Mao Tai

We went to Mao Tai with high expectations only to be utterly deluded. This place is a mouse trap, with its fancy decor and high prices it can reassure some insecure people with money that they have made the right choice for the evening, but if you actually understand something about food you certainly don't come back. My husband's duck was unedible, so dry and smelly that could only be swallowed with tons of souce. My prawns with chive and ginger were so bland and tasteless that made me miss hospital food. The dim sum here are overpriced. Overall you regret you haven't spent your time and money in one of the many decent Chinese restaurants in London.
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Anna
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 0
Saturday, March 08, 2008

Loved the whole Mao Tai experience. Highly recommended for the best dim sum's in London, fantastic cocktail and wine (!) menu, very attentive service, interior is well choosen and decorated. Food was fabulous! Will definitively come back!!
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Katja
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, February 16, 2008

I think the food here is fantastic and they have some very nice wines to go with it. It is certainly not cheap, but by London standards it is not astronomocal either. My only criticism would be that they could slow the service down a bit, I would prefer to relax a bit more between courses. I would reccomend Mao Tai to anyone.
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J Strong
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Friday, January 25, 2008

I was apprehensive of going to this restaurant at first ,as the previous reviews were terrible, however, im not sure if those guys went to the same place!!!

The atmosphere was fantastic, good music and busy! The cocktail staff were very friendly, (one of them was from the same area of Paris as my girlfriend, gave us a free shot when the owner left!!!) and although we only tried the bar food (which was expensive but, worth it) the restaurant looked great.

Will definately be back!
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Michael Bessmit
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, June 28, 2007

I think this restaurant is fabulous and have been going now for almost 2 years. The food and atmosphere is great. Love the cocktail menus!!!!!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, February 09, 2007

Went there yesterday as I had some time to kill and was hungry. I didn’t fancy a large meal, but the kitchen rustled me up some assorted fresh Dim Sum without a moment’s hesitation. Apparently the Dim Sum chef was poached from the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. The food was great and despite the fact that I did not have a reservation the manager sorted out a spot for me at the bar with only a short wait. I’ll be back for a proper meal
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Anthony Downes
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, December 20, 2006

I went to this restaurant this week and it's a complete joke. Awful food quality (The duck tasted so bad I didn't touch it; the fried seaweed tasted like seafood oil...), London has such a choice of quality chinese that I wouldn't bother going there if not to try the rude service or the ''wanna be posh'' atmosphere of this second class restaurant. Try Mr. Chow, Hakkassan, Yauatcha they know how to welcome and serve quality food!
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Laurent Le Brun
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, December 12, 2006

RIP OFF! You think that is an over used description? It's not when it is applied to Mao Tai.

Yes, this really is the rudest restaurant in London.

The food varies from the truly outstanding to the truly ghastly. However, there is no variation in the service - the appalling attitude of the staff is only supassed by that of the management.

Given the price, you might think that you would be looked after. You aren't. It seems that they simply don't care how they treat their diners. Perhaps they just don't care?

Whatever the reason, avoid this place at costs - unless you like paying far to much for food of entirely unpredictable quality, and being treated as if you have done them a favour by going there.

What the hell, if you are rich, go there just to experience how truly aweful a meal out can be. You won't be disappointed but be sure to tell your friends - we have.
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Jessica
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Thursday, December 07, 2006

Been a big fan of this joint for many years now and though not sure I like the new look interior on the whole it's still great. Despite a few bad reviews I thought the staff were friendly and the food as good as ever.

After a year or two without having visited I was delighted to return to celebrate my birthday with a low key dinner here. Fitted the bill perfectly.
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Bobby C
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, November 16, 2006

Six of us had Sunday lunch and the dim sum were quite nice. However ... when the bill came, we found that we had been charged £50 - yes, £50 - for TEA!!! DON'T drink tea here - it's quite nice but the price is just absurd. What a rip off! There were 3 pots of tea and a couple of top ups of hot water. In China, tea is free with the meal. In the UK, you can expect to pay £2 or £3 per pot. This is just ridiculous.
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Margaret
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0
Thursday, November 02, 2006