30 under £30: our pick of the dinner deals for Restaurant Month 2026
Published 23 January 2026

A family endeavour that customers have taken to their hearts, A Tavola is justifiably well-loved in the 'little Derbyshire town' of New Mills – though, in truth, the team could teach some urban big-hitters a few things about warmth, welcome and cannoli. The former Beehive pub has been drenched in sunshine-yellow and filled with Sicilan geegaws; ring the bell for admittance and surrender to the deep and unusual comfort of a huge regional menu from which it is very difficult to order badly. 

Antipasti include scorching panelle fritters, flaky on the outside with creamy interiors, as well as huge fingers of sfincione (Sicilian pizza) on house-made fluffy, milky-white foccacia. Pasta is homemade too – even tricksy bucatini, supersized and served 'con le sarde' with a richly generous version of the sardine sauce plus wild fennel, saffron and an elegant sufficiency of raisins and pine nuts. 

The rugged High Peak setting is reflected in a pile of small, fantastically tender local lamb chops served with Sicilian spices, light Trapanese pesto and a little skip of mint. Puddings including crisp, ricotta-stuffed 'bigne' choux buns show off solid pastry skills, but there's also homemade gelato and a slush machine whirring with granita in the corner. The drinks list comes from the hand of an enthusiast, with everything from Italian ciders to soft spritzes and natural wines made in terracotta pots, but you'll always know you're in New Mills: the bill comes with a selection of sweets from the neighbouring Swizzels factory.

For his latest opening, Dom Hamdy (of Crispin and Bistro Freddie fame) has taken possession of the ground floor of a new apartment block in Westbourne Park overlooking the Grand Union Canal. The dining space looks sharp with an industrial fit-out (exposed ventilation, concrete flooring, pillars etc), softened by wooden furnishings and olive-green banquettes, all bookended by an open-plan kitchen and a square bar with counter seating. There's also a terrace.

The kitchen works to a menu of seasonal, modern European sharing plates featuring produce from reputable sources (Layla sourdough and Coombeshead Farm jamón, for example), and while we were impressed with the freshness of a snack of crab toast we were not bowled over by 'the table cheeseburger' – a signature smashed burger with runny Cheddar and soft milk buns. Far more interesting was Cornish monkfish flanked by clams and fat mussels, topped with sea purslane and served with orzo in a velvety buttery tomato sauce. And we were glad we saved room for a delicious brown butter and almond cake with sour cherries. 

The drinks list takes things up a notch or two with cocktails (courtesy of Haggerston's A Bar with Shapes for a Name), plus exciting natural wines from £39, with plenty by the glass from £7.

It's easy to see why this laid-back neighbourhood diner in the heart of Stokes Croft attracts such a loyal following. Blending classy, seasonal cooking from chef Matty Groves (formerly of Bath’s Menu Gordon Jones) with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in unpretentious surroundings, a meal here is a reliably good night out. And it may take the whole night – service is never less than charming,  but it can be slow at times. A recent reconfiguration has seen the kitchen move downstairs, allowing space for a chef’s table private-dining experience. The ground-floor dining room now feels a little lighter and brighter, though not much has changed about the shabby-chic, dark blue and white decor, save for a lick of white paint.

Menu-wise, it’s worth ruining your appetite by dipping into the snack section, perhaps for a home-baked toasted crumpet topped with gooey Cheddar emulsion and a tangle of piquant onion. Follow on with, say, a starter of warm crab and crayfish butter with fresh herbs and house bread. Mains could be a classic French onglet with peppercorn sauce, frites and Strode valley salad or a beautifully executed plate of hand-rolled tagliatelle with girolles and toasted pine nuts bathed in a rich Parmesan and butter sauce that would make any nonna smile. Portions are generous, but do save space for the regularly changing homemade ice creams and sorbets. Fixed-price lunches are a steal.

The drinks list offers cocktails, local ciders and ales, but wine is a strength here, so you can rely on decent-value house selections or take the opportunity to try out something new. The owners also run Carmen Street Wine (a bottle shop and wine bar) just round the corner. 

The prospect of chilling out on a hugely desirable decked terrace by the river Cherwell makes this enchanting Victorian boathouse one of Oxford’s great delights – and that’s before you factor in its glorious wine cellar and the added temptations of punting on the water. Dating from 1904, this beloved institution is also a good shout for capably handled food with noticeable English and French accents. Nothing is overplayed here, but the kitchen comes up with subtly creative ideas to match the seasons. Eating alfresco in summer, you might indulge in a bowl of gazpacho with watermelon or Cornish mackerel with sauce pipérade ahead of Cotswold chicken breast with samphire, tarragon and pea fricassée. Come winter, other treats await those who congregate in the dining room – an affable blend of wooden floorboards, bare beams and white tablecloths. Openers such as venison fritters with Parmesan purée and crispy kale might precede guinea fowl adorned with a festive harvest of walnut purée, wild mushrooms, roasted Brussels sprouts and bone marrow jus. For afters, hot chocolate pot with passion fruit is a perennial favourite – although you might prefer local strawberries with elderflower custard or tarte tatin with Calvados ice cream, depending on the calendar. For many, however, it’s all about the superlative wine list, an all-embracing compendium stuffed with mouthwatering global selections ranging from Old World aristocrats of high pedigree to the most fashionable young contenders. Mark-ups are kind, with selections from the 'shortlist' starting at £19.75 (£5 for a standard glass).

