Temple to gastronomy

The Gordon Ramsay empire continues to expand, but even with the increasing television workload and the seemingly annual addition of yet more restaurants, head office in Chelsea continues to be packed.

Thankfully, the prices are not as high as you might fear for such Michelin-endorsed gastronomy.

As ever, the set lunch is a bargain and well worth any detour - as long as you can get a booking.

The menu here evolves gently.

On the main menu, look out for a ravioli of lobster and langoustine poached in a lobster bisque and served with a lemongrass and chervil velouté; or a carpaccio of pigeon from Bresse with shavings of confit foie gras, baby artichokes and a Parmesan salad - this is a stunning dish of unusual delicacy; or caramelised slices of pig's foot with veal sweetbreads and a celeriac rémoulade and a salad of green beans - as robust and delicious as you could wish for.

And those are just starters! Mains intrigue: fillet of turbot poached in red wine with radicchio and celeriac risotto; saddle of Scottish venison with creamed cabbage, beetroot fondant and sautéed wild mushrooms.

Even the desserts fascinate - hot chocolate fondant with milk mousse and ice cream.

To order successfully here, just pick a dish or an ingredient you like and see how it arrives; you won't be disappointed.

They claim that reservations can only be made a month in advance.

So you must either book ahead or at the last minute.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HP