Café Blanc
Awash in white and turquoise and with crockery and artworks from Levantine artisans, this is one of the most relaxing and chic Lebanese restaurants in town. Named after the refreshing hot drink traditionally imbibed after a Lebanese meal, the food is both true to its heritage yet inventive, and we could pick our way through their pillowy bread and juicy grills for hours on end.
Location Next to New Look, ground floor
Timing Daily 10am-11pm (weekends until midnight)
Tel 04 434 2731

Carluccio’s
The mushroom pasta at this chic Italian chain is one of our ultimate comfort foods: the warm, buttery pappardelle and the four types of sage-flavoured mushrooms (patron chef Antonio Carluccio is famous for his love of funghi) make for a mouthwatering experience. Other faves – and the list is extensive! – are the wood-fired pizzas and the gooey, runny, rich chocolate fondant. We’ve just made ourselves very hungry thinking
about it all. The restaurant sources fresh ingredients – many straight from Italy – and sells an array of products in their deli. Next time you need truffle butter, this is your place.
Location On the Marina opposite Waitrose
Timing Daily 9am-midnight
Tel 04 399 7844

Noodle Factory
This pan-Asian spot serves up the greatest hits from the continent and the tick-box-style menu means we tend to over-order in a big way! We like the Fried rice, or Nasi goreng, the Udon noodles with lemongrass and chicken and the naughty but nice Duck spring rolls.
Location On the Marina opposite Waitrose
Timing Daily 11.30am-11.30pm
Tel 04 434 2701

By Gemma White and Nyree McFarlane, Scene

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