Leicester Square Apartments by Joivy

While Chef Angelo Sato's Japanese heritage provides the basis for this modern, upbeat izakaya, his creative streak ensures the captivating tasting menu takes on a style all its own. Clever flavour and temperature combinations feature throughout, as do the kitchen's immense precision and technical skill. The shokupan bread serving is a real event, packed with originality and showcasing a range of delicious accompaniments. The theatrical counter set-up adds to the great atmosphere, whilst sake 'journeys' are encouraged to add to the experience.

There’s a sense of theatre to every element of Mourad Mazouz and Pierre Gagnaire’s 18th-century house of fun. As you climb the stairs up to The Lecture Room and Library, the anticipation grows, then stepping into the gloriously colourful and lavishly decorated room both inspires and excites – there really is no restaurant in London quite like this. The multi-dish cooking is also unique in the city, where perfectly seared Cornish wild turbot comes with clams and mango, along with a mosaic of its skirt; and succulent roasted leg of Welsh lamb is accompanied by sweetbreads and kidney, with its fi

There’s seating for just 12 people at this counter located in the former beer cellar of The Blue Posts pub. Claustrophobes may be hesitant, but on offer is an intriguing and rewarding gastronomic experience. There are two sittings a night, and as the set menu is served to all at the same time, do be punctual – if you're early, try the top-floor bar of the pub. Prime British ingredients power dishes that are thoughtfully composed and confidently prepared, while incorporating influences from across Asia, such as blood orange nahm jim with Cornish red mullet.

This brasserie de-luxe occupies a Grade-II-listed former banking hall within the Sofitel hotel and, while that means a certain grandeur, the atmosphere is never overly formal. Anthony Demetre’s cooking proves the perfect fit because it is equally impressive but defined by a refreshing lack of showmanship. His appealing dishes are as generous in size as they are rewarding in flavour, from duck, pork and guinea fowl terrine en croûte to Loire Valley rabbit. The delicious custard tart is a true speciality and if it was ever removed from the menu there would be protests on Pall Mall.

The name of Jason Atherton’s flagship operation is short for ‘Refinement of Work’ – and indeed there is a great deal of refinement in every inch of this mightily impressive restaurant. The premises, on the iconic Savile Row, have been fitted out with no-expense-spared luxury, while the service is charming and attentive in equal measure. Chef Spencer Metzger leads the kitchen, taking outstanding British produce and adding depth of flavour with unerring skill – as in the sika deer with a sublime sauce flavoured with red fruit and beetroot. The wine list, as you may expect, is an oenophile's deli

It’s all in the name: this bright, intimate restaurant in the streets of Soho celebrates the cuisine of LA and wider California, with its décor and lush plants evoking The Golden State. First-rate ingredients are used in well-balanced dishes characterised by deep, bold flavours and punchy sauces; eye-catching presentation and some playful touches add an extra element. The wine list is an all-American selection, including some choices that are exclusive to the restaurant.

The clubs of colonial India are the inspiration for this impeccably run restaurant. It's spread across two levels: the ground floor booths are perfect for lunch, while the vivid red basement has a more intimate feel. The extensive menus are predominantly Northern Indian in style, featuring superbly executed, traditionally based dishes. Balance, sophistication and depth are all present in the cooking, with options like tandoori masala lamb chops and kid goat methi keema standing out.