Kai

The story

Kai Mayfair – Liberated Chinese Cooking in London's Mayfair

Liberated Nanyang Cooking since 1978

Kai Mayfair occupies a confident place on South Audley Street in the heart of Mayfair. It has been here since 1978, refining a style it calls Liberated Nanyang Cooking: respectful of traditional Chinese flavours and craft, yet liberated in approach. The result is modern Chinese cuisine that feels both rooted and fresh.

A Michelin-Starred Mainstay

Kai’s consistency is quietly remarkable. It held a Michelin star for fifteen consecutive years and continues to be Michelin Recommended for 2026. Harden’s Guide also named it the highest-rated Chinese restaurant in Mayfair and placed it in their Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for 2026. These accolades reflect a kitchen that never coasts.

What to Expect

Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week, with an à la carte menu that changes regularly. The kitchen works directly with seasonal ingredients while honouring the depth of Chinese culinary tradition. For a lighter interlude, The Chinese Whispers Afternoon Tea (Wednesday through Sunday) offers a creative take on the classic format, with savoury and sweet bites built around the same liberated philosophy.

Atmosphere and Service

The dining room is refined but unfussy – smart casual dress is expected, sportswear and shorts discouraged. The team is professional and knowledgeable, guiding guests through the menu without hovering. Private dining, meal kits, and outdoor seating (weather permitting) add flexibility for different occasions.

Kai Mayfair remains a quietly confident ambassador for modern Chinese cooking in London – a restaurant that knows exactly what it is and has been doing it well for over four decades.