Jamie Oliver's London Restaurant 'Barbecoa' with Views of St Paul's Cathedral

Unlike our primitive ancestors, you won't get a huge slab of meat slammed down in front of you - instead you will relish a beautifully disguised, subtly flavoured pig's ear or whole lamb magically transformed into a pyramid of magical flavours and delicate aromas - and the steak is advertised as being 'the best in the world'.

The seating is far from primitive, consisting of long, luxuriously comfortable leather couches which surround each table. The theme is definitely cave-man/woman communal rather than intimate booth-type privacy. This makes the restaurant perfect for corporate gatherings, celebratory groups, office meet-ups, and similar get-togethers. Each area manages to give the impression of intimacy and exclusiveness.

The lighting is provided by the natural daylight from huge windows or, as dusk falls, softly lit ceiling pendants.

 Barbecoa's massive windows look out over the rooftops and offices of the City. When the light is overwhelming they can be veiled in subtle, translucent blinds.

However, the most stunning aspect of this restaurant, notwithstanding the spacious and tasteful interiors and gorgeous food, is the view of the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. It is visible from most areas of the restaurant and when the blinds are raised this must be one of the most spectacular restaurant views in the world.

The dome rises above the viewer, a mighty yet fragile, spiritual testament to Sir Christopher Wren's architectural genius, giving the restaurant space a feeling of calm and timelessness.

The service staff at Barbecoa are friendly, extremely helpful and at the same time non-intrusive. The atmosphere they create is unhurried, discreet yet observant, replacing plates and serviettes when necessary, attending to every need - even taking group photos. Nothing is too much trouble.

The food is beautifully presented - a huge platter of sea-food starter arrived in a subtle riot of colour and texture, looking like a Dutch still life painting.

A dish of crispy, golden pork scratchings bore no earthly resemblance to its inferior pub throwback.

Meat dishes are aromatic, smoky and succulent due to the 'primitive' cooking methods. Steak, often a deciding factor when judging a restaurant's capabilities, was divinely cooked and presented - it was like eating buttery velvet.

Jamie Oliver's Barbecoa restaurant is elegant and spacious, but far from intimidating. On the contrary, the cheerful staff ensures that customers feel at home.

The views are beautiful and the food is epic. This restaurant is in the perfect situation to give the visitor an authentic feeling of what it means to be in London.

For those of us who already live here, it confirms everything we hold dear about London.

The restaurant is situated in a small, classy shopping centre and if you take the lift up to the very top floor you get an even more incredible close-up of St Paul's Cathedral!    

You can find out more about Barbecoa and see the menu here.

So, what more could the discerning diner ask for?

Well - if it doesn't quite match up to your high standards, you do have a choice.  In Spring 2011 Gordon Ramsey opened up directly opposite!

He's good - but he doesn't have Jamie's view!