For the ultimate foodie indulgence make for Guy Savoy, the three-star namesake restaurant of a French Master chef. There’s something about Savoy’s rich yet unique style – each dish develops as you devour it, taking you on a creative (and at time unexpected) culinary journey. Many of the remarkable dishes that make up the lunchtime degustation menu look like miniature works of art. Case in point, the carrot and lobster bisque hidden beneath a lace-like web of beetroot and flowers. With all the dishes constructed at your table, Guy Savoy makes theatre from food (and deserves a round of applause).

Similarly magnificent and history-drenched is Le Grand Véfour. Tucked away in an elegant corner of the Palais-Royal gardens, and once the coveted haunt of Victor Hugo, Sartre and Napoleon, this was the place to be seen during the Belle Époque and a site of political, artistic and culinary intrigue for over 200 years. The original interiors remain, with seats marked with the names of those who once called them their favourites (I had Maria Callas’, across the way from the spot once filled with Balzac).

And then there’s Angelina. Founded in 1903 by Austrian confectioner Antoine Rumpelmayer and named in honour of his daughter in law, Angelina has been the favourite meeting place of Parisian gourmets for over a century. The Belle Époque interior is the epitome of charm and refinement while their world famous hot chocolate (L’Africain – impossible to drink without a generous dollop of cream) and Mont Blanc (an intricate pastry made from a secret recipe) have attracted Coco Chanel, Proust and contemporary explorers keen to experience the Paris of yesteryear.

If you’re after a less formal, thoroughly French experience then Chez Janou, a mere amble from Place des Vosges, is for you. Always packed with clued-up, wine sipping locals, this time-forgotten venue serves up traditional provincial fare. Its real selling point is the chocolate mouse, which arrives at your table in a huge bowl, from which you serve yourself. Self-control, and booking ahead, is a must.

Or you could just wander the city’s ancient streets and flower filled gardens snaking on crepes, pastry or falafel (the pita falafel at Sarl Daphne is a must) and feel truly blissful. Food and France, what more could you want!

Inn the Park
Found in St James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in London, this elegant, calm and cozy haven offers up the most delectable peach and vanilla Bellini this side of Venice. Eco-friendly and architecturally fascinating (it seems to blend into its verdant surroundings), Inn the Park is part of the Peyton and Byrne restaurant group and is known for its innovative, seasonal dishes. Dedicated to showing off the finest British ingredients, meals are vibrant, artistically arranged and focus on individual flavours and textures. Just be sure to save room for dessert – the Eton mess will make you a fruity meringue convert.

The Jam Tree
If you’re after an authentic Chelsea gastro-pub experience (with a slightly spicy twist) make for The Jam Tree. Filled with miss-matched furniture, it rocks a ‘rule Britannia’ theme and not-so-secret garden. Leafy, blissful and filled with wooden furniture and locals keen to keep this hunt under wraps, hours pass here as you sip on their inventive collection of cocktails and dine on British fare with a Caribbean edge. Exotic yet oh-so London, this venue is cool, calm and sun ready.

Coq d’Argent
Perched high on a rooftop near Bank Station, Coq d’Argent offers a panoramic view of the City of London that’s sure to astound. This architecture filled vista (you can see all the way to the Shard) is accompanied by a delectable French-style menu and friendly staff who know their way around a wine list and help you feel, just a little, as if you’ve been transported to the opulence of Bordeaux – the indoor mahogany paneling and rich leather armchairs strengthen this inkling. The food is rich, flavoursome and lovingly prepared. Created from seasonable ingredients, lunch here is a contemporary culinary adventure.

The White Horse on Parson’s Green
When it comes to country-style pubs in the heart of London The White Horse on Parson’s Green excels. This chic yet inviting local haunt is packed year-round with post work visitors and flavor savvy diners. Drenched in sunlight in the summer months and elegantly warming in winter, dishes here are as English, hearty and fresh as they come. The pea soup is an absolute delight while the brownie and peanut butter ice cream dessert will leave you defeated yet feeling utterly blissful.

Maison Blanc
For something a little different grab a rug and basket and head north to Old-World Hampstead. Pay a visit to Maison Blanc, London’s French bakery specialist, and stock up on their colourful salads, sun-worthy smoothies, towering sandwiches and as many of their classic cakes and pastries as you can manage (be warned, these delectable creations are dangerously moreish). Then, armed with all the supplies you could possibly need, make for Hampstead Heath and indulge in a rather delicious continental picnic.

Happy summer dining – all you have to do now is to pray for a spot of London sun.

Ingredients for 4 persons
400g fresh hand-made linguini

2 round zucchini

20 squash flowers
4 slices of Parma ham (aged for 24 months)

olive oil

salt

pepper

fresh mint

Slice the zucchini coarsely and braise it in a large skillet with extra virgin olive oil, a lot of mint leaves, part of the ham and the squash flowers, cleaned and private of the base and the stalk. Meanwhile, boil water and cook the pasta for few minutes. Stir-fry the pasta with the dressing, add pepper and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan. Add on top of each plate a squash flower filled with ham and baked in the oven for 2 minutes in 200 degrees. Serve with fresh mint leaves and a drop of oil.