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Genuine Gujarati dishes are on offer at Veggie Perrins, which describes itself as the only exclusively Indian vegetarian restaurant in the South West. Not being in any position to refute that I can only endorse their plea that you join the many enthusiasts who flock to their doors. Bury your prejudices for an evening and really savour the wonderful aromas and flavours that they bring to an apparently veggie-starved Cornwall. On the few occasions when I have done this I have not been disappointed.

A seaside hotel of considerable character, built on the grand scale. The restaurant is no exception and the chandelier needs to be seen to be appreciated. Beneath its sparkling ambience dishes of substantial, honest quality are served, and there is much evidence of use of local produce. A good wine list with house wine at £10.75.

Boasting a predominantly modern English themed menu, this is the restaurant to come if you want to enjoy good food and wine in an atmosphere with a refreshing calmness to it. Offering very good value lunches in the day and upgrading in the evening to provide a well balanced menu of game, seafood and a selection of the classics, all with a stylish finish. The well balanced wine list is selected using predominantly new world wines, however includes the classic French grapes. Complemented by excellent service this experience is not to be missed.

Langdon Court Hotel is another of those wonderful West Country substantial houses that have survived most of the flak thrown at them over the years. Henry VIII was a previous owner and would have doubtlessly approved of the victuals on offer to enthusiastic diners.

Start with rilette of spiced duck terrine, accompanied by truffle mashed potatoes and poppy seed and grape chutney, or seared Brixham scallops served with pea puree and vegetable a la greque. Then move on to try roasted fillet of hake with a cockle chowder, baby spinach and macedoine of vegetables. West Country cheeses are superb and outclass any desserts that could be offered, with the possible exception of a baked chocolate fondant with a terrine of iced white chocolate parfait.

The wine list may possibly not do total justice to those ideal temperature cellars lurking beneath the Langdon Court, but it is more than adequate for most needs.

The lively La Tasca chain caters for parties, children's events and family gatherings in addition to anytime dining. These restaurants capture well the warm and vibrant spirit of Spain, and are best known for their tapas and traditional paellas.

Their star player is tapas, which can be had solo or in tandem with a meal. The calamares andaluza, deep-fried squid rings, served with roasted garlic mayonnaise and lemon, is great for sharing, while the chorizo frito al vino, spicy Spanish sausage flavoured with paprika, garlic and herbs, sautéed in red wine, offers a real treat. Chicken lovers order alitas de pollo, marinated chicken wings, or have skewers of chicken breast and pepper, marinated in paprika.

Valenciana is an interesting paella that combines seafood with chicken, and if you have a taste for trivia, you may be surprised to learn that 'la paella' actually refers to the utensil in which the dish is cooked.

Other than liqueurs and beer, there are wines from Spanish vineyards and sparkling cava. All of these, especially the dry rosé wines combine well with tapas. And you would be really getting into the spirit of things if you rounded off with the crema Catalana, traditional Spanish-style vanilla custard, topped with caramelised sugar.

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Restaurants and Bars today have over sixty outlets across the UK, so it is odds on there is a branch fairly close to your home.

Here is good straightforward pub food, with no pretensions, decently prepared and reasonable in price. When the need is there who could ask for more?

At the deli-bar you can create your own cold starter, or there is coarse chicken liver pate with just a hint of Cointreau, before moving on to a selection of roast meats with unlimited vegetables, second helpings even, steak and ale pie, salmon on Hollandaise sauce or asparagus and chive tart.

For the finishing touch try their bread and butter pudding with marmalade, served with custard or ice cream. And the beer is good too.