Have to meet my boyfriend's parents for dinner in London. Not too fancy, nor too casual. Probably not something very ethnic or scary. Definitely not expensive. But not too worried about the area of town. They're sweet people who aren't used to big cities. <BR><BR>I could have and have searched, but was hoping there'd be someone with exactly the place in mind. <BR><BR>A thousand thanks

Where are you based in London and the Parents ...whee are they staying. This will narrow it down for people.

I agree w/ Siobhan - in what part of town are you and/or the folks staying? There are hundreds of restaurants in London that would fit your requirements. So help us narrow things down a bit . . . .

I was asking as I occasionally go to London to visit some friends and we always go out for our lunch and dinner. Cafe rouge is a chain that is not too expensive and offers a bit of everything (supposedy french style) I am a veggie and found lots there to have as welll as steaks chicken etc. I was in the one beside covent garden last time. But really you can meet in an area and just choose from the menu's outside. The food in London is a good standard and I feel similar to NY. Lots of wonderful cafes and restaurants.

Sorry to take time replying, they're staying in Kings Cross, but would be able to take a cab into town, maybe a little bit west or SW. I was hoping for something posher than Cafe Rouge, really - though thanks for the suggestion.

There's a nice French restaurant called Cafe Delancey just between Camden Town and Mornington Crescent tube stations - it's on Delancey Street. Not too far from King's Cross at all.<BR><BR>In that same area, nearer to Mornington Crescent is a nice tapas place called El Parador - don't know if that counts as too ethnic. Perhaps.<BR><BR>Chains such as Ask Pizza, Cafe Rouge etc are also nice - not too fancy but I don't think too casual either...

Depending on what you mean by too expensive - I also like Circus in Picaddilly Circus area - it's a clean elegant decor - but not so minimalist as to be stark. I really enjoy the food there and service has always been friendly.<BR><BR>The best value is the pre theatre menu which comes in at 15 for 3 courses (don't let that fool you into thinking this is some cheap crappy place). I've also dined from the a la carte menu which is more expensive but not outrageous.<BR><BR>The staff here are always happy to fax menus for you to look at, on request.