London is a paradise for lovers of great food with over 6,000 restaurants to choose from. Sample cuisine from over 50 countries or visit one of 36 Michelin-starred restaurants. And if that doesn't whet your appetite there's always fresh, reliable fish 'n' chips close on hand.

Lunch is normally served between1200-1400 and restaurants and cafes will be at their busiest between these hours. Many restaurants serve an all-day menu particularly in central London and near major attractions. Eating times in the evening vary. Restaurants usually open at 1800 with busiest times between 2000-2200, and booking is recommended particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Soho is the eating out hub of London , with restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, however many areas of London offer specific cuisine as well as great value. East London's Brick Lane has been renamed ' Banglatown ', there's Chinatown in the West End and Southall, in West London, is the heart of London's Punjabi community and a great place to eat out.

Stoke Newington is known for its Turkish restaurants and delicatessens, while Edgware Road is the place to go for Lebanese and North African cuisine. New Malden in South London is home to Korean eateries, and the Portuguese community serves up fantastic food in Vauxhall.

Throughout the city, restaurants such as Café Rouge , TGI Fridays , Spaghetti House and Bella Pasta offer good value menus in a child-friendly atmosphere.

Vegetarian options are widely available. Carnevale in central London serves Mediterranean dishes with unusual oriental twists or try " Food for Thought" for delicious veggie meals and snacks at great prices.

Some of the world's finest restaurants are in London , though dinner here will not come cheap. However, there are plenty of places to go to for really cheap eats in the city where a hearty meal can be yours for under £10. It is just a case of knowing where to go.

Pre- and post-theatre menus offer a cheaper alternative to choosing à la carte from the main menu and are widely available throughout central London particularly around The Strand and Shaftesbury Avenue .

But if you are planning to indulge yourself with a gastronomic blowout but don't want to carry around hefty quantities of sterling, the majority of places will take major credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and Amex.

Service is discretionary at most restaurants and cafes but it is common to see a service charge included on your bill. This is usually a charge of ten to fifteen per cent of the total meal cost. Normally you should, of course, pay service but you don't pay over the odds.