This elegant Thai restaurant is a welcome surprise amid the scruffiness of Soho, with tables of chic diners who would be more at home in Mayfair.

The interior is truly beautiful; the door is flanked by huge pots of orchids and you step into a jewel box of a room with carved palm wood pillars, soft lighting, ethnic carvings and banquettes covered in red-sink.

The focal point of the room is an ornate miniature teak palace with lacquer and gold leaf but, despite the visual appeal, the food is what makes Patara a destination restaurant; fragrant, skilful, delicious cooking, which demonstrates that Thai food is one of the world's great cuisines.
A la carte, £ 95 for two.