Brian Maule at Chardon d'Or - City of Glasgow

Scottish-born Brian Maule gave up the heady world of Le Gavroche in London to open his own 'Golden Thistle' not far from Glasgow city centre. A repeated 'BM' motif on the menus suggests that he is determined to make his mark in this elegant, but unstuffy open-plan venue above an art gallery.

French influences show up strongly in accomplished dishes such as a terrine of duck and guinea fowl with beetroot salad or grilled sea bass with roast parsnips, shallot confit and wild mushrooms. The Mediterranean is also an obvious source of inspiration – witness a tartlet of leeks and Mozzarella with sun-blushed tomato and white truffle dressing or pork fillet with Fontina cheese on a bed of white haricot beans.

Desserts are an equally diverse bunch, so expect to see pear tarte Tatin rubbing shoulders with warm chocolate cake and Mascarpone ice cream. The wine list puts most of its faith in France, although the New World offers some affordable alternatives.