An absolutely delightful Italian restaurant, this airy feeling room is a real boon to the InterContinental London Park Lane's guests. Star chef Theo Randall who made his mark at the River Cafe serves up both the traditional (yes there is a buffalo mozzarella salad, his served with broadbeans, rocket and pecorino fresco) and the more unusual (we liked the smoked eel with beetroots, mache and fresh horseradish) dishes done in such a fashion that one can easily have several courses without feeling overwhelmed. While it seems that every restaurant in town prattles on about their use of seasonal ingredients (er, isn't that what's at market anyway?), it seems to actually hold true here. Randall scours his choices for delicate textures and tastes, such as British peas in summer, and doesn't overwhelm the ingredients with cream or sauce. Standouts include the cappeletti di carciofi e vitello (a fresh pasta stuffed with slow- cooked veal, artichokes and pancetta, done with just enough brothy taste) and the panna cotta (created with the perfect blend of moscato, fruit and creamy texture.) At noon one can find both business lunches taking place as well as casual diners who just couldn't resist the prix fixe menu (at £18 for two courses and £23 for three, it's a foodie's dream come true and possibly the best deal in London for such a delicate meal.) p.s. watch out for the glass door on the way in - many a person has been known to walk straight into the panel - but if you stand there awhile, it slides open.

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