Modern British: Oxo Tower

You pay for the view, and on a beautiful summer's day there's little to touch it. Do your best to get a table on the terrace overhanging the Thames and lunch al fresco. The food is fine, but being an outpost of Harvey Nichols is rather more style than substance. It's also pretty pricey, and you're best off with the set three course lunch which is a reasonable price and gives a decent choice. Oxo Tower, Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street SE1 (020 7803 3888)

Modern Euro: Brasserie Rocque

A smart restaurant where you can book and a slightly less smart brasserie where you can’t - both in the Broadgate Development, overlooking the ice-rink. Both have tables outside in the summer, but you’ll be lucky to get one at the brasserie unless you arrive very early. Food at both is good, but the real plus is sitting watching the world go by. A two course lunch for two in the brasserie with a couple of glasses of wine comes to around the £50 mark (so good for friends or parents). A full spread in the main restaurant with a decent bottle won't leave much change out of £100 (so wait till the firm or a client is paying). 37 Broadgate Circle EC2 (020 7638 7919)

Classy French: Le Cafe du Marche

Centrally located near Smithfield Market, this quaint restaurant is hidden away down a cobbled alleyway. The theme is provincial French, the decor is simple and attractive and the short menu is consistently excellent. It's a delight to walk into such an unpretentious, laid-back and charming restaurant. It consistently gets a good press, so it would be wise to book well in advance. Expect to pay around £90 for a full lunch for two. 22 Charterhouse Square, Smithfields EC1 (020 7608 1609)

Expensive: Coq d’Argent

Clients only this one - three courses with a decent bottle costs well over £100 for two. One of Conran’s latest eateries, this is in a spectacular building round the corner from the Bank of England and the Stock Exchange. There is a splendid terrace overlooking the Mansion House where you can knock back a couple of pre-lunch glasses of champagne and admire the view. The cooking, as in most Conran restaurants, is decent enough without being anything to write home about. You pay for the view and the design.1 Poultry EC2 (020 7395 5000)