
It's often hard to spot the join between old Middlesex and London when it comes to food and restaurants: there's the same diversity and fascinating mix of flavours, be it top-class Chinese food in Harrow or Michelin-starred French cooking in Twickenham.
Out towards Heathrow is London's 'Little India', congregated around Southall, with all manner of food producers, cultural hot-spots and a clutch of first-rate, totally authentic restaurants while elsewhere, neighbourhood restaurants feed their local population with British and European food.
TerrazzaFrom the moment you enter the Terrazza Restaurant in Ashford, you know that you are in for a special dining experience.
45 Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex - Cuisine: Italian
VolareSpecialising in pizza and other traditional Italian dishes, Volare Italian restaurant and pizzeria offers a family-friendly dining experience in Ashford.
4 Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middlesex - Cuisine: Italian
PappadumsPappadums is set in the Ferry Quays Development in Brentford by the Thames which means that you can sit on the terrace and gaze out over the water towards Kew Gardens while enjoying authentic Indian food that draws most of its inspiration from the north of the Sub-continent.
GC1 & GC2 Ferry Quays, Brentford, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
Glistening WatersGlistening Waters, hidden away in the Ferry Quays development of luxury flats, this enterprising Caribbean restaurant has made a lot of friends since opening in 2003: 'an absolute delight,' concluded one UK Restaurant Guide reporter, who praised the 'fantastic' reasonably priced food and excellent service.
5 Ferry Lane, Brentford, Middlesex - Cuisine: Caribbean
Lord NelsonOrganic meat from a farm in the Peak District is the star attraction at this large back-street local the Lord Nelson, tucked away in the hinterland between South Ealing and Brentford.
9 Enfield Road, Brentford, Middlesex - Cuisine: Gastro pub
San MarcoLocated at the heart of the Ferry Quays development in Brentford, San Marco enjoys great views of the Thames and a nearby sculptural landmark.
1 Ferry Lane, Brentford, Middlesex - Cuisine: Italian
The CapabilityThe Capability is the flagship restaurant in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in London Syon Park, the setting of which has served as the country home of the Duke of Northumberland for over 400 years.
London Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex - Cuisine: English
Thai upon ThamesJust across Richmond Bridge and a couple of hundred yards along Richmond Road towards Twickenham, we were delighted to discover Thai upon Thames.
346 Richmond Road, East Twickenham, Middlesex - Cuisine: Thai
Thai EdgeAn interesting choice for authentic Thai food in the suburbs, Thai Edge offers 'a really homely dining experience' in colourful, authentically decorated surroundings.
177 Station Road, Edgware, Middlesex - Cuisine: Thai
HaandiIt may not be as auspicious as its elder brother in Knightsbridge, but this branch of Haandi still attracts local Indian families and western cognoscenti to the outer reaches of Edgware (five minutes' walk from the station) because of its food.
301 - 303 Hale Lane, Edgware, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
The Royal Chace Hotel, Kings RestaurantSet in several acres of grounds and open countryside just a short drive from Enfield and the M25, the privately owned Royal Chace Hotel with its Kings Restaurant is a great favourite for business or pleasure out of London.
162 The Ridgeway, Enfield, Middlesex - Cuisine: International
Trattoria Sorrentina RestaurantA fixture of Harrow's restaurant scene for more than 30 years, the long-running Trattoria Sorrentina prides itself on catering equally well for big occasions and intimate assignations.
6 Manor Parade, Harrow, Middlesex - Cuisine: Italian
Caribbean ChoicePart of Harrow's lively ethnic restaurant scene, Caribbean Choice is a warm, friendly and unpretentious place noted for its genuine food, family atmosphere and fair prices.
116 High Street, Harrow, Middlesex - Cuisine: Caribbean
Celebrity RestaurantCelebrity Restaurant is an award winning Indian restaurant situated on the busy Kenton Road in Harrow. This stylish neighbourhood restaurant is decked out in a contemporary style with colourful frescos decorating the walls and dark wood tables and chairs.
714 - 716 Kenton Road, Harrow, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
Incanto Restaurant & DelicatessenCombining the virtues of delicatessen and modern restaurant, Incanto occupies the old post office in Harrow-on-the-Hill and aims to provide a really friendly, open-minded environment for business people and families alike.
