I'm trying to maintain status as the 'cool uncle'. This is not easy given I am not, in fact, cool. That being said, last year when I took my eldest niece to Paris for a graduation-from-high-school celebration I did gain a certain cache (due largely to a restaurant recommendation); my wordly niece had heard of the restaurant, approved of it and the rest is 'cool uncle' history.

This year it is the next-in-line-niece's turn. We're headed to London in late June. I am depending upon you all to help continue to live this lie: where can I take my niece for dinner that will impress?

We probably need a few parameters to limit the universe: (1) nothing too exotic; this niece is coming from a midwest farm and appreciates simpler cuisine; (2) being cool is only worth so much to me; I'll pay up to $250 or $300 for the two of us; (3) we plan to stay in Soho; and (4) the high school girl in all of us is understandably impressed with the coolest styles; so I need a place that will impress as soon as you walk in the door, not just when you take that first bite. If any one has other parameters I should consider, please feel free to share (i.e. cute-ness of waiters?).

Thanks for any thoughts you can share. I hope given the few guidelines, one of you can help.