The shine may have come off E&O since its heady early opening, but this pan-Asian eatery still packs in the punters.

E&O is considered to be one of the templates for pan-Asian cuisine in the capital, the black cod competing with Nobu in plaudits from food reviewers. The chili squid is sublime, as are the dim sum and various other gastronomic delights. Meanwhile, the minimalist front bar is open to non-diners and whips up divine cocktails, helping it retain the buzz of its early years. The bar and waitstaff are informal but respectful, having cultivated the magnanimous knack of remembering returning faces.

No longer a destination restaurant, E&O is still a trusted favourite that promises to hit the spot. Celebrities are a fickle bunch and many of the A-list regulars, rock stars and supermodels have found new pastures in which to graze. On the odd occasion though, you can still count on the old school to show face: Salman Rushdie loves the restaurant so much that he commissions it to cater his private dinner parties at home (conveniently, just around the corner). Meanwhile, Mick Jagger often makes an appearance with his 9-foot girlfriend.