Hugely popular, not least for its 'super-fair' pricing and vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, this South Indian favourite takes a masterly approach to carbs. Dosas, which can be roasted with homemade ghee or stuffed with the house potato masala, are big, crisp and shiny, while the parathas are gloriously ragged and the pooris puffy. Eat them with veggie and vegan curries such as tempting tamarind chickpeas, though there are homespun takes on chicken and lamb classics too. Everything comes together on Sundays for 'particularly good' sapaad feasts, popular across the generations. A new outdoor space is getting noticed.

Since teaming up in the late noughties, chef Phil Howard and restaurateur Rebecca Mascarenhas have rolled out a series of sophisticated yet informal neighbourhood eateries – and Elystan Street follows their blueprint to the letter. The mood is one of unbuttoned luxury, Chelsea style, with pared-back interiors, large monochrome prints, a mix of peach and grey seating and lots of natural light flooding in through large windows. ‘Hospitality’ is one of the keys to the success of this place, notes a reader – although locals are here to sample the kitchen’s masterful and cleverly nuanced modern food. Expect ‘seasonal dishes cooked with skill and precision’, overlaid with a perfect sense of balance and a true respect for ingredients. Highlights from one recent visit included ‘moreish’ hand-cut strozzapreti cooked in buttery chicken stock with a dressing of summer truffles and aged Parmesan, as well as a 'lovely looking' plate of sea bream, with perfectly crispy skin and a colourfully exotic mélange of baba ganoush, apricot harissa, a charred Padrón pepper and a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil. If meat is your preference, there might be tartare of English rose veal ahead of saddle of lamb served in sunny Mediterranean style with pesto-baked aubergine, roasted San Marzano tomatoes, garlic and balsamic. British and French cheeses are kept in tiptop condition, while ‘classy’ desserts might bring a millefeuille of raspberries with vanilla and lemon verbena cream – ‘a summer treat’. Ever-attentive staff spend ‘quality time with their guests’, which adds to the relaxed, informal vibe. Lunch is good value for the postcode, and the knowledgeably assembled wine list leans heavily towards Europe, with around 20 by-the-glass selections and bottles from £35.

You can't deny the good vibes that emanate from this unassuming venue close to St Leonards Warrior Square station. It suits stolen lunches (including solo ones) and celebratory evenings and is admirably family-friendly - ‘a local to cherish’. The high corniced ceiling gives a sense of space to the small room, swags of fairy lights create a festive look, and rough-hewn shelves laden with bottles emphasise the 'wine bar' ambience. From the open kitchen at the back come small plates made for wine pairing – from classic fried goat's cheese with beetroot, hazelnut and sherry vinegar dressing or Moons Green charcuterie to the fun of cockle and shrimp popcorn. Also expect the unexpected: a wild boar laab (a Vietnamese/Thai salad) may have lacked the hoped-for funky and sour notes but made a pleasing partner for a glass of citrussy Falanghina from Puglia. There are steaks, too, with add-ons of garlic snails or roasted bone marrow, while seaside references include Maldon oysters, crevettes with garlic butter or a 'catch of the day' such as wild sea bass with fennel, garlic and chilli. Prices are reasonable, and that goes for the wine list, too. There’s a good choice if you're drinking by the glass: five reds and five whites, all organic or biodynamic, as well as a number of pink, orange, fizzy and sweet wines, sherries and vermouths. By-the-bottle options are even wider but predominantly European, with regions such as Catalonia and Sicily given equal billing alongside lesser-known Rhônes and grower Champagnes.

Soaring ceilings, monumental windows, enormous light fittings, exposed brick and industrial ducting set the cool, idiosyncratic scene at this modern first-floor bar-restaurant. Now in its second decade, Hermitage Rd has worn in and warmed up very nicely and is even more popular than ever – nicely buzzing on the midweek evening we were in. The food is as cosmopolitan as the surroundings, the open kitchen’s modern brasserie style playing to the gallery with its something-for-everyone approach.

The menu proudly identifies and name-checks the source of its produce – Maldon rock oysters, Cromer crab, Staithe Smokehouse salmon – and there’s a tempting array of meats centred around a wood-fired oven, including a variety of Scottish heritage steaks and tender Cornish lamb chops. The stars of our meal ranged from a plate of salt-baked heritage beetroot tossed with Old Winchester cheese, walnuts and sherry vinegar, via nuggets of Korean chicken with crispy noodles, spring onions, chilli and yuzu mayo to a juicy Priors Hall Farm pork chop with apple and Calvados ketchup. A soft, pillowy floating island in crème anglaise was the perfect way to finish.

