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If you're someone who likes the Mediterranean and their relaxed and informal ways of life then RJ @ 21 will make you especially happy because they're inspired by the cafes and restaurants of Barcelona and specialise in fresh, seasonal and simply created food.

The stylish little place with its minimalist design, vibrant colours, cosy couches and wooden furniture, all complemented by pictures from the streets of Barcelona, exudes quality and charm. Consider visiting RJ with friends, the family or children and experience Mediterranean flair in Cowley Road.

The seasonally changing menu offers continental and English breakfasts, meals and a range of wine and cocktails. Consider starting with a plate of manchego cheese with sultanas, pine nuts and olive oil before moving on to Kelmscott honey roasted ham, egg and chips, a salad of endive, walnut, gorgonzola and apple, or mains of wild mushroom tagliatelle; grilled swordfish, roasted tomatoes on the vine or rib eye steak frites.

Desserts could include sweet 'coca' with vanilla ice cream or banana flambé.

For those who hanker after a Lebanese experience Oxford is the place to be. No less than three, all of them to be taken seriously, with Al-Salam in the lead in the view of many. Perhaps this is because they tend to concentrate on what people really go there for, which is to eat in enjoyable surroundings with not overmuch distraction.

In particular those who favour the vegan or vegetarian paths will find themselves with some forty dishes from which to choose. Lebanese cuisine is still relatively unknown in Britain but I would tip it quite strongly to take more prominence.

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.

Alan Yau, creator of some high profile restaurants like Hakkasan and Yauatcha, now brings the characteristic communal style dining to London a la Wagamama. The first Busaba Eathai opened in Soho and two more outlets followed, and the interior of dark wood and decorative lanterns notch up the style factor, making it more than just an average café-style dining experience.

Eating here is mostly a one course affair and on a cold winter evening try the tom yam talay, prawn, squid and baby clams with vermicelli noodle in a spicy sour soup, and for the light eaters it could be a wing bean salad with toasted coconut, shallot and lime leaf. If the crowds are anything to go by, it means that Busaba Eathai must be doing several things right and curries must be one of them, like the aromatic geng gari gai with chicken, new potato and cucumber relish. A steaming hot cup of ginger and honey tea helps you finish the meal on a satisfying note.

Located in an elegant Victorian building which holds its own well amidst Oxford's splendours, Restaurant 66a at Cotswold Lodge Hotel in Banbury Road is within walking distance from the city's historic heart. Guests can unwind in contemporary style interiors with large bay windows while dining from a classic British and Continental menu with a twist.

Opening the meal with chicken liver parfait with fig chutney, spring onion potato cake with fried duck eggs or dill marinated salmon prepares the ground for what's to follow. Satisfy the appetite with cannon of spring lamb with a honey and mint glaze or grilled local trout with green beans and toasted almonds. For a touch of spice, there's pan fried chicken breast with a light curry and a chunky mango salsa. Field mushroom coated with Camembert with a sweet pepper purée and cranberry sauce is a welcome addition to the menu. Look forward to dessert with homemade sherry trifle or rhubarb and ginger syllabub. The wine list offers pleasant pickings. Choices of draught beer, malt whisky and Bourbon offer more delight.