80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB

In less assured hands, fusion food can be a clunky mismatch. Happily, that’s not the case at the signature restaurant at the Pan Pacific London, where the best of British produce gets an inspired twist from the culinary flavours of Southeast Asia. Perched on a corner, the restaurant offers a great view of the ancient and new elements of the City. And with menu options ranging from an express set lunch to an experience tasting menu, it’s just as good a spot for a business get-together as an evening date.

157 Commercial Street, London E1 6BJ

The original Hawksmoor, and for many the best. Known as the group that transformed steaks in British restaurants forever for the better, this is a perfect place to come to for a meat-fest. And expect some cracking cocktails too - head to the bar downstairs for those and extra snacks not on the main menu.

9th Floor, 100 Liverpool St, London EC2M 2AT

The City branch of this Notting Hill fusion restaurant serves up a winning mix of Japanese dishes with Mexican influences. Its biggest selling point here at Liverpool Street is the late licence and capacious roof terrace with a great view of the City. There’s also a huge separate bar here as well.

Unit 2A, Tower Place, London EC3R 5BU

Guirong Wei, the chef behind Master Wei, is behind Dream Xi’an in Tower Hill. Like her previous restaurants, it focuses on Shaanxi cooking with hand-pulled noodles a big part of the menu. Dishes at this location include hand-made steamed dim sum while signature dishes from Master Wei are also available here.

39 Queen Victoria St, London EC4N 4SF

One of London’s best – and oldest – seafood restaurants, Sweetings has been going strong for over a century. All the fish and seafood served here is from sustainable sources, and while it’s only open for lunch, it’s the place to step back in time while also savouring such classics as prawn cocktail, fried whitebait, Lobster Thermidor and cod’s roe on toast.