London - Restaurants

Restaurants
Expensive

Gaucho Grill Piccadilly
The Gaucho Grill's flagship restaurant is an impressive multi-floored dinning experience offering up a meat-fest of epic proportions. While the menu is as extensive as the building - from tasty empanadas (South American pasties) to the mighty Gaucho burger - it is the gleaming slabs of prime Argentine beef that are the main event. Not only does the Piccadilly branch feature the same extensive wine list typical of the Gaucho chain, but it is located above the sensational wine boutique: Cavas de Gaucho. Find a vast selection of fine and rare wines superbly showcasing Argentina's status as one of the very best wine producers on the planet.

25 Swallow Street, W1
Tel: (020) 7734 4040.
Website: www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk

Le Gavroche
Since its opening in 1967 by brothers Albert and Michel Roux, the smart, formal, dark and classically French Le Gavroche, with two Michelin stars, has been setting the culinary benchmark for the British restaurant scene. Highly praised dishes include loin of venison with peppery sauce and cranberries, and seared foie gras with a duck-flavoured and cinnamon pancake.

43 Upper Brook Street, W1
Tel: (020) 7408 0881.
Website: www.le-gavroche.co.uk

One-O-One
The refurbished One-O-One is a restaurant no self-respecting fish enthusiast can afford to ignore. Pascal Proyart's little gem has won countless awards, and it is plain to see why. The menu features mouth-watering offerings, the dishes are all expertly executed, and the service, friendly yet unobtrusive, is smooth as silk.

101 Knightsbridge, SW1
Tel: (020) 7290 7101.
Website: www.oneoonerestaurant.com

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
One of only two London restaurants with three Michelin stars, this remains the best place to experience Gordon Ramsay's cooking. In a comfortable but fairly neutral room, the focus is entirely on the food. All dishes are superb and might include the starter of pan-fried Scottish sea scallops with parmesan velout and truffle smarties, followed by roasted Barbary duck breast.

68 Royal Hospital Road, SW3
Tel: (020) 7352 4441.
Website: www.gordonramsay.com/royalhospitalroad

108 Marylebone Lane
Tucked away on Marylebone Lane, just 10 minutes off Oxford Street, this casual yet chic bistro-style restaurant serves up perfectly cooked seasonal produce from local suppliers. Meat lovers will not resist the succulent pork belly with apple pure and cider sauce, while vegetarians are well catered for with attractive dishes like tagliatelle with creamy porcini sauce. Desserts are a treat too - the warm chocolate brownie is especially good. The ambience is intimate and relaxed, with leather benches, wooden floors and artworks on the walls. The perfect spot to unwind after a day of shopping and enjoy some seriously good food.

108 Marylebone Lane, W1
Tel: (020) 7969 3900.
Website: www.108marylebonelane.com

Canteen
Serving solid British dishes in a clean and simplistic setting, Canteen is a fantastic option for those looking for a hearty but moderately priced feed. Find perfect pies, tasty stews, and a top-notch plate of fish and chips, alongside light, tangy salads, and a delicious selection of puddings and cakes. The daily specials board includes a catch of the day, coming straight from the South Coast that morning. The Spitalfields market restaurant is perfectly positioned as a mid-shopping pit stop, and Shoreditch nightlife is only a short stroll away.

2 Crispin Place, Spitalfields, E1
Tel: 0845 686 1122.
Website: www.canteen.co.uk

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie
For panoramic views of London, there is no better place to eat than the restaurant at the top of the Thameside Oxo Tower. In good weather, diners can eat on the terrace; otherwise they take a seat in the stylish minimalist interior. At lunchtime, the place is a favourite venue for business meetings. In the evenings, the place takes on a more festive mood, serving modern European food against the stunning London nightscape.

Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, SE1
Tel: (020) 7803 3888.
Website: www.harveynichols.com

Veeraswamy
Both exotic and luxurious, with dark wood and silver screens perfectly offset by Indian coloured glass shades, the recently refurbished interior and the lighting are spot on, and ideal for a perfect romantic evening. The food is a blend of traditional favourites and more modern concoctions, and includes traditional regal recipes but also jazzed up versions of more modest (but just as tasty) Indian street food.

Victory House, 99 Regent Street (entrance on Swallow Street), W1
Tel: (020) 7734 1401.
Website: www.veeraswamy.com

Caf Emm
This brasserie serves some of the best-value food in Soho, so its no-booking policy means that a queue is inevitable. As well as various starters and snacks, there is a selection of main courses under 10, including Cajun-style chicken with potato skins, or home-made salmon fish cakes. The dark-wood interior is packed with candle-lit tables and the service is brisk but not rushed.

17 Frith Street, W1
Tel: (020) 7437 0723.
Website: www.cafeemm.com

Duke of York
A quirky little gastro pub in a quiet Bloomsbury street, the Duke of York is a relaxed yet vibrant place to spend an evening. Unlike most gastro pubs, it is not overly trendy, overly crowded or overly priced. The tasty dishes range from British classics like Cumberland sausage and mash, to more unusual daily specials such as sea bream tempura with stir-fried noodles.

7 Roger Street, WC1
Tel: (020) 7242 7230.
Website: www.dukepub.co.uk

Golden Dragon

One of Chinatown's best restaurants, Golden Dragon is bedecked in red and gold and has a noisy, bustling atmosphere. In the daytime (1200-1700), the dim sum selection, brought to the table in a never-ending parade of bamboo steamers, is of exemplary quality. Main dishes, available both night and day, are excellent value and come in generously sized portions.

28-29 Gerrard Street, W1
Tel: (020) 7734 2763.

Rock and Sole Plaice
Fish and chips are a British institution and there are few places better to indulge than this, London's oldest surviving chippie. It serves up all the basic fish (cod, rock, haddock, plaice, skate and scampi) and more specialities (halibut, lemon sole, Dover sole, trout, salmon, sardines and mackerel), depending on market availability, as well as other chip-shop standards like pasties and pies.

47 Endell Street, WC2
Tel: (020) 7836 3785.

Hotels
Business

City Inn Westminster
Located near Tate Britain in Pimlico, and a 10-minute walk from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the hotel offers comfortable facilities at very reasonable prices. All 460 rooms are stylish in a minimalist fashion and feature all mod cons and floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel has a small gym, six meeting rooms and two bars, while the award-winning City Caf serves up excellent modern British seasonal cuisine.

30 John Islip Street, SW1
Tel: (020) 7630 1000.
Website: www.cityinn.com
Price: $$

The Haymarket
The impressive entrance lounge alludes to the stylish hotel beyond, with striking pieces of modern art adorning the walls. The sleek and classy feel continues throughout the hotel, from the light and colourful dcor of BRAMUS bar and restaurant to the individually designed granite, glass and oak bathrooms. For a spot of relaxation, head to the spectacularly lit swimming pool and gym, complete with treatment rooms offering massages and beauty treatments. As well as the 50 sumptuous rooms, there are five self-contained townhouses.

1 Suffolk Place, SW1Y
Tel: (020) 7470 4000.
Website: www.haymarkethotel.com
Price: $$$

One Aldwych
This hotel is a beautiful example of Edwardian architecture. Luxurious without being glitzy, the hotel enjoys a great Covent Garden location. Each of the 105 rooms and suites are equipped with the latest audiovisual technology. The health club has a swimming pool with underwater music, a sauna and a steam room, a gym, and a range of beauty treatments. For those less worried about their waistline, there are two restaurants, Axis and Indigo, and the impressive Lobby Bar - arguably one of the most beautiful bars in London.

