Ambassade de l'Ile

You'll find Michelin starred French cuisine by Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex at this London outpost of his two star l'Auberge de l'Ile on l'Ile Barbe in Lyons. He's something of a celebrity in his hometown - l'Ile Barbe is a sovereign state and JC is the honorary governor of the island. After training as a chef, his early work took him to Pierre Orsi in Lyon and Philippe Million in Albertville from where, in the mid 1980s, he became the personal chef to Christina Onassis. With this South Kensington restaurant, opened in July 2008 and awarded the Michelin star just seven months later, he has taken over the distinctive Edwardian building where Lundum's used to be. Once inside, however, there's nothing old fashioned in sight. White leather seating and white table cloths contrast with the dark surroundings - deep purple walls and ceiling, dark floors. The menu too is nouvelle with dishes like mille-feuille of organic Scottish salmon and black radish served with lime whipped cream, arranged artfully on the plate. All good things comes at a price, of course, and at £18 for a starter, these prices may well make your eyes water.