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In the eyes of many it has taken too long for this Belgian bakery-patisserie-café concept to reach Britain, but Le Pain Quotidien is here now and drawing the crowds to its thirteen locations in London. The common thread running through all outlets is the communal style seating where diners can enjoy a breakfast platter, say a wide variety of breads, croissants, yogurt and coffee.

For the rest of the day think tartines, soups, salads, baguettes, fruit tarts and a selection of chocolate wickedness. The bakery also serves naturally leavened sourdough breads, patisserie and croissants and all around is the aroma of freshly baked bread blended with the coffee. In the evening the whole place morphs into romantic dinner setting with candle lights and gleaming cutlery, and the menu choices are substantial, from grilled chorizo and lemon and hot Lyonnaise salad of confit duck to granola 'parfait' with yoghurt and fruits.

At the front of this establishment lies a rather exceptional bakery and patisserie, whose extravagant window displays attract a hungry crowd of passers by. If you really like what you see you can buy a little something to take out or venture through to the rear of the shop where you'll find an elegant Parisian style tea salon, the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or afternoon tea. Paul is just the sort of reasonably priced but high quality snack place that attracts those who are looking for a break from shopping or simply enjoy the luxury of a tasty confection with coffee.

On the menu you'll find classic bites such as omelette, quiches and generously portioned salads. The idea is not to over indulge with your main course though, but to save space for a dessert such as rich chocolate cake, or strawberry tart. There is an enormous range of breads and pastries accompanied by that wonderful aroma of freshly baked goods that cannot fail to stimulate the feeblest of appetites.

Argentina's renowned tradition of producing beef is both esteemed and envied by all and it was not so long ago that the term gaucho became a household name in London. Examining vast expanses of ranches in solitude, gauchos had no more than a small baggage and a knife; of course it's a different story here at Chelsea and South Kensington with the hum-bum of diners adding to the atmosphere and comradeship at El Gaucho.

The succulent flavour of Argentine beef is too strong to ignore specialities like rump escalope with ham, melted cheese and tomato and char-grilled rump steak topped with cheese, oregano and black olives. A plate of grilled Argentine style criollo sausage makes a refreshing starter, followed by sirloin on fillet steak with two fried eggs, or char-grilled boneless chicken fillet. Those who seek comfort in something sweet after a meal could try the crème caramel and rice pudding both served with dulce de leche.

There is an agreeable, happy feeling at Jak's which aspires to provide a taste of the Mediterranean by serving up some organic and delicious food in a casual, stylish place on Walton Street. It attracts a mixed clientele, from ladies who lunch and corporate businessmen to locals and tourists, who return enthusiastically for their home-style cooking.

The menu has done away with the three course concept, but keeps a sharp focus on local produce and organic ingredients. Salads are wholesome and satisfying, take the tuna salad for instance, done in the traditional Jak's style with spring onions, red kidney beans, green, red and yellow peppers, parsley and a dash of lemon, or the tricolore with cherry tomatoes, bocconcini mozzarella and basil. A chicken pie could follow, or perhaps cabbage dolma stuffed with minced lamb, brown rice and mixed herbs.

Jak's catering package, for both home and office encompasses breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, and there is also a separate canapés menu.