If your new year's resolutions have gone astray since January, fear not. Tomorrow (17th Feb) marks the start of the Chinese New Year, and everybody knows that's the one that really counts. This year marks the Year of the Horse, a symbol of success and good fortune, so if you're not sure of your Chinese zodiac sign, we'd recommend looking into it. Plus, the Lunar New Year is one of our favourite celebrations across London, with bedazzling parades dancing through the streets, Kongming lanterns floating above shopfronts and a vibrant buzz starting in Chinatown and spreading across the city like wildfire.
This new year isn't just celebrated in Chinese culture, it's celebrated across lots of South-Asian countries, and so, you can join in over your favourite pho, pad thai, or plate of dumplings. These are just a few of our favourite restaurants we'd recommend booking in London for Lunar New Year 2026.
Chef Collaboration at Carousel
Carousel have announced a special five-night guest chef collaboration for Lunar New Year. Globally recognised chefs John Javier (Caia) and Jackson Boxer (Dove, Brunswick House, Henri) will reunite in Carousel’s guest chef kitchen from 17th - 21st February to mark the Year of the Horse. The pair have been planning the menu for over a year, and the result is a limited-time tasting menu blending regional Chinese influences with contemporary technique and playful contrasts, with highlight dishes including Monkfish and prawn siu mai with trout roe; Poached squid in superior broth with radish and egg custard; and Deep fried milk ice cream.
Reservations can be made online at carousel-london.com.
Rooftop Celebrations at Aviary & Kitty Hawk
There's nothing quite like a celebration overlooking London's skyline, and Aviary and Kitty Hawk are two restaurants that can provide exactly that. Both locations will be offering a limited time two-week menu, from Monday the 16th to Sunday 1st March, curated by the iconic Dumplings’ Legend. The much-loved Hong Kong dim sum and classic Cantonese dishes will be available at both rooftop restaurants all day during the two-week period. Expect crowd favourites like Har Gau Prawn and Spicy Peking Duck dumplings, Chicken and Sweetcorn dumplings, Slow-cooked Pork Belly and Sweet and Sour Chicken, with a curated selection of drinks including Bubble Tea and Lucky Lychee cocktail.
Ling Ling's x Lil Wong Bakes
Ling Ling’s is collaborating with celebrated pandan obsessed baker, Sam Wong from Lil Wong Bakes on 20th-22nd February. A fresh take on Chinese New Year traditions, this partnership brings together Ling Ling’s modern Asian ethos with Lil Wong’s artisanal baking. Jenny Ling Ling’s has even got her parents, Vien and Kien, involved! Having run a Chinese takeaway for many years, they will contribute to the feast with meat inspired by family recipes (the likes of sticky, savoury Red Braised Pork Belly). The meal ends with a nod to Chinese traditional sweets from the talented Lil Wong Bakes, a mini Pandan Sando with Clementine & Condensed Milk Drizzle.
Speedboat Bar's Celebratory Trio
Soho's Speedboat Bar is designed to transport you to the bustling late-night canteens of Bangkok’s Chinatown. It's nestled into Rupert Street, just off the main strip, with a vibrant menu and eclectic Thai pop playing as you eat. When all the Chinatown celebrates have worked up an appetite, we'll be heading here to refuel with their trio of specials:
Yam Muu Daeng - Cherry-red caramelised roast pork, glazed in its own sizzling juices and finished with a punchy, mouth-watering hit of Thai lime, chilli, and fragrant garlic oil.
Kui Chai Tord Sai Khai - Stir-fried chive cakes rooted in Yaowarat’s founding Chinese communities, tossed with eggs, chilli sauce, crisp beansprouts, and a glossy drizzle of syrupy dark soy and to wash it all down,
The Golden Mule - A warming cocktail built on lime leaf vodka, layered with honey, ginger, and Ryewater’s signature chilli.
Noodle & Beer's New Addition to Chinatown
A relatively new addition to London's Chinatown, Noodle & Beer opened its doors in March as the second location for the Sichuanese restaurant brand, and has since caused quite a stir in London's food scene. What differs it from it's neighbours is that it offers late-night dining until 4AM on the weekends, with a hidden bar downstairs. Whilst the hours are demanding for the chefs and kitchen staff, miraculously, the food has not suffered a bit. Think authentic, spicy Sichuanese noodles and rice boxes, and for Chinese New Year they are offering a menu of seven lucky dishes, thoughtfully chosen for their auspicious symbolism.
Shanghai Me's One Night Event
Finally, on Wednesday 18th February from 8pm, Shanghai Me are hosting an auspicious Chinese New Year dinner and experience an evening filled with live cultural performances, special dishes curated for the season and immersive décor designed to welcome luck and positive energy! If you’re unable to join on the 18th fear not, the special dishes and celebratory décor will remain until 3rd March, so you can still embrace the Year of the Horse and invite good fortune into the months ahead.
