Top Fives: Restaurant imports

There are those who believe London is the centre of the restaurant universe. But restaurants start elsewhere, too - it's true.

1. Mju

Tetsuya Wakuda hails from Australia, no really, where he's been heaped with laurels for his evolved Japanese food, including decadent bite-sized portions of the likes of lobster carpaccio with foie gras.
Millennium Knightsbridge, 17 Sloane Street SW1. Tel: 020 7201 6330. Tube: Sloane Square

2. Asia de Cuba

A bizarre concept fusing Chinese and Cuban cooking, inexplicably successful in New York and Los Angeles. Stunning, Philippe Starck interior and far-too-gorgeous staff belie some awesomely ill-advised cooking.
St Martin's Lane Hotel, 45 St Martin's Lane WC1. Tel: 020 7300 5500. Tube: Leicester Square

3. Nobu

From the original in New York; this is the minimalist canteen of the superrich and the superfashion-victim. Disappointingly, the food is so gorgeous you can't even accuse it of being the Emperor's New Clothes.
Metropolitan Hotel, 19 Old Park Lane W1. Tel: 020 7447 4747. Tube: Hyde Park Corner

4. Chor Bizarre

Just like the parent in New Delhi, this nouveau-Indian is crammed with antiques from the subcontinent - all for sale. The food is equally elaborate, with many regional specialties and plenty of choice for vegetarians.
16 Albemarle Street W1. Tel: 020 7629 9802. Tube: Green Park

5. Vong

Thai/French fusion - think foie gras with lemongrass - from pioneering èmigrè Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Gloriously studied presentation, Eastern design sensibility, lots of rich American diners.
Berkeley Hotel, Wilton Place SW1. Tel: 020 7235 1010. Tube: Knightsbridge