Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel, The Hampshire Bar and RestaurantOverlooking the bright lights of Leicester Square in the heart of theatre land, this is a tranquil retreat close to the bustle of the West End.
Leicester Square, Central London
Fung ShingIt's not just The UK Restaurant Guide who highly rate Fung Shing as a top quality Cantonese/Chinese restaurant, but the restaurant's own client list; regulars at Fung Shing include many celebrities and chefs such as Gordon Ramsey, Anton Mossiman, Marco Pierre White, Michel and Albert Roux, Antonio Carluccio, etc.
Soho, West London
Mr KongBack in business after a fire in 2007, the Kong family's Lisle Street restaurant remains one of the reliable fixtures of the ever-changing Soho Chinatown scene.
Soho, West London
Imperial ChinaAn enchanting courtyard complete with a little bridge and a pretty pool filled with carp creates a striking first impression for visitors to this Soho Chinese restaurant.
Soho, West London
New DiamondA soup of salted eggs with pork and 'algae' (actually black sea moss) and a glazed steamed custard of three kinds of eggs (hen's, salted duck and 100-year-old) are just two of the weird delicacies to be unearthed at this Cantonese restaurant in the heart of Soho Chinatown.
Soho, West London
J SheekeyJoseph Sheekey set up his self-named restaurant in 1896, in a back alley just off Charing Cross Road. Since then, the place has become synonymous with seafood, and is now riding on a fashionable high as part of the group that also owns the ultra-fashionable Ivy and Le Caprice.
Covent Garden, Central London
Baozi InnA cut-price, streetwise joint from the people who brought Bar Shu to Soho, the Baozi Inn has echoes of its elder sister's palate-numbing Szechuan food, but the emphasis is very different.
Leicester Square, Central London
HaozhanHaozhan makes an immediate impression with its striking and very 'un-Chinese' decor: the owners apparently took counsel from a feng-shui master, and the result is a bold harmonious mix of emerald-green panels, voguish drum lights, slate floors and bare, dark-wood tables.
Soho, West London
New Fook Lam MoonA Soho Chinatown faithful since 1982 (when it was simply called Fook Lam Moon), this restaurant has all the trappings you might expect from a long-running Gerrard Street address: slightly cramped surroundings, a colourful window display of barbecued meats, swift service and a huge menu focussing on earthy specialities from Canton and Peking.
Soho, West London
The National Dining Rooms'Food for the people' ought to be Oliver Peyton's rally call. Having scored a hit with Inn the Park, he set his sights on The National Gallery and took over the site once occupied by Crivelli's Garden.
Trafalgar Square, Central London
New WorldNew World is a popular and enormous restaurant with an impressive choice of good quality authentic Chinese food. Its speciality is dim sum and during the day the huge selection available is brought round on a trolley service, it's just a matter of pointing at what you fancy but be assertive and ask if you don't know what something is!
Soho, West London
Abeno TooThe younger sibling of Abeno is a discreet little place just off Charing Cross Road near Leicester Square tube station.
Covent Garden, Central London
BeotysBeotys in St Martin's Lane was established in 1945 by the current owner's father and is a piece of living history and should definitely be on everyone's list of places to go and eat.
Covent Garden, Central London
Jom MakanTucked in alongside the National Portrait Gallery, Jom Makan is one of the few restaurants in the West End to specialise in authentic Malaysian cuisine.
Trafalgar Square, South West London
The Portrait RestaurantFamed for its awesome views of Trafalgar Square and the London skyline (ask for a window table when booking), this restaurant is a family-friendly venue par excellence, catering for hordes of visitors, business types, tourists and art-lovers.
Trafalgar Square, Central London
Haymarket Hotel, BrumusRight next door to the Haymarket Theatre in the heart of the West End, this impressive, recently opened hotel is 'new London' personified.
