London Bayswater

La Bottega del Gelato, 127 Bayswater Rd. ( 020 7243 2443) Simply put, this gelato, made in-store, is divine. La Bottega Del Gelato fills the hole in the London ice cream scene with a variety of delicious flavors. Enjoy it outside on Bayswater Rd. in their seating area; even in the heart of the city, this gelato will make you feel like you're on a quiet street in Roma. The Ferrero Rocher is especially good. Bayswater. Right onto Queensway, follow it until you hit Bayswater Rd. 1 scoop £2, 2 scoops £3.50, 3 scoops £4.50; milkshakes £3.50. Hours change depending on weather, but the store opens daily 10:30am. Air conditioned. No wheelchair access. Has internet.

Aphrodite Taverna, 15 Hereford Rd. (020 7229 2206; www.aphroditerestaurant.co.uk) Decorated with statues of Aphrodite and a few inexplicable pineapples, Aphrodite Taverna serves up fantastic Greek food at prices that even recession-era Greece can't beat! Too soon? Let's hope not. Come and enjoy a meal of chicken kofta with rice (£5.90) or homemade pita (£4.50), and relax as power pop pipes through the store speakers. Bayswater. Left onto Queensway, left onto Moscow Rd., right onto Hereford toward Westbourne Grove. Entrees £5.50-6.80. Open daily 8am-5pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

Durbar Restaurant, 24 Hereford Rd. ( 020 7727 1947 ; www.durbartandoori.co.uk ) An authentically Indian interior complements the warm smells from the kitchen of Durbar, where the same family has served Indian specialties for the last 54 years. A popular Indian restaurant before Indian restaurants were popular, it has the history and accolades to back it. The menu ranges across India with a collection of favorites and some unexpected dishes. Be sure to try one of the 13 varieties of bread baked fresh daily. Bayswater. Left onto Queensway, left onto Moscow Rd., right onto Hereford toward Westbourne Grove. Tikka £6.95. Open M-Th noon-2:30pm and 5:30-11:30pm, F 5:30-11:30pm, Sa-Su noon-2:30pm and 5:30-11:30pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

Khan's Restaurant 13-15 Westbourne Grove (020 7727 5420; www.khansrestaurant.com ) Dine among the faux palm trees at this affordable Indian restaurant. Nearly 35 years old, this family-run joint serves the traditional tandoori specialties (chicken tikka £5.80) as well as other popular Indian dishes. Bayswater. Left onto Queensway until you hit Westbourne Grove. Entrees around £4.50-5.80. Open M-Th noon-2:45pm and 6-11:45pm, F-Su noon-11:45pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

The Bathurst Deli, 3 Bathurst St. (020 7262 1888) Despite its outrageous orange and green exterior, the Bathurst Deli still manages an authentic deli experience. With a friendly staff serving up lasagna, quiches, cannoli, and toasted sandwiches you can get a good, affordable meal at this down-to-earth eatery. Lancaster Gate. Take a left onto Westbourne St. and a right onto Banhurst St. Lasagna, quiche, and cannoli £2.20, toasted sandwiches £4-5. Open M-Sa 7am-11pm, Su 8am-11pm. Takes credit cards.

Cafes And Specialty Shops

La Bottega del Gelato, 127 Bayswater Rd. (☎ 020 7243 2443; www.labottegadelgelato.com), Queensway. Armed with over 50 flavors of creamy handmade gelato, La Bottega is not for the indecisive. Try the ...more