Shoreditch, Clerkenwell

10-50 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH

Having taken over the old Nobu Shoreditch spot, this Japanese restaurant serves up the kind of happy mix of dishes (sushi, yaki, sandos) that Londoners love. It's a vibey spot where you're as likely to come for a high-energy brunch as a date night. Executive Chef Aaj Fernando knows how to serve up the izakaya hits and the drinks programme is just as enticing, including collaborations with Kanpai Sake Brewery and Suntory Whiskey.

71 Nile St, London N1 7RD

We've seen a lot of restaurants pivot from their original offering to find creative new grounds and Appalachia is one of them. The former Counter 71 space is now a fire-led American restaurant. It's still an all-counter experience, but the menu now draws inspiration from Appalachia and is executed by an ex-Smoking Goat chef. In practice, that means rock oysters come with scotch bonnet and the grilled poussin is accompanied by southern-style grits.

374-378 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT

Tavern is inspired by the food of a classic British Tavern, although set within a more modern Shoreditch space. It comes from the same team behind Restaurant St Barts and here there's a British-influenced menu with a modern twist that ranges from wagyu tostadas to Old Spot pork chops.

8-10 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QA

Vesper sees chef Jackson Boxer opening on Exmouth Market with a restaurant that's not dissimilar to his Dove in Notting Hill. It's an eclectic menu but one that veers towards comfort food. As with Dove, don't forget to order the "secret" burger if it's available.