In the heart of Fitzrovia, 3 Gorges is quietly redefining what modern Cantonese fine dining can be in London. Spanning three elegant floors at 36 Goodge Street, this new opening offers a highly curated experience, from its art deco design inspired by 1920s Shanghai, to ingredient-led dishes crafted by a chef with deep roots in Chinese culinary tradition.
More than a restaurant, 3 Gorges is a tribute to regional culture, technical precision and natural flavour—presented with polish and warmth.
The concept: heritage, simplicity and precision
At its core, 3 Gorges is not fusion, not trend-led, and not theatrical. It is a love letter to Cantonese cuisine at its most pure and ingredient-focused, anchored in the belief that technique should amplify—not mask—the character of each ingredient.
This vision comes from owner Li Zhang, who previously founded Sanxia Renjia and brings a deep respect for Chinese culinary heritage to Fitzrovia. Her goal with 3 Gorges was simple: create a refined space where authentic Cantonese cooking could be enjoyed with intention and elegance.
To realise that vision, she brought in Chef Qian, a Jiangsu-born chef with more than a decade of experience at Hakkasan Group, Sino and MiMi Mayfair. Qian’s cooking style is disciplined, rooted in tradition, and exacting in its standards.
Every dish is built around the clarity of flavour, cooked to order, and plated with restraint. The goal isn’t to impress with flair, but to evoke confidence through calm, clean execution.
The Food: Exceptional Ingredients, Elevated Dishes
At the core of the menu is Chef Qian’s deep understanding of Cantonese technique. The focus is on purity of flavour and perfect cooking over spectacle. Every dish is made to order, plated with modern finesse, and rooted in tradition.
Must-try signature dishes include:
- Salted egg yolk crispy king prawns: golden, crunchy, and packed with umami.
- Char siu Iberico pork: roasted to deep caramelisation, balanced with signature sweetness.
- Whole steamed turbot: simply done with ginger and spring onion, showcasing delicate technique.
- Lobster longevity noodles: luxurious, comforting and ideal for sharing.
- Seven spice beancurd: a vegetarian triumph, fried until golden and fragrant with a blend of Sichuan pepper, chilli, garlic and house aromatics. It’s crisp on the outside, creamy inside, and deeply flavourful.
- Trio of xiao long bao: delicate soup-filled dumplings served in three variations: classic pork, king prawn, and a spinach-vegetable version. Each is handmade with thin wrappers and generous filling, offering a small but beautifully crafted snapshot of regional flavour.
- Pan-fried lamb dumplings: crisp-bottomed and juicy, perfect with black vinegar and chilli oil.
- Wild mushroom cheung fun: soft rice rolls filled with seasonal mushrooms and drizzled with soy.
Another unmissable signature is the roast duck. Crispy-skinned, juicy, and served with the restaurant’s own house-made pancakes, this dish represents the elegance of classic Cantonese feasting. The pancakes are soft, warm and freshly steamed in-house—lightly elastic, thin yet sturdy enough to wrap around slices of duck, julienned cucumber, spring onion and hoisin sauce. It’s served table side with ceremony and balance, and ideal for sharing with groups.
Diners can explore the à la carte or choose one of several prix fixe dinner menus. A weekday lunch menu offers a more casual yet precise window into the kitchen’s approach.
Design: a cinematic take on 1920s Shanghai
The setting at 3 Gorges is just as thoughtful as the food. The ground floor is modelled on the golden age of Shanghai, with Chinese art deco elements: marble-style tiled floors, scroll-lined walls, handmade silk lanterns, and vintage glass chandeliers.
The blue-black wall panelling and curved mirrors add visual depth, while the marble bar is framed by elegant bottle displays and soft spotlighting. Every floor has its character:
- Ground floor: buzzy and ambient
- First floor: more open, ideal for small groups
- Lower ground: private dining rooms and a karaoke room coming soon!
Each space is cohesive yet distinct, tied together by its calming palette and subtle visual storytelling.
Drinks: Short, Curated, and Confident
The cocktail list is compact and intentional—no gimmicks, just well-executed classics. Try the 3 Gorges Negroni with plum wine and gin, or a Shanghai-style Champagne Cocktail with lychee and lemon peel. They’re served in beautiful glassware with minimal garnish, in line with the restaurant’s elegant tone.
The wine list is also worth noting. While concise, it offers excellent Asian-friendly pairings, like dry Rieslings, aged white Burgundies and soft reds like Pinot Noir or Gamay. There’s also a premium reserve list and a smart edit of after-dinner whiskies for guests who want to linger downstairs.
The Experience: A Luxurious, Grounded Escape
Service is warm, unobtrusive and confident. The space never feels rushed, and the pace of the meal allows each course to land with presence. With an average spend of around £90 per head, 3 Gorges delivers a luxury dining experience that is refined but not rigid, elegant without being intimidating. A masterclass in Chinese cooking, and a must in London.
For more information, visit 3 Gorges
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All Images Courtesy of 3 Gorges.