet chairs and crisp white linens, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views across London. It’s a space that feels glamorous yet inviting, equally suited to a romantic dinner, a discreet celebration, or simply a night where you want to feel transported. For those seeking privacy, there are private dining rooms, while the hidden Bund Lounge offers an atmospheric escape for cocktails into the late hours.

What defines Shanghai Me is its atmosphere: a buzz that is lively yet refined, delivering a sense of quiet luxury without ever tipping into pretence. Service is attentive but never rushed, allowing the meal to unfold with ease. This is dining that celebrates both the elegance of tradition and the excitement of modern flair. I’ll be back – the first visit left me this delighted, I can only imagine what the second will bring.

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