RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

A melting pot of cultures, eating out in London is an international affair. Renowned for its curries, there are hundreds of Indian restaurants to choose from, from upmarket Mayfair to the trendy Brick Lane. Head to Chinatown in Soho for Chinese, or Brixton for African or Caribbean.

A city synonymous with celebrity big name chefs like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, visitors to the city can also sample some of the country's finest cuisine, but at a price. For a special gourmet evening out head to Mayfair, Covent Garden, Soho or Chelsea, but expect to pay. For the ultimate English experience, traditional fish and chips are the order of the day. Get it wrapped up for take away and head to the nearest park for a greasy snack. If the weather is doing its usual thing then head to a cosy gastropub instead and sample some heart-warming English fare.

Eating out in London is expensive but a lunchtime sandwich and soft drink shouldn't cost more than £5 and an evening meal at a standard restaurant, excluding drinks should amount to £10.

For a comprehensive list of London restaurants check out www.london-eating.co.uk

Avenue

$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic

The Avenue Restaurant and Bar is a favourite with the inhabitants of St James, and produces good modern British and Mediterranean food. This minimalist restaurant is good value and always packed, despite a sometimes patchy service. The best tables are towards the back, on the mezzanine level. Set menus are usually excellent, and competitively priced. For starters try the crayfish salad, and for mains the roast Atlantic halibut (flounder) and the White Park sirloin come highly recommended. Quality wines are available by the glass. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: 7-9 St James's Street; E-mail: avenue@egami.co.uk; Telephone: (0)20 7321 2111

Star of India

$$$$$ | Indian

When in London, visitors should experience the English national dish - Chicken Tikka Masala - and there is no better place to go than the Star of India, in the heart of South Kensington. Situated on the first floor of a Georgian house, this small restaurant has a pseudo-classical interior and continues to be popular with locals, despite the price. For years the Star of India has been at the forefront of modern Indian cuisine and it continues to impress with innovative and interesting menus, and specialities such as Sunehri Khaste (stuffed coriander pancakes) and Malai Adraki Champen (lamb cutlets marinated in cream cheese, black pepper and ginger).

Address: 154 Old Brompton Road (South Kensington); Telephone: (0)20 7373 2901

1 Lombard Street

$$$$$ | French

Situated in the domed interior of an old banking hall, opposite the Bank of England, 1 Lombard Street has become a city institution. The brasserie is always bustling with investment bankers and offers a full á la carte menu for both lunch and dinner, featuring seasonal specialities and an extensive wine list. The Michelin-starred restaurant, situated behind the brasserie, is a better bet for discreet conversation and for enthusiasts of haute cuisine. Menu favourites include roast monkfish, Angus beef tournedos and the praliné 'Lombardo' with chocolate, whisky and coffee. The formal dining environment provides a tranquil setting for appreciating Herbert Berger's sophisticated cuisine. Open weekdays only and the dress is smart casual.

Address: 1 Lombard Street (Bank); E-mail: reception@1lombardstreet.com; Telephone: (0)20 7929 6611

Montpeliano

$$$$$ | Italian

On a quiet side street just off Knightsbridge and a minutes walk from Harrods, Montpeliano is a wonderfully old-fashioned Italian restaurant, where the food is authentic and the service excellent. The owner is always available, the staff are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere has a feel of casual elegance. On warm evenings it is possible to dine 'el fresco' on the outside patio. The grilled chicken diavola (devil's style/butterflied) and the fillet stroganoff are delicious!

Address: 13 Montpelier Street (Knightsbridge); Telephone: (0)20 7589 0032

The Abingdon

$$$$$ | Gastropubs

The bar at this small but atmospheric pub is always buzzing with locals, while the restaurant often draws visitors from further afield. Set on a side street a few blocks from High Street Kensington the eating area is awkwardly narrow but makes a good spot for a private and romantic evening á deux, or with a small group of friends. The crumbed camembert comes with a chicory, red wine and vanilla reduction, and is beautifully followed by the organic salmon with Jerusalem artichokes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: 54 Abingdon Road (Kensington); Telephone: (0)20 7937 3339

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

$$$$$ | French

One of London's finest eateries, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay opened in 1998 as the chef's first independently owned venture. Today it has three Michelin stars - an honour held by only one other British restaurant. With 14 tables seating 44 guests, this exclusive venue has become a must for connoisseurs of fine contemporary cuisine from around the world. Feast on butter poached Scottish lobster tail, roasted Barbary duck and Gianduja chocolate soufflé. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, book well in advance.

Address: 68 Royal Hospital Road (Chelsea); Telephone: (0)20 7352 4441

Fire and Stone

$$$$$ | Italian

A cosy atmosphere with contemporary trimmings and the smell of fresh oven-baked pizza in the air, the trendy Fire and Stone pizza joint in Covent Garden is ideal for a family outing, a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner. Boasting the largest wood-fired oven in the northern hemisphere, Fire and Stone produces a large variety of pizzas, themed on the different flavours of the continents and made with only the freshest ingredients. Compliment your meal with some of their quality red wines, or try an exotic smoothie. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: 31/32 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden; Telephone: 0844 371 2550

Carnaby Restaurant

$$$$$ | British

Carnaby Restaurant is a decadently decorated establishment ideal for a light snack, afternoon tea or a full bodied evening meal. This restaurant's fine food is served by friendly and attentive staff, so sit back and enjoy the view of attractive Carnaby Street through the tall glass windows, the plush red furnishings and the 'olde worlde' atmosphere. There are a variety of sophisticated meals on the menu, including salmon steak with crab and potato salad, and a sticky toffee pudding with crème fraîche. Open for lunch and supper, Monday to Saturday.

Address: Courthouse Hotel, 19-21 Great Marlborough Street; Telephone: 020 7297 5555

54 Farringdon

$$$$$ | Oriental

A stylish but understated restaurant, serving modern European and Malaysian cuisine, 54 is the ideal place for a romantic evening or dinner with a group of friends. Serving only free range, organic and local produce, 54 tries to ensure that their cuisine is environmentally responsible and retains the utmost flavour. Try the squid with black pepper and roast garlic for starters, nicely complimented by a prawn and coconut curry main course. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday and dinner on Saturday.

Address: 54 Farringdon Road; Telephone: 020 7336 0603

Zaika

$$$$$ | Indian

A highly creative contemporary Indian restaurant, Zaika offers sensational Indian cuisine in a cool and vibrant setting. Situated in trendy Kensington, Zaika has won Best Indian Restaurant in the London Restaurant Awards and holds three AA rosettes. Try the tasting menu to get a fuller understanding of the extensive Indian flavours. The Indian home-smoked salmon and Masala duck breast are also favourites. With great service, plush interiors and excellent cuisine, Zaika is a fail-proof night out. Open for lunch from Tuesday to Sunday, and every evening for dinner.

Address: 1 Kensington High Street, Kensington; Telephone: 020 7795 6533

Blue Elephant

$$$$$ | Oriental

A full throttle Thai experience, eating at the Blue Elephant is a must. Greeted with welcoming smiles at the door, guests will love the Thai décor, lush indoor garden of tropical plants and the flowing carp pond. The Blue Bar's counter was carved out of a single piece of teak and layered with 50,000 sheets of goldleaf, adding to the restaurant's exotic and luxurious feel. The starter menu offers familiar fare such as satay sticks, dumplings and spring rolls, with the main menu displaying a broad range of dishes, from herb-marinated sea bass grilled inside a bamboo wrap to Massaman, a typical Thai dish of braised lamb in a medium spicy sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: 3-6 Fulham Broadway; Telephone: 020 7385 6595