Trafalgar Square, South West London
Chinese ExperienceIn the hinterland between Chinatown and deepest Soho, Chinese Experience is a welcome addition to the local gastro-scene. There's a noodle area at the front where you sit on stools and slurp from bowls of 'lai mein'; otherwise venture into the box-like dining room, which is done out in primary colours with exotic displays of paper orchids dotted around.
Soho, West London
Mint LeafSeriously subdued lighting sets the tone in this groovy basement bar and restaurant close to London's theatreland, and the entire space is a remarkable feat of contemporary design.
Trafalgar Square, South West London
The CriterionWe are pleased to introduce this restaurant as a new addition to The UK Restaurant Guide for 2010. A full review will be published shortly.
Piccadilly Circus, West London
Asia de CubaAsia de Cuba is where Asian and Caribbean cuisine come together in an ultra modern restaurant at St Martin's Lane Hotel.
Covent garden, Central London
Gauthier SohoWe are pleased to introduce Gauthier Soho as a new addition to The UK Restaurant Guide for 2010. A full review will be published shortly.
Soho, West London
GraceLocated in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, Grace is a multi-room, multi-occasion venue - designed to take you seamlessly from day to night.
Piccadilly Circus, West London
StanzaStanza Restaurant and Bar in West London's fashionable Soho is a unique venue serving top-quality contemporary British cuisine. Perfectly positioned overlooking Shaftesbury Avenue, Stanza proves popular amongst theatre goers looking for a relaxed meal before a show, or seeking to finish the night with a couple of drinks in the bar.
Soho, West London
Giovanni'sThose in the know reckon that Giovanni's is something of a rarity in theatreland - a genuine, family-run Italian restaurant of the old school that perfectly suited to a business lunch, a romantic dinner or a quick meal before of after the show.
Covent Garden, Central London
Bar ShuThe name 'Bar Shu' is a poetic reference to the ancient kingdoms that make up the Chinese province of Szechuan, and this hot new Soho arrival aims to promote and celebrate its cuisine in palate-tantalising detail.
Soho, West London
Bocca di LupoThe curious name translates as 'mouth of the wolf' - it's apparently a term of endearment in Italian - but there's nothing ferocious about this sleek new Soho theatreland venue, which has the bonus of a marble-topped bar where you can sit and watch the chefs as they go about their work.
Soho, West London
MitsukoshiTucked away in the basement of a snazzy Japanese department store, Mitsokushi has been serving traditionally based food to a knowledgeable crowd of shoppers, business people and tourists since 1985.
St James's, South West London
YmingIt's only a short walk from the throbbing heart of Soho Chinatown, but this rather elegant - almost European restaurant - could be a world away.
Soho, West London
Boulevard Bar & Dining RoomYounger brother to the long-serving Boulevard Brasserie in Covent Garden, this lively venue is dedicated to providing 'a metropolitan haven for all-day, laid-back dining and drinking'.
Soho, West London
Thai SquareThe flagship of the Thai Square group is in a prime spot overlooking one of London's most famous landmarks. Once an imperious embassy building it is now filled with antique Thai Buddhas, specially made terracotta friezes and stone carvings from the homeland.
Trafalgar Square, Central London
Tale of IndiaA typical 'no risks' curry house tucked away up an alley off theatreland's main drag, this is a handy spot for meals before or after the show.
Covent Garden, Central London
Kettner'sThis doyen of Soho destinations has come a very long way since it was opened in 1867 by Auguste Kettner, chef to Napoleon III.
Soho, West London
The Ivy'A table at The Ivy is one of the most sought after pieces of furniture in London,' wrote critic AA Gill.
Covent Garden, Central London
L'Atelier de Joël RobuchonCrowned 'chef of the century' in his home country, Joël Robuchon is the latest big name to join the French invasion of London.
Covent Garden, Central London
The ForgeFormerly the home of L'Estimanet, this converted Victorian church opposite the Garrick Club is the latest addition to a mini-group that also includes Covent Garden fixtures Le Café du Jardin and Le Deuxième.
