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Indian Restaurants in London

Café Naz

46-48 Brick Lane, E1 6RF, Tel: 020 7247 0234, Website: www.cafenaz.co.uk, Open: noon-midnight Mon-Fri, 6pm-midnight Sat, All major credit cards, Tube: Aldgate East, Show Map
All the usual staple curry dishes plus a few chef's specials make Café Naz a reliable, good value curry house. While the fixtures and fittings may be contemporary, the menu is straightforward with jalfrezi, dhansak, vindaloo and balti dishes complimented by specials such as gosht kata masala (braised lamb with chopped onion and sliced ginger) and chicken taj e-shahi (marinated chicken cooked in a mild almond curry with cheese and garlic). Bangla beer helps fire-fight those hotter moments during a meal, while desserts are the usual range of fruit-based ice creams. Well-worth a trip to E1.

Café Spice Namaste

16 Prescot Street, E1 8AZ, Tel: 020 7488 9242, Website: www.cafespice.co.uk, Open: noon-3pm and 6.15pm-10.30pm Mon-Fri, 6.30pm-10pm Sat, All major credit cards, Tube: Aldgate East/Tower Hill, Show Map
We're not sure why most new Indian restaurants seem to be called café something or other, but hey, from a culinary standpoint Café Spice Namaste is among the City's best. Having built an enviable reputation for producing exciting, inventive Indian cuisine, Head Chef Cyrus Todiwala and restaurateur Richard Gottlieb aren't ones to rest on their laurels. Not only is there a sister restaurant in Battersea, but Cyrus, as one of Britain's most lauded Indian chefs, has also released a Café Spice cookbook.

Far removed from the run-of-the-mill, late-night tandooris of old, this is very much a restaurant for curry connoisseurs. Wonderfully infused, aromatic flavours form the basis of dishes here, with exotic meats and spices used to great effect. Goan and Parsi cuisine predominates, while other regional dishes, including those from Kashmir and Hyderabad, make up Spice's speciality menu. With simple, bright décor, a good wine list and friendly service, it adds up to a nigh on unbeatable curry experience. Quite simply, Café Spice Namaste serves as the benchmark for Indian food in London.

Khan's

13-15 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UA, Tel: 020 7727 5420, Website: www.khansrestaurant.com, Open: noon-3.30pm and 6pm-11.45pm Mon-Thu, noon to midnight Fri-Sun, All major credit cards, Tube: Bayswater, Show Map
Reasonably large Indian restaurant with a strong local following, attracted, in no small part, by reasonable prices and good quality (generously portioned) fare. Take your pick from the usual array of curries and tandoori dishes, accompanied by rice or some of Khan's renowned (and truly excellent) breads. With Indian Cobra beer and kulfis, bombes and sorbets for pudding, it's no wonder the place is so popular! However, as Khan's relies upon a high turnover of punters to keep prices down, don't expect too much opportunity to linger once you've finished your meal.

Le Porte des Indes

32 Bryanston Street, Marble Arch, W1H 7EG, Open: Mon-Fri midday-2.30pm and 7pm-11.30pm. Sat 7pm-11.30pm. Sun midday-3pm and 6pm-10.30pm, Tube: Marble Arch, Show Map
There's no doubt that lunch or dinner at Le Porte des Indes has a real sense of occasion, as the restaurant is not only decked out with exotic plants, palm trees and flowers, but a rather impressive cascading waterfall! Thankfully, the cuisine is not overshadowed by the elaborate décor, with flavours inspired by India's French colonialist past. Eight regional chefs combine to create sublime Euro-Indian fusion cooking, while the restaurant also features a separate vegetarian menu, excellent cocktails and a well-prepared wine list. Certainly it's unfair to group Le Porte in with your average high-street Tandoori. Instead, think along the lines of Indian haute cuisine at its very best and a recommended visit!

