Restaurant Deals

Majou Vasaikar, formerly of Veeraswamy and Chutney Mary, brightens up Hammersmith's rather ugly King Street with his delicious mix of excellent Indian cuisine, crisp white table cloths and swift service. This, along with the River Cafe, are the only two restaurants in Hammersmith to be included in the Michelin Guide for 2006 and the critics certainly rate it highly. On the night we went it certainly lived up to - and even exceeded - expectations. A vegetarian thali - small metal bowls with a mix of dishes from smoked aubergine to spiced cauliflowers and peas, all mopped up with rice and nan bread - was delicious. The chicken jalfrezi also comes recommended and just the ride side of spicy. For summer (and smokers), there's also an outdoor area out the back. A delightful taste of India in Hammersmith and at reasonable prices too.

Brixton Market's Franco Manca has achieved legendary status over the past few years, serving rustic sourdough pizzas with fresh, simple but dynamic toppings, all baked in a wood burning brick oven shipped over from Naples. The seasonal menu remains the same at this Chiswick branch: six varieties of pizza, including the classic capers/olives/anchovy offering. There are often specials on the menu, such as an intriguing calzone/pizza hybrid with wild boar, ricotta and salami on one side and tomato, mozzarella and rocket on the other.