Seemor
Tao Tao JuBWorth Trying
15 Lisle St, London WC2H 7BE
· Chinese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.1/5 Google (2044 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Reliable Chinatown dim sum with bustling vibes; eat-in shines while delivery is inconsistent; prices sit mid-to-high for the area.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Tao Tao Ju delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong dim sum execution and attentive service, earning a grade B standing. However, quality variation between dine-in and delivery and occasional food safety lapses prevent higher grades. The prime Chinatown location and lively atmosphere make it worth visiting for fresh dim sum, but reliability concerns keep it from competing with the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
In the thick of Chinatown’s neon and theatre crowds, Tao Tao Ju buzzes with lively, casual energy. Servers move briskly and the room hums; one diner summed it up as, "happy chaos with hot tea and steaming baskets." Expect quick seating off-peak and a short queue at busy times. Cooking leans classic Cantonese with dim sum at its heart rather than showy fusion, backed by a big menu that also dips into Szechuan and Thai touches. The strengths are freshly made dumplings and comforting noodle plates, while premium seafood raises the bill. Eat-in quality is reliably better than delivery, where several reviews note dryness or inconsistencies. Families are well served thanks to familiar dishes like fried rice, chow mein, spring rolls, and sweet-and-sour options. There is no explicit kids menu mentioned, but the menu has plenty children will recognize. If your crew is adventurous, dim sum variety keeps things fun; picky eaters can stick to the safe favorites.
At a Glance
- Fresh, well-executed dim sum with multiple standout favorites
- Bustling Chinatown location ideal for pre-theatre
- Delivery quality inconsistent compared with dine-in
- Prices can feel high for the area, plus service charge
- Attentive service off-peak; friendly team even when busy
What Sets It Apart
- broad_dim_sum_selection
- prime_chinatown_location
- premium_seafood_offerings
What People Love
- Fresh, juicy siu mai and har gow
- Steaming baskets arriving in waves
- Friendly service that keeps tea and water flowing
- A reliable Chinatown go-to for dim sum cravings
Points of Concern
- Delivery orders often arrive dry or overcooked; dine-in is more consistent
- Menu is large and staff guidance can be limited at peak times
- Premium seafood pushes checks upward; a service charge applies
- Review patterns show dine-in praise vs delivery complaints which may not reflect typical in-house experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£32-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a dim sum spread around siu mai, har gow, and a noodle like Beef Ho Fun; add one premium seafood if budget allows.
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre dim sum before West End shows
- Casual group meetups in Chinatown
- Solo drop-ins seeking quick, satisfying dumplings
- Seafood fans willing to pay for premium options
Location Insights
Area: Bustling, tourist-heavy Chinatown steps from Leicester Square; constant foot traffic and queue culture.
Safety: Well-lit, busy, generally safe with heavy pedestrian flow and late-night activity.
Nearby: Surrounded by Chinese eateries, theaters, cinemas, and pubs; strong pre/post-theatre demand.
Covent GardenCovent Garden is a lively neighborhood famous for its historic market, street performers, and diverse dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The area has a dynamic social atmosphere with a strong focus on entertainment and culinary experiences, popular among visitors and locals alike.
Seven DialsSeven Dials is a distinctive micro-neighborhood within Covent Garden known for its unique layout of seven converging streets, independent boutiques, and a growing number of trendy restaurants and bars. It offers a more intimate and fashionable dining and shopping experience compared to the broader Covent Garden area.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:45
Tuesday12:00–22:45
Wednesday12:00–22:45
Thursday12:00–22:45
Friday12:00–22:45
Saturday12:00–22:45
Sunday12:00–22:45
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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