Dining in London
Pearl
Jun Tanaka's London restaurant, Pearl, is filled with hand strung pearls and crystal chandeliers. Set in the former banking halls of Pearl assurance company, the restaurant serves modern French food in the most opulent of surroundings.
Beach Blanket Babylon
The décor at Beach Blanket Babylon is quite extraordinary. Follow tunnels, bridges and walkways around the cavernous interior, and you'll discover sumptuous rooms with names like the chapel, the gallery and the crypt.
Momo
North African restaurant Momo is just off Regent Street in London's West End, but when you enter you are transported to another world. Enjoy couscous and tagines like you've never tasted before, and then retreat next door for Moroccan mint tea and a smoke on the hookah pipe.
Les Trois Garçons
Understated is not a word you would use to describe Les Trois Garçons. Flamboyant, flaming torches mark the entrance, while diamanté-encrusted animal sculptures adorn the interior. The French-inspired menu is just like its surroundings: extravagant, bold and indulgent.
Plateau
Table with a view? You've got it - and then some! Glazed from floor to ceiling, the extravagant, fourth-floor Plateau has a magnificent view of Canary Wharf. A contemporary, white interior and tables topped with candles give the place an ethereal ambience.
Hakkasan
Wagamama creator Alan Yau's eastern masterpiece, Hakkasan, is decorated with oak screens, blue walls, dark leather seats and hanging lanterns, courtesy of French designer Christian Liaigre. The restaurant has won a Michelin star for its food, which includes classy oriental dishes and posh dim sum.
Nobu
The original London Nobu is in the stunning Metropolitan Hotel overlooking Hyde Park. It has won a Michelin star for its delicate and well-presented sushi and sashimi dishes. Their creator, Nobu Matsuhisa has earned praise worldwide for his innovative recipes.
China Tang
China Tang at The Dorchester serves some of the best and most authentic Cantonese food outside China. The restaurant's interior evokes 1930s art deco, with romantic lighting and traditional and contemporary Chinese art. There's also an exquisite bar, where you can order dim sum and delicious cocktails.
Asia de Cuba
Asia de Cuba at the trendy St Martins Lane hotel marries Asian cuisine with the tropical flavors of the Caribbean and home-style Cuban cooking. It's all served up in cool monochrome surroundings designed by Philippe Starck, with central columns covered in artworks and light bulbs hanging from the ceiling on long wires.
Roka
With its vast expanse of windows looking out onto the vibrant Charlotte Street, Rainer Becker's Roka eatery is a fine place to watch the world go by as you dine. The flaming robata grill takes centre stage, as a team of chefs create delicate dishes right in front of you. The food is beautifully executed, and dressed with flavors that include lemon miso, apple mustard, and ginger with fresh herbs and fruit.
Zuma
Zuma is another of Rainer Becker's little treasures. This award-winning Japanese restaurant features a bar, a lounge, a main room, a chef's table that seats up to 10, a sushi counter and two private dining rooms. So each visit literally offers a different experience. And with delectable, authentic sushi served in warm wood and marble surroundings, you'll definitely want to come back!
Nahm
The first Michelin starred restaurant in Europe, Nahm at the The Halkin hotel is headed up by celebrated Australian chef David Thompson. The menu is based on memorial-book cuisine, an old Thai custom where the favorite recipes of a deceased family member are recorded.