Perching on top of central London’s Now building, Tattu London is where sky-high vibes meet jaw-dropping city views. The vibe is luxe meets east, with a sprinkling of fantasy. As soon as the elevator doors ping open on the sixth floor, guests are welcomed by a restaurant that is, quite simply, breathtaking. Think beautiful marble floors, plush velvet touches, and a colossal steel blossom sculpture that is most definitely main-grid worthy. The concept of Tattu is that each area of the restaurant is protected by a traditional Chinese animal – koi, phoenix, tiger and dragon – with complementing décor. OTT? Perhaps. Fabulous? Without a shadow of a doubt.
There are a number of set menus to choose from, including the newly launched Terrace Menu, in partnership with Laurent-Perrier. Although we opted to sit inside, the gorgeous summer terrace was the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail. While nursing cherry blossom negronis, complete with a tiny tree sprouting from the ice cube (yes, really), we caught the sunset over the city skyline—a view to die for.
As dusk fell, we headed inside, ready to devour the impressive menu. The à la carte menu is a smorgasbord of contemporary Chinese dishes, each one promising to be more delicious than the next. Fortunately, our fantastic waiter Denes made sure the choice didn’t overwhelm us, suggesting an array of his – and now my – favourite dishes.
We started with a mixed Dim Sum platter, consisting of Lobster, Peking Duck, Scallop & Prawn and Royal Koi Fish Gau. The beautiful presentation made it almost too good for eating. Almost. These pockets of goodness were followed by the Sticky Beef Short Rib with soy, chilli and crispy shallots and the sensational Seven Spiced Seared Tuna with truffle aioli, caviar and citrus ponzu. Both were utterly exquisite and dangerously moreish.
While the Peking Duck Pancakes looked very tempting – food envy is a real thing – we trusted Denes’ recommendation of Black Pepper Beef Fillet with wok fired peppers and shallots and Kung Po King Prawns with pineapple, green beans and Thai basil. Both dishes were accompanied by Shredded Duck Fried Rice with carrot, courgette and spring onion – perfectly complementing both the meat and seafood.
The champagne and wine list is extensive but not overwhelming. All names are perfectly categorised, from full-bodied, intense and opulent to fresh, delicate and poised. We opted for a gorgeous Buena Vista Chardonnay; intense, well-rounded and delicious.
PSA: do not skip dessert. There is a gorgeous Asian Pear Sticky Toffee Pudding with cinnamon, vanilla and almond and an unmissable White Chocolate Dragon Egg with coconut, passion fruit and mango. These will bypass your stomach and go straight to your heart.
Often, restaurants use their Instragrammable aesthetics to compensate for mediocre food and service. Tattu London certainly is the exception, excelling in both style and substance.
Full marks, a gold star and applause all round.
The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St, London WC2H 0LA
