10 restaurants in London to try this December according to Quandoo reviews

Based in Chelsea, Il Trillo hails from Tuscany, where its owners have another restraunt, Massa. Naturally dishes here are inspired by the Tuscan hills and multi-generational ways of doing things. The food has a focus on seasonality and an elevated take on good old Italian cooking. There's also a giardino, at the back of the venue that lets you relax and enjoy right in the middle of Chelsea. Might be worth popping a jacket on for that, though..

What to order: Tartare di Tonno Pinna Gialla Pescato a Canna con Radicchio Trevisano e Coulisse di Piselli (yellowfin line caught tuna tartare with a radicchio and peas coulisse). 

Italian cooking the authentic way generally means no-fuss deliciousness in the form of pizza or pasta. In Sicily, that Island at the end of the boot, you can add grilled and fried meat and fish to that. That trio of things is what this place is all about, plus a little bit of English food, in true neighbourhood style. Family-friendly, open seven days a week for breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner. A true stalwart and showcase of Sicilian cuisine and hospitality. 

What to order: Penne alla Norma (pasta with Aubergines, tomatoes and ricotta in a tomato and fresh basil sauce). 

Given the association with Harrods, you can assume rightly this is the place for a top-end Chinese dining experience in London. Their aim is to showcase the best of China (and beyond) on a plate. The restaurant's overarching idea is to take inspiration from the five elements of Chinese philosophy: wood, metal, water, earth and fire in order to provide a fine-dining experience. There's on open kitchen where you can marvel at the intricacies of pan-Asian cooking, and beautiful interiors if you'd just like some opulence. 

What to order: Sweet and sour chicken served in a dragon fruit.

Having opened all the way back in 1946, this institution in St James's has a fair claim to being one of the first Italian restaurants in the city. Certainly one of the longest-standing. The interior is something of a history lesson, and the food as maintained its top standards since day one, as has the lively atmosphere and family friend style serice. They're open breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week (closed Sundays, that's traditional).   

What to order: Parma ham with celeriac and capers.

A light house helps ships to see out across the ocean, and that's a very apt name for this restaurant, with its globe-spanning influences across the menu – all of which is united by the top-notch attention to detail, intriguing yet classic flavour combinations and frankly, good cooking. It might be all the way out in Wimbledon, but you'll find there's a wind in your sails all your way home. It's been a buzzing place to go since 1999 for a reason. 

What to order: Baked cod with saffron potato and braised fennel.

Bonjour, you have arrived at actual France in London. Not the fine-dining seven course type thing, oh no, this is proper: this is a bistro. True French dining – affordable, elegant, simple flavours, served in a nice intimate and relaxed setting: just like you would in Paris. Chiswick's South Parade also allows this to feel a little like a seculded neighborhood vibe, and actually, quite romantic! There's set menus, à la carte menus and a Sunday lunch option. All of which have a comprehensive and detailed allergy guideline. Good wine, too. 

What to order: Ossau-Iraty and Gryuère twice baked cheese soufflé, with a red chicory and walnut salad. 

When you think of Eastern European and specifically Polish cuisine in the capital, Ognisko should be firmly in mind. The Knightsbridge establishment is in a former terrace house (other floors include the members-only Polish Hearth Club), and opens onto Prince's Gardens. The terrace seats are in high demand as a result. But wherever you're sitting you can expect fantastic food from chefs dedicated to highlighting an often overlooked but delicious set of cuisines at a price that is very reasonable value for money. 

What to order: Kulebiak (Salmon in pastry with a mushroom sauce). 

Fiat 500 guys and gals rev the engines, this Archway restaurant takes its name after the little car. Italian by name and nature, the menu here is full of quality dishes, fresh ingredients and breads and pastas that are home-made daily. You can thank head chef and founder, Mario Magil for that. The produce often changes in order to keep in tune with the seasons, but the food on offer is always as wonderfully Italian as it gets. 

What to order: Coniglio all'Ischiana, servito con patate saltate (Oven baked rabbit iwith tomatoes, black olives, capers and white wine vinegar, served with potatoes).

The Sichuan is dedicated to a specific syle of Chinese cooking. It's a large country, with many many regional variances, Cantonese, Fujian, Jiangsu, Shandong are all examples. This restaurant is dedicated to, you guessed it, Sichuan cooking. It comes from a province that contains a good stretch of the Yangtze river, Asia's longest. The cuisine is known for packing a punch: fragrant dishes including heaps of chili, garlic, and of course the Sichuan pepper. This restaurant promotes all the highlights of this region's food. It also happens to be affordable and offers great customer service. 

What to order: Fried crispy pork slice with green pepper. 

Weekday diners, have this one on your radar. Why? Because it's not open on the weekend, but also, because it's some serious mamma-style Italian cooking. Whether you're here for beautiful simple dishes, or just whatever the hell sounds good between negronis and games of cards, it's completely up to you. Bolton's restaurant is just down the road from Monument and Bank too, making it ideal for chewing the fat after a hard day's working.

What to eat: Calamari Fritti.