Restaurants

Dehesa
JUST OPENED
Sparkling tapas in Soho from the team behind the brilliant Salt Yard in Fitzrovia. The menu mixes Spanish and Italian cuisine with precision and flair. It’s fairly priced and there’s a great wine list including eight sherries.
Dehesa, 25 Ganton St, W1F 9BP (020 7494 4170) Oxford Circus tube. Meal for two with wine and service: around £75.

Wahaca
This popular Covent Garden canteen serves fresh, authentic Mexican street food a cut above more familiar Tex Mex fare.
Wahaca, 66 Chandos Place, WC2N 4HG (020 7240 1883/www.wahaca.co.uk) Charing Cross tube/rail. Dinner for two with drinks and service: around £50. Feature continues

Massive burgers at Gourmet Burger Kitchen

Gourmet Burger Kitchen
The capital has numerous braches of this top-notch burger chain.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen, 45 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Lane, N8 8PT (020 8347 5241/www.gbkinfo.com) Finsbury Park tube then W7 or W3 bus. Meal for two with drinks and service: around £35.

Masala Zone
The latest of the ever-expanding chain that explores the food of the Indian sub-continent and delivers something out of the ordinary.
Masala Zone, 25 Parkway, NW1 7PG (020 7267 4422/www.masalazone.com) Camden Town tube. Meal for two with drinks and service: around £40.

Tapas Brindisa
The superb Spanish food dished up at the restaurant of the legendary importers means that, despite not taking reservations, it’s always busy. Dine early or late.
Tapas Brindisa, Borough Market, 18-20 Southwark St, SE1 1TJ (020 7357 8880) London Bridge tube/rail. Meal for two with wine and service: around £70.

Ping Pong
If you’re looking to escape the minefield of overpriced, overbooked restaurants on Valentine’s Day, the west London branch of the popular dim sum chain is one good option.
Ping Pong, 74-76 Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH (020 7313 9832/www.pingpongdimsum.com) Bayswater tube. Meal for two with wine and service: around £50.