Mayfair, Indian Restaurant Guide

“Real Indian cuisine” – “exquisite flavours from top-quality ingredients and stunning preparation” – have won a major reputation for this “top-class Indian”, founded by Samyukta Nair, whose family own India’s luxurious Leela Palace group. It occupies a “fantastic”, tastefully decorated Mayfair site, near Berkeley Square: “quiet enough for conversation whilst busy enough to create a reassuring hum”.

“An absolutely fabulous place”, this pioneer of upscale Indian food for almost 30 years (and the first in the world to bag a Michelin star) is flying high again after a major refurb doubled the size of its Mayfair premises a couple of years ago. “Despite newcomers” taking curry to new levels, fans say “this remains the best Indian food” – “the brilliant taster menu is exceptional and demonstrates the skill and versatility of the kitchen” (now run by Karunesh Khanna, formerly head chef of Amaya).

The “standard-bearer for subcontinental food in London” – the Sethi family’s “exceptional” Mayfair destination nowadays ranks in the Top-20 most-mentioned restaurants in our annual diners’ poll, and is the highest-ranking Indian. “An amazing selection of traditional dishes not found anywhere else” delivers “top-quality flavours relying on taste, not heat” (“so delicious, I couldn’t stop eating!”), all in a “vibey” two-floor setting, with Indian-inspired décor referencing Indian clubs and mansions. “Unbeatable… if you can get in, that is…”

“Noisy and aptly named bustle” – this “well-executed and brilliant concept” (sibling to Jamavar) is inspired by the street food of Mumbai: a “deeply impressive range of dishes” and results are “mind-blowing” – with just “the right balance of spices and herbs”.

Rohit Ghai’s “comfy and stylish” Mayfair yearling offers a homely menu inspired by the chef’s Punjabi childhood. “Awesome” flavours from “the good variety of dishes” make it “a must-try” for fans. Sceptics, though – while acknowledging that “effort is put into both good food and service” – feel some results “lack punch” or “aren’t quite at the top levels of food from the subcontinent in London”.