This is a sponsored article on behalf of St James's London.
If you've been missing the simple pleasures of dining out in recent months, get yourself down to St James's to make up for lost time.
The central London neighbourhood is awash with drinking and dining destinations covering a range of cuisines, whether you're after a fancy meal, a quick bite, or a cosy drink.
If you're missing the flavours of Italy, the tastes of Japan, or even somewhere further afield, head to St James's to reunite with your favourite international dishes.
Italophiles have plenty of options, from the rich, regional dishes served at Angela Hartnett's Cafe Murano, to the traditional meals cooked up at Franco's on Jermyn Street — established over 70 years ago and believed to be one of the first Italian restaurants in London. Al Duca offers modern twists on Italian classics, and carb fans would do well with one of the wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas at 'O ver in St James's Market.
Modern Indian bistro Farzi Café handles your spice needs, while Ginza Onodera specialises in authentic Japanese sushi, teppanyaki and robata dishes, served alongside one of the most extensive Sake menus in London. Alternatively, you can watch your sushi and sashimi dishes being made before your eyes at Sake No Hana's sushi bar.
Michelin-starred Ikoyi serves up West-African cuisine with an ever-changing set menu, and a bar serving drinks that have been designed to pair with the food, while next door Aquavit represents the best of the Nordic countries. Meanwhile fine dining Chinese restaurant Imperial Treasure offers a variety of live seafood with a choice of cooking styles, and its popular signature dish, Beijing-style roasted duck (advance ordering required).
So that's the international foodies catered for in St James's, but what about those looking for some traditional British glamour when dining out? Iconic Piccadilly hotels The Wolseley and The Ritz are both ideal for special occasions. The Ritz Restaurant is a masterclass in elegance, where you can indulge in a Michelin-starred British menu surrounded by sparkling chandeliers and marble pillars, while The Wolseley is a more relaxed but equally special venue, modelled on the Grand Cafés of Europe.
As for that oh-so-British tradition of afternoon tea, you're spoiled for choice. Again, The Ritz is a classic, with live harp and piano music to accompany your scones, while Fortnum & Mason has been serving tea since 1926. The Wolseley and Maison Assouline both offer their own take on the delicate classic.
Whatever your cuisine of choice, wash it down with a drink or two at one of the area's many bars. DUKES Bar, best known for being the place Ian Fleming came up with the catchphrase 'shaken, not stirred', has a cocktail menu fit for James Bond himself, served in plush settings. Oenophiles are well catered for at wine bar and merchant Pall Mall Fine Wine, and Berry Bros. & Rudd, the oldest wine and spirits merchant in the country.
St James's is ideally located close to Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Squared and Green Park, making it an ideal refuelling point after a day out exploring London's sights or hitting its many independent shops, while its myriad eating and drinking options make it a foodie destination well worth a visit.
If that's all got your mouth watering, take a look at the St James's website for details of all drinking and dining options in the area, and find your new favourite restaurant, or rediscover a classic.
