Three of London's designer restaurants

ES Magazine
29 May 2009

Princi
135 Wardour Street, W1
(020 7478 8888; princi.co.uk)

What Alan Yau opened this famous Milanese bakery in London six months ago. It was designed by Claudio Silvestrin who likes to give informal dining a minimal, sophisticated look. With self-service, communal tables and a wide range of snacks, this is a great pit-stop for the peckish.
Order We loved the cannoli pastries.
Costs Under £10.
Best time to go Any time you're hungry; it's open from 7am until midnight.
Rating 8/10

Cha Cha Moon
Whiteley's, 151 Queensway, W2
(020 7792 0088; chachamoon.com)

What The second branch of this stylish noodle joint opened in February. The interior is by Japanese designer Kengo Kuma, who stayed true to his bamboo signature style, plastering the ceiling with it. Prices are extremely affordable: this is crunch-munch dining at its finest.
Order Singapore fried noodles are Yau's 'anchor dish'.
Costs Around £10 for a meal and a drink.
Best time to go Grab a quick dinner during the week.
Rating 7/10

Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place, W1
(020 7927 7000; hakkasan.com)

What 'Bring the dragon back' was Christian Liaigre's brief for this Michelin-starred restaurant. There's lots of incense, dark wood, bronze statues and a menu that goes on forever.
Order The dim sum lunch menu is a real treat, as is the stir-fried black pepper rib-eye beef merlot and the fried soft-shell crab.
Costs Dim sum from £13 to £30; à la carte about £65 per person.
Best time to go Lunchtime, any day.