King | vertigo | San Francisco | New York

dining
city spice, moderate, 011-44-207-247-1012. of all of the indian restaurants along brick lane, in what they call banglatown, we find city spice to be the most authentic. well, foodwise, at least (the decor is a little too contempo to truly transport you). in fact, the menu includes dishes like shahi chingri bhuna (a tandoori- and karahi-baked king prawn concoction that was once served to mogul emperors) that you likely won't find anywhere else in england.

isola del sole, moderate, 011-44-208-785-9962. if it's a romantic supper you seek, look to the italians. specifically, massimo usai and susanna ­mattana, whose menu of dreamy sardinian specialties will have you cheering "that's amore!"
vertigo 42, moderate, 011-44-207-877-7842. if the line for the london eye is too long, check out the view from this classy eatery perched atop tower 42. as you peruse the panorama spread out before you, nosh on light bites like cream of cauliflower soup and tiger-prawn salad.

attractions
chinatown. san francisco's got one. new york does, too. but london? yep, hard off leicester square is london's own chinatown, a cultural enclave that's ideal for a little window shopping, exotic snacking, and people watching (especially if you happen upon a spirited game of chinese chess; we've yet to figure out how it's played!).

the london dungeon, 011-44-207-403-7221. madame tussauds this ain't. sure, it's got the lifelike historical figures, but this house of wax takes it a step further, with heart-stopping shows and special effects celebrating only the city's most ghoulish characters (jack the ripper) and goriest events (the bubonic plague).