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hand picked restaurants

The Thai Square group of restaurants reiterate the now common knowledge that Thai food has gained an international reputation based on the popularity of their tastes, textures and flavours. The décor is simple and yet embraces the Oriental element with flair. Across their restaurants, they have more than a thousand different dishes, an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary menus that are healthy and low in fat, and ingredients for all the dishes are authentic, freshly flown in from Thailand.

From the choice of starters, the steamed scallops with ginger and spring onion and the crab claw in butter served with chilli sauce are a real delight. From the main course options the Thai green curry is particularly good, as is the deep fried sea bass with herbs and chilli powder, or the prawn in crispy squid, making it a step above the average Thai restaurant menu.

If you've been to Thailand and loved its traditions and food, Thai Place in Thames Street could help you relive the experience. The ambience pleases the eye, with a red and white interior, soft lighting, and well laid out dark tables and chairs.

According to Thai tradition meals usually include at least three main dishes complemented by either rice or noodles and sharing helps in making the experience all the more special. You could perhaps try khanompang na moor, minced pork and prawn on toast, or tender spare ribs for starters. An extensive list of mains presents choices such as nue kra-pow, stir-fried beef with chilli and basil; sweet and sour chicken with pineapple and tomatoes; tangy tamarind duck, and steamed sea bass.

Thai curries take in the popular red and green as well as massaman and panang in coconut cream with potatoes, chilli, onions, peanuts, lemon, and basil leaves.

The former country home of John Fuller of brewing fame, Grovefield has become a handsome modern hotel has at its heart a restaurant serving a good range of classical and modern cooking. There is a creditable wine list with house wine at £14.50.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen was the brainchild of three New Zealanders, who craved after the way that food tasted back home. The chain was instrumental in changing the perception of many people who saw the traditional burger purely as a fast food option; instead they are now seen as more sophisticated products, made using fresh, good quality ingredients.

Their first outlet opened in Battersea and today there are forty-one serving scrumptious burgers. Chef Peter Gordon believes in using innovative combinations, with good quality English chicken and Aberdeen Angus Scotch beef among the ingredients, to make nutritious and convenient to eat fare. They offer chorizo and sweet potato, lamb and minted relish, or the vegetarian portabella mushroom among others. GBK sauces and accompaniments add to their taste.

The menu has nearly thirty different choices and if you feel like biting into pure beef, do try their classic burger with salad and relish - available with or without cheese, this is served with sauces like smoked mayo, spicy satay, fresh chilli and Thai red curry, lending the meal varying degrees of spice.

Some, like the Kiwi, are made using unusual raw materials such as beetroot, fried egg and pineapple, while for fans of chicken, the grilled breast with streaky bacon, salad and avocado is a delicious combination. There are a surprising number of burgers suitable for vegetarians with versions made from puy lentils, potato, green curry or aubergine served with goats' cheese and sun blushed tomatoes. Fresh fruit juices, soft drinks and milkshakes are alcohol free options.

A welcome list of wines and beers complete the picture of a relaxed and modern environment as Gourmet Burger King excels in making the humble burger taste so good.

The magnificent riverside location of Sir Christopher Wren's home has always been special, and even though it has been transformed into an upmarket hotel and spa, none of its original charm or beauty has been affected in any adverse manner. There are about 96 rooms, some traditional and others contemporary and the service has always been efficient and simply top notch. Strok's, their award winning European restaurant is the perfect spot to relax with friends as celebratory events could take a stylish turn.

Starters might include ravioli of crayfish, razor clam and lobster bisque and proceed towards a main course of poached veal cheek, glazed baby carrots, and creamy mash potato. The side of gratin with truffle oil is an interesting option as is the cleansing sorbet between courses while the dessert of cinnamon bavarois with basil and apple sauce is a delectable way to end. The wine list has been divided into groups of reds and whites according to the country of origin to make it easier to choose.

In one respect at least I tend to think of restaurants rather as I do of my fellow human beings. Flashy on the outside can lead to subsequent disappointment. A trifle drab on the exterior can often reveal hidden pleasures. So it is with Al Fassia. Penetrate within its unattractive façade and you will find Moroccan food of great appeal, with prices that are fair to the point of unbelievability. Not only this but the service is notable and should serve as a role model to many other establishments both in and out of London where 'to serve' is a concept without perception.

It's quite possible to convert the nostalgia for your homeland into a flourishing business and Francesco's shows how, with their four highly successful restaurants and one more due to open soon. Italian cuisine with its flavoursome sauces and freshly baked breads, the delicious pastas and pizzas are all featured at Francesco's and the Mediterranean feel is quite apparent in the atmosphere, which helps make it a very festive and friendly dining destination.

Starters of chicken wings with sweet chilli glaze or tiger prawns sautéed in garlic butter with white wine set the tone for the meal and could lead to a main course of fettucine carbonara, bacon, egg and cheese in a creamy parmesan sauce. Pizzas, calzones and other dishes such as lasagne are also extremely popular while desserts include the ever popular tiramisu. There's a separate menu for the little ones and the wine list features typically Italian wines with a few exceptions to provide contrast.