Stylish 2-bedroom Apartment in London - Sleeps 4

In the middle of an ersatz-industrial space sits a horseshoe-shaped counter with 18 seats, allowing diners to see ‘behind’ the scenes. Every seat has a view of the chefs in action and it is they who serve the dishes and explain their construction and make-up with palpable pride. The surprise seasonal menu consists of around 10 contrasting and creative courses. The focus is on seafood and dishes could include brill with black pudding, Orkney scallops with smoked kipper cream, and delicious Sicilian red prawns. As everyone is served together, it’s important to arrive on time.

Amidst the gleaming buildings of Canary Wharf, this Turkish restaurant aims to bring a taste of Istanbul to London. Sitting on the ground floor of a glass-fronted apartment block, it’s a strikingly attractive restaurant with moody lighting, tiled tables and a focal bar counter that makes a great place to sit if you’re in for a quick lunch; if you’re celebrating in a group, then the booths are perfect. Start by ordering the sesame caraway pide and one of the dips, and make sure you finish with the delightfully sweet, chewy baklava topped with pistachio.

Launched by the team behind Fallow, this vast restaurant can house up to 500 diners in the heart of Canary Wharf, all while being run with impressive slickness. Guests are spread across several dining rooms, some with counter seating, plus a lovely wrap-around terrace that boasts commanding views of South Dock. The wide-ranging menu offers something for everyone, including playful takes on British classics like maitake Cornish pasty or market fish served with parsley liquor, that's reminiscent of an East End pie and mash.

There’s always a certain joyfulness to family owned and run restaurants – and Miga is truly a family affair, with dad running things in the open kitchen and the younger generation looking after guests in the bright, airy room. If you want to find out more about them, check out the family history as described on the wall outside. ‘A modern take on Korean cuisine’ is their tagline and this is borne out by fresh-tasting dishes like delicious soy-braised short ribs – already a fans’ favourite – and spicy noodles with crispy beef jeon. The generous prices, especially at lunch, allow for enthusiasti

The Smokestak formula is simple: expertly cooked meats, wallet-friendly prices and a buoyant atmosphere – what more could you want? The beef brisket exemplifies their approach; it's a simple dish, but delivers so much flavour from the rich barbecue glaze, while the meat itself is as melting as can be, having been cooked low and slow in the smoker overnight. Cubes of crispy ox cheek with anchovy mayo are another highlight, and the whole experience is enhanced by the friendly, on-the-ball service team.

There is an appealingly stripped-back quality to both the food and the décor at this well-priced St. JOHN spin-off. The highly seasonal menu offers dishes that are perfect for sharing, and the cooking is as British, uncomplicated and hugely satisfying as you would expect – accompanied by suitably spartan surroundings. The brand’s nose-to-tail ethos is on show too, with options like roasted bone marrow and crispy pig’s cheek. Don’t leave without trying the baked to order madeleines.

While there are now Gunpowders in multiple London locations, it's this small, sweetly run spot that started it all. Unassuming from the outside, it's a loud, buzzing place once you're in, sporting just 10 tightly packed tables – all filled with contented diners. The restaurant's name is a reference to the chef’s daily-made spice mix and his menu is influenced by old family recipes. Among the fresh and original small plates, which take inspiration from across the Indian regions, the Chettinad pulled duck is a stand-out, while the venison and vermicelli doughnut is a must to start.