Drinks provide admirable back-up – expect everything from classic cocktails and beers to a far-reaching, reasonably priced wine list with an excellent choice by the glass.

This is what is meant by a local restaurant: a convivial, friendly place that has a good regular following and where value for money is a big plus. Whether you’re in for a celebratory dinner, a solo meal or just the perfect margarita to start the evening, Kirstie Fleck and Benjamin Vorono’s vibrant, tight-squeeze of a bar-restaurant is the perfect spot.

The two friends have put their heart and soul into the place, adopting a dressed-down, casual approach and offering LA-inspired Mexican food that is immediately appealing in a vividly flavoured, attention-capturing way. Make sure you order the freshly made tortilla chips – the accompanying cool, creamy guacamole comes with some welcome heat and crunchiness, thanks to a fantastic version of salsa macha (a chilli-oil crunch that’s so good you can buy it by the jar). The zingy fresh crab tostada packs a punch, too, as does a superbly dressed salad of various cucumbers piled atop a sensational pea purée. 

Equally deft is the assertively seasoned, moreish prawns diabla, and if you're in the mood for a ‘killer’ taco, look no further than the sirloin steak version, served with salsa ranchera, cowboy mayo, cheese crisps and mustard-seed salsa. To drink? Cocktails are a must; otherwise, there's a really brief choice of Italian sparklers, Spanish wines and beers. Reservations are advisable, although High Dive’s seasonal, outdoor seating-only set-up on the Harbour Arm serves tacos and Margaritas on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Gary Usher's burgeoning bistro empire includes this Didsbury venue, where small clothless tables and a wall of exposed brick serve notice that there is to be no standing on ceremony. Lunchtime and weekday early evenings offer tremendous value for a well-constructed spread that might open with black olive and tomato arancini in salsa verde, and proceed via rigatoni with a hearty bolognese-style ragù under lemon and thyme pangrattato to walnut praline ice cream in espresso syrup. The complimentary home-baked focaccia is 'a great touch' too. Big flavours are also in evidence throughout the main menu: gin-cured sea trout is brightened up with pomelo and endive salad, while the fatty richness of confit duck leg is offset by port-braised red cabbage, parsnip purée and pickled walnut, with a prune-laced sausage to boot. Children's menus are virtually as nourishing as their grown-up counterparts, and the whole family can come together over chocolate 'oblivion' with mint choc-chip ice cream – although the prospect of an Eccles cake, made with dry-aged beef fat and served the traditional way alongside a wedge of Appleby's Cheshire cheese, is hard to resist. Wine nights are a feature, when a five-course menu is accompanied by thoughtfully chosen pairings.

It's a mighty long way from the south London heartlands of Brixton and Peckham where Nicholas Balfe's other venues have been sited, but South Petherton in Somerset exudes its own contrasting charisma. In Holm, he has founded a rural enclave, where the kitchen can move in rhythm with the West Country seasons, the full gastronomic range of menu formats all driven by what is most tempting from surrounding farmsteads and suppliers.

From the dining area to the guest rooms, the place has been done out with the lightest palette, with terrazzo flooring, blond wood, distressed plasterwork and small framed abstract shapes to look at. Staff are attentive, friendly and importantly informed about Dan Graham's intuitively poised dishes. Lighter lunch starters might take in crisply crumbed hogget croquette with yoghurt and gherkins, or a bowl of beetroot, apple and feta soup. Follow on with butterflied mackerel zigzagged with aïoli, or an accurately pink bavette with Isle of Wight tomatoes. Pair with a well-dressed bowl of local saladings, or roasted pink firs dabbed with chimichurri.

Evening menus bring on the more substantial likes of pork loin with burnt pear, or Cornish sea bass with pumpkin in brown butter, while the vegetarian option might offer a fortifying assemblage of gnocchi with girolles and sweetcorn. We finished with an excellent tarta de Santiago (almond and citrus cake) with poached quince and crème fraîche, but there could be fig-leaf panna cotta with plums and shortbread, or chocolate crémeux and honeycomb.

Fragrant cocktails and a concise yet imaginative wine list inspire confidence, and there's a fuller cellar list for deep-divers. Castlewood Vineyard's Devon sparklers in both colours should get the party started.

‘A haven of cultural tanquillity’ and a ‘landmark for the Kensington community’, Kitchen W8 is the flagship restaurant of the vastly experienced business partnership of Rebecca Mascarenhas and chef Philip Howard. With its linened tables, plain cream walls, ornate mirrors and contemporary art, it wouldn't look out of place on a quiet street in Mayfair – yet it also manages to perform the role of a special-occasion neighbourhood spot to perfection.

