Places to eat

1 Origin

The transfer of the highly acclaimed team behind Thyme restaurant from South London to Covent Garden’s Hospital site has transformed this operation into an altogether more sophisticated affair. The restaurant serves beautifully crafted dishes in grown-up surroundings and offers excellent service.

Address: The Hospital, Endell Street WC2
Phone: 020 7170 9200
Additional info: No disabled facilities
Price range: ££££

2 Clarke’s

A steady favourite since it opened in 1984, the food here is wonderfully fresh, and basically Mediterranean, with roast and baked dishes to the fore. Set menus mean you have to go with the patronne’s taste, but she will take you to places you have not been before. The wine list favours California.

Address: 124 Kensington Church Street W8
Phone: 020 7221 9225
Price range: £££££
www.sallyclarke.com

3 Rasa Samudra

Indian curries are almost a national dish in Britain, but this is quite different from the norm. The cooking is stunning, and first-timers will need talking through the unusual menu, which includes delicious fish dishes.

Address: 5 Charlotte Street W1
Phone: 020 7637 0222
Additional info: Disabled, with advance booking
Price range: £££
www.rasarestaurants.com/UserPages/index.aspx

4 Club Gascon

Inspired Gallic cooking means you need to make a reservation weeks in advance. The original idea here is that there are no starter or main courses. Dishes are categorised under half a dozen themed headings, and you put together three of four to make a meal. Each one is a rare combination.

Address: 57 West Smithfield EC1
Phone: 020 7796 0600
Price range: ££££
www.clubgascon.com

5 The Eagle

This converted Victorian pub on the edge of the City was the first of London’s “gastropubs”. Serving high-quality Mediterranean-style cuisine from an open kitchen, it is informal and always busy. The menu largely comprises substantial mains.

Address: 159 Farringdon Road EC1
Transport: Tube Farringdon
Admission charge: No bookings

DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are one of the most popular guides in the world. Whether you want to plan a trip, find inspiration, book a hotel, or indulge in a spot of retail therapy you'll find all the information and advice you need here.