WNS Hotel

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.

Story is a restaurant that continues to evolve rather than merely reinvent itself and its latest chapter saw the addition of a second storey which hosts a handsome private dining room. In the bright, open main restaurant, Tom Sellers’ talented kitchen team serve a surprise set menu, where luxurious ingredients – from langoustines to turbot – make up dishes that are as succulent as they are visually arresting; you can also expect updated versions of his signature constructions. The charming service team ensure the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming.

In contrast to the grandeur of its location inside the Town Hall Hotel, there's a modern, understatedly stylish look to Da Terra. You start with drinks and snacks in the elegant lounge, soundtracked by the comforting rhythms of bossa nova, before heading to the dining room – where the tables by the open kitchen offer a view of the impressive Molteni stove. Chef Rafael Cagali draws on his Brazilian and Italian heritage in skilfully crafted, highly original dishes bursting with colour. His signature reinvented version of the Brazilian 'moqueca' fish stew is bound to be a highlight.

There’s a refreshing lack of formality at Trivet, both in the look of the room and in the style of the service, but that’s not to say this isn’t a very professionally run operation. The chefs in the open kitchen craft imaginative, fuss-free dishes using prime seasonal ingredients, where the combinations are balanced and flavours assured. Try dishes like ‘Pigeon and persimmon’ or the imaginatively titled ‘Turkish breakfast’ dessert, and you’ll see a kitchen full of imagination and ability. Wine plays an integral role, with personable service and a thoughtfully curated list championing lesser-kn

All is calmness and tranquillity once you step inside this cool, understated room in pastel shades – you’ll find yourself instantly forgetting all the bustle outside. The Korean husband-and-wife team combine skills learnt in Europe’s top kitchens with techniques and flavours from their homeland. Highlights of the imaginative and impeccably executed set menu may include a clever re-working of tarte Tatin with daikon; courgette flower stuffed with crab and dubu; a generous dish of succulent pork with wild garlic; and a delicious ssuk pain perdu to finish.

An unpretentious Italian restaurant in one of the converted Shad Thames warehouses; the unfussy service suits the style of the place. The seasonally influenced menu uses British produce, with the in-house pasta a particular highlight; dishes are relatively simple but flavours are bold and prices, appealing.

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.