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A lively vibrant setting with open-mic sessions and other events encourages family and friends to get together to have a blast at North Nineteen in Sussex Way. This steak and ale house offers a seasonally changing menu of modern European and British specialities, and a full range of steaks with drinks to match.

A full lunch or dinner here could start with tempura battered squid, goats' cheese and rocket salad and goujons of plaice. You could follow it up with Mediterranean vegetable suet pudding, 12oz horseshoe gammon steak with pineapple chips and garden peas, mushroom stroganoff, white rice and garlic bread or beer battered cod with chips. If the appetite is in the mood for something sweet at the end, options include pecan pie with Italian ice cream, warm lemon cake and custard, chocolate brownie and sticky toffee pudding. The ale and whisky bar offers six top quality ales including Porter, Mild, Skinners and Fullers ESB and firewater of the likes of 14-year old Oban and 10-year old Lagavulin and Talisker.

Tucked away in the village backstreets of Hampstead, The Old White Bear has opened its doors again following a much deserved renovation. The interior has been restored to create a stylish yet informal ambience and features 19th century English pine dressers, the central bar, colourful tile tabletops and fireplaces. The final ingredient of friendly and efficient service is added to provide guests a delightful experience.

The daily changing menu offers an eclectic selection of dishes, look out for paprika deep fried squid, rocket, chorizo, aioli and cherry tomatoes, or venison ravioli to kick off your meal. Favourites such as pan fried scallops, char-grilled tuna, rack of lamb or roasted sea bass are some of the crowd pullers.

Perhaps a sterner line should be drawn at the puddings where rhubarb crumble and crème anglaise compete with likes of crème brulee or chocolate brownie with double cream.

Planet Caribbean is a fun and brightly decorated restaurant offering traditional Caribbean fare. The daily menu is chalked up on the board from which you can make your selection and choose to either enjoy as a takeaway or to dine in. Typical dishes include ackee and saltfish and stewed fish with calloloo and all are served with the essential rice and peas. Prices here are low, so your credit card won't be needed or accepted.

Reviewed by Linda Buttle

Whilst the Borough of Barnet has not been renowned as an eating out area, this excellent Chinese restaurant could easily hold its own with any of the best in Chinatown.

The menu does not offer anything particularly out of the ordinary, but the execution is good, from starters like spring rolls or aromatic duck with pancakes and grilled vegetable dumpling, to mains of roast pork char sui or shredded beef in chilli sauce.

We offer a friendly and relaxing service that makes you feel at home.

Their menu is only a guideline, as they will cater for anything you ask for, within their capability; suggestions from their customers are welcome and appreciated.

Just up from West Finchley tube is Misto, a restaurant that describes itself as offering 'Mediterranean cuisine with a unique European twist.' For a varied selection of starters the venison and goose pate, fresh salmon terrine with asparagus, lavender and caviar, or caramelised red onion and Roquefort pie are all particularly enticing. Mains such as pistachio crusted pork tenderloin, mint crusted rack of lamb and baked fillet of sea bass on a bed of sweet potato with warm dill vinaigrette, are just some of the delights on offer. Main courses range from around £5.50 to £14, with a host of tasty desserts all priced at £3.95. This friendly and informal restaurant also offers a specialist children's menu making the place particular popular with families.

Reviewed by Linda Buttle

N8 Bistro is a fun and affordable place to dine in the Crouch End area. The real appeal of the place is the amazing diversity of the menu. Calling itself a Mediterranean restaurant the dishes on offer span from French, Italian and Moroccan to Greek and Spanish dishes, making it the perfect place for even the fussiest of parties where taste can vary considerably. Highlights of the menu though include the simple but delicious tuna and salmon and the aromatic and tender lamb shank tagine. The pasta is also well worth sampling and vegetarians will find plenty to entice them to eat at N8 Bistro too.

Reviewed by Linda Buttle