SOUTH KENSINGTON. This unique hotel eatery serves a tempting sampling of Asian-influenced fare. Many of the artistically planned dishes are also tinged with European culinary influences ­ a harmonious, if not scintillating, feat of East-meets-West. The interior matches the cuisine stride for stride, juxtaposing modern, Eastern-inspired artwork and decor with tables traditionally appointed with white linens, silver, and fresh-cut flowers. TUBE: South Kensington or Gloucester Road

SOHO. Widely regarded as one of Soho's more intriguing dining options ­ reflected in the always-lengthy queues to get in - Busaba offers a stark change of pace from the other Soho establishments. The dining room features a pronounced minimalist scheme, with dark wood paneling and benches, slatted blinds, and paper-shaded pendants. The menu features delicious fare for patrons-on-the-move, including noodle dishes, curries, rice entrees, pad thai, and delicacies like char-grilled swordfish. Seated together at big, sharing tables, you might find yourself striking up conversation with the stranger next to you. TUBE: Tottenham Court Road

GOLDERS GREEN. This restaurant serves some of London's best sushi. So, while fabric-draped ceilings and comfortable surroundings are pleasant, they take a backseat to the authentic, innovative menu. Dishes include sushi, deep-fried scorpion fish, and shrimp tempura. In addition, the set dinner menu offers terrific sampling at great prices. You'll get several starters, a broad assortment of sushi, and your choice of main dish, not to mention an elaborate ice cream-based dessert. TUBE: Golders Green

SOUTHWARK. Although the dining room looks more like a modern Asian art gallery than a restaurant, this gem never fails to earn kudos for its Malay-influenced fare. The decor straddles the exotic and the chic, featuring colorful tribal masks, imported Buddha statues, and beautiful flower arrangements. The food, too, displays a creative approach in dishes such as roasted honey-glazed frog's legs, and Chinese lotus leaf stuffed with rice and salted duck egg. For the grand finale, try the burnt sugar and banana cake with dark chocolate cardamom ice cream. Two-course prix fixe £23.50, three-course £27.90. TUBE: London Bridge

BATTERSEA. Hidden away in a quiet neighborhood west of Battersea Park, this restaurant seems to reach far beyond the southern banks of the Thames, thanks to impeccable Pacific Rim cuisine and contemporary decor. Featured entrees include steamed crab and ginger black shao mai with tom yum sauce, springbok steak with roast borrotane onion and bacon mash, and steamed tiger prawns with aubergine curry in banana leaf. A handful of vegetarian options is available as well. RAIL: Clapham Junction