Shoreditch, Clerkenwell

71 Nile Street, London N1 7RD

This restaurant in Old Street comes from chef Joe Laker, previously at Fulham's Fenn. Here in East London, he's opened an all-counter dining restaurant which has just one dinner sitting a night, serving 16 guests. It's all ultra seasonal as well as making the most of bottling and preservation techniques to use some ingredients out of season. Downstairs, the cocktail bar Low Country is also well worth a visit.

70 Leonard St, London EC2A 4QX

Zapote is a modern Mexican restaurant in the heart of Shoreditch with an ex-Aqua Nueva chef in the kitchen. All their tortillas are made in-house daily and the menu features a mix of the traditional and modern, with tacos and quesadillas sitting alongside dishes like their coal-roasted sweet potato. There is a big bar here too, so it's very handy for some of their cocktails and snacks.

22 Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6DX

If you're searching for old school French cuisine, then look no further than this longstanding restaurant. It's a great spot for a long, liquid lunch but even better for a romantic dinner with all that warm brick and candlelight.

27 - 31 Clerkenwell Close, Farringdon, London EC1R 0AT

This neighbourhood cafe in Clerkenwell is blessed with a hidden courtyard terrace which is a good-to-know alfresco option in this area. As for the food, they serve up ethically-sourced organic produce taking inspiration from both European and Californian cafes with a small regularly changing menu.