Shoreditch, Clerkenwell

66 Cowcross St, London EC1M 6BP

Bouchon Racine is the perma-hot restaurant run by Henry Harris and Dave Strauss. Set above The Three Compasses pub in Farringdon it's a return for Henry's much-loved Racine that used to be in Knightsbridge. One of the best restaurants in the area, here you can expect an 'unashamedly French' menu that changes daily, written only on a blackboard. The pub downstairs features food from the same kitchen, so that's well worth a look as well.

36-37 Greenhill Rents, Cowcross St, London EC1M 6BN

The late, great Russell Norman, who also created Polpo, founded this restaurant just off Smithfield Market. It takes its influences primarily from Northern Italy with a particular focus on Florence. So you'll find Italian snacks and pasta alongside huge T-Bone steaks. It's also part-bar, with an extensive list of cocktail classics, so very handy if you're looking for a decent bar in the area.

92–94 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3EA

The Quality Chop House, which has been open since 1869, is still enjoying success under its current owners Will Lander and Daniel Morgenthau. Menus are created in the morning based on what's been delivered. Come to the restaurant for the very best of British cooking and don't forget to have the legendary confit potatoes. Quality Wines is their corner cafe/restaurant with a separate but equally great menu.

26 St John Street, London EC1M 4AY

Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver's renowned restaurant has for decades been many critics' favourite place in London. This is their flagship restaurant and its focus on "nose to tail" eating makes it a must-visit for anyone looking for the very best in modern British cooking. The bar here is also very good, so even if you're not dining, stopping by for a glass of one of the St John wines and a snack is highly recommended.