China Tang

The Dorchester's luxurious Cantonese restaurant offers a fabulous mix of art deco design and David Tang's gutsy modern take on Chinese cookery. The opulent underground dining rooms counterbalance shiny dark wood with bold patterns to fine effect.

Cocktails, food - and prices - all match the decor in decadence; the international clientele struggles to compete with such beautiful surroundings. To impress fellow diners, splash out on Japanese abalone or an entire suckling pig (£150).

Alternatively, you might stick to humble Cantonese dishes, which are executed to an admirable standard. Light prawn and pork won tons come in a skilfully contrasted rich broth. First-rate tofu served with diced chicken, ginger and salted fish in a clay pot is a model of southern Chinese restraint: subtle flavours combining to create the ultimate comfort dish.

The barbecued meats are among London's best - don't miss the tender char siu barbecued pork doused in Shaoxing wine, or the expertly roasted duck, with rich meat, paper-thin crisp skin, and not a hint of white fat.

And to top off a treat here, visit the toilets; thanks to polished design and a bizarre reading of the Arabian Nights over the tannoy, they're surely a candidate for the best in town.