Covent Garden, Central London
AlbannachOpening a Scottish restaurant directly opposite that most English of tourist hot-spots sounds pretty daring, but that's the deal at this flash West End venue.
Trafalgar Square, Central London
Café BohèmeSomething of an Old Compton Street institution, Café Bohème was born in 1992 on the ground floor of Nick Jones' Soho House members' club.
Soho, West London
Carluccio'sAntonio Carluccio's new flagship venue occupies an imposing 1860s building that was once an auctioneer's but now houses a café, deli and private dining facilities spread over two floors.
Covent Garden, Central London
Delhi BrasserieA long-running Soho Indian that has seen many nearby restaurants come and go, the Delhi Brasserie continues to go its way with a menu of emphatically spiced, crowd-pleasing curries and skilful tandooris.
Soho, West London
Brasserie RouxInspired by that 'grand père' of French cuisine, Albert Roux, this blue-blooded brasserie is located on the ground floor of the luxury Sofitel Hotel - once home to Cox & Kings bank.
St James's, South West London
Terroirs Wine Bar & RestaurantA mightily impressive 25-page drinks booklet is a star attraction at this recently opened wine bar-cum-restaurant, which puts on a patriotic Gallic show with its predictable pictures, advertising posters, functional wooden furniture and French chansons warbling the background.
Strand, Central London
Ronnie Scott’sBorn in 1959, Soho's iconic jazz venue recently underwent major surgery but it's now fit, well and strutting its stuff once again.
Soho, West London
IncognicoThe name is a punning reference to the legendary Nico Ladenis, who was originally involved in the restaurant. He is long gone, but Incognico lives on and its location - deep in theatreland close to Cambridge Circus - guarantees full houses before and after the show.
Covent Garden, Central London
Bincho YakitoriThis deliberately casual venue peddles Japanese food in its most accessible, easy-to-eat and unthreatening forms. Yakitori is the name and also the main gastronomic attraction: 'bincho' refers to the finest grade of charcoal used by the 'ganko ojisan' (self-styled 'keepers of the flame').
Soho, West London
BarrafinaThe eagerly awaited younger sibling of Fino in Charlotte Street is a tiny, atmospheric place that has been designed to look and feel like an authentically cheery tapas bar.
Soho, West London
Dean Street TownhouseWe are pleased to introduce Dean Street Townhouse as a new addition to The UK Restaurant Guide for 2010. A full review will be published shortly.
Soho, West London
Clos Maggiore'The most romantic restaurant I've ever been to,' enthused one UK Restaurant Guide user after visiting this alluring place less than a minute's walk from the buzz of Covent Garden's Piazza.
Covent Garden, Central London
ICA Café & BarNestling in John Nash's magnificent Carlton House Terrace, the Institute of Contemporary Arts is a shrine to all things modern and has been wowing the crowds since it moved here in 1968.
St James's, South West London
L'Escargot, Picasso RoomThere are no prizes for guessing the artistic theme that defines L'Escargot's intimate first-floor Picasso Room, which is a world away from the cosmopolitan hubbub of the Ground Floor brasserie.
Soho, West London
L'Escargot, Ground FloorL'Escargot first opened its doors in 1927 and has become a Soho institution over the years. The ever-buzzing Ground Floor has been given the full treatment by David Collins, with pastel-coloured walls providing the backdrop for paintings by modern luminaries ranging from Chagall and Matisse to Warhol and Hockney.
Soho, West London
MelaRight in the heart of theatreland (with handy menus for show-goers), Mela is a long-serving stalwart of the Covent Garden Indian scene.
Covent Garden, Central London
Charing Cross Hotel, The Terrace on the StrandBuilt in 1865, this Grade I-listed hotel 'stands as a monument to the power and confidence of the Victorian era.
Strand, Central London
HIXHix on Soho's stylish Brewer Street is the second London venture from Mark Hix, recent winner of Catey's Chef of the Year award.
