If you could only eat one meal in London...

[livetoeat]

and price was not a consideration, where would it be (for the food quality)? And why?

[MollyChow]

Either one of Jamie Oliver's places - Covey G or Oxford are both delicious... or a portobella mushroom burger from Byron - simple, cheap and amazingly delicious!!!!

[cbell167]

Agree with most of the suggestions below (Ledbury, Square, Le Gavroche - really stuffy but can't argue with the fantastic French food, St. John's is good if you want a British meal and don't mind eating offal, Launceston Place is great too. Places like Barrafina, Royal China, Great Queen Street are all recommended as well but certainly not if you have just one meal in London. The best place I've ever been to is Viajante though - its a bit on the molecular gastronomy side but the food is amazing and its really an experience - its in Bethnal Green though which can be a hike depending on where you're staying.

[HypedUp]

Marcus Wareing. The guy and his team are phenomenal.

[hollow_legs]

Yashin Sushi in Kensington - I've never been as it's so expensive but I've heard nothing but rave reviews. Otherwise, definitely the Ledbury - I've been three times this year and it's been nothing short of excellent.

[Ibrahim.Salha]

Yashin's full omakase is expensive, but you can do well for yourself at lunch there. The salmon and ikura don for around 15 pounds, with salad and miso soup is a bit of a bargain, for the quality.

[Simon]

St. John...easy choice...second choice: maybe Great Queen Street...

[davew666]

queen street is superb. Only eaten there once, but on that go I'd put it above St john

[michaelstl]

The Ledbury.

[boomzdaddy]

My g/f and I went to Jamie Oliver's Fifteen in London (the restaurant with the course meal), we expected it to be really good but it ended up being both of our's favorite dining experience. Everything we had ordered on the course menu was exceptional

[helen b]

Launceston Place, Ledbury or the lunch deal at Le Gavroche.

If you can travel (an hour and a half by train and cab) the Sportsman at Seasalter.

[Paula76]

Dim Sum at Royal China for me. I have not been able to find dim sum (let alone of the top-notch kind) anywhere else in the South (where I live).

[abby d]

barrafina is my favourite option these days. the food is great and i like the atmosphere/style of the place. a late lunch with slow grazing through into the afternoon would be blissful.

[Al Toon]

Le Gavroche for me. It might be old school in some ways, but the food is superb and front of house has always been immaculate when I've been there. Magnificent wine list with prices to match.

[dustbuddy]

Agree - must be the best wine list in London which is a serious consideration if you are only eating one meal (although the OP's requirements are noted)

[Nancy S.]

The Ledbury or The Square. At both, you will have impeccably prepared food and excellent service.

[alexthepink]

I'm with Nancy all the way!