‘Our style,’ write the hosts, ‘is modern English with a French soul,’ hitting a popular gastronomic nail on the head, and there is an impressive balance of the earthy and the refined in the cooking that exerts a strong appeal. Scorch a Cornish mackerel and add to it some smoked eel with golden beets and bitter leaves, and it's hard for many to resist. Pasta work is executed with particular aplomb, perhaps for a first course of pigeon raviolo with pickled pear and sweet-sour shallots. Prime materials are top-drawer, extending from 60-day Dexter sirloin or venison haunch with red cabbage and quince to a gently handled fillet of brill that comes with caramelised cauliflower and chestnut gnocchi in truffled leek velouté.

At dessert, leafy clementine sorbet with warm vanilla beignets caters for those who might wilt at the prospect of Valrhona chocolate pavé with salted-caramel ice cream, peanut praline and lime. A five-course tasting menu offers a comprehensive tour of the kitchen's repertoire. By-the-glass wines rope in some on-trend varietals such as Grüner Veltliner, Albariño and Touriga Nacional, before the main list hits the highlights, never forgetting that the whole operation is powered by the aforementioned ‘French soul’.

An animated local institution, this simple set of rooms has been a bright light in Shepherd Market since 2014. The two-tiered interior (linked by a narrow staircase) has a rustic, thrown-together look with clumping wood furniture, while diversion from basic comfort levels comes in the form of a regularly changing menu that plays obsessively off the seasons. The unfussy, purposeful cooking is all about first-class ingredients and big, bold flavours – the tone set immediately with starters of grilled fennel, pickles and mustard vinaigrette, silky cod’s roe with radishes and crackers, and a tangle of fresh peas and pea shoots atop soft, rich Graceburn cheese spread thickly on toast. The flavour of the wood grill is introduced judiciously, applying the sparest of preparations to a Belted Galloway wing rib (advertised for two but more than enough for three), nicely charred, deliciously fatty, seriously pink inside, smeared with a melting tarragon and green peppercorn butter and served with new potatoes and a watercress salad. A punchy side of grilled cauliflower and XO sauce provides the perfect accompaniment. Look out, too, for the whole grilled lemon sole and the pork chop served with salsa verde, pickled raisins and chicory. Finish with 'queen bee' parfait, boozy strawberries and pistachio. Plus points for the engaged staff, the pavement tables shaded by an awning and large umbrellas, and the modest but modern wine list, which starts at a remarkable (given the location) £5 a glass, £15 a carafe and £30 a bottle, with plenty of options below the £45 mark.

Sitting snugly amid secluded terraced gardens overlooking the harbour, this elegantly extended 18th-century manor house feels like a reassuringly permanent fixture of St Peter Port. Glimpses of ancient Castle Cornet add to the allure, whether you’re outside or gazing from the myriad windows of the luxuriously appointed dining room. Done out in shades of maritime blue and white, it provides a soothing backdrop for well-judged, generous dishes based on produce from the island.

Not surprisingly, locally landed seafood is the top shout, from a classic pairing of seared scallops, curried parsnip purée and apple compôte (given added sparkle with a sprinkling of smoked pancetta dust) to collops of monkfish accompanied by boulangère potatoes, broccoli florets and pink peppercorn sauce. There’s also a ‘fisherman’s plate’ offering a mixed bag or top-drawer seafood. Luxury is the watchword when it comes to meat dishes, from foie gras ‘three ways’ to prime fillet of beef with gaufrette potatoes, mushrooms and a choice of sauces.

Desserts are mostly old faithfuls given an artful modern twist or two – fruit salad with mandarin sorbet and Grand Marnier syrup, perhaps, or Baileys cheesecake gussied up with espresso ice cream, ginger brittle, biscotti and sauce anglaise. Staff are well tutored in the old ways, while the substantial wine list touts some serious bargains among its loftier vintages.

One could easily drive straight past without registering La Locanda's special presence on the main road through Gisburn village. The solid stone building has no super-flashy signage, and there's no indication that this is anything other than a conventional 'pizza and pasta' pit stop. Yet, for over 20 years, Cinzia and Maurizio Bocchi have been raising the ‘tricolore’ in defiance of the 'fast-food, frozen lasagne and garlic bread' norm still typical of many Anglo-Italian restaurants.

The trattoria setting is homely and modest, with an intimate and unhurried atmosphere and a welcome in inverse proportion to the size of the cramped ground-floor bar. The seasonal menu requires some study, but there’s no rush and Cinzia is on hand to answer all questions. The focus is on a Slow Food-style carte that marries Italian regional dishes (including Maurizio's trademark pasta) and rigorously curated imported ingredients with local produce such as Goosnargh chicken, Gisburn Forest roe deer and Bowland wild garlic. A key part of the ethos is sustainability and authenticity, so the owners only work with like-minded suppliers. 

In summer, you might find specialities ranging from sardine fillets with red peppers, spaghetti alla Trapanese or outstanding pork-stuffed spinach tortellini to wild sea bass partnered with punchy emerald salsa verde or an unusual dish of marinated whitebait typical of the version made with the little freshwater fish of the Italian Lakes. For dessert, there are ice-cream sundaes and the best cannoli we have ever tasted – the secret is fresh ricotta sourced directly from Sicily. The all-Italian wine list is arranged by region, and there's also an extensive range of Italian beers, aperitifs, soft drinks and cocktails – not forgetting a 20-strong 'coffee menu'. 

