The ten best places to eat Australasian

The Zetter

The Zetter

Typically pitched as an Italian restaurant, The Zetter nevertheless betrays its antipodean influences: ricotta pancakes and sweetcorn fritters on the breakfast menu, lamingtons (an Australian sponge cake) for afternoon tea, and date and custard tart for pud. Co-owner Michael Benyan was born in Australia, while chef Megan Jones, formerly of Moro, hails from New Zealand.

The Zetter, 86-88 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1, tel: 020 7324 4455. www.thezetter.com

Smiths of Smithfield

Now hosting new-generation Masterchef, Australian-born John Torode is also in charge of the kitchens at multi-layered Smiths of Smithfield. What's Australian about this venue? Offering fried salt and pepper squid alongside Greek meatballs on the bar menu, or pitching Thai duck and papaya salad next to gnocchi with gorgonzola and rocket.

Smiths of Smithfield, 67-77 Charterhouse Street, London EC1, tel: 020 7251 7950. www.smithsofsmithfield.com

The Providores and Tapa Room

An icon in his home country, New Zealand-born chef Peter Gordon shares the Providores and Tapa Room kitchen with Anna Hansen, whose family moved to New Zealand when she was a baby. Their fusion menus make an eye-opening read, yet the myriad ingredients are brilliantly combined with skill and flair.

The Providores and Tapa Room, 109 Marylebone High Street, London, W1, tel: 020 7935 6175. www.theprovidores.co.uk

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

Antipodeans see no reason why "fast" food can't be top-quality, so while the Aberdeen Angus may come from Scotland, authenticity of this New Zealand burger joint is spot-on. No surprise that chef Peter Gordon consults on the menu. Those milkshakes are just like the ones you'll get Down Under, too.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen, 44 Northcote Road, London SW11, tel: 020 7228 3309.

Other branches in Bayswater, Chiswick, Fulham, Putney and West Hampstead.

Café at Petersham Nurseries

It takes an Australian to look at a garden shed and see an opportunity for fine dining. Chef Skye Gyngell walked into Petersham Nursery just after it opened and was so inspired she volunteered to run a café on-site. Expect delectable cakes and mains such as lamb with celeriac, fennel and roast tomato jam.

Petersham Nurseries, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey, tel: 020 8940 5230. www.petershamnursuries.co.uk

The Grocer

Small world, isn't it? The founders of the Grocers on Elgin and Warwick, Vivienne Hayman and Ashley Sumner, founded it with chef Peter Gordon of the original Sugar Club in Wellington, New Zealand. They then famously transposed it to London in 1995. Fortunately they didn't lose their appreciation of all-day casual dining en route.

The Grocer On 6 Elgin Crescent, London W11, tel: 020 7221 3844. Also at 21 Warwick Street, London W1, tel: 020 7437 7776.

Eight Over Eight

Restaurateur Will Ricker has been hailed as the Prince of Pacific Rim, but the menu at this latest venue, and siblings in his small chain, would more accurately be described as pan-Asian. The Aussie ingredients are the relaxed sense of chic, and funky minimalist design by Melbourne-boy Chris Connell.

Eight Over Eight, London SW3, tel: 020 7349 9934.

Walkabout Pubs

Since the recent closure of Osia in Haymarket, the best place to sample Australia's indigenous ingredients such as lemon myrtle, mountain pepper, Kakadu plum and bush tomato is this sporting pub chain with branches nationwide. Opt for beef, chicken or barramundi if you can't bring yourself to order kangaroo and crocodile.

Walkabout Pub, 58 Shepherds Bush Green, London W12, tel: 020 8740 433. Other branches throughout London. www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/show.shtml/807

Outback Steakhouse

Don't be fooled by the Australian theme - this thriving international restaurant group is based in Tampa, Florida. The most antipodean thing about it is the dry wit of the UK website address. Still, Outback wins plaudits for its reasonably priced food served with a "g'day" in a family-friendly environment.

Outback Steakhouse, Broadway Plaza, 220 Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham, tel: 0121 455 0403. www.outback.com. Other branches in Basildon, Cambridge, Enfield, Romford, Staines, Stevenage and Wandsworth.

Square Pie Company

You don't have to trek to the original Square Pie kiosk at Spitalfields to enjoy the company's considered take on the True Blue pie. London's Social Bar, Selfridges and Virgin Upper Class are among the converts. Steak and cheese pie hails from New Zealand. The menu boasts Caribbean, Indian and Mediterranean flavours, too.

Square Pie Company, Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1, tel: 020 7377 1114. Also at 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14, tel: 020 7512 9990.