Strada - Highgate

Although a fair-sized chain, Strada manages to retain the feel of a neighbourhood Italian restaurant. Probably because each restaurant is individually designed, though all share certain common features such as burgundy banquette seating and nice staff.

A one-off, this Highgate branch has kept many of the original features of the listed building it occupies. Slower-paced than its West End siblings, its buzzy without being manic - apart from at weekends when its packed.

On the menu are pastas, risottos and 'house' specialty, scrummy wood-fired pizzas, but the bestsellers by far are the meat and fish grills (very healthy, very Highgate). Regulars are wealthy locals, George Michael and Les Dennis among them, who stick to their 'usual' table.