Patagonia is a gastronomic discovery just inside the boundary of up-and-coming Canton, an intimate venue run with real care and attention by an Argentine husband-and-wife team who earned a great reputation at the much-missed Le Cassoulet.

Everything within the two-storey restaurant is understated, from the genuine wood floorboards to the square tables banded with linen tablemats; the moderately priced wine list and unobtrusive service; the warm chocolate and caramel tones throughout.

The food is as diverse and unique as the true Patagonian landscape, with novel menu choices that fuse the simple with the exotic. The crayfish and carrot soup seemed to dance over my eager tongue, while my main dish of roast pork with a light polenta cake, crafted with delicacy, was complemented perfectly by baby carrot and onions, slivers of parsnip, and tall green beans. The créme brûlée, too, was exquisite, and I think it's fair to say that £27.90 is great value for this three-course work of art.

With seating for around 16 guests downstairs and 30 to 35 upstairs, the word on Patagonia will soon spread further afield, as it's well suited for private business lunches, romance, or simply a long and languid meal.