VIBE

This laidback tapas/wine bar + breakfast spot turns out eclectic I-never-would-have-thought-of-that cuisine. The relaxed, friendly space (all polished wood, creamy walls, sunny bay windows, and high-boy communal tables) works equally well as designer breakfast joint as it does comfy evening watering hole. Despite the sensational response Tapa Room has garnered from mega foodies, it remains coolly unpretentious (though it has become increasingly crowded).

CROWD

Foodies, well-heeled Marylebone locals, savvy hipsters, and lunching execs

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Go trendy casual–hip label jeans or skirt, the latest cool boots, and a cute top.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Pacific Fusion fare is complex, creative, and always delish–great for a relaxed meal with foodie friends.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

We’d give a bit more elbow room and cheer up the grim servers.

GOOD TO KNOW

Since they don’t take reservations, turn up early to avoid loooong waits. (If you want to ensure you get a table, try the upstairs, more formal sister restaurant The Providores, which does take bookings.) The main reason behind the lines: the kitchen is manned by celeb Kiwi chef Peter Gordon, who brings in plenty of potent Pacific influences picked up in his native country–the creative eats are something along the lines of "best-of-British gastropub meets haute Asian fusion."

OTHER LOCATIONS

The Providores (London)

CLOSEST COMPS

Moro (London)

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