Shanghai Me London captures the essence of 1930s Shanghai glamour while serving a contemporary Pan-East Asian menu, following in the footsteps of the original restaurant created by the acclaimed hospitality duo Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, who first opened their doors in Dubai in 2019.
In London, Shanghai Me occupies the coveted top floor of the Hilton Park Lane. Designed by Richard Saunders, the interiors exude old-world luxury through sumptuous velvet, hand-painted wallpapers, lustrous wood finishes, and striking Art Deco details. The sweeping panoramic views from the 28th floor provide the perfect backdrop for this elevated restaurant.
The front-of-house team are welcoming and ready to make guests feel very special the moment they arrive. Service is quick, attentive and ready to answer any questions you may have about the menu.
Located on the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane, Shanghai Me London enjoys unparalleled views of the city.
As we sit at our table, floor manager Angelo (a delightful Apulian with a wicked sense of humour) tempts us with Chinese Zodiac-inspired cocktails. I went for a Bon Vivant (pig), their own version of a Pisco Sour with a few twists. My companion had a Visionary (dragon), a mezcal-based drink with rose soda, sake and black salt all around the rim of the glass – very sophisticated.
With Angelo’s help, we decide on our starters. First, the Lobster Corn Shells arrive. These are the most decadent hard-shell tacos you’ll ever eat, with big chunks of lobster tail in them. I am not surprised that the Yellowtail Carpaccio is one of their signature dishes. Fish and truffle is an unusual combination, but done right – as they do at Shanghai Me – the earthy, umami truffle enhances the yellowtail without overpowering it.
Another signature creation is the Spicy Bluefin Tuna Oshizushi. A long square tube of pressed sushi featuring succulent, buttery bluefin tuna, topped with baby shoots and leaves, luxuriously decorated with edible gold leaf.
From the left: Shanghai Me Lobster Corn Shells, Spicy Bluefin Tuna Oshizushi and assorted Sushi and Sashimi.
These three dishes paired beautifully with Louis Roederer Champagne Vintage 2016, which sommelier Felix had recommended (I liked him immediately). Its crisp acidity and perlage help cut through the richness of the seafood and complement the delicate flavours.
My companion opted for an Antoine de la Farge Sancerre 2024, a wine from the Upper Loire with a perfumed nose of stone fruit, lightened with touches of citrus and apple, which develops beautifully on the palate, supported by just the right level of minerality.
There is a whole separate dim sum menu, but adding one more starter would jeopardise our capacity to reach the mains, which sound too delicious to miss: Braised Beef Short Rib Shanghai Style and King Crab Leg with Wasabi Gratin. Still, Angelo would have none of it, so brings us a piece each of steamed Wagyu beef packed in bite-sized red rice parcels.
Left: Shanghai Me Yellowtail Carpaccio with truffle. Right: Assorted Dim Sum.
By now we’ve realised that this is a place where the chefs really know their trade. So we are not surprised to discover that the succulent beef is fall-off-the-bone tender, while the aromatic sauce, rich with spices, has been reduced to a delicate glaze coating the ribs.
The crab leg has been cooked just right, so its meat is firm and juicy, with a slightly briny note, which is balanced by the wasabi gratin on top that brings a slightly spicy kick to the traditional creamy sauce.
Regretfully, we feel incapable of having a dessert, but Angelo simply refuses to let us go and presents us with a mysterious cake topped with green powder. We dig our spoons into it and straight away feel we’re in sweet paradise. “Matcha Tiramisu,” declares a grinning Angelo. I don’t like coffee, I don’t like cream, I don’t like matcha. Well, I will go back to Shanghai Me just to eat that tiramisu again.
Shanghai Me London delivers an exceptional dining experience that justifies its lofty perch above the capital. With expertly crafted dishes and impeccable service from the entire team, this is destination dining at its finest.
Shanghai Me London
Hilton Park Lane, 22 Park Ln, London W1K 1BE
Bookings and reservations, HERE.
Author: Julia Pasarón
Restaurant photos by Johnny Stephens
Other fine dining restaurants in London recommended by I-M Inquisitive Minds include Paper Moon, Smith & Wollensky and NIJŪ Mayfair.
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