Food of the week

Speciality of the house? Keep them coming back for more

modern restaurant-goers seem only interested in frequenting the newest places. Yet, there are plenty of establishments around the world that have stood the test of time.

Opened in 1725, the long menu at Botin, Calle de Cuchilleros 17, Madrid (00 34 91 366 4217; botin.es), includes traditional Iberian and Andalusian dishes, but is most well known for its roast suckling pig.

The signature sole fillets with a mousseline of Riesling and shrimps is prepared by father and son-in-law team Pierre Wynants and Lionel Rigolet at Comme Chez Soi, 23 Place Rouppe, Brussels (00 32 25 12 2921; commechezsoi.be).

At 72, Rogano, 11 Exchange Place, Glasgow (0141-248 4055; roganoglasgow.com), is the city's oldest restaurant. The beautiful Art Deco interior and classic seafood dishes continue to attract celebs.

La Tour d'Argent, 15 Quai de la Tournelle, Paris (00 33 14 354 2331; tourdargent.com), first opened its doors in 1582 and is most famous for its 'canard au sang' duck with a sauce thickened with its blood.

Established in 1826, Union Oyster House, 41 Union Street, Boston (001 617 227 2750; unionoyster house.com) claims to be the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the US. The menu of New England seafood includes Seafood Newburg.