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Where to eat: Quick lunch at Canary Wharf
By Charles Campion, Evening Standard 11.06.09
Leon
This chain has grown comfortable with its image as the “acceptable face of fast food”. The dishes stray towards being worthy but never quite get there. Prices are keen and the “Superfood” salads and wraps seldom disappoint.
Leon, Promenade Level, Cabot Place West, E14 (020 7719 6200, www.leonrestaurants.co.uk)
Curve
For a restaurant marooned in a chain hotel, Curve does a pretty good job of asserting its individuality. The à la carte menu concentrates on seafood but there is a cheeky little “Three in One” lunch deal that changes daily — this offers three small courses for £9.50, for example clam chowder (pictured, left) followed by grilled sausage and mash then carrot cake.
Curve, London Marriott, West India Quay, 22 Hertsmere Road, E14 (020 7517 2808, www.marriott.co.uk)
Royal China
You would expect a restaurant group with many branches to adapt their offer to suit the Wharf but not a bit of it. The E14 branch offers much the same rather good dim sum as at the other restaurants, the only difference being a view of the river. Order the roast pork puffs.
Royal China, Westferry Circus, E14 (020 7719 0888, www.royalchinagroup.co.uk)
Plateau
A grown-up restaurant with a top-notch view. If you can choose to take lunch after the rush, best wait until 3pm when the menu de jour kicks in. Dishes change daily but you get two courses for £15 and three for £17. There's also a special, low-priced deal accessible via the Top Table website.
Plateau, 16-19 Canada Square, E14 (020 7715 7100, www.dandlondon.com)
Carluccio's
The formula here is to serve sound Italian food at competitive prices and this branch has the advantage of having a large dining area. Nevertheless, it's still awesomely busy — if time is at a premium, aim to visit before the lunch rush.
Carluccio's, 2 Reuters Plaza, E14 (020 7719 1749, www.carluccios.com)
