Situated under sweeping stone arches and overlooking the atrium of the sixteenth century Royal Exchange, fine dining restaurant Sauterelle certainly has a sense of grandeur. In this intimate mezzanine setting, classic French and Italian specialties are recreated playfully while utilising some really quite special ingredients.

In dishes like the ‘cappuccino’ amuse-bouche – lavishly scattered with white truffle shavings, layered over tender porcini mushrooms and plump white wine-braised lentils – and the buffalo mozzarella with Oscietra caviar and balsamic pearls that burst in your mouth, each element has been transformed into something new, for enhanced flavours and intriguing textures that add an element of surprise.

Each dish encompasses ingredients you can get excited about, like the prawn risotto, which has a true taste of the sea from its garnish of fresh oyster leaves. Make sure you leave room for dessert, as this is where the chef really shines; a stand out is the deconstructed cheesecake with cherry and pistachio.

The service, too, is impeccable, with a maître d’ who has a real passion for the food he’s serving, and a sommelier who’s in his element talking about each wine. While it’s the architectural setting that’s first to impress here, it’s undoubtedly the culinary experience that’s really going to stay in your mind.