Knife

Walk into Knife and you'll find yourself in a no-nonsense dining room where they're not trying too hard—which is precisely the point. This is Clapham's steakhouse, and it does what it does without the theatrical bollocks: good meat, decent wine, staff who know what they're talking about. You're sitting elbow-to-elbow with your neighbours, probably discussing what you've ordered, which is half the charm. The cooking is straightforward and honest, letting the quality of the beef speak for itself rather than burying it under unnecessary sauces. It's the kind of place you find yourself recommending to mates because it consistently delivers, without the Mayfair price tag.