So we've spent weeks poring over the cookery pages of magazines discovering the newest, most innovative way of preparing the perfect turkey dinner, complete with purple mash, garlic sprouts and cranberry and coconut stuffing with Creme de Cassis.

And we've watched all the TV chefs rustle up a festive feast for fifteen in less than an hour (plus ad breaks). 

Despite the best of intentions, we are likely to end up with exactly the same Christmas dinner we have had for the last ten years (except our roasties will be cooked in goose fat not lard – we're not COMPLETELY behind the times you know) and exactly the same mountainous surplus of festive food at the end of it all.

When that time comes, or indeed before we go into battle, we need an antidote.  We need good food, well cooked... by somebody else.

Aqua Brasserie in Croydon's South End offers an excellent European menu and wine list.  The staff are extremely friendly and there is a genuine welcoming atmosphere.  The extensive menu caters for all tastes with a range of steaks, fish and vegetarian dishes, and all at prices that your seasonally depleted bank balance can cope with.

If the idea of an Italian sounds 'fantastico', then look no further than Bagatti's, which specialises in serving authentically prepared Italian cuisine using the freshest of ingredients, complemented by a stock of fine regional Italian wines.  A warm welcome and attentive service await you for lunchtime or evening dining.

Fancy something a little bit different? Fushia Restaurant offers a varied menu of Indian, Sri Lankan and Malaysian cuisine, and has also now introduced a range of mouth watering Chinese dishes.  Incorporating traditional classics and original new dishes presenting eastern flavours with a western twist, their chefs create fusion dishes exclusive to Fushia.  Until 31st December 2011 you can also enjoy a 40% discount on food and drinks during Happy Hour (5.00pm to 7.00pm) through our Member Offers page.

Offering European food at highly competitive prices, Little Bay offers diners a truly unique eating out experience. Housed inside a wooden boating shack, the restaurant brings a welcome and unexpected individuality to the streets of Croydon!   Unique and sumptuous decor, colourful lighting and hidden nooks and crannies combine to provide delightful surroundings and atmosphere.

Another local restaurant that makes you wonder whether you actually are still in Croydon is the Panahar Restaurant – a superb Indian restaurant offering a fine Indian and Bangladeshi menu.  As you enter Panahar, the ambiance is calming and subtle thanks to an Indian night sky effect and fragrant aromas take you to exotic landscapes a million miles away.  Blending herbs and spices to create the most delicious authentic dishes has earned the Indian restaurant an enviable reputation, both locally and with food critics.

So when you're all turkeyed out, Croydon has an eclectic mix of eateries just waiting to re-awaken your taste buds.  Full details of all the restaurants featured can be found in thebestof Croydon’s Business Directory.