Recently in London Category

Headed to London's financial district on business? You've probably already figured out that The Park Lane Hotel is the closest Starwood property to The City. Here are a few new places to continue your business over dinner:

• L'Anima is a beautiful new Italian restaurant that's sure to impress with its minimalist space and lusciously modern dishes.

• The very popular Le Bouchon has opened a second location, Le Bouchon Breton, near Spitalfields Market just this month. Early reviews show its youth, but if you're looking for something traditional yet new, here's your place. The steaks are excellent.

• Hix Oyster & Chop House updates the classic London chop house and nails it — which means it may be tough to get a reservation.

• One place not to go is the recently opened Bel Canto. It's not that the food's not good — but it may be hard doing business in between opera-singing servers.

The Belgravia neighborhood of London is posh. The Sheraton Belgravia counters the neighborhood vibe with informal luxury and an air of relaxed refinement. It's only fitting, then, to recommend nearby restaurants that match its attitude. The obvious answer is Motcombs, a modern English restaurant and bar (pictured) in the heart of the neighborhood. It's quite popular with locals and London celebrities, but you'll never feel like an outsider. (You might also visit its sister restaurant, Bow Wine Vaults, near St. Paul's Cathedral.)

For a treat, see if you can find your way to The Grenadier, a classic English pub with a history: it was once the officers' mess for the Duke of Wellington. The pub is hidden on a side street (called a "mews") and even boasts its own ghost story. Order beef Wellington (of course) and, if you're in the mood, one of their legendary Bloody Marys.

I usually focus on restaurants that stand out in a particular city — the cream of the crop, or regional specialties. Sometimes, though, you just want a quick and easy meal to refuel in the middle of a busy day. Chain and fast food restaurants typically fill that role in the States, but what about overseas? How do you know what fast food joint is worth trying, and which to avoid? In this occasional series, "Fast Bites," I'll point out a couple indigenous chains and fast food options that are reliable options for a good meal on the go.

First stop, London! Say you're staying at Le Méridien Piccadilly. Here are some spots to watch for, all within a mile or so of the hotel:

• Carluccio's was started by one of the pioneers of Italian food in the UK, and the commitment to the cuisine shines through even as the chain has grown to 34 locations. Try the best-selling penne giardiniera, topped with deep-fried spinach balls.

• Masala Zone is a good, affordable option for Indian. Mixed platters called "thali" are the best best deals, giving you plenty of food with a range of flavors. The atmosphere is clean and kid-friendly.

• Looking for a burger? Look no further than Gourmet Burger Kitchen, which offers up more than two dozen varieties. The beef comes from grass-fed Scotch Aberdeen-Angus cattle and they're piled high with toppings from avocado bacon to thai red curry and grilled pineapple.

By far the biggest chain on this list (180 locations in the UK and elsewhere) is Nando's, but it's hardly McDonald's. Here you'll find Portuguese-style roast chicken seasoned with your choice of sauces, from mild lemon herb to extra hot, plus two sides. Their signature "peri-peri sauce" can be addictive — fortunately, it's available bottled.