For a while, Blakes was my home-away-from-home in London before I got a flat. It is a super-chic design hotel, but comfortable and sexy. It is perfect for a romantic trip.

The Hempel Hotel
31-35 Craven Hill Gardens
London W2 3EA
+44 (0)20 7298 9000
www.the-hempel.co.uk

I have been to the Hempel a few times and really responded to its clean, modern feeling. It is in a cool part of London, a bit off the beaten track and it faces a lovely garden. It’s contemporary and minimal, perfect if that is your vibe.

The Berkeley
Wilton Place
Knightsbridge
London SW1X 7RL
+44 (0)20 7235 6000
www.the-berkeley.co.uk

The Berkeley is my favorite proper, grown-up hotel in London. It is done beautifully and has brilliant services. There is a pool on the roof that opens on sunny days. Right in the center of London (and my old street), this is perfect for the discerning business traveler.

J Sheekey
28-31 St. Martin’s Court
London WC2N 4AL
+44 (0)20 7240 2565
www.j-sheekey.co.uk

When I did a play in London in 2002, I think I ate at Sheekey every night after the show. Incredibly fresh fish, old school British vibe.

Chisou
4 Princes Street
London W1B 2LE
+44 (0)20 7629 5255
www.chisou.co.uk

This is a gem that hasn’t been included in many guidebooks. The Japanese food is impeccable, very traditional and delicious. The spinach salad with spicy shrimp is so good that I usually order two. Also check out Chisou To Go right next door: their fabulous and less expensive lunch spot. Sushi, salads and noodles.

Zuma, in the past few years, has unquestionably become one of London’s best restaurants. The nouvelle Japanese dishes knock your socks off and the sushi chef, Endo, makes the best sushi I have ever had in my life — and believe me, I’ve had a lot. It has a clubby vibe and can get very busy and noisy, but I would sustain almost anything to eat this food.

Locanda Locatelli
8 Seymour Street
London W1H 7JZ
+44 (0)20 7935 9088
www.locandalocatelli.com

Locanda guarantees a perfect grown up night out. The room is quiet but very comfortable. The food is light, imaginative and seasonal Italian. Giorgio Locatelli is a real innovator. It is here that I run into London’s most fabulous.

I’m going to pull the trigger and declare this restaurant as my absolute favorite in London at the moment. It is based on the restaurant of the same name in Nice, so the food has a very southern French soul. Plates come small and to share, so you get a taste of many beautiful dishes. The starters include salads and fish carpaccios that are heaven sent. For the main course, the fish is always perfect, the macaroni with truffles is to die for, and the black leg roasted chicken is so good I started eating chicken again. But make sure you order it when you sit down and order drinks: it takes about an hour and twenty minutes, but it’s well worth the wait.

Amaya
Halkin Arcade
Motcomb Street
London SW1X 8JT
+44 (0)020 7823 1166
www.amaya.biz

Amaya is a delish Indian spot in the heart of Belgravia on charming Motcomb Street. Indian food in London is famous anyway, but Amaya is my favorite. Most of the dishes are grilled so you get all of the layered Indian flavors, but in a lighter way. I love the tandoori prawns, the grilled fishes, the duck and grilled broccoli (amazing, who knew?).

La Poule au Pot
231 Ebury Street
London SW1W 8UT
+44 (0)20 7730 7763

Idyllic little French restaurant in Chelsea. Romantic atmosphere and authentic French food that isn’t ridiculously priced.

Wagamama
11 Jamestown Road
London NW1 7BW
+44 (0)20 7428 0800
www.wagamama.com

Despite this being a chain restaurant, I love getting take-away from this place when I’m on the run. Miso soup, fried shrimp, rice bowls and fresh juices made at the juice bar, it hits the spot.

The River Café
Rainville Road
London W6
+44 (0)20 7386 4200
www.rivercafe.co.uk

This place hardly needs an introduction. It is a landmark among restaurants everywhere. I am always inspired by the food that Ruthie and Rose cook, and their ability to make cucina rustica so simple and so perfect. It has been recently renovated and now has a chef’s table in a private area. Also, it’s a perfect spot on a sunny day for Sunday lunch as it’s right on the Thames (bring the kids!).

Made in Italy
249 King’s Road
London SW3 5EL
+44 (0)20 7352 1880

This noisy, crowded pizza place in Chelsea makes perfect, fresh pizza from wood-burning ovens. I used to live very near and would go before or after the cinema, which is down the street.

If you happen to be wandering through Spitalfields Market, make sure you stop into this innovative and lively restaurant. The menu constantly changes with seasonally available ingredients.

Yauatcha
15 Broadwick Street
London W1F 0DL
+44 (0)20 7494 8888

Dim sum is one of my favorite foods but never before have I had it from a place that takes cuisine so seriously. Each dumpling is more delicious than the next, and the Peking spring rolls are not to be missed.

The Wells Tavern
30 Well Walk
London NW3 1BX
+44 (0)20 7794 3785
www.thewellshampstead.co.uk

Hampstead is as charming as it gets with its little streets and chocolate box houses. At the top of the hill sits this lovely gastropub. Great atmosphere and affordable, which in London is like finding the Holy Grail.

The Grenadier
18 Wilton Row
London SW1X 7NR
+44 (0)20 7235 3074

My favorite pub in London. I used to live in the crescent that this pub sits behind. It is tucked away in a cobblestone mews and it has great beer and a fireplace.

Primrose Hill is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of London. The houses are painted in lovely Easter egg colors and the shops are very good. On one of the prettiest corners sits The Engineer, which serves great ales and good, modern British cuisine.