Mercure's travel guides

London's cuisine is not all pubs and potatoes (although you can find both if you wish) – a slew of famous English chefs including Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay have put the city on the foodie map. Moreover, this cosmopolitan city steams with the best of international food. Feast on dim sum in Chinatown, Korean noodles in Soho, the best curry outside of India (not just Chicken Tikka Masala), American burgers at the Hard Rock Café, Spanish tapas in trendy bars all over the city, Michelin-starred sushi at Nobu on Park Lane, or French foie gras in the renowned L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Covent Garden.

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie

Barge House St, Oxo Tower Wharf, London, SE1 9PH
20-7803-3888
http://www.harveynichols.com

Description:

This Harvey Nichols stand-alone enterprise receives as much buzz today as it did when it opened in the late '90s, and one of its main draws is its rooftop location, which affords stunning views of the Thames and the London skyline. The posh dining room – with its high ceilings, fresh flowers, and sparkling china with colourful, geometric accents – is part of the restaurant's attraction. Plus, the impressive cuisine includes crab and sweet corn pancakes with avocado, marinated sea bass with tomato and coriander, and Barbary duck breast with red onion tatin and mandarin and ginger reduction. Thanks to its fine cuisine, terrific wines, great service, and fabulous views of the city, Oxo Tower is a top pick for fine dining. Be sure to request a table by the windows. TUBE: Blackfriars or Waterloo
Mon-Fri Noon-2:30pm, 6pm-11pm; Sat Noon-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm; Sun Noon-3pm, 6:30pm-10pm
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River Café

Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London, W6 9HA
20-7386-4200 - http://www.rivercafe.co.uk

Description:

Considered by many to be the finest Italian dining in London, this terrific restaurant also comes with steep prices and a wait – book at least a month in advance. Once you do make it in, you'll find elegant Italian food at its best. Lobster spaghetti, antipasto, baked fish, Tuscan soup, and asparagus-stuffed ravioli with sage butter and parmesan all win high marks. The bright, well-appointed room offers fabulous views. TUBE: Hammersmith
Mon-Thu 12:30pm-2:15pm, 7pm-9pm; Fri 12:30pm-2:15pm, 7pm-9:15pm; Sat 12:30pm-2:30pm, 7pm-9:15pm; Sun Noon-3pm
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Rock & Sole Plaice

47 Endell St, near Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9AJ
20-7836-3785

Description:

In addition to its clever name and a great location near the Covent Garden tube, this restaurant boasts good, inexpensive food. Chips here are fantastic – large and crisp without being oily – and fish is fresh and thickly battered. The ambiance is basic, but proximity to the theatre district has given the owners decorative inspiration, and theatre posters brighten things up admirably. Plenty of beers and a few unusual wines too. TUBE: Covent Garden
Mon-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm; Sun Noon-10pm
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