ENGLAND THE WEST END
13 Masala Zone, 9 Marshall St. (7287 9966). Tube: Oxford Circus. Masala Zone’s dramatically lit interior has a modern edge, but the food stems firmly from a South Indian tradition, with an emphasis on masala or spices. Typical favorites £5-6. Tapas-style “street food” £2.80-4.40. Open M-F noon-2:45pm and 5:30-1 lpm, Sa 12:30-3pm and 5-1 lpm, Su 12:30-3:30pm and 6-10:30pm. MCV.
I busaba eathai, 106-110 WardourSt. ( 7255 8686). Tube: Tottenham Court Rd. Wildly popular Thai eatery. Great food (£5-8) at shared tables in a cozy, wood-paneled room. Open M-Th noon-llpm, F-Sa noon-ll:30pm, Su noon-lOpm. AmExMCV.
13 Mo, 23 Heddon St. (7434 3999). Tube: Piccadilly Circus. A little piece of Morocco. Mix and match tapas-style dishes £6-7.50. Wash it down with sweet mint tea (£2). No reservations, but very popular-arrive early or late. Open M-W 1 lam-1 lpm, Th-Sa noon-midnight. AmExMCV.
Ophim, 139 Wardour St. (7434 9899; www.ophim.com). Sample the entrees, then get unlimited portions of whatever you like best. All-you-can-eat lunch £7.50. Dinner £13.50. Hookahs and red-tinted booths in downstairs lounge. Open daily noon-3pm and 5pm-midmght. AmExMCV.
Mr. Kong, 21 Lisle St. ( 7437 7341). You can’t go wrong at Mr. Kong. Deep-fried Mongolian lamb £6.50. Pig’s knuckles £9. £7 min. Open daily noon-3am. AmExMCV. Cafe Emm, 17 Frith St. ( 7437 0723). Generous portions in an unpretentious bistro setting. Entrees (£6-8) range from enormous salads to rump steak. Open M-Th noon-2:30pm and 5:30-10:30pm, F noon-2:30pm and 5-ll:30pm, Sa l-4pm and 5-11:30pm, Su l-4pm and 5-ll:30pm.
Itsu, 103 Wardour St. (7479 4794). The perfection of kaiten-sushi (conveyor-belt sushi) in a stylish retro-modern interior. Entrees and sushi £3-7. Expect to spend £15 a person. Open M-Th noon-llpm, F-Sa noon-midnight, Su l-10:30pm. AmExMCV. Gordon’s Wine Bar, 47 Villiers St. ( 7930 1408). Tube: Embankment or Charing Cross. The honeycomb of candle-lit vaults drips with atmosphere. Choose an entree, then pile it on from the self-serve salad bar for £7-9. Sherry and port from wood barrels £3 per glass. Wine £3.60. Open M-Sa llam-llpm, Su noon-lOpm. MCV (£10 min.). 0 Carluccio’s, St. Christopher’s PI. (7935 5927; www.carluccios.com). Tube: Bond St. Refined Italian cooking in a bright and bustling environment. Antipasti £4-7. Entrees £5-11. Sandwiches and calzone for takeaway £3-4. Open M-F 8am-llpm, Sa 10am-11pm, Su llam-lOpm. AmExMCV.
L’Autre, 5b Shepherd St. in Shepherd’s Market ( 7499 4680). Tube: Hyde Park Corner or Green Park. London’s only Polish-Mexican bistro. Polish fare £9-13. Mexican food £8-12. Open M-F noon-2pm and 5:30-10:30pm, Sa-Su 5:30-10:30pm. AmExMCV. Tamarind, 20 Queen St. ( 7629 3561). Tube: Green Park. 1 of only 2 Indian restaurants in the UK to receive a Michelin star, and the award-winning North Indian cuisine won’t break the bank. Vegetarian dishes start at £6. Kebabs £13-22. 3-course set lunch £16.50. Open M-Sa noon-2:45pm and 6-ll:15pm, Su 6-10:30pm. AmExMCV.
WESTMINSTER
Ei Goya, 34 Lupus St. ( 7976 5309). Tube: Pimlico. Corner bar where earnest Spanish waiters serve delicious tapas to a chattering crowd. Most tapas £4-5; 2-3 per person is enough. Open daily noon-11:30pm. AmExMCV.
