Margot

Founder Nicolas Jaouën racked up experience at a raft of great London restaurants before opening Margot, with Scott’s and Balthazar all appearing on his CV alongside a stint heading up restaurant operations at the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester.

While Jaouën is a Frenchman, and the food at many of the venues he previously worked at is classic French or French-inspired, Margot is all about classic Italian, served with a fine-dining flourish but still accessible and flavour-forward. Classic dishes like vitello tonnato (veal in a tuna sauce), risotto alla milanese and linguine alla vongole are totally reliable, and a set menu for less than £40 is a good way to go. There’s also a great cocktail list.

Margot balances a sense of old-school hospitality with striking modern interiors. An open kitchen keeps the atmosphere upbeat, while cosy booths – including some sat right in the window – are a great way to eat in a group.