Restaurants

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South

Le Cassoulet

Chez Bruce
Everything is just right at this upmarket bistro: perfectly laid tables, a simple yet sophisticated decor, impeccable service, great French food and seriously good wines. Chez Bruce, 2 Bellevue Rd, SW17 7EG (8672 0114/www.chezbruce.co.uk). Wandsworth Common rail.

Lamberts
Banquettes and booths offer plenty of privacy for those who want it at this tastefully done-out Balham neighbourhood restaurant.
Lamberts, 2 Station Parade, Balham High Rd, SW12 9AZ (8675 2233). Balham tube/rail.

Le Cassoulet
Rustic, grown-up French fare like châteaubriand and steak tartare or escargots for the more adventurous.
Le Cassoulet, 18 Selsdon Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR2 6PA (8633 1818/www.lecassoulet.co.uk). South Croydon rail.

Magdalen
This relative newcomer (opened 2007) serves up some of the finest Modern British cooking in the capital, among civilised surroundings of aubergine paintwork, dark woods and floral patterns. Well-mannered service completes the equation.
Magdalen, 152 Tooley St, SE1 2TU (7403 1342). London Bridge tube/rail.
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Trinity
Upmarket fine-dining restaurant where chef Adam Byatt's cooking's in a different league to pretty much anywhere else south of the river. Perfect for special occasions.
Trinity, 4 The Polygon, SW4 0JG (7622 1199). Clapham Common tube.

Upstairs
You'll need to ring a doorbell to be let in, which naturally gives Upstairs a sense of intimacy, which is enhanced by its diminutive second-floor dining room. Really good Modern European cooking makes this well worth seeking out.
Upstairs, 89B Acre Lane, entrance on Branksome Rd, SW2 5TN (7733 8855/www.upstairslondon.com). Clapham Common tube or Brixton tube/rail.

Critics' choice | Central | North | South | East | West