Kitchen W8

For understated Michelin-starred charm, look no further than Kitchen W8. Just off the main drag, on an unassuming stretch of street, this dining room exudes refinement with its orderly white table linen and smooth, unstuffy service. Furnished in a muted colour palette, a few olive green banquettes breaking what otherwise might be monotony, there’s nothing remotely ostentatious here. The restaurant is busy throughout the week and at weekends, with diners in the know coming for the pedigree: founding partner Philip Howard is co-owner of both the Square in Mayfair and the Ledbury in Notting Hill. The menu is modern English with a French complexity, its delicate mains featuring the finest seasonal ingredients. A pretty starter of heritage tomatoes with marinated peppers was served at an exacting temperature to bring out the flavours. A main of Cornish pollock was a delightfully fresh fillet accompanied by a novel swirl of cocoa bean purée. Desserts come into their own with characterful concoctions such as roasted hazelnut parfait with sea salt caramel ice-cream and chocolate-soaked brioche. The set lunch and dinner menus are one of the better-value ways to enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine in London.