Soho, West London
Quo VadisFounded by Peppino Leoni in the 1926, the original 'Leoni's Quo Vadis' was a fixture of the Soho scene for more than 50 years.
Soho, West London
PataraThe flagship London branch of the international Patara chain is a striking, upmarket venue that has been designed to resemble a traditional Thai pavilion, complete with chiselled sandstone walls, ornately carved palm wood columns and luxurious red seating.
Soho, West London
Le Meridien Piccadilly - The TerraceThe classical world meets the contemporary at the Terrace Restaurant at Le Meridien Piccadilly, in the heart of the bustling West End.
Piccadilly Circus, West London
The Red FortThe Red Fort has been a popular Indian restaurant in Soho since its establishment almost twenty years ago, and it has gone from strength to strength since its recent £1.
Soho, West London
Palm Court BrasserieRight in the hub of the Covent Garden scene, this bright brasserie is a useful pit stop among the shops and sightseeing attractions.
Covent Garden, Central London
MezaSoho punters may remember 100 Wardour Street as the home of Mezzo, which was at one time the flagship of the Conran restaurant empire (now D&D London).
Soho, West London
CocoonCocoon is all about style, glamour and image. It quickly snapped up a clutch of gongs for its extraordinarily OTT decor, and there's no denying that it looks amazing: six intimate areas echoing the six-stage life cycle of the butterfly, separated by diaphanous curtains and sprinkled with understated kitsch.
Mayfair, West London
Mar i TerraThe younger sibling of Mar i Terra on Blackfriars Road, this animated tapas bar is in deepest old Soho, within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus.
Soho, West London
DetroitAn enduring slice of buzzy old Covent Garden, this cavernous bar has been delivering the goods for the best part of a decade and shows no signs of waning.
Covent Garden, Central London
Bedford & StrandHidden away in a basement on the corner of Bedford Street and the Strand (hence the name), this popular rendezvous combines a retro 'wine room' and bar with a bistro and deli counter.
Covent Garden, Central London
Al DucaClassy Italian food without too many frills or astronomical prices is the avowed aim of this sophisticated restaurant just off Jermyn Street.
St James's, South West London
ArbutusAnthony Demetre and Will Smith hit the ground running when they opened Arbutus, within six months it had scooped Time Out's 'Restaurant of the Year' and 'London Newcomer of the Year' in the Good Food Guide; a Michelin star in 2007 was the icing on the cake.
Soho, West London
Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten HotelStanding right at the apex of Seven Dials in Convent Garden, this deluxe hotel puts on a calming and understated garb with silk chenille, chocolate leather sofas and framed Japanese artefacts setting the mood in the public areas.
Covent Garden, Central London
The LangleyA fantastic, funky, raw, and groovy basement restaurant in Convent Garden is offered to diners at The Langley. This Unique retro dining experience is blended with a delicious selection of meals, ranging from traditional classics like Beef Wellington to modern combinations of Red Snapper with Thai Curry Sauce and Pilau Rice.
Covent Garden, Central London
Busaba EathaiRestaurant impresario Alan Yau is the driving force behind Busaba Eathai, which really hits the jackpot with its authentic canteen-style Thai food.
Soho, West London
So Restaurant'So in Soho' trips off the tongue quite memorably, and you should have no difficulty in locating this modern Japanese restaurant on the corner of Warwick Street and Brewer Street.
Soho, West London
RulesEstablished in 1798 and – reputedly – London's oldest surviving restaurant, Rules flies the flag for British food in a remarkably evocative dining room that is both lively yet comfortably familiar.
Covent Garden, Central London
Belgo CentraalBelgo still lays claim to being top dog in the capital when it comes to mussels, frites and Belgian beers - although it offers much more than buckets of bivalves The Covent Garden branch (Centraal) is an atmospheric basement, fronted by waiters dressed up like Trappist monks; take your pick from the Bier Hall with its refectory tables or the main restaurant, which sports more intimate booths.
