Chambar

Unpretentious fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere
Noteworthy for: Belgian owners, chef Nico and wife Karri, hold cooking classes during the day. See the venue's webpage for details.

Popular plate: The Kurobuta pork tenderloin and sherry vinaigrette is delectable.
Tipple of choice: There's a great selection of bottled Belgian beers. Take your pick.

This elegant yet cozy restaurant strives to demystify the concept of fine dining by offering an exciting and diverse menu in the comfortable surrounds of a European-style bistro. It's not often you can sit up on a stool and play chess with the barman over a sablefish bouillabaisse or Arctic carpaccio, but that's how informal this place is (though you will need to book ahead on weekends).

The interior is simple, with small, square tables, romantic lighting and original art on the otherwise bare walls. There's nothing simple about the food, though; everything is inventive and delicious from the octopus tapas and coconut mussels to the divine Belgian cheesecake. The prices won't break the bank, either.