London

Le Gavroche
Cuisine FRENCH
Address 43 Upper Brook St., W1

Although challengers come and go, this luxurious dining room remains the number-one choice in London for classical French cuisine, offering the very highest quality fine French cuisine in an elegantly formal setting, with service that redefines the word. This kitchen was formerly the haunt of Michel and Albert Roux, it has been under the similarly gifted direction of Michel Roux Jr for some years. Even the manager, Silvano Giraldin, is an award-winner. The wine list is astonishing, with some jaw-dropping prices to go with it. But even at these prices, the experience is so faultless that it is simply excellent value and you will want - or wish it were possible - to return again and again.What's cooking? French haute cuisine using superlative ingredients. The menu changes constantly, depending on the fresh produce that's available and the current inspiration of the chef. Some past dishes have included warm asparagus salad with herbs, truffles and crunchy parmesan, langoustines in a light butter sauce flavoured with ginger,panfried John Dory with red and yellow pepper sauce and herb puree with babycourgettes and ratatouille, roast pigeon with spiced red wine pears. The pudding souffles are magical.

Lindsay House
Cuisine MODERN BRITISH
Address 21 Romilly St., W1

There's an umbrella stand by the vestibule door, walls are hung with paintings of big blue skies, while everything else displays a restrained good taste rare for the area. It's ‘perfect for a romantic dinner', although the slightly formal surrounds cow some diners into ‘conversing in whispers'. Chef Richard Corrigan coaxes terrific flavours out of well sourced, often ‘butch' ingredients: pork belly is a favourite, teamed perhaps with scallops & spiced carrot & always cooked to melting perfection; elsewhere is a terrine of foie gras matched with smoked eel, apple cutting the richness. You might start with a cured foie gras rolled in spicy gingerbread, or else ravioli of rabbit in its own consommé. For your main choice, expect such delightful courses as pan-roasted filet of red mullet, or squab served with fried cabbage and bacon. Desserts are a delight -- always unexpected, always a delightful surprise, such as marinated pumpkin with pistachio and chocolate sorbet.

Zafferano
Cuisine ITALIAN
Address 15 Lowndes St., SW1

Zafferano is an upmarket restaurant with a sophisticated atmosphere serving dishes from an innovative Italian menu that changes to suit what is in season. It is advisable to book well in advance. Catering for private parties of up to 6 guests is available upon request. Children are warmly welcomed and catered for. The restaurant has a Michelin star. A quick review of past clients includes Margaret Thatcher, Richard Gere, Princess Margaret, and Eric Clapton. The modernized interpretation of Italian cuisine features such dishes as ravioli of pheasant with black truffles, wild pigeon with garlic purée, sea bream with spinach and balsamic vinegar, and monkfish with almonds.

Veronica's
Cuisine TRADITIONAL BRITISH
Address 3 Hereford Rd., W2

Veronica's serve a variety of British dishes including Arbroath Smokies. Catering for private parties of up to 40 guests is available upon request. A takeaway menu is available and a free local delivery service is also provided. Pavement seating is also provided. Many dishes are vegetarian, and everything tastes even better when followed with a British farmhouse cheese or a pudding. The restaurant offers a moderated menu to help keep cholesterol down. The interior is brightly and attractively decorated, and the service is warm and ingratiating.

Zaika
Cuisine Indian
Address 1 Kensington High St., W8

Arguably the best Indian food in London, Zaika has redefined the level of service and food that is expected in Indian restaurants throughout the land. Zaika lives up to its name, which, translated, means "sophisticated flavors." Of course, you can also order traditional dishes such as lamb and lentil patties stuffed with egg and onion. For starters, launch your repast with such delights as a platter of minced duck rolls or else morsels of tandoori chicken breast in green herbs.

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