Covent Garden, Central London
Thai PinA tiny theatreland bolthole for fans of easy-going Thai food, this pint-sized restaurant continues to please the showtime crowds and others with its good-value cooking.
Covent Garden, Central London
The Gay HussarSomething of a Soho institution, the Gay Hussar packs a lot of character within its caricature-lined wood-panelled walls. Low lighting and plush furnishing add to the intimacy of the atmosphere, but it's the traditional Hungarian cuisine that really commands attention.
Soho, West London
FishworksA recently opened branch of this specialist fish and seafood chain, the latest Fishworks restaurant welcomes diners in a perfect setting at the heart of London's West End.
Piccadilly Circus, West London
Bentley'sBentley's used to be Richard Corrigan's old stamping ground: he worked there years ago, learning his craft before hitting the big time at Lindsay House in Soho.
Mayfair, West London
YauatchaThe younger sister of Hakkasan is a fascinating mix of dim sum venue, tea house and restaurant just a stone's throw from Berwick Street market.
Soho, West London
Fortnum & Mason, Fountain RestaurantThe grand old man of London's exclusive food emporiums, F & M has been around for more than three centuries, and continues to pull in a curious mix of the great and the good, enquiring tourists fascinated by all things English, and shoppers with appetites.
Piccadilly Circus, West London
Gaucho PiccadillyBilled as 'the best kept secret in the West End', the flagship of the Gaucho chain moved from its cramped basement at 19 Swallow Street to capacious premises that were once home to the Mexican Ambassadors.
Piccadilly Circus, West London
Veeraswamy RestaurantLondon's oldest surviving Indian restaurant celebrated its eightieth birthday in 2006! Born during the 1920s, it has stood on this Regent Street site for all its life, and has earned a reputation as a haunt for the rich and famous.
Mayfair, West London
Mon PlaisirFrancophiles should not be disappointed with the very, very French Mon Plaisir. With its large tricolour flapping proudly outside, this institution on Monmouth Street near Covent Garden could easily fool you for being the French Embassy.
Covent Garden, Central London
Bob Bob RicardThe site once occupied by Circus is now home to an OTT design extravaganza (courtesy of whizz kid David Collins) that has apparently being inspired by the luxurious world of Edwardian train travel.
Soho, West London
InamoThe dining experience is quite literally in your own hands at this quirky new venture on Old Compton Street. Each table operates as a computer screen and illustrated menus are projected onto touch pads; you simply punch in what you want, and your request is beamed straight through to the kitchen.
Soho, West London
The Giaconda Dining RoomThe old Gioconda Café was an archetype of 'Tin Pan Alley' hip during the 60s and 70s, a venue frequented by the likes of David Bowie, Joe Strummer and Bob Marley - to name but three musical icons who hung out there with cups of coffee and high hopes.
Covent Garden, Central London
Food for ThoughtWhen it opened almost three decades ago, this cramped bohemian café was in the vanguard of London's vegetarian crusade and has been doing great business ever since.
Covent Garden, Central London
BertorelliPerfectly placed for a pre-Puccini supper or a Wagnerian wind-down, this lively Covent Garden Italian runs on and on. Choose between the informal caffè bar in the basement (pizzas are a speciality) or the bustling contemporary dining room on the ground floor.
Covent Garden, Central London
Café des AmisFor more than 25 years, Café des Amis has been a fixture of the Covent Garden theatreland scene and is perfectly placed down an alleyway behind the Royal Opera House.
Covent Garden, Central London
Adam Street RestaurantBuilt in 1769 by architect Robert Adam deep in vaults beneath The Strand, this is now a discreet hideaway and private members' club – although non-members are also welcome at lunchtime (although they are expected to pay a £10 cover charge).
Strand, Central London
Tierra BrindisaHaving wowed the crowds in Borough Market for years, the folk at Tapas Brindisa have brought their wares and inspired Iberian style to Soho.
