Indonesian: Bali Bali

150 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 Tel: 7836 2644

The Ibrahim brothers have been running this restaurant since 1987 (I think). The cuisine is the most authentic outside Indonesia - don't wuss out and order the same old Nasi Goreng: ask the nice staff what they recommend. You won't be disappointed.

Indian: The Palms of Goa

4 Meard Street, W1 Tel: 7439 3509

Real south Indian dishes, served by real south Indian people. Pumpkin curry, crab curry, proper tandoori (not red and icky), and gut-busting thalis are all excellent.

Patisserie: Maison Bertaux

28 Greek Street W1D 5DQ Tel: 7437 6007

By far the UK's oldest patisserie, Maison Bertaux is the perfect antidote to all the glass, wood and steel of the nineties. The cakes and savouries are gorgeous and the staff are authentic human beings. Michele Wade - the owner - is an angel, Johanne plays a mean accordion and Metin writes, directs and performs plays in the upstairs tea-room. This is the heart of Soho.

Coffee and Tea: The Algerian Coffee Store

Old Compton Street W1

I still don't know what the 'Algerian' refers to, but if you want the best coffee and tea, go here.

Delicatessen: I Camisa

Old Compton Street W1

Please, please don't buy Italian food in supermarkets. Shop here once and you'll always want the best.

Chinese: Yming

35-36 Greek Street WiD 5DL Tel: 7734 2721

Nothing like the cuisine to be found in Chinatown - Yming specialises in authentic northern Chinese dishes. Both Alistair Little and Jay Rayner agree that this is seriously good stuff.

Much more to come soon. If you have any recommendations for more great places in the area, drop us a line at rec@spicejazz.co.uk