Le Caprice

Bar one disappointed diner who claims to loathe everything about Le Caprice, the rest of London remains in its spell – no small achievement as it’s now well into its third decade in business. Granted, the dated setting – Habitat-style chairs & slatted blinds circa 1980 – is distinctly lacking in sex appeal, but the buzzy atmosphere, slick service, mover-&-shaker clientele & consistently good food create a ‘magical’ setting. Just as at its sister restaurant The Ivy, this is not the place to come for culinary innovation; rather the likes of eggs Benedict, salmon fishcake, calf’s liver & sticky toffee pudding deliver comfort by the bucketload. Perching on a stool at the bar remains one of the best places for shameless solitary indulgences or last-minute bookings &, despite the restaurant’s glitzy reputation, a meal here is surprisingly affordable. Just don’t expect to be allowed to linger.