My favourite restaurant with... Diego Jacquet, chef and director at Zoilo and Casa Malevo

From offal to French cooking and foie gras toasties, the chef and director of Marlyebone's Argentine restaurants Zoilo and Casa Malevo tells us what he likes to eat out in London

Born in Buenos Aires, Jacquet began his cooking career there in 1993 working as an apprentice for Argentine chef Francis Mallman. Five years later he moved to Spain to join the team of Casa Nicolasa and soon after worked at Ferran Adria’s El Bulli restaurant, formerly voted the number one in the world. In 2001 he worked at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Aquavit in New York before becoming executive chef at London's The Trafalgar Hotel in 2003. After that he moved to the Zetter Hotel and Restaurant before opening his own restaurants, Zoilo and Casa Malevo, last year. He lives with his wife in Southfields. Here he tells us where he likes to eat out in London.

ST JOHN SPITALFIELDS

Why? Simply because I had my best meal in 2012 there. It was so good and unpretentious - I left feeling almost upset about how spotless the food was. Their philosophy is extremely easy to shout about but very difficult to do on a day-to-day basis - simple, seasonal food just perfectly cooked. It's inspiring.

What do you eat there? Anything on the menu made from pigs plus all the offal you can imagine.

Who do you take? My wife; she is such a foodie and we both love eating there.

Find it: 94-96 Commercial Street, E1 6LZ; stjohngroup.uk.com

Why? Everyone needs a good French bistro close by and this is mine since it is very close to both of my restaurants. I have massive respect for great French cooking.

What do you eat there? The set lunch menu - incredible value for money without compromising quality at all.

Who do you take there? Anyone from visiting friends to people I'm having quick lunch meetings with.

Find it: 66 Baker Street, W1U 7DJ; galvinrestaurants.com

CANTON ARMS

Why? Since moving in to London back in 2003 I have always been a great fan of pubs as institutions. Although the gastropub word doesn't appeal to me, this place is a local gem and, trust me, it takes its food very seriously.

What do you eat there? All meat is of a superb quality and locally sourced but I have a soft spot for the foie gras toastie.

Who you do take there? A group of friends.

Find it: 177 South Lambeth Road, SW8 1XP; cantonarms.com

Zoilo, 9 Duke Street, W1U 3EG; zoilo.co.uk

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