Chelsea, International Restaurant Guide

A Chelsea mainstay since the days of the Sloane Ranger Handbook, this backstreet gastroboozer is “fantastic for business lunches but also brilliant for fun socialising”. Its food scores are up again this year.

A “great sunny terrace” for warm weather adds to the appeal of this art-hung space – part of the impressive former barracks housing the Saatchi Gallery and a handy all-day dining (and afternoon tea) venue near Sloane Square. No-one suggests the food here will set the world on fire, however.

“No pretensions but amazing value and large portions” of “inexpensive, honest comfort food” make this Italian-run greasy spoon on the King’s Road a useful option in pricey Chelsea (“workers’ caff by day, restaurant by night”). Top Tip: where else can you still find a three-course set menu for £9.95?

Ian and Richard Livingstone, the team behind Chewton Glen and Cliveden have taken over the management of the swish 11 Cadogan Gardens hotel in Chelsea (formerly operated as a club). After refurbishment, the hotel will re-open with a new restaurant: watch this space.