Recommendations for restaurants in London please

[KateandtheGirls]

I wasn't sure whether to post this under "Food" or "Travel.

Anyway, I'm coming to the UK for the summer. While we're there I'm going to go stay with my sister in London for a couple of days, without the kids. I'm looking for recommendations for a really nice restaurant to take her to. Last year we went to the River Cafe and loved it. Can anyone recommend any other places where we can get a great meal and, just as importantly, enjoy a civilised child-free evening?

Thanks in advance.

Oh dear, have boycotted chez bruce too on the strength of its service (I can get very curmudgeonly)! Food good though. Really like the bleeding heart.

Just thought of the Blue Print Cafe - another Conran restaurant, above the design museum at butlers wharf. Has lovely big windows which open right out looking over the river - again really nice in the summer.

Dh suggested going out after he gets back from a business trip next week - think he thought of a quick trip to a local up the road, but reading all of this makes me want to splash out - don't feel as if I've had a slap up night out for ages.

Manna, in Primrose Hill. Its all veggie/vegan, and cafe-ish by day, but really nice and atmospheric at night. The food is excellent, very good service.

mmm, loving this thread as FIL is over from Canada this weekend and we usually manage one slap up meal - The Chiswick and Maquis both closed leaves a big hole - (tho loving that Gourmet Burger Kitchen that has replaced the Chiswick, very family friendly Tootsie's alternative). No-one has mentioned Bush Bar and Grill, yes I know it's up the Bush but come on in the water's lovely, it's not in River Cafe league, but quite fun.

what's wrong with the service at chez bruce? i'm really keen to go again soon - have been foiled by pg fatigue and then by irritating non serious childhood ailment.

Ooooh I so agree about Chez Bruce, jumped up little twats in there. Think they are so great and the food isn't even all that.

We once got told off for laughing!! Wankers. Would never go there again.

i remember you saying that about chez bruce, cd. i suppose we have been lucky.

For me, splashing out is about the whole experience, not just the food, so I feel shortchanged if the service isn't up to scratch. I just thought that chez bruce was resting on its laurels - the food was good but the staff were too up themselves. Not saying that I want humble grovelling, just observant and attentive. Forgot this earlier, but loved Mirabelle too - service spot on and in the summer there's a courtyard.

God this reminds me of the days of being childless and with a disposable income!

OMG told off for laughing, sounds like a nice place.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Between my sister and I we decided to try Mirabelle. I'll report back and let you know how it was. To be honest, I'm not expecting as good a meal as we had last year at the River Cafe. That was one of the best meals I've ever head and the service was impeccable.