Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour

Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour sits on Gerrard Street in London's Chinatown, a narrow alley that feels removed from the surrounding West End bustle. The restaurant combines two distinct experiences under one roof: a dim sum kitchen serving traditional steamed dumplings and small plates, and a cocktail bar with house-made spirits and inventive drinks. The space itself draws heavily on the aesthetics of 1920s Shanghai, with dark wood, low lighting, and vintage opium den references woven throughout the design. This dual focus makes it a spot where you can arrive for lunch and leave by early evening, or settle in for cocktails after dinner elsewhere.

What the kitchen is known for

The dim sum operation here tends toward traditional preparation. You can expect steamed har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). The kitchen also offers less common items like chicken feet and tripe, reflecting a commitment to the full dim sum repertoire rather than a simplified menu aimed at Western diners. Trolley service is not the norm here; instead, you order from a menu or by pointing to laminated pictures of dishes.

On the cocktail side, the bar creates its own syrups, bitters, and liqueurs. Rather than chasing trends, the drinks tend to build on classic templates with house-made components and Asian-inspired ingredients. Expect tea infusions, citrus work, and an occasional spice-forward creation.

Atmosphere and setting

The interior is deliberately theatrical. Red lacquer, hanging paper lanterns, and vintage photographs of Shanghai create an immersive atmosphere that veers close to kitsch but stops just short. The dim sum section sits downstairs in a casual, brightly lit dining area. The cocktail bar occupies a separate space upstairs, quieter and more intimate, with lower ceilings and a speakeasy-like mood. This split design means the two halves of the venue operate with distinct energy. If you want to linger over drinks, the upstairs bar is the better bet. If you're grabbing dim sum at lunch, the downstairs feels faster and more transactional.

Reservations and waits

Dim sum service at lunch can draw crowds, particularly on weekends. Walk-ins often face waits of 20 to 40 minutes depending on the time and day. Booking ahead is sensible if you're planning a specific time. The cocktail bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis most evenings, though capacity is limited and the space fills quickly after 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Off-peak weekday afternoons tend to be quieter.

Price tier

This is a mid-range venue. Dim sum plates are individually priced at modest rates, so a meal for one typically costs less than you'd spend at a fine dining restaurant but more than street food. The cocktails are upscale in execution but not premium in price compared to London's high-end cocktail bars. A cocktail and a handful of dim sum dishes represents good value for central London.

Best time to visit

Weekday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm offer the quietest dim sum experience. The cocktail bar comes alive after 7pm, and the vibe shifts noticeably after 9pm on weekends when the crowd skews younger and louder. If you want to sample both dim sum and cocktails in one visit, late afternoon (around 5pm) gives you the tail end of dim sum service before the evening bar crowd arrives. Lunchtime on Saturdays and Sundays brings the largest crowds.

Good to know before you go

Gerrard Street is narrow and easy to miss if you're not looking for the street number. The entrance is tucked between other shopfronts. If you're arriving by tube, Leicester Square is the nearest station, about a 5-minute walk. The restaurant occupies two floors, and the upstairs bar is accessed by a steep, tight staircase. If mobility is a concern, ask staff about ground-floor seating options when you arrive. The dim sum menu is primarily in English but pictures help if you're uncertain about what you're ordering. Card payment is preferred, though cash is accepted.

Neighborhood and location context

Chinatown's Gerrard Street is lined with restaurants, bakeries, and shops serving London's Chinese community and tourists alike. Opium sits among a dense cluster of dining options, so it's worth exploring the street before and after your meal. The neighborhood is walkable from Covent Garden and Soho, and the West End theatres are a 10-minute walk away if you're timing a pre-show dinner. The area has good pedestrian access but can feel crowded during peak shopping and dining hours.

Who this is for

This restaurant works well for groups seeking a shared dining experience around dim sum, especially if the group includes people who want to linger over cocktails afterward. Solo diners can sit at the bar either upstairs or down. It suits date nights where you want a casual but atmospheric setting rather than formal service. Dim sum lunch appeals to anyone craving traditional steamed dumplings without pretense. The cocktail bar is best for people who enjoy house-made ingredients and are willing to trust the bartender's judgment. If you're visiting Chinatown specifically to eat dim sum, Opium is a solid choice, though it's not the only one on the street.

FAQ

• Do I need to book for dim sum? Not mandatory, but booking is wise on weekends to avoid a long wait.
• Can I order dim sum upstairs at the cocktail bar? The upstairs bar serves cocktails and a limited food menu, not full dim sum. Order dim sum downstairs.
• What time does the kitchen close? The dim sum kitchen typically closes by early evening. Call ahead if you're planning a late-afternoon visit.
• Are there vegetarian dim sum options? Yes, the menu includes vegetable dumplings and tofu-based dishes, though the full range may vary by day.