Nice restaurant, central London?

[minxthemanx]

Am meeting an old pen friend, haven't seen each other for 20 years, in London nect Friday night. Trying to think of somewhere to eat - as my trips to London involve kids & Pizza Express, I'm a bit out of the loop. Any recommendations - central/embankment,traf sqaure area? Not TOO pricey. Looked at National Gallery restaurant but only open till 8. Any thoughts?

Ate at St John yesterday and thought food was FABULOUS. Wrong area though...

The Criterion in Piccadily is lovely.

Wahaca in Covent Garden is very nice. You have to queue for a table but you wait in the bar and they do lovely cocktails.