Soho, West London
Maharani SohoAn essential piece of Soho's history, Maharani Soho first opened in 1971 and became a regular Celeb hangout and favourite meeting place for the likes of the Two Ronnies, Colin Ferrell and Jonathon Ross, to name drop but a few.
Soho, West London
Paradiso E InfernoA beautiful family owned restaurant located in the West End of London, Paridiso E Inferno is THE place to go for a traditional Italian eating experience.
Strand, Central London
Imli'A winner and a godsend for Soho,' was Fay Maschler's verdict on this new concept of Modern Indian dining with a fresh take on the subcontinent's cuisine.
Soho, West London
BenjaSpread over three floors of a townhouse in old Soho, Benja impresses with its stunning good looks and glitzy, no-expense-spared interior design.
Soho, West London
Benihana PiccadillyIn 1964, there emerged on the fiercely competitive New York restaurant scene a totally new concept in luxury dining called Benihana of Tokyo and now, tucked away in Piccadilly, this chic branch of Benihana, is a teppanyaki dining experience as entertaining as it is mouth-watering.
Piccadilly Circus, West London
The CavendishThe original Cavendish was once owned and run by Rosa Lewis (the infamous 'Duchess of Duke Street' and darling of Edwardian society), and this bastion of Englishness remains among London's elite hotels - thanks to its polished service, attentive staff and wide-ranging facilities.
St James's, South West London
CircusCircus is an innovative combination of West End cocktail bar and London cabaret restaurant set in vibrant Covent Garden, the heart of theatre-land.
Covent Garden, Central London
Salieri RestaurantAnyone who has seen Amadeus may recall that Salieri was the composer who got the blame for poisoning Mozart. No such dodgy goings-on in this flamboyant Covent Garden venue, which is theatrically bedecked with mirrors, photographs and puppets.
Strand, Central London
Andrew EdmundsFads and fashions come and go, but Andrew Edmunds just seems to go on forever. This cramped and imperfectly formed Soho gem has outlived many of its more auspicious rivals and neighbours in this neck of the woods, thanks largely to its atmosphere, attitude and huge helpings of unadulterated peasant-style food.
Soho, West London
The Real GreekThe most recent branch of the Real Geek mini-chain, this buzzy venue is tucked just around the corner from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden - making it an ideal spot for a bite to eat before or after the show.
Covent Garden, Central London
The Living RoomThe flagship London branch of the Northern-based Living Room group of cosmopolitan bar/restaurants aims for something a touch more foodie than most of its relatives across the land.
Mayfair, West London
AubaineFollowing on from the success of Aubaine in South Kensington, its younger sister is now offering something similar for the folk of Mayfair.
Mayfair, West London
Navajo JoeThis adventurous experience attracts a wide interesting clientele, which reflects the essence Navajo Joe in Covent Garden. Joe's Bar in the basement offers a lively blend of music, food and drink, complete with dance area and DJs on Weds-Sat nights.
Covent Garden, Central London
Le DeuxièmeFully air-conditioned, Le Deuxieme is the sister restaurant to Le Cafe du Jardin and is also located in the trendy Covent Garden hotspot.
Covent Garden, Central London
Grand Divan - Simpson's in the StrandDating back to 1828, Simpson's is a fabled haunt of tourists and anyone else who wants to wallow in all things nostalgically traditional.
Strand, Central London
Cecconi'sEnzo Cecconi opened this Italian stalwart in 1978 and it quickly became a Mecca for London's rich, royal and famous.
Mayfair, West London
Matsuri St James'sA swish Mayfair address next to Quaglino's and behind Fortnum & Mason suggests well-groomed charm and style - and this long-running restaurant doesn't disappoint.
Mayfair, West London
DehesaThe team behind the highly popular Salt Yard on Goodge Street have brought their winning formula to this new site just off Carnaby Street (a few blocks away from the original).
Soho, West London
Cha Cha MoonAlan Yau returns to his street canteen roots with this credit crunch-busting diner in the heart of Soho. Cha Cha Moon offers 'a people's republic of China in a bowl,' according to The Independent: it's racy, great fun, chic and as cheap as you could wish for: currently every dish on the menu is a wallet-friendly £3.
