Gold Mine Restaurant, Wardour Street - A Glorious Roast Duck Lunch in the Heart of Chinatown

After a busy morning in central London, I popped into Gold Mine Restaurant on 45 Wardour Street, right in the heart of Chinatown, for a quick lunch—and left feeling thoroughly satisfied and already planning a return visit.

This Chinatown outpost of the well-known Gold Mine (their original is in Queensway) is located just next to Wong Kei, the famously no-nonsense Cantonese restaurant. But where Wong Kei thrives on its bustling student vibe and chaotic charm, Gold Mine offers a more refined, modern and comfortable dining experience without veering into pretentious territory. Think air-conditioning, clean tablecloths, attentive service and a calm, well-lit space spread across two floors. It’s a proper restaurant, ideal for solo diners, families, or anyone needing a peaceful break in a busy part of town.

What I Ordered: A Roast Meat Trio

I ordered one of the lunch specials: the Three Combinations Roast Meat with Rice, and chose what many would consider the holy trinity—Roast Duck, BBQ Pork (Char Siu), and Crispy Roast Pork Belly.

Let me tell you, this was Cantonese comfort food at the centre of London. The roast duck was rich, flavourful, and juicy with just the right amount of fattiness and a crisped-up skin. The BBQ pork was tender, marinated well, and balanced between sweet and savoury. The crispy pork belly was the highlight—unreal crunch on the skin, yet still succulent underneath. The rice portion was generous and warm, making it a satisfying and balanced plate. A light drizzle of sauce over the rice added even more umami without overpowering the distinct flavour of each roast.

Ambience & Interior

The interior of Gold Mine Wardour Street is clean, modern, and welcoming, with minimal decor but plenty of light and neatly arranged tables. It doesn’t feel cramped, and unlike many older Chinatown institutions, there’s a sense of calm efficiency. During my visit, staff were prompt, friendly, and checked in just the right amount. It felt polished but still warm and authentic.

Upstairs offers more seating, so don’t be discouraged if the front looks full. However, on my visit, the upper section is closed. The environment is buzzing but never frantic, and yes—they take card payments (a big plus compared to Wong Kei’s cash-only policy).

Service

Service here is efficient, helpful, and courteous. I was greeted quickly, seated with no fuss, and served promptly. While not overly chatty, staff are quick to respond and clearly very experienced in keeping things moving smoothly even when the restaurant is busy. Do note, a service charge is added, but I found it reasonable considering the level of cleanliness, ambience, and attentiveness you receive.

Wong Kei Restaurant and Gold Mine Restaurant

Value for Money

No, Gold Mine isn’t the cheapest place in Chinatown. For that you will have to put up with Wong Kei Restaurant next door. But considering the portion sizes, the quality of the meats, the comfort of the environment, and the fact that you’re in the very centre of London, I’d say it’s well worth the price. The roast meat trio rice dish was priced fairly for what it delivered, and left me full for hours.

Gold Mine on Wardour Street strikes a rare balance: authentic Cantonese food with modern comfort. Whether you’re after a quick lunch like mine or a more elaborate dinner spread with friends, this place won’t disappoint. It’s especially perfect when you’re craving something hearty, flavourful, and familiar—and need it done right.

For me, that trio roast with rice will be my go-to. And next time, I’m definitely coming back for the dim sum and that legendary egg fried rice that so many diners rave about.

If you love roast duck, crispy pork, and no-fuss Cantonese flavours served in a clean and welcoming space—Gold Mine is gold.