The Ivy, 1-5 West Street, London WC2H 9NQ

One of London's great, classic restaurants, the Ivy had a major revamp not too long ago. The changes brought in a new central bar area with plenty of counter dining spaces. The menu has a mix of classic Ivy dishes like the Shepherd's Pie and more contemporary fare.

58 Brewer Street, London W1F 9TL

This restaurant is from the founder of the Smoking Goat, still focusing on Thai food but going for simplicity. Expect a short grill menu and a daily noodle dish and a regularly changing wine list. It's primarily counter dining too and the very devil to get a seat at key times due to its popularity.

10 Greek Street, London W1D 4DH

This restaurant in Soho has become a perennial Soho favourite. Expect a daily-changing menu that will concentrate on seasonality and fresh ingredients. And on top of that, a particularly good wine list too, called their "Little Black Book".

54 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4SL

This is top chef Angelo Sato's solo Soho restaurant and while it started life as a restaurant that was all about chicken, it's now changed into a much broader omakase affair that's described as serving a "Japanese-inspired 8-course tasting menu with a European accent."

First floor, Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

Previously popping up in residencies, Liu Xiaomian's popular noodle restaurant is now a permanent fixture in Carnaby. Run by Chongqing expats Liu Qian and Charlene Liu, it features their spicy signature dishes like Xiaomian wheat noodles and hot and sour glass noodles with various toppings. Numbing Pork Wontons are also available.