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If you're in West London but fancy an evening in the Caribbean then I suggest you take a stroll down to BB's. Caribbean born chef Brian Benjamin has twice won the coveted Afro-Caribbean Chef of the Year award, a fact that won't surprise you when you take a look at the menu. Dishes venture right across the Caribbean from ackee salt fish to spice island jerk chicken, all served with the ubiquitous rice and peas. BB's is a real break from the culinary norm and well worth a try.

The original concept for All Bar One was developed by two enterprising ladies, who wanted a bar ideal for women to have a drink and something to eat without the intimidating confines of a traditional pub. Little wonder, that the place has huge glass frontage, open spaces and interiors that are bright and airy. The first outlet opened in Sutton in 1994, became a huge hit, and there has been no looking back since. Today there are close to forty outlets, including one in Cologne, Germany. Irrespective of location, they have identical wooden flooring, menu and service. Antique mirrors, natural colours and reclaimed wooden furniture combine classic and modern styles well.

The menu has tapas from different parts of the world, including the Mediterranean region, Italy and the East. One can also have a variety of burgers, sandwiches and salads. Baked goats' cheese parcels, flat mushroom and halloumi burgers are highlights of the menu, as is the All Bar One beef and coriander burger, a house speciality. With the emphasis being as much on drink as the food, many outlets display a wall of champagne and wines, with beers and spirits thrown in for good measure. The blackboards on the wall often flaunt the impressive selections.

The success formula of All Bar One has been faith in doing simple things well, and that is what they are best known for. A place that is hard to define, for it is not just a bar, restaurant, café or pub, but a special place where people can unwind alone or in company.

Situated inside the busy Westfield Shopping Centre on the upper level, Café Concerto is an exclusive fine Italian patisserie that offers diners good food while being entertained with live jazz and soul performances. With an elegant grand piano as the centrepiece, surrounded by sleek wooden tables and a modern décor, the place is a welcome break for shoppers as well as diners who come from afar to have some fine Italian fare. Together with traditional dishes, the restaurant also attracts guests for the pastries and cakes which are all handmade.

The exhaustive menu consists of some of the trademark Italian dishes from pastas of spaghetti carbonara, penne concerto, quill shaped pasta with chicken and mushrooms in rose sauce to tagliatelle al gambari with king prawns, cherry tomato, garlic and parsley. Besides this a variety of risottos, sandwiches and quiches can also be savoured.

With pastries being the highlight of the menu, diners can choose from the special tiramisu, cortina with chocolate sponge and crème Chantilly or fruit tart, all of this accompanied by some classic and fine Italian wines.

Rafique's cheery interior and friendly service make for an enjoyable atmosphere at this local Indian. The menu features all your favourite dishes with a few more inventive additions, such as their famous smoked guinea fowl. There's also a good selection of enticing vegetarian dishes and a popular takeaway service.

Reviewed by Linda Buttle