La Trompette

From the same stable as the Glasshouse in Kew and Wandsworth's Chez Bruce (see entries), La Trompette is the sort of high-achieving neighbourhood restaurant that adds palpable value to its postcode. Tucked discreetly behind a low hedge, there is a distinct gloss to this upmarket venue: on fine days diners spill out onto cosmopolitan pavement tables; inside, are cosseting wooden floors and ceiling panels, and coffee leather banquettes that ooze understated style. Of course, the food is the big draw here, produced by a kitchen team whose exemplary technique never seems to miss a beat. Dishes have a distinct southern French accent, and are put together with intelligent, finely-balanced creativity - nothing flashy, just spot-on flavours in intuitive combinations. Roast scallops with white bean purée, squid, chorizo and garlic wafers shows the style, or you might start with exemplary pasta in a braised rabbit raviolo with mashed parsnips, honey and rosemary. Mains can be as full-blooded as slow-roasted pork belly and sausage with choucroute, leek, and gratin dauphinoise, or as light as loin of pollock with broccoli, brown shrimps, mashed potato and garlic velouté. Dessert could be a classic crème brûlée given an extra dimension by the addition of prunes and Armagnac, or chocolate fondant with rum-poached banana and coconut sorbet.