Overview

Opened in 1926, London's first ever Indian restaurant is perennially packed. The now modern decor is a striking, and typically Indian use of bold walls of color - regal purple, green, gold and intense orange. The waiters are dressed to match, providing a service as superb as the food. Every morsel is divine, including the accompanying fresh chutneys, raitas, dals and breads. The refined menu blends tradition with groundbreaking new Indian cuisine, incorporating regional specialties and impressively interesting vegetarian options. Try a Moilee starter - a sublime bowl of mussels cooked in a creamy coconut soup with a dash of chili. Mains are magnificent, especially succulent swordfish steak cooked in the tandoor with turmeric, cumin and lemon, or the suitably pricey, rich Malabar lobster curry, balanced by fresh turmeric and raw mango. If you like it hot, try achaar gosht - a lamb dish cooked with fiery chili and pickling spices - it's invigoratingly delicious, but overall, subtlety and quality reign supreme. A well-considered wine list and refreshing after-dinner infusions such as fresh mint, or lemon rind are liquid luxury.