Soho Cantonese Restaurant: A 2026 Guide
Our favourite Soho Cantonese restaurant remains a bustling fixture in London’s Chinatown as we move through 2026. You might still see old internet headlines about its closure back in 2022, but those rumours are ancient history. The restaurant survived that management change and continues to serve hungry crowds daily. It occupies a three-story building on Leicester Street and offers a classic Cantonese dining experience. This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect if you visit today.
The Dim Sum Experience
Most Londoners know Joy King Lau best for its lunch service. The kitchen specialises in traditional dim sum, and this remains the primary reason to visit in 2026.
Classic Dishes to Try
You should focus your order on the steamed baskets. Regulars consistently praise the steamed prawn cheung fun. These rice noodle rolls arrive with a smooth texture and sweet soy sauce. The har gau (prawn dumplings) and siu mai (pork and prawn dumplings) are also reliable choices. Recent diners in January 2026 have highlighted the freshness of these specific items.
Timing Your Visit
You must plan ahead for lunch. The restaurant attracts heavy footfall between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. However, the queues move surprisingly fast. The staff manage the three floors efficiently, so you rarely wait long for a table.
Soho Cantonese Restaurant Dinner and Mains
The menu expands significantly in the evening. It shifts from small plates to substantial banquet dishes, though opinions on these main courses vary more than the lunch reviews.
Roast Meats and Clay Pots
The Cantonese roast meats provoke mixed reactions this year. Some diners in late 2025 and early 2026 loved the roast duck, calling it rich and satisfying. Others found the seasoning inconsistent or the skin less crispy than expected. If you want a safer bet, look at the clay pot section. The seafood clay pot consistently earns high marks for its comforting warmth and deep flavour.
Authentic Seafood
You can also find excellent seafood options here. The chefs prepare lobster and crab with traditional ginger and spring onion sauce. These dishes often steal the show at large family dinners.
Atmosphere and Service
Joy King Lau does not chase modern trends. It offers a distinct “old Chinatown” vibe that feels increasingly rare in Soho.
The Setting
The interior prioritises function over fashion. You will sit at simple round tables, often sharing space if you come in a small group. The room gets loud and energetic. It feels authentic and lively, rather than intimate or romantic.
Managing Expectations on Service
Service styles here might surprise new visitors. The waiters focus entirely on speed and efficiency. They take orders quickly and deliver food at a rapid pace. Recent reviews describe the staff as “brusque but effective.” Do not take it personally if they skip the small talk; they simply want to feed you fast.
Soho Cantonese Restaurant Information for 2026
You can find the restaurant at 3 Leicester Street, London, WC2H 7BL.
- Booking Policy: This is one of the few Chinatown spots that accepts reservations. You should definitely book a table if you plan to visit on a weekend.
- Opening Hours: They open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner.
- Payment: They take most major cards and cash.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, Joy King Lau stands strong in 2026 as a reliable destination for traditional Cantonese food. It may not offer the most refined service in London, but the food arrives hot and fast. You should go for the dim sum, enjoy the noisy atmosphere, and appreciate a restaurant that sticks to its roots.