Mimi Mei Fair

Mayfair is one of London’s most exclusive neighborhoods, famous for its elegant streets and luxurious atmosphere. Reflecting this, the restaurants in the area offer distinct experiences to attract a certain London elite. While some focus on gastronomy, earning coveted Michelin stars, others emphasize ostentatious decor, creating visually impressive spaces that entice us to visit but offer little reason to return unless one thrives on the see-and-be-seen culture or eats with their eyes alone.

Mimi Mei Fair: An Example of Balance

Virtue lies in balance, as with everything, and this is where Mimi Mei Fair fits in. It was inaugurated in 2021 by entrepreneur Samyukta Nair and her LSL Capital, which also owns the Michelin-starred Jamavar, the Japanese Koyn, and the French Socca, the latter in partnership with chef Claude Bosi.

Housed in a classic Georgian townhouse spanning two floors and designed by Tom Stother of Fabled Studio, every detail was meticulously considered. The restaurant is divided into several rooms, each with a distinct ambiance and a strong identity born from a modern vision of the roaring Shanghai of the 1920s. Think of a Wong Kar Wai film remixed by Wes Anderson, and you’ll get the idea!

Climbing the narrow stairs to the first floor, we were greeted in a lounge full of textures and contrasts. Masterfully arranged orchids show that attention to detail is paramount here (is it?).

Xiao Long Jewels
As the name suggests, these xiao long bao (dim sum filled with a gelatinous broth that becomes liquid when cooked) are the colorful jewels of the crown. The various fillings of shrimp, chicken, pork, and yam were excellent, with the correct texture and delicate flavor and the hot broth bursting in the mouth.

Selection of Seafood Dim Sum
Har gau, octopus siu mei, and scallops make up the small selection of maritime flavors. These were impeccably executed and perfectly flavored. The octopus siu mei was particularly impressive, as its contrast of textures surpassed expectations.

And now, to what brought us here, a traditional Peking duck, roasted in applewood and carved at the table as tradition dictates. I’ve tasted several Peking ducks, from low-cost American-Chinese restaurants to Michelin-starred ones.

If the treasure is almost always the crispy skin, at Mimi Mei Fair the highlight was the cooking point of the meat, which is often served dry and uninteresting. It was as gorgeous as you can get – presented pink and succulent.

In contrast, perhaps due to this beautiful point, the skin did not have all the crunchiness one would expect. It is a difficult balance to achieve, but it leaned toward the meat’s cooking point.To complement the duck, we had sugar for the skin (yes, you’re reading it right, and you should try it as soon as possible), the usual, and still warm, almost translucent pancakes, cucumber, leek, sauces, and some sautéed water spinach on the side. Everything was impeccable, or nearly, if only the skin had been crunchier. Yes! I’m being picky, but the dish is not cheap, and the restaurant is renowned for its Peking duck.

Almond tart, red berries and vanilla ice cream
Chinese restaurants are not exactly known for their desserts, so here, the choice fell on simple but more international combinations, like this almond tart with red berries and vanilla ice cream. It was a correct but unremarkable ending.

To pair, we had a Chablis Premier Cru that accompanied the entire menu correctly, without excesses or surprises.

And here lies the need for more attention to detail; what didn’t happen in the decor ended up happening in the service. While the reception was handled well, the lunch itself deteriorated over time. At the end of the meal, with the restaurant almost empty, more care, table attention, and less neglect of the standard would be expected (a team gathered at the counter in friendly conversation while customers search for the wine bottle is not in good taste). At least not in a restaurant where the reservation and conduct policy differs from that of a family restaurant we visit daily.

Final Thoughts

The Mayfair label comes at a price, and just as luxury wallets are not all born equal, restaurants must earn their value. From our experience, Mimi Mei Fair has everything to become the meeting point for sophisticated Chinese cuisine, attracting trendsetters and foodies alike. From the stunning, thematic decor to the carefully prepared and aesthetically refined dishes, every aspect of the restaurant was designed to enchant and surprise visitors, making it ideal for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

Would we return? I’d return today for the duck! I’d request crispier skin and more consistent service aligned with the final bill.