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hand picked restaurants

Pizza Express remains a hugely popular bedrock of casual eating. Its popularity is testimony to the fact that across the country, they have restaurants where you will always be guaranteed a good nosh, with children's tastes being well catered for.

Pizza Express has gone even more Roman, and following the success of that particular example of listening to their public have introduced Romana pizzas, including the scorching Etna and the hearty Siciliana.

These pizzas are now thinner, bigger and crispier, and if that sounds like a marketing line, it is. However, unlike many such lines, this one is true, and their quality is always consistent, though cleverly they have still managed to retain a homemade feel to their pizzas.

As an alternative to pizza, try their pollo pesto - cavatappi pasta with torn chicken breast, mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella in a creamy gruyere, parmesan and pesto sauce and finished with grana padano - or the niçoise salad with mixed leaves, yellowfin tuna, free range egg, green beans, potatoes and tomatoes with olives, anchovies, capers and house dressing.

Many of the big chains have come a long way, and Pizza Express is certainly amongst them. One of the first to be quoted on the Stock Exchange - in 1993 - Pizza Express is not a franchise operation and retains tight control through its own staff.

Their wine list - though short - contains some surprisingly good offerings, especially their intense Australian Chardonnay, and a big, full-bodied Merlot from Cusumano, Sicilia.

This glorious little French bistro has quite a local following due to the authenticity of its cooking and the romantic atmosphere. The staff are all French which adds to the experience and they know their stuff. On the menu you'll find French classics such as steak and frites just as it should be, rich and delicious cassoulets, traditional roast rack of lamb, as well as an excellent choice of seasonal fish dishes. Prices here are another attraction, as two courses will set you back just £10.50, or £11.95 for three courses from Monday through to Friday. There's also a good selection of French wines to compliment the dishes on offer.

Reviewed by Linda Buttle

Already renowned for its diversity, Church Street now boasts an excellent, recently opened Mexican Cantina Bar. With an authentic Mexican menu, stunning interiors, a tequila bar and a friendly relaxed atmosphere, Mercado is causing quite a stir, even in bohemian Stoke Newington!

From its orange exteriors and hand painted signage to the bright interior décor, Mercado is extremely colourful! Mexican paraphernalia, imported, sourced from Ebay and dug out of personal collections, is scattered on every available surface, whilst the bar is covered in a collage of Mexican artwork. Colourful wipe-clean tablecloths and religious Voto paintings complete what has been described as 'modern art' rather than interior design.

Chef Marco's authentic Mexican menu is inspired by the big colourful marketplaces after which the Cantina is named. Based on home cooking and using mostly imported ingredients, the menu contains only authentic Mexican food and no Tex-Mex. Unlike most South American menus vegetarians enjoy plenty of choice and children have their own healthy menu of accessible Mexican dishes. Farmers market regulars will also be pleased to know that brunch is being served from 11 am every weekend.

Mercado's bar is a huge attraction in its own right with its mix of Mexican and South American cocktails and spirits. It even includes over 16 different sipping tequilas, (very fashionable and best enjoyed with the spicy tomato Sangrita!) and a range of six different Margarita cocktails. Combined with a relaxed informal atmosphere and friendly Mexican bar staff it's the perfect place to unwind, especially with the aptly titled 'Fiesta Time' offering 2 for 1 Margaritas from 6 - 7 pm.

A mostly local crowd frequents this convivial French bistro, as whilst the food is good, it doesn't rate a trip across town for the pleasure. The menu prides itself on typical French dishes given a new edge either by slightly unusual ingredients or in the presentation but rarely should perfection be played with. The desserts however are well worth exploring and are certainly the highlight of the meal.

Reviewed by Linda Buttle

The Highgate Bar and Restaurant has recently undergone a makeover, resulting in a brand new body and menu to match.

The downstairs destination restaurant has moved up in the world to the ground floor, creating a much more comfortable and open dining environment. With its own distinct space, the restaurant now shares the floor with the bar area for a traditional pub dining room feel with buckets of buzz and atmosphere. Chocolate brown leather banquette seating and dark wood furniture now contrast with olive and sage coloured walls, whilst antique Persian rugs and hand cut Waterford chandeliers complete the picture.

In keeping with its new position, the brand new restaurant menu also rises to the occasion. Courtesy of Executive Chef and Co-director, Jamie Polito, who returns to the helm from sister pub, The Greyhound, the modern British menu is characterised by fresh, seasonal flavours. Starters include ravioli of asparagus, egg and Parmesan; carpaccio of beef with rocket and aged balsamic as well as confit duck, new potato and watercress salad.

Main courses comprise of loin of tuna with French beans sesame, garlic and almonds; risotto of vegetables with sorrel and mascarpone as well as sirloin steak with Roquefort butter, mixed leaf and herb salad served with Jersey royals. Decadent desserts include vanilla panna cotta with moscatel raisins; raspberry and lemon cream tartlet and pressed chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.

For more informal dining head for the relaxing bar complete with a stylish mismatch of reclaimed sofas and original pub furniture, a collection of gilt mirrors and antique Italian advertising posters, and order from the blackboard menu. Daily specials could include chicken liver parfait with orange and shallot marmalade or seared goat's cheese salad with green beans, rocket and cherry tomatoes.

Both menus are complemented by a comprehensive yet relatively inexpensive wine list, choices include a Beau Monde White Burgundy 2002, Pinossimo Pinot Noir 2002, Cote du Rhone, Domaine de L'Espigoutee as well as a range of red and white half bottles. Beer drinkers will also appreciate the interesting mix of bottled and draught beers including Bitburger, Baltika and Franziskaner - Cristal, Dark and Cloudy.