Judging by our inbox, Bristolians are delighted by the arrival of this welcoming French bistro from the team behind Totterdown favourite Bank. It's a little corner of France in a shipping container with sage-green walls adorned with framed 1930s adverts, shelves full of wine bottles, a white-tiled kitchen and cute bunny motifs etched into the corner of the wooden tables.

There's a chalkboard with daily specials, while the regular menu is full of French classics ranging from rillettes with cornichons to roast duck bigarade (à l’orange). When the kitchen occasionally goes off piste with, say, a soufflé Suissesse with Gruyère and a Marmite (yes, Marmite!) cream, the result is a surprisingly delicious. Portions are hearty, while presentation (though occasionally a little rough around the edges) befits the easy-going bistro vibe. Puddings include an éclair of the day, big enough to share and often filled with something daringly avant-garde – say, white chocolate, cinnamon and apple.

Every wine on the exclusively French list is offered by the glass, with knowledgeable staff on hand to guide you through the options, while non-alcoholic Diabolos and Oranginas are available for drivers. The prix-fixe menus and accompanying wine flights (available at lunch and dinner) are good value too.

With so many chains dominating the centre of Winchester, it's refreshing to discover James Harris and Nicole Yeoh’s impeccable Malaysian restaurant, just a 10-minute walk away. The couple have taken over the Green Man pub and created an inviting, welcoming space. Serene, confident and much-loved locally, it’s a draw for those dining for pleasure, or when a relatively informal meal is in order – several tables were tucking into the £13 early-evening express dinner of 'night market' fried chicken (or oyster mushrooms) with jasmine rice and a sweet-sour mango and cucumber salad when we visited.

The menu, divided into small and large plates, combines carefully sourced British ingredients with a fusion of Chinese and Malay culinary traditions from Nicole’s Nyonya heritage: chargrilled beef satay, for example, showcases medium-rare Hampshire bavette steak that’s been marinated in galangal, ginger, tamarind and sweet soy butter, accompanied by a wonderful wild garlic sambal (foraged by James). South Coast day boats provide the seafood for dishes such as hot-and-sour poached monkfish tail, or there could be a vivid pairing of Wye Valley asparagus with burnt tomato and garlic confit sambal.

A highlight of our visit was char sui pork neck (from Sussex), marinated in Cantonese BBQ sauce and grilled to perfect tenderness, with hoisin and black cherry glaze, orange chilli sauce and English pak choi. Desserts are in a similar vein, from banana spring rolls to pandan burnt Basque cheesecake served with Hampshire strawberries. The bar offers keg, cask or bottled beers and a creative selection of vibrant cocktails, while everything on the enterprising spice-friendly list of global wines comes by the glass or bottle. 

Chef Angus Bell (with the Star Inn at Harome, Le Gavroche and Le Bab in his DNA) runs this bijou terracotta-painted bistro with alfresco dining spilling out onto a characterful courtyard. Cornish produce is his passion, and he proudly serves a roster of imaginative dishes ranging from crab fritters with a rich, yellow bisque mayo to a play on vitello tonnato featuring local Primrose Herd pork drizzled with a perfectly sharp dressing of Cornish bluefin tuna and anchovies, topped with a handful of crunchy croûtons, capers and pickled caperberries. Delightful desserts might feature a deep, velvety dark chocolate délice, contrasting dreamily with candied hazelnuts, whipped cream and a perfectly brittle brandy snap.

‘Recommend this to everyone in town.' Thus speaks one Margate local, giving thanks for the gift of this simple izakaya-style Japanese restaurant located a brisk walk from the Old Town on increasingly food-centred Northdown Road. Obviously popular, it nourishes regulars (and irregulars) with a frequently changing menu of colourful, bracingly fresh and zippy food (mostly locally sourced), shot through with inventive Japanese and north-east Asian flavours. 

Kate de Syllas trained at the Tokyo Sushi Academy and can be seen at work in the simple open galley kitchen at the back of a light-filled dining room, which is laid out in an all-purpose, no-frills style. Relaxed vibes are a given, service is informed and friendly, and it’s all good value. Everything is light and delicious, from a delicate steamed bao bun sando filled with crab and asparagus, slaw and pickled ginger to okonomiyaki topped, perhaps, with kimchi and smoked cheese, spicy mayo and crispy onion.

The kitchen also serves up reworked traditional staples such as soba noodles tangled with local crab, seaweed and ponzu dressing (served cold), or curry udon with katsu chicken and vegetables. Finish with matcha whipped cheesecake, ginger crumb and toasted coconut. The concise drinks list promises sake and a few well-chosen, kindly priced wines by the glass and bottle.

