For eating on expenses
1 Lombard Street
There’s a bit of theatre to be had if you order a tartare at this City institution — in the 1776 dining room, they’ll make it tableside. Plus you get to choose what it’s made from: fallow deer (when in season), Scottish steak, or even tuna or salmon (£18-£24). There are also classic dishes to share such as Dover sole or a T-bone.
1 Lombard Street, EC3 (020 7929 6611; 1lombardstreet.com)
For discovering sherry
Bar pepito
This dinky bar, hidden in a courtyard off Caledonian Road, is a temple to sherries and the foods that go with them. The filete tartaro is a lightly smoked version of steak tartare (£14.50), which gives it an amazingly deep flavour, and it pairs perfectly with a glass of Palo Cortado sherry.
3 Varnishers Yard, The Regent’s Quarter, N1 (020 7841 7331; barpepito.co.uk)
For romancing
Little Social
If you fancy some exceptionally well-cooked French bistro-style food with an occasional twist, this is the place for you. It’s cosy and romantic without seeming at all themey. Begin with a Paloma Faith cocktail (£12) and then start the meal with steak tartare (£13), made with plenty of capers and served with excellent, just-charred bread.
5 Pollen Street, W1 (020 7870 3730; littlesocial.co.uk)
* All photographs by Steven Joyce
