Open all day, 7 days a week, this chic and elegant Soho dining room offers delicious locally sourced British cuisine.  The Dean Street Townhouse is a 39 room boutique hotel, and its dining room is a great place to stop before or after the theatre or anytime for a terrific breakfast, lunch or dinner.

In a charming setting with exposed brickwork, a tin ceiling and Victorian tiled floors, buzzing Polpo serves small plates of delicious Venetian and Italian specialties.  And in a serendipitous coincidence, the 18th century building that houses the restaurant was once the home of the Venetian painter Canaletto. Given it’s location in Soho near Piccadilly Circus,  it’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post-theatre dinner. There is a reasonable wine list, and the staff is quite charming and helpful. And even if it’s not Italian, don’t miss Mark Hix’s excellent smoked salmon. Favorites: cuttlefish in its own ink; mushroom piadine; bigoli with anchovies; mussels and clams; grilled zucchini; honey semi-freddo (served in an ice cream cone).

This modern 91-room hotel is located on a quiet enclave in bustling Soho near the West End theatres and not far from the elegant shops of Bond Street and Mayfair. The bathrooms are especially nice with both a shower stall and tub, and there is a state-of-the-art gym, and spa and beauty services. The on-site restaurant Refuel serves a contemporary international menu, and the Crimson Bar is perfect for people-watching and socializing.

Very popular studio for yoga, massage and pilates (note that English pilates is very different from American pilates) with excellent teachers and a wide range of classes.  

This Brussels chain has expanded to London with several branches serving delicious breads, organic salads, and hot and cold entrees. While they don’t take bookings, it’s worth a wait for a seat at one of the lively communal tables.

Sleek modern spot with counter seating for dim sum – a good option for a reasonably priced pre-or post-theatre supper. Check the website for other locations throughout London.

A dynamic contemporary space, modeled on the original branch in Milan, Princi sells delicious stylish Italian fast food. It’s always busy and there’s no table survice – customers get their food at a counter and find their own seating.  To stave off hunger, there’s pizza, salads, breads and pastries and hot dishes like osso buco, lasagne or beef stew.  It’s a beautiful space, and you can eat relatively inexpensively.

Located in the heart of Soho, this lively, sophisticated grill restaurant is recently under new management. If you like first-class ingredients simply served and don’t mind the cost, it’s definitely worth a try.

The owner of Wagamama, the very popular London chain, has opened this sleek, sophisticated teahouse and dim sum parlor. The first floor is for tea and a tempting array of French pastries, and downstairs is devoted to dim sum. The food is delicious and the setting tres chic. It’s a terrific addition to bustling Soho.