Yming

Yming is a long-running Chinese restaurant on Greek Street, in the heart of London's Chinatown in Soho, known for decades among chefs and industry regulars for cooking that ranges confidently across Chinese regional traditions. Rather than specialising narrowly, the kitchen draws on both Cantonese and Sichuan repertoires, pairing precise, delicate preparations with dishes built on Sichuan peppercorn heat. Signature dishes include crispy aromatic duck served with pancakes, steamed sea bass with ginger and spring onion — a Cantonese classic executed with restraint — and dan dan noodles carrying a distinct Sichuan peppercorn numbness. The dining room is understated rather than showy: simple table settings, warm lighting and a calm, unhurried service style that has kept it a favourite for pre- and post-theatre meals near the West End, as well as a working lunch spot for chefs and restaurant industry staff from nearby kitchens. Noise levels stay moderate even during busy service, making conversation easy, and there is no dress code beyond smart-casual. Yming does not run a formal wine programme in the manner of higher-end Chinese restaurants, but it offers a modest selection of wines and beers suited to the food's range of flavours, from delicate steamed fish to spicier Sichuan plates. Reservations are recommended, especially before evening performances at nearby West End theatres, though the restaurant is generally easier to book into than some of its higher-profile Chinatown neighbours; a booking made a few days ahead is usually sufficient outside peak pre-theatre hours. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and keeps late seating on other nights, useful for post-show dinners. Its Greek Street address places it a short walk from Shaftesbury Avenue and the rest of Chinatown's restaurant strip, though Yming's low-key frontage and steady following distinguish it from the area's more tourist-oriented options.