41 High Street, Harrow, Middlesex - Cuisine: Italian
KK RestaurantTraditional Indian cuisine 'prepared in a cauldron of tandoors, korais and woks' is the promise of KK, a busy canteen-style restaurant not far from North Harrow station.
28 The Broadwalk, Harrow, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
Lanfranc's RestaurantBilled as 'the hotel for all seasons', the Quality Harrow is run with professionalism as well as a sense of humour.
The Quality Harrow Hotel, Harrow, Middlesex - Cuisine: European
The RotisserieThe Rotisserie, billed as a 'Steak Restaurant & Grill', this Hatch End fixture does exactly what it says on the menu.
316 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Middlesex - Cuisine: Eclectic
Radisson Edwardian Hotel Heathrow, Henleys RestaurantSome of the most interesting food within earshot of Heathrow Airport can be found in Henley's restaurant in the modern Radisson Edwardian Hotel – making it a welcome alternative to in-flight food trays.
140 Bath Road, Hayes, Middlesex - Cuisine: Modern British
Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Bytes RestaurantHandily placed just down the road from Heathrow Airport, the Sheraton Skyline is a something of a godsend for travellers, and has recently been brightened up with the addition of the enterprising Bytes Restaurant The restaurant's stylish contemporary interiors sit well with legs of Parma ham and wheels of Parmesan cheese, and the kitchen mixes tradition with innovation on a menu with strong North Italian leanings.
Heathrow Airport, Hayes, Middlesex - Cuisine: Italian
The Brasserie, Radisson Edwardian Hotel HeathrowA beautifully designed and furnished Brasserie at The Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow, the Brasserie is an all day restaurant featuring a wide range of classics, such as steaks and burgers, as well as an interesting range of more adventurous dishes for example, the rib eye steak is aged for 28 days, from Dilon's farm in County Londonderry, and is served with grilled vine tomatoes, chips and peppercorn sauce.
140 Bath Road, Hayes, Middlesex - Cuisine: Brasserie
Brasserie RouxSituated between two wings of the Sofitel Airport Hotel at Heathrow Terminal 5, Brasserie Roux's appearance is impeccable, with a high ceiling, mirrors and water features.
Sofitel London Heathrow, Hounslow, Middlesex - Cuisine: French
Gordon Ramsay Plane FoodGordon Ramsay has landed at Heathrow, and now runs this flagship restaurant among the plethora of chains and fast-food joints that do the feeding at Terminal 5.
Terminal 5, Hounslow, Middlesex - Cuisine: Modern European
Memories of IndiaPart of a London-based group, this branch of Memories of India has been doing Osterley proud for a good many years.
160-162 Thornbury Road, Osterley, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
Friends RestaurantSituated on Pinner High Street, the frontage of this 400-year-old Grade II-listed beamed cottage is festooned with window boxes and greenery, and inside, Friends Restaurant has been given a stylish makeover.
11 High Street, Pinner, Middlesex - Cuisine: Modern European
L'OrientSituated in a fine old building on one of the most attractive streets in Middlesex, L'Orient comprises five separate and very distinctive dining rooms under one roof.
53 High Street, Pinner, Middlesex - Cuisine: Pan Asian
The Spice Room'A hidden gem,' according to one enthusiastic UK Restaurant Guide reporter, the Spice Room is part of IMADA - a livewire local health and fitness centre, squash club and dance academy (the acronym stands for 'I've Made A Decision Already').
IMADA, Pinner, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
The Barn Hotel, Hawtrey's RestaurantOriginally an old farm building set in three acres of grounds within easy reach of the A40 and the M25, The Barn Hotel with its Hawtrey's Restaurant is now a fully fledged complex incorporating a conference centre, leisure, banqueting and function facilities.
West End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex - Cuisine: Modern French
Brilliant RestaurantBefore moving to Britain, the Anand family ran the Brilliant Hotel in Nairobi, and they brought the name with them (although most people would say that the food is 'brilliant', too!).
72-76 Western Road, Southall, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
Madhu'sSister restaurant to The Brilliant in nearby Western Road, Madhu's takes its name from the owners' father. After a fire destroyed the original premises in 2003, it rose again sporting a brand new look and a glossy up-to-the-minute menu.
