Restaurants

A sleek operation on the ground floor of the five-star Marriott West India Quay hotel, Curve has found a willing crowd of regulars among the besuited office workers of Docklands. It certainly makes the most of its prime waterside setting. On sunny days you can sit outside with a pre-dinner cocktail, with no traffic noise and the water lapping peacefully at the lands edge. Its difficult to believe youre still in London. Over the last year Curve has refocused on seafood (always a forte). Also, diners now have the option of eating a more casual meal at the crustacean bar, where oysters are served on the half-shell, and prawns by the (artful) bucketful. The full, fine-dining experience is still provided in the glossy main dining room, where you can feast on a seafood-heavy menu including rich New England clam chowder, characterful and chunky fish stew, or delicate, melt-in-your-mouth diver-caught scallops fresh each day from Billingsgate Market. Puddings are as gorgeous as ever; witness the light pistachio cheesecake, served like a piece of pale-green rectangular art. Staff are observant and friendly, and the wine list is excellent.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008