I know this will be hard for you veteran London travelers, but if your friend was going to London and only had time to eat at one restaurant, which one would you recommend?
How much money does the friend want to spend? That would be the first question I'd ask of myself if I was going back - what's my budget for this meal?
I know it may seem strange, but my favorite place is in China Town. It's called Top of the Town and has a lovely decor and GREAT food!!!
The Bull & Last Gastropub across from the Parliament Hill entrance to the Hampstead Heath. Not stuffy or pretentious, good ales, fresh ingredients. Not somewhere you'd initially believe you find such wonderful food.
City Barge or Bulls Head pubs on the Thames side path at Strand on the Green, on a Summer Sunday afternoon. A bit easier to get to: The Dove at Hammersmith riverside
Well, If it were my friend, I'd want them to try something a bit traditional and that would be Simpsons In The Strand.
Well, if budget were no object, I'd choose one of the Michelin-starred restaurants like The Ledbury or Gordon Ramsay.