Ma Goa

244 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6TG, Tel: 020 8780 1767, Website: www.ma-goa.com, Open: Tue-Sat 6.30pm-11pm, Sun 12.30pm-3pm and 6pm-10pm, All major credit cards, Nearest railway station: Putney, Tube: East Putney, Show Map
Providing authentic Goan cuisine at its best, a visit to Ma Goa is a must on any curry-inspired visit to South London. A great selection of pickles, together with dishes like Ma Goa's sausage (pork with cinnamon, cloves, garlic, red chilli and a spicy onion salsa) make up the starters, while for mains, try Konkan Gallina Aur Baigan (chicken breast with diced aubergine, mustard seeds, paprika and black pepper with coconut milk) or the hotter Porco Vindaloo with roasted spice and palm vinegar.

With quality side dishes to accompany each meal (such as Palak Batata - spinach, potato, dill and spring onions) and decent vegetarian options, there's no doubt Ma Goa is a highly likeable and rewarding eatery. And, with an 'Early Bird' deal that allows diners to have a free starter (or dessert) providing they vacate their table before a certain time, meals here needn't be expensive either.

Irish Restaurants in London

Ard Ri

The O'Conor Don, First Floor 88 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2PZ, Tel: 020 7935 9311, Website: www.oconordon.com, Open: noon-2.30pm and 6.30pm-10.30pm Mon Fri, Credit cars: MC, AE, V, Tube: Bond Street, Show Map
Set in a homely dining room above the O'Conor Don pub, Ard Ri has, over recent years, gained an excellent reputation for producing first-rate modern and traditional Irish fare. What's more, if you're a Guinness fan, the drink is never far away as even the excellent beef casserole makes use of the stuff. However, a meal at Ard Ri isn't limited to just stout flavoured dishes. Indeed no. Oysters, salmon and mussels all make a showing, while the lamb stew, scallion champ and Colcannon are also of worthy note. And, with delicious soda bread on offer too, the restaurant is a pleasing find in this part of town. As prices are also extremely reasonable, forget about finding a swanky restaurant elsewhere and stick with Ard Ri's hearty, honest grub instead.

The Toucan

19 Carlisle Street, W1D 3BX, Tel: 020 7437 4123, Website: www.thetoucan.co.uk, Open: 11am-11pm, Credit cards: MC, V, Tube: Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road, Show Map
While big nosed Irish birds wouldn't normally attract a cult following, The Toucan is an exception. Yes, we know our feathered friend originally hails from the tropics, but with great food and music, Soho's most famous Guinness bar is worthy of further investigation.

And, although we're fairly certain that Thai chicken curry will never be Ireland's adopted national dish, work your way down the menu and you'll find traditional style sausages, champ, beef stew and Galway Bay oysters - thereby elevating the food to "restaurant listing" status. Enough to please even the most discerning stout drinker, The Toucan's winning combo of good food, low prices (and a great selection of Irish whiskies) makes it a central London fave.

Italian Restaurants in London

Cantina del Ponte

The Butlers Wharf Building, 36c Shad Thames, SE1 2YE, Tel: 020 7403 5403, Open: Mon-Sat: midday-3pm and 6pm-11pm, Sun: midday-3pm, 6pm-10pm, Tube: Tower Hill/London Bridge, Show Map
Another popular Shad Thames eatery which, as well as having a neat summer terrace, offers classic Italian food, good service and (relatively) modest prices. Along with a range of fresh pastas and pizzas try the seared scallops with pancetta for main course (accompanied by a tasty house white) while for pudding, summer flavours such as poached figs in Vin Santo with mascarpone or lemon tart with crème fraiche also delight.

Passione

10 Charlotte Street, W1T 2LT, Tel: 020 7636 2833, Website: www.passione.co.uk, Open: 12.30pm-2.30pm and 7.00pm-10.30pm Mon-Fri, 7.00pm-10.30pm Sat, All major credit cards, Tube: Goodge Street, Show Map
Another one of the popular band of restaurants to be found on Charlotte Street, Passione is building itself a deserved reputation for high quality Italian cooking using only the best fresh ingredients. The menu contains a tempting array of anti pasti, meat and fish dishes, together with excellent risottos and pasta. Simple traditional Mediterranean flavours conjure up images of lazy days and long, hot summers, while Passione's selection of desserts are rich, satisfying and immaculately presented. Without doubt, one of London's best Italian restaurants.

