Telephone: 020-7499 9999

Address: 48-49 St James's Street, SW1

All-in-one cocktail bar, restaurant and nightclub, Aura uses its deep basement premises to its advantage. A rope and bouncer at ground level are the first hint of the joint's vaguely louche ambience below. Downstairs, a deep-banquette dining area leads to a dance floor and bar beyond.

But the big surprise here is the food, like a signature three cheese "soufflé", not airy as you'd expect, but dense and extremely good - they need only rename it to reflect what it actually is, a pudding. Another winner is grilled langoustine tails with a well-made prawn risotto, though why the dreaded, dated sunblush tomatoes? If you want to eat, drink and dance to good music at one of London's hottest non-member spots, Aura is for you.

High point: Friendly and obliging service. Low point: Clubbers wandering around the dining area. Capacity: 68. Price per head: £45. Wine list: House Sauvignon £16. Vegetarian: 6.5/10. Service: 9/10. Music: Chill-out, R&B, house. Value for money: 8.5/10. Style: Stygian. Open: 6.30pm-11pm.