Zuma

Japanese food is undeniably fashionable and there are few sexier places to enjoy this ancient cuisine than at Zuma. The restaurant bustles day and night, and a smattering of famous faces among the good-looking diners guarantees some excitement.

The dining room is decked out in cedar and stone, but don't expect Zen-like peace and quiet; noise levels can reach a climax when it's packed. Yet despite the obvious pressures, service is friendly and thoughtful.

The menu hasn't changed much over the years, but there's no need to adjust a winning formula. You don't have to be an oligarch to enjoy dining here (unlike at many of Zuma's illustrious rivals), as some of the best food is among the least expensive.

Robata-grilled dishes - such as chicken wings, and skewers of belly pork with yuzu and miso - are utterly delicious. To start, try the ambrosial scallop sashimi and unagi (eel) sushi. And we can't resist the crispy fried squid with green chilli and salt - arguably the best in town. Desserts don't let the side down either, and an inspired chawan mushi (egg custard) with mango and pineapple secured a dreamy end to our meal.