Replacing much-loved greasy spoon Lockside (immortalised in Only Fools and Horses as Sid's Café), this upmarket yet down-to-earth fish and chip joint (with add-ons) deserves to inspire just as much affection. Wooden-clad, with large porthole windows at the front, it looks like an ark that has somehow drifted out of the Cumberland basin and got wedged underneath a flyover. Inside, the attention to detail – from the pretty stoneware salt cellars to the tropical fish wallpaper in the ladies' loo – creates a delightful backdrop.

The short menu is dictated by what's come off the boats in Brixham and Newlyn that morning. Don't skip the starters – chef-owner Daniel Rosser's time in the kitchens of London's Sabor and the Seahorse in Dartmouth shines through in dishes such as a rich and spicy Cornish fish soup loaded with hefty chucks of cod, mussels and a large croûton topped with pungent aïoli. Main courses include deep-fried chip shop staples, say cod loin or haddock fillet in a delightfully light batter, plus hand-cut chips (from sacks of potatoes you can see piled near the kitchen), homemade mushy peas and tartare sauce served on a scallop shell.

However, it's the grilled dishes that really impress: a fat whole Cornish sole, adorned with a vibrant green garlic and herb butter, is beautifully fresh and light. Puddings are schoolroom favourites of the sticky toffee pudding variety, although the dark chocolate mousse with clotted-cream ice cream is a decidedly adult affair. The short but thoughtfully assembled wine list is predominantly white, with more than half offered by the glass.

‘The best restaurant by far in Sevenoaks,’ is praise indeed, and there’s no shortage of vocal support for this local eatery – a lone independent in a ‘sea of high-street chains’ and also ‘a great place to take family, children (and dogs)’.

But then Stuart Gillies has skin in the game. The chef (and former CEO of the Gordon Ramsay Group), has brought his unique experience gained working for some global big hitters to this charming clapboard building set back from the town's main drag – and you can see the results in the comfortable, easy-on-the-eye look of the dining room, in the young, clued-up service, and in the no-nonsense menu offering plenty of appealing and flexible ideas.

At our meal, crisp, pan-roasted fillet of sea bream served with asparagus, samphire, citrus beurre blanc and crushed new potatoes delivered bags of satisfaction, while Basque cheesecake with Kentish strawberries proved to be happy bedfellows. Elsewhere, staples such as local Chart Farm sirloin steak with Café de Paris butter – as well as a good-value Sunday roast – show the kitchen is willing to do populist things (and do them well). The short set menu (available weekday lunches and some early evenings) is excellent value, too. To drink, there are cocktails and a well-annotated, mainly European wine list that opens at a commendable £28.

A little slice of French bonhomie in north Oxford, Pompette is not only a godsend for Summertown locals, but also draws in diners who are prepared to undertake a long trip to sample its wares. With its walls emblazoned with artwork, a gorgeous summertime terrace and professional but personable staff, no wonder it is reckoned to be ‘a real gem’. And that’s before we get to the food. Chef/co-owner Pascal Wiedemann spent 14 years shaking the pans in big-name London kitchens (from Racine and Terroirs to Six Portland Road), before bringing his vision of bourgeois French cuisine to the city of dreaming spires. 

His menu is entrenched in the classics (with the odd European detour) and everything is crafted with ‘care, passion and precision’. Lyonnaise ‘cervelle de canut’ cheese dip, soupe de poissons, chalk stream trout with horseradish beurre blanc and onglet steaks share the billing with houmous, sumac and flatbread, cavatelli with datterini tomatoes and pecorino or charred cauliflower with pops of pomegranate and pistachio. French farmhouse cheeses, île flottante, Basque cheesecake and canelés de Bordeaux with salted rum caramel (Friday and Saturday nights only) round off a simple but satisfying offer. 

Alternatively, drop by for authentic French saucisse frites on Tuesday, poulet frites on Wednesday or steak frites on Thursday night, if you prefer; they even do a proper petit-déjeuner from 10am as well as a regular apero hour (5-6pm, Tue-Sat). Pompette is the charming French word for tipsy, so we do need to mention the libations: Ricard, Lillet Blanc, Picon Bière and Normandy cider all get a look-in alongside a list of patriotically French wines – including a big selection from Alsace (the owner’s homeland).

Specialising in the culinary traditions of Kerala in southern India, Tharavadu generates a voluminous stream of plaudits from loyal customers. It has the kind of fanbase that not only returns regularly, but has acquired some knowledge of the distinctive regional specialities the kitchen deals in. The former captain of India's test cricket team, Virat Kohli, is a confirmed supporter, and there ought to be no arguing with an endorsement like that. In the warm embrace of hospitable staff, everybody feels welcome, and the kitchen hits one highlight after another. The mutta roast starter, a preparation of boiled eggs in chilli-hot tomato and onion, served with appam, is technically a breakfast dish, but who's counting? A more conventional way in might be with adipoli chemmeen, grilled prawns alight with their spice marinade, served with lemon chutney. Fans dream of the meen koottan, a classic coastal fish curry replete with Keralan seasonings and kokum mangosteen, best ordered with house paratha. Lamb mappas is a traditional Easter dish of the regional Christian community, incorporating spinach and a complex mix of garam masala and other spices. There's fresh okra in mustard as a side-order, zesty lemon rice to accompany, and cardamom and saffron vermicelli if you've any room left. A decent wine list, from £17.95, should cope with the cooking.

