Restaurants in the City and East End

Aurora
Modern European

Aurora’s sheer elegance reflects its heritage as a station hotel dining room, recapturing the golden age of dining before an intrepid train journey. Warm hues, from the stained-glass dome, flood the Victorian vaulted space that Conran has so lovingly brought back to life. The menu changes to reflect the seasons. Expect delightful dishes like Jerusalem artichoke, braised ox cheek or grilled plaice.
Great Eastern Hotel, Liverpool Street, EC2
Tel. 020 7618 7000

Barcelona Tapas Bar
Spanish

With its striking décor, and big glass windows, this Spanish Tapas Bar isn’t going to be intimidated by its powerful office block surroundings. In the heart of the city, it does attract the businessman clientele, but with such a variety of tapas fillings and great wine list it is little wonder. Watch out for the prices, though, you can end up spending more than you intend.
15 St Botolph Street (entrance in Middlesex Street)
Tel. 020 7377 5222

Moro
Spanish/North Africa
A popular addition to the restaurant scene, Moro consistently serves praiseworthy food – Spanish classics in the main, with a twist. Although its stark interior may not be to your taste, heart-warming dishes more than make up for its minimalist décor. The tapas menu allows you to sample dishes from £2.50-£5.50.
34 Exmouth Market, EC1
Tel. 020 7833 8336

St John
British
Tourists in search of real British cooking should brave St John. Don’t let the names of dishes put you off – duck gizzard, pig’s head or pigeon and celeriac. This is traditional, if somewhat endearingly old-fashioned British cooking at its most pure. The whitewashed interiors are appropriately reminiscent of London’s meat market opposite (Smithfields). Fish dishes available for the squeamish!
26 St John Street, EC1
Tel. 020 7251 0848