London: Hakkasan

Hakkasan is an exclusive restaurant tucked in the back corner of Hanway Street, a small unassuming side street right off Tottenham Court Road. The space was originally built to be a parking garage, but restaurant mastermind Alan Yau renovated it from top to bottom, adding excruciating detail and charm to the property. A few sets of slate stairs, lit with a red ambient glow take you to the underground restaurant. Everytime I’ve been there the food has been exquisite, I’d call it nouveau-gourmet Chinese. The menu is laced with specials, miso black cod, scallop shumai, belugia cavier, signature noodle dishes– and some of the most amazing desert platters I’ve ever seen. The music is always great, because everytime I’ve been there is a live DJ. If you want to get in, I advise you call a bit ahead of time unless your a super star, even though the place must easily sit 150 people, it’s always packed.