Woz
46 Goldborne Road W10
Tel: +44 (0)181 968 2200
Television chef Anthony Worral Thompson has created a highly individual vibe to his Moroccan/Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, with a bright and airy ground floor and cozy basement in the backwaters of North Kensington. Colourful, artistic types favour its filling fare, but anyone looking for a well thought out meal could hardly do better. Michelin has awarded Woz a Bib Gourmand, denoting its good value combined with a high standard of food.
Zafferano
15 Lowndes Street SW1
Tel: +44 (0)171 235 5800
It may only have one Michelin star thus far, but celebrities like Eric Clapton and George Michael clearly don't mind. Simply seductive northern Italian menu, top-class service and a romantic ambience make this a treat for lovers of five-star cuisine.
Zen Central
20-22 Queen Street
Mayfair W1X 7PJ
Tel: +44 (0)171 629 8089/8013
A modern Chinese restaurant in the heart of Mayfair. Zen Central is probably the best among the renowned Zen Garden Group. The rarefied, cool interior with domed atrium and mirrors amplify its smart minimalism. The menu offers a combination of Chinese cuisines; Pekinese, Cantonese and Szechuan. Its specialities include fresh lobster baked with ginger and spring onion and served with soft noodles, steamed seabass with black bean sauce, and crispy aromatic duck served with pancake, shredded spring onion and cucumber and a well made plum sauce. The dessert menu is short and exotic, featuring red bean paste pancake, toffeed apple and banana, almond tofu delight and traditional ice cream and sorbets with fresh fruit salad. Service is friendly and professional.
Signor Zilli Restaurant and Bar
40-41 Dean Street W1
Contact: +44 (0)171 734 3924
Aldo Zilli is one of London's most flamboyant restaurateurs. He is chef patron of the recently refurbished Signor Zilli Restaurant and Bar in Dean Street and Zilli Fish in Brewer Street. Great Italian food and Aldo's legendary sense of humour make these establishments a magnet for people from the media and entertainment world, as well as a celebrity haunt. In 1996 Signor Zilli was awarded Best Italian Restaurant in the London Restaurant Awards and in 1998 the restaurant also won Best Showbiz Restaurant in the Capital Radio Awards. Having just celebrated their tenth anniversary, both the restaurant and bar have recently been refurbished, taking on a lighter but still classic Italian feel. The dining room is intimate, with a clever lend of formal luxury. In spite of this, the atmosphere remains friendly. The dining area downstairs now boasts a stunning fish tank - this area can also be used for private functions. Aldo says: "I love being with people and looking after them and take great pleasure in cooking for them." This is the place where you can indulge yourself in good, upmarket authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Soho and Theatreland. The high quality menu features food from Tuscany and classic Italian dishes such as veal milanese with spaghetti and tomato or smoked mozzarella wrapped in Parma ham. But there is also more inventive Italian fare, such as seared king scallops with sautéed spinach and garlic, or the famous spaghetti with lobster. Desserts include coffee and Tia Maria mousse, zabaglione and a delicious authentic tiramisu. If you are still after something sweet, why not round off the meal with a glass of Vin Santo and some Catuccini biscuits. It is light, imaginative and in good quantity. Daily specials, vegetarian dishes, pre- and post-theatre menus are also available. There is also a new, well balanced wine list that covers the most important new and old world wine producing regions, yet specialises in Italian wines such as Pinot Grigio Isonzo, G Puiatti and cannonau Riserva, Sella e Mosca. The bar next door is a buzzy rendezvous - it is very friendly and always packed, offering snacks throughout the day as well as a full à la carte menu. Al fresco dining is a popular feature and customers can expect full waiter service from staff who treat all their customers with the usual Italian charm.