Pearl Liang, Alisan and Hunan, London

There are as many differing approaches to service in Chinese restaurants as there are dim sum dishes on their menus, writes Nicholas Lander

• 34, London

Think Noma, but closer

The owner and chef of The Sportsman have made it their mission to cook only with local ingredients, writes Nicholas Lander

A French family affair: Le Central, Roanne

At this café-épicerie the owners have tailored the experience to suit the customer rather than themselves, writes Nicholas Lander

San Sebastián, Spain

Nicholas Lander banishes some bad New Year memories with a return visit to the restaurants and tapas bars of San Sebastian in northern Spain

The Russians are coming – for lunch

The country’s restaurateurs – including rivals Andrey Dellos and Arkady Novikov – are placing big bets in London, Zurich and New York, writes Nicholas Lander

The most generous helpings

The huge impact that good wine and food can have on a charitable event will be appreciated by anyone who has been involved in one, says Nicholas Lander

The delectable dozen: best restaurants of 2011

The strength of the creator’s personality seems to distinguish those places that Nicholas Lander finds most appealing from the others

A breeze-block beauty

Great food and great fun greet Nicholas Lander at Roberta’s in Brooklyn and Daniel on E 65th street as he surveys New York’s restaurant scene

The French-Cambodian connection

The old curiosity shop – and café

First bite of the Big Apple

Modesty will get you everywhere

Fresh and wild

When Ferran Adrià came for dinner

The bodega bunch

Under starter’s orders

Steak out

Hot on the trail