Restaurant Reviews

1 Nicholl's Clarke Yard, off Blossom Street, London E1 6SH

Osteria Angelina comes from the same team behind the original Angelina, but this can be viewed as a more casual outpost. it still brings together Italian and Japanese cuisine under one roof, with a specific emphasis on northern Italian cooking. So you'll find milk break, sushi, sashimi and pasta dishes all on the same menu. There's a separate bar here, so if you're in the area it's well worth popping in for cocktails and a snack or two.

26 Foubert's Place, Soho, London W1F 7PP

Marjorie's is in a side street just off Carnaby Street, offering a welcome refuge from the tourist hordes. Part wine bar, part restaurant, it takes its cues from the independent wine bars in Paris. Expect to find a wine list which is completely French alongside small-medium plates that often take classic French dishes and give them a modern twist.

YY Building, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HX

Barbarella is the Canary Wharf restaurant by the Big Mamma group, known for places like Gloria and Circolo Popolare. Like those restaurants, this is a flamboyant affair, not least on the first floor where the ceiling and tabletops are all mirrored, giving quite the impressive overall effect. The food is Italian but with a few luxe Big Mamma touches, with plenty of caviar and truffle on offer, but at a price which doesn't break the bank.

73 Highbury Park, London N5 1UA

Lupa is a team-up of two locals: Ed Templeton, who is one of the founders of Carousel, and actor Theo James. Bringing in an ex-Pidgin chef to lead things, the menu takes its inspiration from Italy and in particular, Roman cuisine. Snacks, small plates and great wine are the order of the day in this compact restaurant where you might run into the odd celeb or two among the Highbury locals.