Wild Honey in Mayfair is lovely, classic and safe... great food and atmosphere. https://www.wildhoneyrestaurant.co.uk/ 

Also, I'm desperate to check out HIDE. The chef is Ollie Dabbous and I went to his earlier restaurant "Dabbous" which was amazing. He uses local, organic products in simple yet hugely exciting dishes. I haven't been to HIDE but if it is anything like Dabbous, it will be amazing! http://www.hide.co.uk/ollie

Also, not central but Chez Bruce in Wandsworth is always a winner!

 

Bombay Bustle if they like Indian food - super stylish, great food and atmosphere. 

I'm still a fan of the OXO tower. Food very good although occasionally not amazing but the views of London are always fab. Lovely atmosphere although only ever been Thursday / Fri / Sat so not sure about earlier in the week.

Also a fan of Brindisa in Soho. Good fun place and food always great.

Have a lovely evening.

TPTP

[quote]The Ivy used to be a good bet too - always good for star spotting - but I think it's gone off the boil a bit in terms of being special since they opened so many branches.[/quote]
I so so so agree.

Used to be special now it feels like a Jamie's Italian

Yauatcha is a posh dim sum place. The food is delicious (especially the puddings - the chocolate pebble is just about the best desert ever) and the Soho branch is very buzzy and snazzy. I went there for my birthday last year with my family and we all loved it. I seem to remember the loos alone were worth the trip!

The Ivy used to be a good bet too - always good for star spotting - but I think it's gone off the boil a bit in terms of being special since they opened so many branches.

Second for the Wolsey.

Polpo in Covent Garden is great food but not posh

I love Brindisa in Soho. It's tapas and gorgeous.

Simpsons on the Strand is also wonderful. Very old school and posh.





 

The Wolseley is always good.

https://www.thewolseley.com/ 

Am taking a good friend out for dinner to mark a very significant birthday and would like to go somewhere special that manages to be fun and buzzy, without being formal and fancy or too young and hip! Delicious food also important! Central London. Would be grateful for any ideas.