Soho, West London
Vasco and Piero's Pavilion RestaurantThis is where you can have real home made Italian food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The pasta is made in house and they use only the best ingredients for the constantly changing menus.
Oxford Circus, West London
Quaglino'sResurrected in 1993, this 1930s icon has become a swaggering institution and a must-visit destination on the tourist map. It's the kind of place where you feel like a million dollars as you descend the fabulous staircase.
St James's, South West London
WiltonsWiltons began life as a shellfish stall in 1742 and has always been resident in St James's - a suitably swanky location for a restaurant that is respected the world over as a classic.
St James's, South West London
Boulevard BrasserieA bastion of the Covent Garden scene since 1991 and owner Ian Shaw's private and public passion, this independent brasserie just keeps on rolling.
Covent Garden, Central London
OrsoOrso is open from noon until midnight and is buzzing all the time being particularly popular with the pre and after theatre crowds.
Covent Garden, Central London
Smollensky'sLegendary and tireless when it comes to crowd pleasing, Smollensky's on the Strand is an energetic, fun-loving destination renowned for its family-friendly attitude.
Strand, Central London
R.S. HispaniolaArguably the best known of all floating restaurants, the R. S. Hispaniola has been moored alongside Victoria Embankment by Hungerford Bridge for years.
Victoria Embankment, Central London
MomoMourad Mazouz clearly knew what he was doing when he opened Momo, but it must have been a bonus when Madonna decided to hold her birthday bash there during the early days.
Mayfair, West London
La TrouvailleTucked away just off Carnaby Street, La Trouvaille is a re-invented Gallic bistro composed of several small rooms that now sport perspex chairs, crystal-edged mirrors and white-clothed tables.
Soho, West London
Inn The ParkCreated by restaurateur and gourmet Oliver Peyton, this smart contemporary café does a great service. Elegantly constructed of wood and glass, it stands enchantingly among trees and blooms by the lakefront in one of London's most beautiful parks - no wonder it's on most touristy hit lists for al fresco eating.
St James's, South West London
SofraFresh and colourful Turkish home cooking with an eclectic mix of Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern and even Oriental styles, using a wealth of aromatic vegetables and a distinctive selection of herbs and spices.
Covent Garden, Central London
Ping PongKurt Zdesar came up with the idea for Ping Pong while he was working as restaurant manager at Nobu in Park Lane: a dim sum party for the staff – that should do the trick!Fast-forward and you have a 200-cover, all-day restaurant close to Liberty's, with a menu devoted to 'the heart's delight' (aka.
Soho, West London
Franco's RestaurantA well-bred St James's institution since 1946, Franco's recently returned to Jermyn Street refreshed and revitalised. Some of its clubby, 1940s décor remains, although the interior has been given a contemporary spring-clean with beige walls, blond wood floors and neat table settings.
St James's, South West London
SartoriaThe name is Italian for 'tailor', and this outpost of the Conran empire (now D&D London) aims to recreate some of the classic simplicity and elegance of restaurants in 1930s Milan – complete with suit-themed flourishes and the odd mannequin or two.
Mayfair, West London
LivebaitSituated in Covent Garden, the aptly named Livebait offers a taste of the sea in London's famous flower market. With its excellent fresh seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and convenient position in the heart of London's theatre district, Livebait is the perfect choice for a pre-theatre meal.
Covent Garden, Central London
Brasserie St JacquesVeterans of the London dining scene might recognise this address as the original home of Pétrus, but it's now a popular all-day French brasserie of the old school, with a deep-blue awning outside, sunny yellow walls and paper-clothed tables creating a casual, welcoming vibe.
St James's, South West London
Christopher'sThere's been a lot of activity in recent months at this majestic Grade II-listed building between Covent Garden and The Strand.