39 South Road, Southall, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
Mehfil Hotel & RestaurantFormerly Southall's Hotel Iccon, the trendily designed Mehfil describes itself as 'an inspired fusion of old-world elegance with distinctly contemporary energy and glamour' - One of its greatest assets is the equally elegant Mehfil Restaurant, so – if you're staying in the hotel and don't fancy exploring Southall's myriad cafés and neighbourhood eating places – you can satisfy any cravings for classy Indian without leaving base.
45 The Green, Southall, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
Apollonia RestaurantA striking contemporary interior helps to create a mood of calm and relaxation in this long-established restaurant, which has been serving up a lively mix of dishes from around the world for almost 30 years.
25-29 Church Road, Stanmore, Middlesex - Cuisine: Eclectic
Madisons DeliStainless steel fittings, bare floors and plate glass windows give this self-styled' salt beef restaurant, Madisons Deli in Stanmore an upbeat, almost funky feel.
11 Buckingham Parade, Stanmore, Middlesex - Cuisine: Jewish
Five Hot ChilliesFive Hot Chillies, a boisterous Indian café serving really authentic no-nonsense food in a setting of orange walls and green Formica tables and as Time Out observed, it can seem more like 'a bustling Indian railway station than a Sudbury café' such is the noise, action and frenetic atmosphere of the place.
875 Harrow Road, Sudbury, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
The WharfA stylishly converted boathouse with splendid views overlooking Teddington Lock and the River Thames, the Wharf restaurant has a superb covered terrace allowing customers to make the most of the enviable waterside setting.
22 Manor Road, Teddington, Middlesex - Cuisine: Modern European
Retro BistrotRetro Bistrot in Teddington has been named Best London Restaurant 2011 in the prestigious Good Food Guide Awards. This delightful restaurant which opened in August 2008 has a loyal following of customers, charmed by the welcome and ambience created by enthusiastic owner Vincent Gerbeau and his Manager Fabrice Petat, who take great pride in their very high standards of personal service.
114 - 116 High Street, Teddington, Middlesex - Cuisine: French
Simply ThaiSimply Thai originally opened as a café in nearby Hampton Wick, and Patria Weerapan's neighbourhood Thai restaurant has been firmly bedded in Teddington since 2004.
196 Kingston Road, Teddington, Middlesex - Cuisine: Thai
A CenaA Cena restaurant is situated a stone's throw from Richmond Bridge, this smart modern Italian is a godsend for Twickenham and a favourite local destination.
418 Richmond Road, Twickenham, Middlesex - Cuisine: Italian
Brula BistrotAt first glance, Twickenham's Brula Bistrot may look slightly ecclesiastical with its stained glass windows, sturdy pews and dark wood fittings, but there's nothing reverential about the happy atmosphere that pervades this much-loved St Margaret's neighbourhood venue.
43 Crown Road, Twickenham, Middlesex - Cuisine: French
Tiger CubsSince opening, Tiger Cubs has made a big impact in New Denham and beyond, with its blend of exciting contemporary decor, artwork and innovative Indian food.
74 Oxford Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex - Cuisine: Indian
AlisanA multi-storey glass structure opposite the new Wembley Stadium is the prestigious location for Alisan, flagship restaurant of the Aroma group.
Wembley Retail Park, Wembley, Middlesex - Cuisine: Chinese
Arena RestaurantArena is reckoned to be the longest established family-run restaurant in the Wembley area, and the neighbourhood's only authentic Greek venue, Arena was set up by Jimmy and Helen Lagos in 1984.
307 Harrow Road, Wembley, Middlesex - Cuisine: Greek
MesopotamiaIn a great neighbourhood location for locals and concert-goers in Wembley, Mesopotamia is a Babylonian treat, from the processional lions along the rough-cast walls to the bright blue and gold replica of the Ishtar Gate at the back of the restaurant.
115 Wembley Park Drive, Wembley, Middlesex - Cuisine: Iraqi
Water PalaceA beautiful glass wall water feature is one eye-catching feature of this aptly named Chinese restaurant not far from West Drayton.
131 High Street, Yiewsley, Middlesex - Cuisine: Chinese