Cantonese
Cantonese cuisine, from Guangdong Province, is the Chinese style most familiar to Western palates, thanks to the region's many emigrants who set up restaurants around the globe.
The Cantonese roast duck at Four Seasons (12 Gerrard St, W1D 5PR; 020 7494 0870) is rightly famous throughout London and beyond -- the Financial Times once called its delicate balance of crisp, caramel skin and tender flesh the best roast duck in the world. There's a second branch next door and another close by on Wardour Street.
The interior here, like many joints in this part of town, is a little shabby and a little kitschy. Many seem to have changed little since the '70s or '80s -- which is part of the appeal.
For a more modern, upmarket experience, Plum Valley's slick, dark-wood interior may suit (20 Gerrard St, W1D 6JQ; 020 7494 4366).
Prices are pretty reasonable but some of the showier items -- such as the pan-grilled black cod with Champagne and honey (around $42) -- may leave your stomach as empty as your wallet.