London has overtaken Paris as the culinary capital of Europe, according to a new guide.

The city's restaurants not only serve better food, but offer better service and more reasonable prices than their French counterparts, according to Zagat London Restaurants.

The guide, based on a global survey of thousands of diners, found London beat Paris for food satisfaction and service. The average meal in London also cost nearly £5 less.

Tim Zagat, co-founder of the guide, said: "London is ahead of Paris and deservedly so. London has been improving for many, many years and has a great deal more diversity.

"Paris is very good at French cuisine obviously but after that it gets limited. In terms of service, at the high end Paris is great but when you get into the little standard places it's not so good."

London's top restaurant, according to the guide, is Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea. The capital's most popular restaurant is Wagamama, the Ritz has the top decor and Alain Ducasse's The Dorchester was the best newcomer.

• Zagat London Restaurants 2009 is out this week.

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