Named after an emblematic symbol of Buddhist Thai culture, Peckham’s ever-buzzing Begging Bowl has been feeding crowds of noisy locals since 2012 and continues to pack ‘em in. The restaurant’s all-weather outdoor space is a big draw, and they now take group bookings too. Kiwi chef/co-owner Jane Alty trained under Thai gastro-guru David Thompson and her regularly changing 12-dish menu is underpinned by directly imported ingredients and supplies of British produce; the kitchen also has its own coconut press. Tapas-style sharing is the name of the game, although staff are keen to upsell and we ended up with much more food that we could possibly eat. Despite the occasional misfire there is much to enjoy here. A salad of chargrilled beef rump is pointed up with mint, coriander and roasted rice (tip: use the whole leaves for wrapping), while a green curry of guinea fowl, palm hearts, Thai aubergines, pungent krachai (fingerroot) and sweet basil is well balanced and downright delicious. Also don’t miss the deep-fried whole sea bass with physalis, green mango and tamarind – crisp, sweet, spicy and flavourful. Dishes tend to arrive randomly (not always the best way) and everything is accompanied by ‘limitless’ quantities of jasmine and sticky rice. There are some uncommonly good desserts too, notably the ‘rice tea jelly’ with coconut cream and nectarine granita, and the kitchen’s spin on affogato – Vietnamese espresso with condensed milk ice cream. Staff are welcoming and enthusiastic, although service veers erratically from over-attentive to forgetful. To drink, the Thai lemonade is immensely refreshing; otherwise, Asian-themed cocktails, beers and spice-friendly wines do the trick.

An oasis of contemporary urban sophistication just round the corner from Hereford's historic cathedral, this bustling ‘brunch and dinner joint’ is hip but welcoming too. Exposed brickwork, a poured concrete floor and countertop tables give way to a large open kitchen and closely packed wooden tables at the back. Disembodied book pages flutter decoratively overhead in homage to the venue’s former use. Readers heap praise on the ‘really lovely and helpful’ staff. With brunch extending until 3pm, daytime dining involves all manner of egg and sourdough combinations – or you can push the breakfast boundaries with, say, truffled mac ‘n’ cheese toast with sriracha or smoked haddock and ‘nduja croquettes.

Evenings are centred around Herefordshire beef, aged in a Himalayan salt chamber and served as burgers and steaks – or, perhaps, slow-cooked with a herb and marrowbone crumb and mash. Other local and seasonal produce gets more than a look-in, from Severn & Wye smoked haddock rarebit with pickled celeriac and a caper and parsley salad to roast hazelnut and Ragstone gnocchi with spring onion and sunflower-seed pesto.

Excellent desserts – many of which can be sampled with coffee during the day – could include a moreish and very grown-up dark chocolate and salted caramel tart with fruit-and-nut ice cream. Sunday afternoons are given over to deservedly popular roasts with all the trimmings, and the short wine list is supplemented by cocktails featuring gin and whisky from Ludlow, plus local ales and ciders.

Bang opposite Queensway station, the Park represents the triumphal return of Jeremy King to the London dining scene. Located on the ground floor of a new residential development, it's a warmly inviting space that wears its luxe touches lightly – a place that already feels like an old friend. Booths and banquettes in tan leather, torpedo light fixtures with a touch of Art Deco, colourful prints and wide-screen windows overlooking Hyde Park add up to a seductive ambience, which is further enhanced by a consciously retro menu.

All-day brasserie dining has always been the King thing, an accommodating mode at which his venues have always excelled. A line-up of American favourites – hot dogs, cheeseburgers, lobster rolls, chargrilled ribeyes with fries – sounds the populist note, but consider less obvious choices such as grilled swordfish with sweetcorn and bacon succotash or seared mackerel with caponata. First off, tear and share some soft and savoury ‘monkey bread’, before cruising on to the creamy, briny New England clam chowder. To follow, a golden-brown ham hock pie filled to capacity with pink meat, peas, fava beans and potato under crumbly pastry elicited high fives from one hungry visitor.

Don't stint on the wicked sweet stuff either, especially as the menu invites you to build your own sundae. Elsewhere, Mississippi mud pie has become a kind of dark chocolate cake topped with white chocolate, while the 'red velvet' is an eye-catching classic. Breakfast and brunch are sure to lure in the throngs, as will the neat Negronis – and if you like your wines Italian or North American (and there isn't much of the latter on restaurant lists these days), you've come to the right place. Sicilian house recommendations are £9 for a regular glass.

