Imperial City in City of London, London

Fluid Eating's Review of Imperial City

Chopstick Charm in the City.

Imperial City is housed in a below street level red brick supported chamber of the Royal Exchange. Unfortunately this does mean that it is easy to miss, as the entrance consists of a glass door that opens onto a spiral staircase. Yet once you descend the steps the establishment opens up like a blossoming tropical flower. A huge ventilation pipe running along the arch shaped ceiling is adorned with golden dragons. For your further viewing entertainment there are several well stocked aquariums, which are strategically dotted around the dining area. On the back wall an impressive waterfall completes the aqua features on display. Each table is decked with a linen table cloth, on which both cutlery and chopsticks rest - ensuring that all customers feel at ease while dining. The members of staff are all big smiles and dressed in traditional costumes, to offer the full oriental complement.

But the real magic happens once you’re presented with your plate of food. The lobster spring roll with mango dressing inflates your appetite, tempting you to order another portion. If you do follow the white rabbit down the hole then try a different starter, such as the crab cakes with cucumber and peanut relish - it will leave you licking the plate! But don’t worry if you have ordered one of their menus there is more tastiness on its way. All the ingredients of the honey and sesame prawns with stir-fried mixed vegetables and noodles are cooked to their full potential.

Even though the prices remind you that you are eating in the financial district, the diverse clientele does not. It’s quite possible that you could find yourself sitting next to a family of eight celebrating a birthday, or an adulterous couple looking for a bit of discretion.

Shanna Schreuder (Updated 24/06/2007)

Imperial City Food & Drink Menus

Listed below are few sample food and drinks items available at Imperial City. These lists are not enhaustive, but are instead designed to give you an overview of the venue's offerings and assciated prices.

The impressive and authentic menuat Imperial City is inspired by Ken Hom, a world renowned authority on South-East Asian cuisine, who acts as a consultant chef. Clever flavouring and only the freshest ingredients are used to create dishes which are distinctive and satisfying for example Imperial style osso buco with Shanghai noodles and beef with lemon grass and cracked black pepper. A specially selected wine and drink list to complement the unique food flavours is available in both the bar and restaurant.

Imperial City Food menu

Imperial City Drink menu

Imperial City Map

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