37 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NN

Red Dog Saloon is billing itself as 'the most authentic American BBQ restuarant in the capital'. That's fighting talk - particularly as it's not far from Jamie Oliver's Barbecoa - so what do they have to back up this claim? It's all in the pit apparently - the kitchen's hickory and mesquite-burning smoker, which was imported from the American BBQ Company.

49 Columbia Road, Shoreditch, London E2 7RG

This East London restaurant has become something of a perennial favourite, often cited as among one of the best in town. Expect a hyper seasonal menu and pay particular attention to the excellent wine list. They now also have a store onsite.

4 Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5FW

International Japanese restaurant Roka’s first London opening in Charlotte Street was a huge hit, and this second London restaurant is at the Churchill Place Mall. It includes a Sochu lounge and is the first Roka to feature a Robata chef’s table. According to owner Rainer Becker, the new Roka's design is 'like a baby Zuma'. Yoshi Muranka is head chef.

360 Victoria Park Road, London E9 7BT

This Victoria Park gastropub owes its existence to Andrew Maillard, formerly of London's premier cocktail bar Alphabet Bar.