Pizza on the Park

11 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LY, Tel: 020 7235 5550, All major credit cards, Open: 8.15am-12.00am Mon-Sat, 9.30am-11.30pm Sat-Sun, Tube: Hyde Park Corner, Show Map
As the name suggests, this is the place to come if your passion is for pizza. The restaurant is fine value too, with freshly prepared, generously topped pizzas for around £8. Alternatively, there's a selection of pastas to choose from, while the wine list is a modest, reasonably priced selection of Italian and New World offerings. Pizza on the Park also opens early to serve breakfast and makes for an agreeable spot in which to start your day.

Zafferano

15 Lowndes Street, SW1X 9EY, Tel: 020 7235 5800. Open: noon-2.30pm and 7pm-11.00pm Mon-Sat, noon-2.30pm and 7pm-11pm Sun, All major credit cards, Tube: Knightsbridge, Show Map
The popularity of this Knightsbridge based restaurant, both for lunch and dinner, means that it's worth booking early to avoid disappointment. Zafferano's offers excellent Italian fare through a number of well constructed, fixed price menus. And, as they change often, even regular visitors are likely to discover tempting new dishes to try.

Zilli Fish

36-40 Brewer Street, W1R 3HB, Tel: 020 7734 8649, Website: www.zillialdo.com, Open: noon to 11.30pm Mon-Sat, All major credit cards, Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Show Map
As the creation of Soho restaurateur Aldo Zilli, this busy Brewer Street eatery offers well-judged Italian influenced fish dishes, as well as a number of risottos and meat dishes. For mains, Aldo's famous suckling pig is well-worth further investigation, as are his seafood platters and dishes of wild salmon. Light, spacious décor is matched by friendly able service, while the restaurant's wine list is drawn mainly from Italy and other European regions. What's more, judging by the crowds, Zilli's looks set to become a firm favourite with the locals. Best then, to book in advance.

Japanese Restaurants in London

Defune

61 Blandford Street, W1U 7DP, Tel: 020 7935 8311, Open: noon-2.30pm and 6pm-10.30pm Mon-Sat, All major credit cards, Tube: Marble Arch, Show Map
At Defune, not only do you get great sushi, but you can also watch the highly trained Japanese chefs preparing you choice(s) from a varied, albeit pricey menu. A good reliable place to head for if you're a sushi fan.

Nobu

19 Old Park Lane, W1K 1LB, Tel: 020 7447 4747, Open: noon-2.15pm and 6pm-10.30pm Mon-Fri, 6pm-10.30pm Sat, All major credit cards, Tube: Hyde Park Corner, Show Map
Probably one of the premier restaurants in London at the moment, Nobu has built an enviable reputation for offering superb Japanese food. Although somewhat expensive, some excellent (and less pricey) lunchtime options make eating here more affordable. Known for innovative dishes which use only the freshest quality ingredients, Nobu has become so popular, it's essential to book ahead. Certainly one of the places to go for that memorable meal in London.

Wagamama

4 Streatham Street, WC1A 1JB, Tel: 020 7323 9223, All major credit cards, Website: www.wagamama.com, Open: noon-11.00pm Mon-Sat, 12.30pm-10pm Sun, Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Show Map
The Wagamama experience is slick and hi-tech (as you'd expect from a Japanese influenced restaurant) but also offers great value for money, hence its enduring popularity. Ideal for younger, budget conscious folk, you simply take your seat at a large communal bench (so be prepared to share), order, and in what appears to be an instant - well just a few minutes anyway - you'll be presented with a bowl of fresh noodles, either in soup or a sauce depending on your choice. Because food here is cooked to order a group might find that, depending on individual preferences, dishes don't all arrive at once. That said, it's a fun (and fashionable) place to eat and one which we can wholeheartedly recommend.