Marylebone, Indian Restaurant Guide

“Absolutely flawless…”, “exceptional and memorable…”, “consistently superb” – the superlatives just keep coming for JKS Restaurants’ original venture, which scores just as highly as its sibling, Gymkhana, even if the latter is much better known nowadays. It’s a cosy and “upscale” experience, set in quirky U-shaped premises, off Marylebone High Street, and enlivened by “discreet and friendly” staff. Top Menu Tips – “don’t leave without trying the lamb chops”; “mushroom biryani is a standout”; and “crazy as it may sound for a mere piece of bread, the duck keema naan is a real highlight.”

Chef and food writer Ravinder Bhogal presents her “very original, beautifully prepared” take on East African Indian cuisine in a “homely” setting in Marylebone. The odd reporter accused it of being “hyped” but most reports do nothing but enthuse about the cooking’s “inventive and surprising flavours”.

This contemporary two-year-old near Selfridges (on the former site of Gaylord, RIP) is the first London venture from New Delhi-based Azure Hospitality, and serves an “intriguing” menu inspired by the posh Mumbai suburb it is named after. The kitchen uses high-quality British produce, including some “interesting veggies”, to produce cooking that’s “full of enjoyable flavours”. Meanwhile, down in ‘Bandra Bhai’, the basement ‘smugglers den’, you can find some “dangerously delicious cocktails!”.

“An interesting menu of Indian street-food” that is both “good value and delicious” has long been an attraction at this dependable spot near Selfridges. It’s probably “best suited for lunch” to punctuate a day’s shopping nearby (the evenings-only dining room is a little more formal, serving tandoor grills and regional specialities).

“Absolute ‘god tier level’ from start to finish!” – JKS Restaurants have totally nailed it once again with this “novel” autumn 2021 newcomer, which inhabits the “tiny but convivial space” on the fringe of Mayfair that was formerly Truc Vert (RIP); and which has now become “a high-end homage to old-school curry houses, including flock wallpaper!”. Chef Chet Sharma delivers “an amazing original riff on classic Indian flavours” with “a range of new and vibrant dishes” that are “truly memorable” and “an utter joy”. Service is “impeccable and well informed” too and the press have utterly raved (Grace Dent called it “part genius and clearly part subversive”; Giles Coren awarded ‘11/10’) – so, it’s “a rare example of a restaurant where every broadsheet reviewer had got it exactly right!”

This Keralan veteran near the Telecom Tower is “still producing good food after all this time” (almost 40 years), offering “super value” and “friendly service”. The new interior “hasn’t made it a looker, but there are so many great dishes on the menu, so who cares?”

An “inventive menu” inspired by the melding of Indian, Chinese and British cuisines in historic Calcutta makes this Marble Arch yearling “a great addition to the area”. Named after a central district of the city, it was founded by chef-patron Anjan Chatterjee and Indian airline entrepreneur Aditya Ghosh.

2022 Review: After winning a mentorship in a pop-up competition at Westfield White City Shopping Centre in 2018, Mehak Kansal brought this bricks-and-mortar operation to Mayfair in October 2020. ‘Bindas’ – Punjabi for without limitations and inhibitions – here translates into eclectic decor and a varied selection of street food. No feedback as yet, but they must be doing something right, as a second site is on the cards.