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If you are seeking somewhere at the top-end of London’s nightlife destinations, somewhere luxurious, with a chef imported especially for his skills with Pan-Asian fusion-cuisine, where celebrity clientele include Madonna and Samuel L Jackson, somewhere offering a mixture of restaurant, cocktail bar and nightclub, then your search is over. Stop at the top of Park Lane, look for the door flanked by cups of flame, and enter Taman Gang.

Descending into Taman Gang is an experience in itself – you come to a stone staircase surrounded by elegant candles and intricate Asian decor. Then there are the Buddha statues smiling and showing off their fat stomachs – an image I hoped to replicate at the end of the meal.

Welcoming staff were on hand to direct to the main part of the restaurant. I was immediately struck by the sophisticated and stylish interior, elaborate ornate Asian carvings with subtle lighting lending a warm intimate sense to the surroundings. Split into sections there is a cocktail bar, sofas, and evenly spaced tables and private booths; so far, so very good.

As it was a typical rainy London day, my companion and I decided to sample the cocktails to help us dry off. We opted for the Tin-Si and an Eastern Princess. Both were excellent, lychees in the Tin-Si and the Eastern Princess’s passion fruit were redolent of hot summer days and soon warmed us up.

For starters I chose the duck in hoisin sauce. This was served pre-rolled tightly, a bonus for impatient eaters. The duck was superb, the spring onions and cucumber were fresh and flavoursome. My companion selected the California prawn teriyaki. Both starters were served up at exactly the right temperature, the prawns of a particularly delicate consistency.

For main, I went for the Korean lamb, succulent, tender and leaner than Eddie Izzard after running 43 marathons in 51 days. It came with kim chee asparagus and cabbage, both swimming with spices. This was washed down by a fruity Malbec, recommended by the waitress which, given the extensive wine list and our inability to choose, was one of many examples of good service that we enjoyed throughout the evening.

My companion elected for the cod with shiro miso, baked in its skin. She was happy to report that it was like biting into a fluffy dessert. Tiny pieces of fish added variety and richness to the dish. The accompanying pak choi was light, crunchy and infused with subtle flavourings.

For dessert, I went for the warm chocolate pudding with green tea ice cream. The chocolate was rich and decadent, the ice-cream served at a comfortable temperature. We also chose the Mochi vanilla and honeycomb ice cream, and this dish illustrates how it is the little touches that make the food at this restaurant stand out. The vanilla ice cream is made using real vanilla sticks and, as with the fish, the small pieces bring out the extra flavour in the dish, giving it a unique twist.

The food overall was well presented and although Taman Gang is unquestionably a fashionable venue, there were no huge plates with lonely miniscule “artistic” portions served. Staff were always at hand to refill glasses, plates were taken away at the right time. Our waitress displayed a thorough knowledge of the menu, offering informed recommendations.

The clientele on this occasion was a mixture of couples, small groups, a lone diner, all of varied ages, although no sign of Madonna or Samuel. All veered towards the smart end of smart-casual. This is a location where you are expected to make an effort with your appearance. Particularly on Fridays and Saturdays when tables are cleared away to create a dancefloor which a DJ then fills with commercial dance until 3am.

Prices aren’t cheap at Taman Gang, but you do get what you pay for. If you want to treat yourself in opulent surroundings while enjoying fantastic food and service to match, then Taman Gang has to be visited; an excellent experience.

Reviewed by Steve Kent

Description: The Balinese for ‘Park Lane’, Taman Gang is one of London’s most exclusive venues.

As you enter down the candle-lit, stone-carved staircase you are met by traditional Buddha statues, and a décor which is guaranteed to leave a fantastic impression. Taman Gang’s Asian-themed interior means an inimitable environment from which to savour the fine pan-Asian food created by Executive Chef Ricky Pang and delight in the extensive list of special cocktails mixed by acclaimed barman Kim Kaci and his team.

Taman Gang - one of Mayfair’s most unique venues for a romantic meal - is a also the place to head to for an impromptu wild night out as they feature some of London’s top DJs on a regular basis. Additionally, staff are experienced at hosting private and corporate events, providing fast and efficient service to suit your exact needs. (Updated 24/09/2009)

Customer Reviews for Taman Gang

“Taman Gang is gorgeous. I went there on a Thursday night with a friend. It was pretty quiet, I have to say, but I really enjoyed the half price drinks - signature cocktails and house champagne is half price on Thursday nights. The barman was very attentive and I enjoyed the suave service. It was a little boring for a Thursday though as the place was mainly packed with little groups of people - so we were a little bit lonely and sadly did not get chatted up in the way we were hoping. The toilets are worth mentioning. Jeepers! Walking into the toilets, you can hardly tell where to go. The doors to the toilets look like the wall. Very stylish though. I would definately like to go back here on a weekend.”
Rating: — Jade, London (02 Apr 2010)

“Really fine cuisine: delicately tasty Asian dishes... totally recommended for a FAB dinner experience!”
Rating: — Paola P., London (12 Oct 2009)

“A marvellous experience, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. One of the better establishments in London's top-end of venues I think.”
Rating: — John, Richmond (12 Oct 2009)

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