VIBE

This hotter-than-hot, sexy underground eatery manages to pull off an ambitious mix of 1920s Shanghai glamour and 1950s Bond retro-cool. The slick, happening bar is separated off with shiny black and red lacquer screens from the fashionably dim main dining room, where glamorous patrons indulge in sensational Chinese cuisine under low lit blue lighting. Some complain that it’s become über-pretentious given the long-lasting buzz, but the much-hyped food remains consistently top-notch.

CROWD

A sophisticated mix from London’s upper crust: foodies, celebs, powerful suits, and fashionistas.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Technically it’s "upscale casual," but we’d aim for something a little more glam, especially in the evenings. During the day, try heels, black pants, and chic top, while at night go for a sexy (yet elegant) dress, heels, and eye-catching accessories.

GO HERE WITH

A date; friends by night; clients or colleagues by day

WHY WE LIKE IT

We dig the sexy vibe, consistently exceptional food, and smooth-as-can-be cocktails. Excellent spot for a special occasion, or glam girls' night out.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The packed out dim sum lunches can get noisy, and the prices are high. Tables are religiously booked in two-hour slots, so don’t expect to linger over your meal–they will ask you to get up (it happened to us).

GOOD TO KNOW

This is another of Alan Yau’s wildly popular Asian restaurants (he’s the man behind Wagamama and Busaba Eathai, among others) and his first foray into fine dining. There’s a bouncer on the door in the evenings, and you definitely won’t get in if you don’t have reservations, no matter how swell you look. The bar stays open late Thurs.–Sat. if you decide to linger. Also, there are lots of great choices for vegetarians on the menu.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Miami; Abu Dhabi

CLOSEST COMPS

Mr. Chow (New York); Nobu (New York); LAN Club (Beijing); Katsuya (Los Angeles); Katana (Los Angeles)

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