Yuu Kitchen

This Southeast-Asian restaurant comes from two of the founders of Icebar. The walls here are adorned with the trippy works of Hong Kong-based artist Lunatic, while head chef Jon de Villa (previously Nobu Mayfair), turns out an array of sharing dishes. Our sticky, juicy chicken wings were followed by scallop, prawn and chive dumplings, with a kick of chilli and ginger. Larger options include spicy poké (tuna, salmon, whitefish or octopus) and bao buns filled with twice-cooked, braised pork belly. Quirky desserts seal the deal, including chocolate-filled spring rolls and ice-cream baos. Wines cover the US, Spain and Australia, and there are craft beers and Asian-inspired cocktails too; we recommend the Mr Miyagi (yuzushu saké, white rum, coconut rum, apple juice and Angostura bitters). Decent prices and knowledgeable staff make this a good casual option and if you’re eating at the counter, the chefs are happy to chat.  

When setting up Yuu Kitchen, long time pals Stephen Lowe and Jon de Villa wanted to bring the diversity of Asian cuisine that they were accustomed to in their native Australia to London. The result is a fun and buzzy restaurant where bird cages hang from the ceiling and colourful manga-style artworks line the walls.

Head chef de Villa has previously worked in some very well respected kitchens, including at Nobu Berkeley Street and ramen mini-chain Bone Daddies. Here, his menu reads like a greatest hits of south-east Asian cuisine, with an offering full of crowd pleasers like steamed Taiwainese bao buns, chicken karaage and tuna tostadas.

Yuu Kitchen’s menu is designed to be shared, with the restaurant recommending that you order around three to four plates per person. To kick start your meal, take your pick from the selection of ‘bites’ which includes edamame beans with salt and fries topped with kimchi mayonnaise, shallots and chives. Next, tuck into a bao bun or two, with fillings to choose from including 7Up braised pork belly and crispy soft shell crab.

Don’t miss the selection of signature dishes either - think sweet and sticky aubergine or chicken wings rubbed in a fiery sauce - while those who fancy something from the grill can opt for Thai-style homemade sausages. To finish up, choose from sweet treats such as an ice cream filled bao bun.

Aside from the regular menu, another big draw of Yuu Kitchen is the various offers and deals available throughout the week. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, you can enjoy 60 minutes of bottomless bao buns, while on weekends you can head here for a boozy brunch which includes 10 dishes and free-flowing bubbles. There’s even the chance to get a picture of yourself printed on the bao bun you order - just email the team a picture of yourself at least three days before your booking, at no extra cost.