Imperial Treasure: A Regal Affair in the Heart of St James

In Chinese culture, food is far more than mere sustenance - it’s the very heartbeat of social rituals, an art form that brings families and friends together, marks life’s milestones and honours centuries-old traditions. From the crackling sizzle of woks at dawn in bustling street markets to the soft glow of lanterns illuminating elegant banquet tables at dusk, every bite tells a story of heritage and creativity. 

It’s with this sense of rich tradition and innovation that Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine brings a taste of the Orient to the heart of London’s historic St James’s district. Nestled within the stately confines of the former Lloyds Bank building at 9 Waterloo Place, the restaurant greets you with soaring ceilings and grand, floor-to-ceiling doors that hint at the opulence within. Step inside and you’ll find white leather banquettes offset by deep onyx walls and dark wooden screens - an elegant East-meets-West backdrop that feels both intimate and lavish.

Founded in 2004, the Imperial Treasure Restaurant Group has a culinary footprint across major cities including Singapore, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Incheon, Paris and London. With over 20 restaurants under its banner, the group has amassed more than 50 accolades, including multiple Michelin stars. Its London outpost, while yet to earn its own star, was awarded a Michelin Plate in 2019, recognizing its quality cuisine.

For my meal on a semi-busy Saturday evening, I chose the Imperial Set Menu due to its promise of delivering a perfectly curated journey through their signature delicacies – after all, why settle for a simple supper when you can embark on a full-blown culinary tour at your table? The evening unfolded with the trio of dim sum coming first: a delightful starter featuring delicate steamed and fried parcels that melted in the mouth, each offering a unique burst of flavour. 

Glinting like polished mahogany, the quarter of Signature Peking Duck arrived next. The skin crackled under gentle pressure, while the meat beneath remained unctuously tender. Paired with paper-thin Mandarin pancakes, crisp cucumber sticks and slivers of spring onion - alongside that inimitable hoisin - it was utter perfection and I could easily have eaten more.

A soothing interlude followed in the form of diced seafood and beancurd in thick, ivory broth. Plump scallops, sweet prawns and silken tofu cubes drifted in a velvety consommé that wraps you in comforting warmth, readying the senses for the decadent courses ahead. When the sautéed lobster with black truffle arrives, it arrives as a heady duet: succulent lobster meat bathed in a garlic-butter emulsion, tossed with shavings of truffle and coupled with snap peas and carrots; it’s an indulgent dish where the sweetness of lobster meets the earthy aroma of truffle.

As the feast proceeded, perfectly tender cubes of beef tenderloin were presented with a confetti of golden garlic chips that crackled under each bite. The meat was rich without heaviness, its generous juiciness punctuated by shards of crunchy garlic. Served alongside this all was sautéed baby broccoli - a palate cleanser in disguise, yet brimming with character.

No Cantonese banquet would be complete without fried rice and here it was the perfect elevated accompaniment. Clouds of rice, each grain distinct and fluffy, are studded with sweet corn and enveloped in silken egg white (no yolk). A scattering of chopped tenderstem broccoli stalks lended an additional crunch of freshness, creating a bridge toward the sweet finale: a goji berry-infused jelly with edible gold leaf fragments and a delectable fried sesame ball with sweet black sesame paste. Each treat complemented the other perfectly, leaving me serenely satisfied and ending the dinner on a high! 

Alongside this eight-course extravaganza, the cocktail menu also deserved special applause. The Kyoto Kooler marries Konik’s Tail Vodka with Akashi-Tai Yuzushu, fresh kiwi and matcha tea, offering a harmonious balance of sweetness and earthiness. The Hidden Treasure combines vodka, strawberry, pineapple and coconut and is a cheeky nod to piña colada ancestry. For those eying adventure, the Piña Picante blends Ilegal Mezcal Joven, Tapatio Reposado, pineapple, citrus oleo and orgeat syrup into a smoky-spicy tonic that keeps you guessing. And the Asian Old Fashioned, a dignified union of Dalmore 15-year single malt, umeshu, snow chrysanthemum tea and orange bitters, offers an elegant conclusion to any evening.

Over the course of my evening at Imperial Treasure, I found myself swept up in waves of culinary artistry and gracious hospitality. From that first prawn-stuffed dumpling to the final amber-toned sip of whisky cocktail, the restaurant offers a masterclass in how Chinese fine dining can feel both timeless and thrillingly new.

The service truly shone through too: from Richard Li, the restaurant manager, who greeted us with a gracious bow, to Phatteera and the rest of the team, who anticipated every need with attentive precision.

Whether you’re entertaining clients, celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a slice of opulence in the heart of London, Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine delivers on every front. And while I suspect Michelin stars will soon follow, there’s no need to wait for outside acclaim—book your table, embrace the ritual, and prepare to be impressed. After all, the best meals are those that leave you already dreaming of your next return.