ULI, Marylebone

I recently ate at ULI in Marylebone and honestly, it was one of the best Chinese meals I’ve had in a long time!

The dim sum was the real star of the show. I tried a special prawn and truffle option for Lunar New Year and it was incredible. The dumplings were perfectly made – delicate but not flimsy or soggy – and the filling was packed with flavour. The sweetness of the prawn worked so well with the richness of the truffle without it feeling over the top. It felt indulgent but still balanced, and I could easily have ordered another round – but there was more to come.

I also had the hot and sour soup, which I don’t say lightly (as it’s my favourite dish) was the best I’ve had in London. It had proper depth – spicy, tangy and comforting all at once. Sometimes hot and sour soup can lean too heavily one way or the other or be a bit gloopy, but this was spot on. It had a nice kick without being overwhelming and was full of flavour from the first spoonful to the last.

For mains, I went for the crispy shredded chilli beef and ho fun noodles with chicken and prawn, and they worked perfectly together. The beef was tender for a crispy version – sticky, slightly sweet with a bit of heat, and still tender underneath. It had that addictive quality where you just keep going back for more. The ho fun noodles were silky and full of that smoky wok flavour, with generous pieces of chicken and prawn throughout, they were a little soft if I had to be critical, but delicious nonetheless. They balanced the richness of the beef really well and tied everything together.

The location is another big plus. Right in the heart of Marylebone, it feels like the perfect spot whether you’re meeting friends, heading out for date night, or just fancy somewhere a bit special without it feeling too formal. The vibe is lively but relaxed – stylish without trying too hard, and the decor is soft and feminine – a perfect date location.

And I can’t not mention the lychee martini. It’s a must-order.

All in all, ULI delivered across the board. Amazing dim sum, standout soup, really solid mains and great cocktails in a brilliant location. I’ll definitely be going back – if only for that prawn and truffle dim sum again – they should put it on the menu (please).

To celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year, ULI has also introduced a limited-edition menu designed to usher in prosperity, fortune and fresh beginnings. Running until 3rd March, the specials include a celebratory Dim Sum Basket symbolising wealth and abundance, featuring Chicken Siu Mai with XO sauce, Prawn and Truffle Har Gau, and Aubergine and Spinach Dumplings. Other standout dishes include Crispy Duck Spring Rolls for wealth and new beginnings, and Whole Dover Sole with soy, ginger and scallions to represent surplus and good fortune.

Find out more > www.w1.ulilondon.com