Fulham Guest Studios 268

It should go without saying, but be sure to ask for a seat on the terrace at this icon of London's Italian restaurant scene. The on-view kitchen with its wood-fired oven dominates the stylish and buzzing riverside room and the menu bursts with authentic Italian flavours which make one’s mouth water in anticipation. The honest, hearty dishes have a rustic Italian simplicity, relying as they do on the quality of their ingredients, whether that be clams, crab or wild sea bass. Arguably the best Italian wine list in London is the icing on the cake.

Relaxed and free from pomposity, there is a lovely neighbourhood feel to this restaurant that provides both great cooking and a warm welcome. The versatility of the place knows no bounds, as it’s as suited to a romantic dinner as it is to a quick lunch while out shopping or when celebrating with friends. The reliably enjoyable dishes are based on classical combinations and often have a Mediterranean inflection – such as carpaccio of scallops or grilled octopus with smoked paprika aioli. A good value set menu is available alongside the à la carte, but must be booked in advance.

He may be one of the most famous chefs on the planet, but Gordon Ramsay still remains fiercely committed to maintaining the highest standards at his elegant yet relaxed flagship restaurant. The team here interpret Ramsay’s style impeccably across a choice of menus: the set 'Prestige' selection; the 'Carte Blanche' surprise menu; and the à la carte, where you will find signature dishes like the lobster ravioli and the roast veal sweetbread. The latter is a perfect embodiment of the kitchen's perfectly judged contrasts of flavour and texture, with a pleasing lightness of touch.

Elystan Street is a neighbourhood restaurant, but as that neighbourhood is Chelsea, you can expect to find elegance and style in spades. It’s a collaboration between Philip Howard and Rebecca Mascarenhas, and with its huge windows, well-judged lighting and friendly service, it's an equally charming spot for a light lunch or an intimate dinner. The cooking comes with well-defined flavours and a lightness of touch, exuding a pared-back, unfussy style that suits the frequent Mediterranean influences. Barbecued octopus with aioli, crispy chickpeas and tardivo is a prime example.

From the charming welcome to the last of the delicious petit fours, Clare Smyth's elegant Notting Hill restaurant offers a superb experience. Start with a drink in the delightful Whiskey & Seaweed bar, before choosing between an à la carte or two tasting menus. 'Core Seasons' features more recent seasonal creations, while 'Core Classics' includes Smyth signatures like 'Potato and Roe' and 'Lamb Carrot'. Throughout, the eye-catching dishes take outstanding ingredients and fashion them into beautifully balanced, skilfully composed dishes with supreme depth of flavour.

Chef Claude Bosi returns to his Lyonnaise roots with this buzzy ‘bouchon’, where the tables are tightly packed and the walls are adorned with colourful posters. The menu could scarcely be more French if it was emblazoned with the tricolore: vol-au-vent, andouillete, frog’s legs… take your pick. It’s all executed with great skill and packs in plenty of flavour, while the service is delivered with a certain ‘bonne humeur’. The set menu is remarkably good value, as is the 'plat du jour', and the well-chosen wine list contains some notable French producers. There's another, larger branch in Maryle

Among The Ledbury's many strengths has always been Brett Graham's close relationship with his suppliers. In some cases that supplier is himself, with pigs raised on his farm and the restaurant housing its own mushroom cabinet. These stunning ingredients are amplified by beautifully balanced combinations and the kitchen's ability to deliver multiple layers of flavour without overcomplicating things, such as in the hay-aged pigeon with girolles, vadouvan, cherry and sauerkraut. The service team are refreshingly approachable and have an impressive knack for putting everyone at ease.