Anh-thu, Kurfurstenstr, Munich

An upmarket and stylish restaurant serving fine Vietnamese food, anh-thu buzzes with prosperous thirtysomething and fortysomething locals. The oriental decor is lavish - the burgundy walls are decorated with gold stencilled illustrations of trees, while serene gold statues stand to attention in small alcoves. Above you, there are large spherical balls of light enclosed in ornate black frames. The starters, such as fat spring rolls with prawns, chicken satay and spicy duck salad, are voluptuous and moreish. The main courses are also generous and delicious. The duck curry, for example, has almost a dozen slices of fatty and tasty meat sitting on a bed of nicely-cooked vegetables. But the boiled rice can be stodgy. The strong Saigon beer makes a refreshing accompaniment and is good value at around 3 euros for a 330ml bottle - perfect for taking the sting out of some of the spices. 8/10