Kaya

From its smart Mayfair location and brasserie-style façade, you might expect prices to be high at Kaya. In fact, it isn't that much more expensive than many other West End Korean restaurants (unless you opt for one of the set dinner menus).

The tranquil dining room is designed to echo elements of a Korean palace; classical music tinkles away in the background as hanbok-clad waitresses effortlessly attend to customers. Kaya is more serene than austere, however, so you can kick back.

All the dishes we tried were just as polished as the service, anda cup ofcomplimentary porich'a (barley tea) was a nice touch too. Kalbi came in succulent chunks (including bone), with a well-balanced, spicy, soy bean paste.

Bindaedok, speckled with finely cut vegetables, was crisp and delicious, while haemul tang (spicy seafood stew) had a decent chilli heat to it, although the fish was a tad overcooked.

If you venture downstairs to the toilets, you'll come across a whole different side to Kaya: a sultry karaoke bar, no doubt popular with some of the Korean businessmen who dine here.