“A girl knows she’s being spoilt” at this Covent Garden “haven” – the survey’s No. 1 romantic choice – where for full effect you must sit in the “magical back conservatory, which is second-to-none for a date”. Service is “charming and courteous” and the cooking “delicious”, if arguably eclipsed by the “massive tome” of a wine list.

“It should be a national monument!” – Corbin & King’s “tremendously atmospheric” (“mildly cacophonous”) European Grand Café by the Ritz has become a “perennial” linchpin of “glamorous” London life (“there’s always at least one A-list celeb eating at a nearby table!”). It’s the “fun and the buzz” that set it apart, however – the large Mittel-European menu is “very adaptable” but decidedly “not exciting” (even if “it does the best breakfast in town, bar none!”)

Michel Roux’s “iconic” Mayfair bastion (est 1967, by his father Albert) provides a “flawless and indulgent” treat, wherein “psychic” staff deliver “elegant” French cuisine and a “wine-lover’s” list “full of gems”. That the basement setting looks “a little dated” is all part of the traditional charm, and the main man’s regular presence helps underpin “a truly magnificent experience”. Top Tip – “the best value set lunch ever”.

“Set in the hustle and bustle of Theatreland” – down a cute alleyway – this “star-studded”, “old-school” legend (est 1896, but dating its current celebrity to a late ’90s relaunch) is yet again London’s most talked-about destination. Nowadays owned by Richard Caring, it beat its sibling Scott’s to another crown: “the capital’s top seafood” (in particular “the world’s best fish pie”), which is “immaculately” served in a series of “old-fashioned, panelled rooms” – “noisy and crowded”, but superbly “clubby” and “charismatic”.

“Ringing the doorbell adds to the special feel” of a trip to Alexis Gauthier’s “beautiful, plush and quiet” Georgian townhouse, in the heart of Soho. But while it “oozes romance and decadence”, it’s firstand- foremost a gastronomic experience, with “unbelievably slick” service and some of London’s best French cooking – “seasonal, classically based, and superb in taste and presentation”. Top Menu Tip – leave space for the “always wonderful” signature Louis IV chocolate praline dessert.

“Sooooo smooth, soooo suave” – this “effortless” ’80s brasserie tucked away behind the Ritz has always “eschewed culinary heights”, and even if its “classy comfort food” is a tad less excellent under Richard Caring’s ownership, it’s “the front of house staff and overall buzz which make it so special”.

“A good reason to live in Chiswick!” – this “dream local” is a worthy sibling to Chez Bruce, that’s “well worth the trek to W4” for its “exemplary” classic cooking and “quiet wow factor”; a tiny minority, however, quibble that it’s “not quite as special as prior to the extension” (a couple of years ago).

“Brett Graham simply doesn’t falter” at this “utterly brilliant” Notting Hill champion – yet again London’s No. 1 foodie address thanks to his “adventurous” culinary creations “perfectly executed with panache”. The “muted luxury” of the room is all part of an experience combining “subtle understated elegance, and care given to every detail”.

“Amazingly consistent over the years, and still in a league of its own” – this “mad busy”, but “laid back and friendly” Exmouth Market favourite “still retains its zing”, serving “inventive riffs on Spanish/North African dishes” showcasing “clear, clean flavours”, and “an exciting wine list” that’s “particularly strong on sherries”; “it’s still too noisy”, though.