London has the world's dearest restaurants

London has overtaken Tokyo and Paris to become the most expensive city in the world for dining out.

The average price of a three-course restaurant meal for one in the capital has risen 2.9 per cent in the past year to £39.09, surging ahead of its Japanese and French rivals.

Tokyo was knocked off its top spot to third in the study with an average cost of £35.10, while Paris was in second place with £35.37. In New York, the price was just £19.30.

The findings by Zagat restaurant guides were based on individual surveys of up to 10,000 people in 45 cities.

Diners in London voted Chez Bruce on Wandsworth Common as best for food, ending a seven-year reign by Gordon Ramsay's self-named eatery in Chelsea. It scooped the prize for best service.

Top newcomer was L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Covent Garden, while Wagamama won the most popular prize. The average price of a meal for one in London's 20 most expensive eateries rose 6.1 per cent in the past year to £87.90. It was still cheaper than Tokyo and Paris's 20 most expensive restaurants.

Tim Zagat, head of the guides, said: 'It's astonishing to see how expensive the London dining scene has become, but the city still offers many great values.'