韦茅斯小巷

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 are a lot of courses on James Knappett's creative surprise menu, but you'll be glad of it once you've tried such superb cooking. You’ll start in the lounge with drinks and accomplished canapés that set the tone for the evening, before being guided to your seat at the beautiful kitchen counter – where you can watch the chefs finish dishes close-up. Outstanding British produce is at the heart of the experience, with the seafood often proving a highlight, whether it's soft and smoky eel or fresh squid enhanced by a creamy lobster sauce.

Cooking with fire is all the rage these days and Lita is an expert practitioner, although it also offers so much more. While there’s a strong Mediterranean and southern European element to the menu, prime British ingredients – such as Scottish lobster and Cornish turbot – along with big, bold flavours and well-made sauces really make the dishes sing. Many of the plates are designed for sharing, like dry-aged Devon duck with beetroot and kumquat. This is roll-up-your-sleeves sort of food – the type that leaves you licking your lips and planning your return.

A wood-panelled dining room within the historic Connaught Hotel might suggest an overly formal environment for Hélène Darroze’s London restaurant, but its soft furnishings and pastel colours give it a wonderfully cosy feel which helps put you at ease. The talented kitchen team bring outstanding technical mastery and attention to detail to the very best seasonal produce, while some of the accompanying flavours are informed by Hélène’s international travels, like the Isle of Mull lobster with tandoori spices. For dessert, the signature 'Baba' with a choice of Armagnacs from Hélène's brother Marc

A light refurbishment in early 2025 freshened up the look of this ever-popular Indian restaurant, while the service remains as pitch perfect as ever: professional and attentive, without being stiff or formal. But what continues to make it special is the quality of its cuisine. Dishes inspired by India’s coastal cooking are not to be missed, like the generous and delicious Dorset brown crab or the Hariyali bream from the tandoor, but don’t ignore the more original offerings like beef short rib coconut fry. Look out for the special menus that celebrate India’s festivals and seasons.

Adejoké Bakare’s West African restaurant continues to go from strength to strength in this warm, bright Fitzrovia spot which comes with a real neighbourhood feel. Her delicious, satisfying and full-flavoured dishes showcase cleverly judged spicing and expertly made sauces that enhance the superb ingredients without masking their natural flavours – such as a take on banga fish stew where top-notch turbot is complemented by the depth and power of a palm nut cream and green crab sauce. It's all accompanied by friendly service and a fun atmosphere.

Sister restaurant to Portland and Clipstone, this small bistro deluxe delivers intimate, relaxed surroundings in which to enjoy a menu based around classical French cooking. British Racing Green walls blend with simple polished wood, candle-lit tables and wicker chairs, while the semi-open kitchen brings a livelier atmosphere to one end of the room. Fine ingredients are used to excellent effect in bold, gutsy combinations that deliver simply delicious results; ensure you save room to finish with the greengage Tatin or the textbook Paris-Brest. Wine connoisseurs should look out for the 'Cellar