MasterChef judge Gregg "The Diner" Wallace eats out six nights a week in some of the best restaurants Britain has to offer, so when you're after a recommendation there are few people better equipped to provide it. 

We asked Gregg to give us his top tips for a memorable meal in London, so whether you live in the capital or are planning on paying a visit, here are three different options – quality food with an affordable price tag; an opulent (and expensive) meal for a special occasion; or the place to go for the most lovingly-sourced ingredients...

For affordable quality... Galvin Bistro Deluxe

Gregg says: "I regularly get asked 'I’m coming to London, what’s good but not expensive?' Well, that’s very hard to find, but Galvin’s Bistro Deluxe on Baker Street is classic French at affordable prices."

Cuisine: French     Chef Patron: Chris Galvin     Head Chef: Luigi Vespero

Signature dishes: Steak Tartare, L’ Escargot à la bourguignonne, Lasagne of Dorset Crab, bisque and shellfish oil, Tagine of lamb, cous-cous, root vegetables and harissa

Set menus (Mon-Sat): Lunch £19.50, dinner £21.50 for three courses

A la carte average spend: Lunch £30, Dinner £45 plus wine

Bookings: 020 7935 4007/online

Opening times: Mon-Wed: 12-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm Thu-Sat: 12-2:30pm, 6-9:30pm Sun: 12-3pm, 6-9:30pm

For a special occasion... Le Gavroche

Gregg says: "For me, the best restaurant in London is the Gavroche – but you won’t get it sponsored by the Heart Foundation. Very rarely have I seen people as skilled in filling you up with food and drink. Go for the absolute opulence of the place and the old-style French cuisine."

Cuisine: French     Chef Patron: Michel Roux Jr     Head Chef: Rachel Humphrey

Signature dishes: Soufflé Suissesse (cheese soufflé baked on double cream), Le Caneton Gavroche (whole poached duck in a light consommé served with three sauces for two), Omelette Rothschild

Set menus: Lunch £48.00, Mon-Fri (three courses, half bottle of wine, coffee and petits fours) Menu exceptionnelle £95.00, £150 with wines, Mon-Sat (eight courses, coffee and petits fours)

Bookings: 020 7408 0881/020 7499 1826, bookings@le-gavroche.com

Opening times: Mon-Fri: 12-2pm, 6:30-11pm Sat: 6:30-11pm Sun: Closed

For the best ingredients...  River Café

Gregg says: “One of my favourite places – for the love of ingredients and the love of quality, quality food – is River Café in Hammersmith. It charges like a wounded rhino but there’s a reason why – a lot of chefs might make two or three calls to butchers in an evening, the River Café is probably making 20, and that’s just to get their meat. If you turn up at the door with something beautiful that you’ve produced, they'll be interested – and I know that for a fact because I grow fruit and veggies. Go to River Café for the outstanding beauty and celebration of product, and the love of the food of Italy."

Cuisine: Italian     Run by Ruth Rogers

Signature dishes: Chargrilled Cornish Monkfish with Olive Paste, Spatchcocked Anjou Pigeon Wood Roasted Over Potatoes, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Lemon Almond Cake, Chocolate "Nemesis" Cake

Ask for the set lunch menu (Mon-Fri): Two courses £25, three courses £31 approx

Bookings: 020 7386 4200/online

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 12:30-2:15pm, 7-9pm Fri 12:30-2:15pm, 7-9:15pm Sat 12:30-2:30pm, 7-9:15pm Sun 12-3pm

MasterChef returns to BBC1 on Tuesday 12 March at 9pm

Get 20% off tickets to the BBC Good Food Show Summer

John Torode, Gregg Wallace and MasterChef 2012 champion Shelina Permalloo will be cooking with this year's winner on stage at the NEC Birmingham (12–16 June). To book, visit bbcgoodfoodshow.com or call 0844 581 1341, quoting "PRESS20" (offer ends 30 April)