What Royal China serves and where to find it
Royal China is a dim sum restaurant located in London's Mayfair neighbourhood. The restaurant specializes in Cantonese cuisine, with dim sum as a central part of its menu. It operates as a sit-down dining establishment where servers bring trolleys of small plates to your table during service hours.
The restaurant's address is 24-26 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SG. Royal China has been operating since the 1980s and remains one of the established dim sum venues in central London. The space seats around 100 people across multiple levels, with a main dining room and private areas available for larger groups.
Key Takeaways
- Royal China serves dim sum from trolleys during lunch and early dinner service, with peak times typically between noon and 2 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
- The menu includes steamed dumplings, fried items, rice and noodle dishes, and desserts, with prices varying by dish complexity and ingredient.
- Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend service and groups larger than four people, as the restaurant fills quickly during dim sum hours.
- The restaurant accepts card and cash payment, though you should confirm current payment methods before visiting.
Dim sum service hours and how ordering works
Royal China serves dim sum during specific windows rather than all day. Lunch service typically runs from noon to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Evening dim sum service is available from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., though availability and menu selection may differ from lunch.
The ordering system uses trolleys pushed by servers through the dining room. You signal when a trolley passes your table, and staff place your chosen dishes on your table and mark your bill. You keep the bill throughout the meal, and the final total is calculated based on the number and type of dishes you ordered. This differs from some dim sum venues that use order sheets or tablets.
Peak times are busiest between noon and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. If you arrive during these windows without a reservation, you may wait 20 to 45 minutes for a table. Arriving before noon or after 2 p.m. typically means shorter waits.
What dishes appear on the trolleys
Royal China's dim sum trolleys carry a rotating selection of items throughout service. Common offerings include har gow (shrimp dumplings with translucent wheat starch wrappers), siu mai (open-topped pork and shrimp dumplings), and char siu bao (steamed buns filled with barbecued pork). These three are usually available throughout service.
Fried items typically include spring rolls, taro croquettes, and fried wonton. Rice and noodle dishes such as chicken and mushroom rice parcels wrapped in lotus leaf, and chow mein appear on trolleys as well. Desserts like egg custard tarts and sesame balls are usually brought toward the end of service.
The exact selection changes based on kitchen preparation and time of day. Early in service, steamed items are more abundant. As service progresses, fried items and noodle dishes become more common. If you have a specific dish in mind, asking your server whether it will appear or has already passed is more reliable than waiting for a particular trolley.
Pricing and payment
Dim sum pricing at Royal China is tiered by dish type rather than a flat rate per item. Steamed dumplings and buns typically fall into the lowest price bracket. Fried items and more complex dishes cost more. Noodle and rice dishes are usually in the mid-to-higher range. Desserts vary but are generally inexpensive.
A typical dim sum meal for one person costs between £15 and £25, depending on how many dishes you order and which types you choose. Two people sharing might spend £30 to £50 total. Prices have increased over time, so confirming current rates by phone before visiting is sensible if budget is a concern.
The restaurant accepts card payments and cash. A service charge may be added to your bill automatically, typically 10 to 12.5 percent. You should check your bill before paying to confirm the amount and whether service has already been included.
Making a reservation and what to expect
Reservations can be made by phone at the restaurant's main number. You can also reserve through online platforms that list London restaurants, though calling directly often gives you more control over table location and timing. Reservations are not required for small groups arriving during off-peak hours, but they are strongly recommended for weekends and groups of five or more.
When you arrive, staff will seat you at a table and provide menus. Water is usually brought when ready. Trolleys begin circulating shortly after you sit down. If you prefer to order from a menu rather than wait for trolleys, you can ask your server, though this is less common during dim sum service and may take longer.
The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere during dim sum service, with a mix of local office workers, tourists, and families. Noise levels are moderate to high during peak times. If you prefer a quieter experience, arriving before noon or after 2 p.m. is advisable.
Dietary requirements and menu notes
Royal China's menu includes vegetarian dim sum options, though these are fewer than meat and seafood dishes. Vegetable dumplings, mushroom buns, and vegetable spring rolls typically appear on trolleys. You can ask your server to point out vegetarian items as trolleys pass, or mention dietary requirements when making a reservation so staff can advise you.
The restaurant does not have a separate gluten-free menu, and most dim sum wrappers contain wheat. If you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, you should call ahead to discuss which dishes might be suitable. Shellfish allergies require particular attention, as shrimp is a common ingredient in many dim sum items.
The restaurant can accommodate larger groups and private dining. If you are planning a group of 10 or more, contacting the restaurant directly to discuss table arrangements and menu options is recommended.
Getting there and nearby options
Royal China is located on Brewer Street in Mayfair, a short walk from Piccadilly Circus Underground station (Piccadilly Line). The area has limited street parking, so using public transport or a taxi is more practical. The nearest car park is the Brewer Street car park, a five-minute walk away.
The neighbourhood has other restaurants and cafes nearby, so if Royal China has a long wait, alternatives are available within walking distance. However, dim sum venues in central London are not abundant, and Royal China is one of the few established options in the Mayfair area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 20 to 45 minutes during peak times (noon to 2 p.m.). Booking by phone is recommended for weekends and groups larger than four people. Off-peak arrivals before noon or after 2 p.m. typically have shorter waits.
What if I don't see a dish I want on the trolleys?
You can ask your server to bring a specific item from the kitchen if it is available. Not all dishes may be ready at that moment, but the kitchen can often prepare items on request. Alternatively, you can order from a printed menu if you prefer dishes not on the trolleys.
Is there a minimum spend or cover charge?
Royal China does not charge a cover charge or minimum spend. You pay only for the dishes you order. A service charge of 10 to 12.5 percent is typically added to your bill automatically.
Can I bring children to dim sum service?
Yes, children are welcome. Dim sum is often a family-friendly meal, and the restaurant accommodates families regularly. High chairs are available if needed. You may want to mention children when booking so staff can prepare an appropriate table.
What time should I arrive to avoid crowds?
Arriving before noon on weekdays or before 11 a.m. on weekends typically means the shortest waits. Service continues until 3 p.m. at lunch, so arriving after 2 p.m. is also quieter. Evening dim sum service from 5 p.m. onward is generally less busy than lunch.