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Bustling and busy, the ever-popular Mao Tai has an unmistakable energy that has put it to the fore of South East Asian food in London. Located on the New King's Road, it offers a perfect and thoroughly stylish place to relax for an atmospheric lunch or dinner. In the restaurant, dark wood, soft lighting and modern art work all combine to create a warm yet intimate atmosphere that remains fresh and contemporary.

The eclectic menu offers a veritable grand tour of the South East Asian region. Why not start your trip in Shanghai with grilled pork and ginger dumplings and then head to inland Japan for a sizzling Argentine 8oz rib eye tobanyaki with wild mushrooms.

The theatrically lit and designed Mao Bar offers a fabulous list of both traditional and signature cocktails - think lemon grass and chilli martini, refreshing mojito or zesty caipirinha - numerous wines and champagnes and a sensual selection of accompanying dim sum and South East Asian inspired bar food.

This stylish and charming chain of Italian restaurants has acquired a quickly growing fan base among the residents of London, some of their attraction stemming from the rather exciting partnership between renowned jockey Frankie Dettori and distinguished chef Marco Pierre White. Of course, it helps that the atmosphere is so lively and energetic and the décor has a funky-kitschy appeal that is also classy in its own way.

From the antipasti selection, you would do well to select the rich and flavourful prosciutto di Parma with figs while there are plenty of pasta options for main course. If fish is your thing, then there's the refreshing grilled tuna steak alla Mediterranea while meat lovers will not be able to deny themselves the glazed belly pork Marco Polo. From the concise dessert list, the mascarpone crème brûlée is indeed a worthy choice and wines from the predominantly Italian list complement the meal beautifully.

Côte is a chain of medium priced brasserie style restaurants that mirrors the trend in Paris, with a drift away from sophisticated food to less complicated cooking. So it should come as no surprise that they won the 2009 Good Food Guide's award for 'Best Value Restaurant in the UK'.

Inside there is none of the usual rather dated trappings, which have been replaced by a more chic, clean-cut approach to both décor and furnishings. Olives, bread and pissaladière set the tone for what is to come, with starters of rillettes or a warm Roquefort salad to name but two from a good range. Then choose between light mains such as wild mushroom cassoulet or tuna niçoise, or a meat and fish menu that includes duck confit and roast sea bass fillets with Savoy cabbage and peas in a white wine and cream sauce.

Desserts are a little more traditional, witness a convincing coupe noire or classic crème brûlée. Côte provides a genuine Gallic eating renaissance in elegant surroundings where you can dine with other people who are clearly enjoying the whole experience.

Established in June 2008 by Mike Condon, Stephan and Diana Cheung and Ian McKenzie, Déjà-Vu located on Old Brompton Road, Kensington serves traditional French food. The new brasserie area features a modern French ambience where the service is warm and friendly.

Stephan and Ian are the chefs, with years of experience running kitchens in London as head chefs. They change the menu from time to time but retain a traditional French feel with a twist of their own. The kitchen uses fresh produce and the meat is mainly sourced from prime French cuts.

Expect to find snails in garlic butter, country pate served with baby gherkins, cocktail onions and toasted baguette, and Provencal onion tart with baby leaf salad among the starters. If you fancy something more filling then you may want to try duck confit with honey and port sauce, served with new potatoes, bacon lardon and onions, or wild mushroom risotto with parmesan and truffle oil.