Galvin Bistro de Luxe

Founded in 2005, this eatery brought the bistrots modernes philosophy to London, where it's now quite hip. Chef brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, one of whom held a Michelin-star, crafted a menu both affordable and sublime. Many dishes run in a traditional Gallic vein, such as soft-boiled gull eggs with celery salt and mustard cress, grilled blue-fin tuna with piperade and roasted artichokes, and a sweet soufflé of Gariguette strawberries. A refined, though friendly, crowd and pleasant, understated ambience further add to the appeal. TUBE: Baker Street