The Open Guide to London: the free London guide

Petch Sayam is a charming and attractive Thai restaurant on Leytonstone High Road. The food and its presentation are excellent. The portions are deceptive: at first, I thought they were small, but this proved to be quite wrong (I emerged very satisfied). Main courses will set you back in the region of £5-£6. To the restaurant's credit, in addition to the normal menu there's also a completely separate menu for vegetarians.

The interior decor is intricate, ornate and beautiful, a highlight being the remarkable hand-carved wooden tabletops depicting Thai scenes. Low lighting and gentle traditional music gives dining at Petch Sayam a peaceful and relaxing feel. A gem on an otherwise mostly moribund street.