ULI Marylebone

In the heart of Marylebone, ULI Marylebone brings a contemporary pan-Asian sensibility to Central London. Natural limed oak, soft tones of blue and contemporary art set a relaxed yet sophisticated stage, a clean and informal room that flatters both casual catch-ups and special occasions. Established in 1997, it has long been a favourite of locals and critics, championing freshness, colour and an easy elegance from lunch through to dinner.

Its menu roams East and Southeast Asia, from sushi and dim sum to flavour-first sharing plates. Begin with Thai lobster crackers or edamame with rock salt or chili, then slip into spicy Hunan pork dumplings and siu mai. Gyoza and Pacific five spice pork ribs speak to comfort and craft, while wonton and tom yum bring steam, tang and warmth.

Larger plates lean into wok heat and balance: Szechuan chili prawns and crisp-fried sea bass fillet with black bean, classics like sweet and sour battered chicken, pork or prawns, and black bean chicken, beef or tofu with chili and garlic. Curries span the ULI coconut curry to the Thai green curry, with pad thai and ho fun keeping the slurp-factor satisfyingly high.

Drinks keep pace, from an Espresso Martini or lychee martini to sake such as Sawanotsuru and Isake Classic, plus Kirin Ichiban, Asahi Super Dry and a thoughtful sweep of wines. Ceylon and white peony tea round things off. Settle in, share widely and let Marylebone melt away; book a table and make a night of it—chopsticks at the ready.