RIBA Cafe & Restaurant

A far cry from the institutional gloom of some corporate dining rooms, this restaurant boasts inspiring proportions & fine interiors – no surprise, given that it’s on the first floor of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). High ceilings & full-length windows create a vaulted, airy feel & there’s a dignified murmur to the place. The menu makes classy reading, too, moving from black-leg chicken tortellini, via chargrilled whole plaice dressed with anchovy vinaigrette to blood-orange tart with a mandarin sorbet. The smaller café area shares its menu with the ‘wonderful’ rooftop patio – a ‘great lunch spot’ if you fancy slow-cooked duck egg on asparagus or roast pork in a floury roll with apple compote; alternatively, browse the cake counter & pick your favourite slice for a quick getaway.