Veterans of Josh Eggleton's original Pony & Trap probably won’t recognise this massively extended and remodelled version of the old place, which now boasts an event space and cooking school plus beautifully landscaped grounds and a kitchen garden. It's a multi-faceted and inviting prospect, so ask for a table in the enormous high-ceilinged, glass-fronted garden room or the outdoor terrace if you want to get the full benefit of the fabulous views. 

Head chef Jim Day (formerly of Casamia) offers refined and precisely cooked dishes that pair the restaurant’s home-grown herbs and vegetables with the best of British produce from further afield. Come in early summer and you might be treated to, say, asparagus with wild garlic emulsion and crispy egg yolk followed by an opulent main course featuring whole wild sea bass (to share) partnered by sauce vierge, Jersey Royals and a Pony garden salad. To conclude, perhaps plump for the chocolate gâteau with coffee crème patisserie or the lemon set cream topped with burnt meringue and a jelly made from local Cheddar strawberries.

A short selection of ‘pub classics’ and several appetising bar snacks (local Westcombe charcuterie, Cantabrian anchovies et al) cater for more casual visitors, who are genuinely welcomed by the friendly staff. Midweek set menus and Sunday roasts are worth checking out too. Real ales, ciders, softs and artisan libations (all from local producers) figure prominently on the drinks list, which also features an inviting line-up of predominantly European wines at fair prices.

The low-key, glass frontage doesn’t give much away, but Trentina is truly a local diamond, a cheerfully informal addition to Birmingham's vibrant Jewellery Quarter scene. Inside, it looks and feels sparsely contemporary. Here you will find big flavours on a short menu that leans heavily on the daily use of the pasta-roller. Dunwood Farm beef bolognese with pappardelle or Devon crab and ricotta ravioli are simple, satisfying and good value. Courgette fritti with aïoli or Cobble Lane fennel and garlic salami could open proceedings, while dessert choices are limited – say a creamy tiramisu or various soft-serve ice creams. A brief, reasonably priced all-Italian wine list offers just one option by the glass/carafe.

There is something reassuring about the classic bistro feel of period wine prints, a chalkboard, banquette seating and bare wood tables – it may be 2025, but you could be dining in 1975. There's also a certain timelessness to the menu, which might well include oysters, beef tartare and a bavette steak. But look a little closer and you’ll see that owner James Thomson and chef George Upshall have elevated this popular neighbourhood destination above simple nostalgia.

The carefully curated wine list, one of the best in the city, focuses on small producers from around the globe (including some from Sussex), so you can be sure that you'll drink very well here. You’ll also be well looked after by the caring front of house team, who patrol the room attentively and top up wine glasses with just a dash of hand-behind-the-back ceremony. But most importantly, you’ll eat well from the weekly changing, seasonal menu.

A recent lunch started with very good home-baked sourdough, ahead of an expertly made rabbit and chicken galantine, the subtle flavours of which were enhanced by the piquancy of a sherry-infused prune wrapped in pancetta. Only some undressed salad leaves let the side down. Veal chop was a good-quality piece of meat cooked accurately to medium-rare, served sliced with a meaty brown butter jus, plus the bone for presentation... and gnawing (the atmosphere is relaxed, so you won't feel self-conscious picking it up and getting to work on it). Sides of bright, fresh, garlicky greens and a many-layered Quality Chop House-style deep-fried confit potato made for a very satisfying and generously proportioned main course.

A classic crème caramel had the required wobble and was not too sweet, although some honey-steeped apricots gilded the otherwise joyful lily. Also look out for the sub-£30 seasonal set menu available at various times during the week (check the restaurant’s website for details).

Brought back to life from a state of dereliction in 2017 by Gary Usher's bold, creative ambition – including a crowdfunding campaign and life as a pop-up – handsome 60 Seel Street is now living its best life as Wreck. Like the rest of Usher's family of thriving north-western bistros (Sticky Walnut et al), it's all about excellent ingredients creatively handled and priced so as not to scare the horses – and don't go thinking it's all about fish. The 'bistro menu' (available lunchtimes and early evenings) is a particularly appetising three-course affair, while the main menu is a step up; although the owners describe their food as 'simple', it's true to say that 'simple' is a relative word. Take an honest gazpacho starter, for example, with smoked bacon and toasted nori, plus roast garlic and parsley toasts – this is inventive stuff with flavour at the heart of everything. Salt-baked pineapple and salsa verde are an ideal foil to pig's head croquettes, while mains might bring cod fillet with taramasalata and smoked apple/dill dressing. Truffle and Parmesan chips luxe out a braised featherblade of beef, and there are regular daily specials to look out for as well. Desserts are a populist bunch ranging from strawberry pavlova (with melon and mint sorbet) to an exotic île flottante with rum custard and peanut brittle. There's also some good news for Liverpool's early birds: Wreckfish now serves breakfast at weekends and bank holiday Mondays (9am-11.30am); book a table or just turn up on spec. The wine list opens with house Spanish at £23, and everything is available by the glass; there are also half a dozen bottled beers covering Leeds to Bavaria.