One Aldwych, WC2
Tel: (020) 7300 1000.
Website: www.onealdwych.com
Price: $$$$

The Zetter
This converted warehouse in the heart of Clerkenwell offers stylish affordable accommodation. There are 59 rooms, all featuring sleek upholstery, cool mood lighting and in-room entertainment systems. Nice little touches, such as hot water bottles and old Penguin paperbacks, add a homely feel. The popular restaurant, which serves modern Mediterranean food, occupies most of the ground floor and looks onto St John's Square.

86-88 Clerkenwell Road, EC1
Tel: (020) 7324 4444.
Website: www.thezetter.com
Price: $$

Charlotte Street Hotel
Situated just moments from the trendy surrounds of leafy Soho Square, the Charlotte Street Hotel is the height of urban luxury. With private screening rooms and dining areas, the hotel is one of the hip hang-outs for aspiring film makers as well as those longing for a homely boutique charm in the heart of London's most vibrant areas. For a real taste of luxury, check into the fifth floor penthouse suite, complete with separate lounge, mammoth shower and stunning views over the London skyline.

15-17 Charlotte Street, W1T
Tel: (020) 7806 2000.
Website: www.firmdale.com
Price: $$$

Hotel 41
Situated next to Buckingham Palace, and opposite the Royal Mews, this boutique 5-star hotel is surrounded by some of London's most cherished attractions. The warm and inviting dcor creates the feel of a private members club. Attention to detail is key at Hotel 41 and the staff are extremely conscientious.

41 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W
Tel: (020) 7300 0041.
Website: www.41hotel.com
Price $$$

The Lanesborough
Minutes from Buckingham Palace, this lavish hotel treats its guests like royalty. Formerly Viscount Lanesborough's home, the hotel remains true to its Regency building, with ornate furnishings and dcor. Guests can expect 24-hour butler service, personalised business cards and stationery on arrival. Each of the 95 guest rooms and suites are filled with period furniture and 21st-century technology. Michael Jackson, Madonna and Sylvester Stallone have all stayed here.

Hyde Park Corner, SW1
Tel: (020) 7259 5599.
Website: www.lanesborough.com
Price: $$$$

The Ritz
Since 1906, The Ritz has been providing exemplary service to its well-heeled guests. The interior of this elegant building is fastidiously decorated in Louis XVI style with marble columns, rich fabrics and antique furniture. The rooms are furnished in soothing pastel colours and two members of staff are on hand to service each room. For business matters, a computer, printer and scanner can be arranged in room, as can secretarial support. You can take formal meals in the chandelier-filled restaurant, while the famous Ritz tea can be enjoyed in the Palm Court at 1530 or 1700, for which it is necessary to book well in advance.

150 Piccadilly, W1
Tel: (020) 7493 8181.
Website: www.theritzlondon.com
Price: $$$$

Hampstead Guest House
Escape the city bustle at this charming bed and breakfast situated in one of London's most sought-after residential areas. Just 20 minutes by Tube from central London and a short walk from beautiful Hampstead Heath, the stunning Victorian house is tucked away from a high street strewn with stylish boutiques and bistros. There are seven rooms and one self-contained apartment. The ambience is distinctly homely with eclectic, bohemian furnishings, a family dog, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a rambling garden.

2 Kemplay Road, NW3
Tel: (020) 7435 8679.
Website: www.hampsteadguesthouse.com
Price: $

The Soho Hotel
The Soho Hotel has quickly established itself as one of the trendiest places to stay in the capital. All 91 rooms and suites have been individually designed and are sumptuously appointed in a modern, eclectic style, with flatscreen TVs and huge, ultra-comfortable beds. The bathrooms are just as nice, all in grey granite, glass and oak. There is a private event space, and as befits a hotel located in the heart of the capital's entertainment district, not one but two private screening rooms, for the ultimate in corporate entertaining. Refuel, the hotel restaurant, serves very decent food at reasonable prices.

4 Richmond Mews, W1
Tel: (020) 7559 3000.
Website: www.sohohotel.com
Price: $$$