Crouch End has its fair share of restuarants ready to soak up some of the slack in the wallets of the locals, many of whom eat out about as regularly as they eat in.

Many of the places are new, often crammed into the Broadway or huddled up by the clock tower. Many more though, are overpriced. And, although most are pretty good, few are spectacular.

Then there's Thaitanic. It comes in the category of the latter.

Don't let the name put you off. This place is not about to sink, and, despite being able to host 100 people, it doesn't look ostentatiously colossal, more cosy.

By managing to split the restaurant into two levels, there's no feeling of you being stranded. Tables are strategically places and surrounded by orchids and mirrored walls, with fantastic abstract artwork rendering the place a perfect spot for a romantic meal. Its fantastic bar with every single drink you can think of, including an amazing Thai beer, shouldn't be missed either.

Although it's off the beaten track up Crouch End Hill, it's a stone's throw away from the area's pubs.

It's a pleasant walk, and there's parking - a rarity from the congested streets of the town.

We soon settled in a cosy spot for two, and ordered.

For starters, I ordered the prawn tampura. It arrived served on a bed of lettuce and grated carrot, while the huge prawns were dusted with breadcrumbs.

Topping up drinks, attentive waiting staff, with smiles on their faces, brought in the next course. Again, presented like a work of art, with orchids delicately perched on the side of the plate.

I awaited my Che-Chee Goong Yai: jumbo prawns cooked in red curry paste with coconut milk and topped with kaffir lime leaves.

The prawns were laced together to form a butterfly-like structure. They were in a ruby red sauce, with swirls of coconut cream. The taste was divine, the texture juicy and succulent and very moorish. It was accompanied by rice packed with soy sauce, vegetables and yet more succulent giant prawns.

My friend, a big fan of duck, not surprisingly, went for that. Or to use its proper name, Pad Gra Prao. Opting for the stri-fired duck with ginger, mushrooms, mixed peppers and spring onions, it didn't last long in the plate, and that's a big thumbs up.

Free home delivery and ten per cent discounts on takeaways.

Thaitanic
66-68 Crouch End Hill
London
N8 8AG
020 8341 6100