The Portrait Restaurant is gem of a restaurant hidden on the top floor of the National Portrait Gallery, with views over Nelson’s Column, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.

I have dined here on many an occasion and it has always been a charming affair. The food is excellent, they management revolves the head chef every month, bringing them in from France and Italy and sometimes seconding them from other London restaurants. The wine list is certainly up to scratch  and the restaurant lends itself to just meeting for a drink and a snack at the bar or a full two-hour set lunch. The views are extraordinary, you feel you are getting a privileged look of a working London skyline, rather than a tourist photo opp.

The restaurant  opens for Breakfast, Lunch, Tea and Dinner, so you are spoilt for choice. Prices are reasonable for London, my last Lunch there, just main courses, came in at £79 for 2 but that included a bottle of wine. The set menus are more reasonable and itis ideal location for  a pre-theatre dinner or a Sunday Lunch.

I strongly advise making a reservation and arrive at least 15 minutes early, as if you have not been there before, you will need to negotiate the maze of stairs, escalators and lifts required to get to this hidden gem.

You’ll find the Portrait Gallery on the 3rd floor of the National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Place, London WC2H,

Well worth it.