Covent Garden, Central London
Sake No HanaAlan Yau has emphatically stamped his mark on the London restaurant scene in recent years, having dreamt up Wagamama and set new standards with Hakkasan and Yauatcha.
St James's, South West London
Just St JamesThis glamorous venue in a lofty converted banking hall is a hot Mayfair destination, combining a luxurious ground-floor bar, marble columns and a sweeping staircase.
St James's, South West London
SitaarayBollywood meets biryani at this lavish two-storey venue in the heart of Covent Garden's theatreland, which celebrates the virtues and chutzpah two of India's star turns - cinema and cuisine.
Covent Garden, Central London
HakkasanHakkasan sets out its glamorous, Michelin-starred stall up a dodgy alley just off Tottenham Court Road: you might miss it altogether were it not for the taxis and the trendy types hovering about outside.
Soho, West London
L'OrangerThis is a truly traditional top-end French restaurant, and arguably one of the most beautiful dining rooms in London. Beneath its glass domed ceiling, the long panelled room is decked out with shades of orange and green, antique mirrors and lavish floral arrangements; there's also a delightful courtyard for summertime alfresco meals.
St James's, South West London
Avenue Restaurant & BarPlumb in the middle of well-heeled St James's, the Avenue aims for ultra-cool contemporary minimalism rather than oak-panelled opulence. It's a vast, white, box-like space dominated by one of the longest illuminated bars in town, plus a smattering of modern art and a grand piano for distraction.
St James's, South West London
Embassy LondonA split-level, sophisticated and very cosmopolitan restaurant situated close to Bond Street - "The Embassy" is a VIP dining experience for everyone to sample.
Mayfair, West London
Moti MahalThe first London venture for the famous, Delhi-based Moti Mahal group occupies a prime site in Covent Garden's theatreland and puts on quite a show of its own, with chefs doing their stuff in the glassed-in kitchen.
Covent Garden, Central London
Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton, The Carnaby RestaurantWe are pleased to introduce The Carnaby Restaurant as a new addition to The UK Restaurant Guide for 2010. A full review will be published shortly.
Soho, West London
Wheeler's of St James'sAfter an absence of more than 13 years, the old firm of Marco Pierre White and Sir Rocco Forte teamed up again to pitch camp on the former site of Pruniers – legendary bastion of old-school fish cookery in St James's.
St James's, South West London
TamaraiCombining an art gallery, lazy lounge, post-11pm bar and contemporary restaurant, Tamarai is a high-groove Pan Asian hot spot from the team behind Chor Bizarre.
Covent Garden, Central London
One Aldwych, AxisThe Axis Restaurant has its own entrance on Aldwych and is located in the basement - a double-height space that was recently redesigned as part of a radical refurbishment programme, and it now boasts walls covered in mint-green, leather armchairs, and a row of 92 slender birch trunks finished with nickel as a backdrop.
Aldwych, Central London
One Aldwych, IndigoThe sister restaurant to Axis is a more casual but equally stylish spot on the mezzanine overlooking the buzz of the slick Lobby Bar of this ultra-chic contemporary hotel in the heart of Covent Garden.
Aldwych, Central London
Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton, Silk RestaurantIn the building that once housed Great Marlborough Street magistrate's court, the aptly named Courthouse Hotel and Silk Restaurant now serves a very different purpose as a pit-stop for international travellers and business people.
Soho, West London
The Bloomsbury Hotel, Landseer British KitchenThis majestic neo-Georgian building was designed by celebrated British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens during the 1930s and it has been sympathetically transformed into a deluxe hotel within easy reach of Covent Garden and the West End.
Bloomsbury, Central London
DoladaFashionably located in a basement beneath a DKNY shop, just round the corner from The Ritz, expense-account favourite Mosaico has morphed into Dolada - thanks to the arrival of Venetian chef Riccardo de Pra (the new name pays homage to his parents' restaurant on the slopes of Mount Dolada overlooking Lake Santa Croce).
Mayfair, West London