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A vegan restaurant with an extensive menu of raw food creeping its way into the Top 50? You’d better believe it. Saf confounds the usual expectations of a ‘health food’ restaurant by combining cocktail bar and cool design with beautiful dishes which go far beyond the usual salad bar stereotypes. ‘Cheese’ is made from pressed nuts; breads are made without baking. Nothing looks quite as you’d expect. And in case you’re wondering, no, the food isn’t served cold. The raw ‘pizza’ in particular is a triumph – though we’d not try feeding it to a Neapolitan.

When to go :
When fancy trying something different – very different. The beetroot ‘ravioli’ – if only to marvel at how pretty it looks.

Address :
152-154 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3AT (7613 0007). Old St tube/rail.
Website :

In a prêt-a-manger world, Yotam Ottolenghi’s flagship Islington café stands out with its compelling philosophy. Perhaps its aim to achieve ‘haute couture’ status in the culinary world can seem haughty, but their sober manifesto is counterbalanced by the reality – an exciting space showcasing dishes of explosive flavours and vibrant colours, served in a convivial environment. Expect plenty of bold ingredients with a Mediterranean slant – pomegranates, lemon, pistachio – used to great, and often surprising, effect.

When to go :
Whenever you want a special treat in Islington. Anything that catches your eye from the colourful array.
Address :

287 Upper St, N1 2TZ (7288 1454).
Website :
http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/

Fronted by the world’s most acclaimed Thai chef, Australian David Thompson (although he spends most of his time in Bangkok), Nahm's standards are very high even in his absence. The Thai dishes are imaginative, and unusual ingredients abound; shards of banana blossom, logans, and grilled chilli jam can appear in unexpected places. Despite this, the balance of flavours – salt, sweet, bitter, chilli heat – is always correct, in the Thai way. Nahm’s expensive and the room a bit insipid, but the cooking is star attraction here.

When to go :
Lunch is great value. Vegetarians are particularly well-catered for, with an extensive menu of interesting dishes.
Address :

The Halkin, Halkin St, SW1X 7DJ (7333 1234). Hyde Park.
Website :

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the launch of Alan Yau’s Thai fast food restaurant – and yet it’s still remarkably kept up with the times. And here’s to at least another decade: Yau secured an equity investment of £21.5 million in summer 2008, which could mean the chain could grow to 20-30 sibling branches in the next five years. That’s a lot of pad Thais. But what has ensured Busaba’s longevity are not only the tried-and-trusted dishes so loved by Londoners (green chicken curry, satay, tom yum soup), but the more unusual dishes which you won’t on the usual roll-call of the Thai top 50.

: When to go
With a friend or two for for an off-peak lunch/dinner. Anything you’ve not heard of before.

22 Store St, WC1E 7DS (7299 7900). Goodge St tube.
: Website
http://www.busaba.com/

The vegetarian food here is immensely satisfying, with wonderfully fresh produce pepped up with splashes of inspiration. The menu, which usually features a daily soup, quiche/tart, casserole or moussaka, draws in flavours from around the globe. From Jamaican curry to a Roman-style vegetable stew, it’s all good, and served in generous portions. Don’t forget to try their its ‘scrunches’ – raspberry or strawberry depending on the season – cream, fresh fruit and crunchy oats.

When to go :
When you don’t mind the crush for a great value feed. The hot stews and curries are perfect for the season, packed with flavoursome veg (such as juicy aubergines and parsnips).
Address :

31 Neal St, WC2H 9PR (7836 9072). Covent Garden.
Website :

Sagar is a humble Indian vegetarian restaurant in Hammersmith which charges very modest prices for exemplary cooking. It showcases the dishes of the southern state of Karnataka, and the coastal, temple town of Udipi in particular. It cleverly recreates the layered, delicate flavours of the area from the excellent, crisp dosais which are ideal for dipping into soupy sambar (made from lentils sharpened with perky tamarind and softened aubergine). Spicing tends to be mellow rather than fiery, seasoned with curry leaves and peppy mustard seeds.

When to go :
After visiting The Lyric. The thali set meals, or the dosais are all reliably good.

Address :
157 King St, W6 9JT (8741 8563). Hammersmith.
Info :
http://www.qype.co.uk/place/93126-Sagar-Restaurant-London
Website :
http://www.sagarrestaurant.com/