Great places to eat in London

A taste sensation from Catherine

Dishoom

“In Kings Cross it just has to be a sausage and egg breakfast naan at Dishoom. Tasting is believing! The restaurant is a beautiful, atmospheric building and I would recommend matching this dish with their chai latte - absolutely delicious.”

• Where to find it? 5 Stable St, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AB
• How much? ££-£££

Authentic Pakistani food from Andrew

Masala Wala

“For me, it’s got to be Masala Wala in Brockley, South East London. An amazing little restaurant run by a mother a daughter team. Mum is out back in the kitchen creating the most delicious Pakistani cuisine, and the daughters run the front of house. The food is delicious and the menu changes every month so there is always something new to try. My favourite was an amazing carrot dessert! I was unsure when I saw it but it was heaven.”

• Where to find it? 5 Brockley Cross, Brockley, London SE4 2AB
• How much? ££-£££

For more places to eat in London try:

E Pellicci

A traditional East London café with fry-ups, mama's daily specials homemade pies and friendly staff. It's open for breakfast and lunch. The café has been a family business since it was built in 1900 and its unchanged ornate panelled walls have resulted in listed building status. It apparently used to serve coffee to the Krays – well who would refuse to serve them?

• Where to find it? 332 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AG
• How much? £

KERB 

Street food is a big deal in London. And at KERB traders have to audition to ensure they're up to scratch. Find it nestled at the foot of the Gherkin on Thursday lunchtimes offering not just great burgers but Malaysian, Middle Eastern, BBQ and Hawaiian Pokē to chow down on too. They'll be back at King's Boulevard in Kings Cross in April.

• Where to find it? City/ North (check the website for locations)
• How much? £

Scandi Kitchen 

Everything Scandi is cool right now – from their interiors to their crime fiction. So it's no surprise it's also a big foodie trend. Hipness aside, nutritionists want us to eat in a more Viking way too – with more fish and berries, rye breads and oils with Omega-3 fatty acids. See why the experts are raving about open sandwiches and rye and wheat wraps at ScandiKitchen.

• Where to find it? 61 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PP
• How much? £

Bao 

Bao gets its name from the fluffy white steamed buns that are a key menu item in this Taiwanese-inspired eatery. The fried chicken or pork buns get much praise, and you can also get xiao chi or small eats too. It's small, doesn't take bookings and is popular so (well organised) queues do build up.

• Where to find it? 53 Lexington Street, W1F 9AS
• How much? £

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay 

With three Michelin-stars, Clare Smyth is now the chef-patron in charge of Gordon Ramsay's flagship restaurant. Elegant modern French cuisine, using seasonal ingredients prepared in a mix of modern and traditional ways is on the menu. With menus from £65 to £195, the food is pretty dreamy. But you need to dress up. No trainers allowed.

• Where to find it? 68 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HP
• How much? £££

Chiltern Firehouse 

This gothic-style former Victorian fire station is a favourite celeb hangout. Lily Allen, Kate Moss, David Beckham and 1D have all been. They definitely prioritise famous faces, so if yours doesn't fit you might have to pick a less popular time. The food is supposed to be good too with Nuno Mendes as executive chef – but sadly we've never yet managed to bag a table to try it for ourselves.

• Where to find it? 1 Chiltern Street, London W1U 7PA
• How much? £££

Clos Maggiore

Need to ramp up the romance? Clos Maggiore has beautiful intimate surroundings – plus waiters who know when not to interrupt. Take your pick from the wood-panelled dining room or the stunning conservatory with its indoor blossoms. Soft light, fairy lights and candles add to the romance making these tables to hold hands over and whisper sweet nothings.. The French-inspired menu changes regularly.

• Where to find it? 33 King Street, London, WC2E 8JD 
• How much? ££

Look mum no hands! 

You know this place is trendy as it's a combined cafe and bike shop. Coffee is from Square Mile Coffee Roasters and they have a guest espresso for aficionados. There's also draught craft beer. You can get peanut butter toast with smashed banana or the full English and lots in between. And you can bring your bike in to be mended or your tyre fixed.

• Where to find it? 48 Old Street, London EC1V 9HX
• How much? £

BB Bakery

Afternoon tea with a difference. Get onboard a vintage red London Routemaster bus and take in the sights – from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben – as you slurp on a cup of Darjeeling and scoff delectable sandwiches. With mini-quiches, macaroons and classic scones, cream and jam you'll enjoy every mouthful. Get the kettle on now.

• Where to find it? Central Pick up from Victoria/Trafalgar Square depending on time
• How much? ££