Amaya takes an unconventional approach to its food
London is home to lots of Michelin Star restaurants and there are several Indian eateries to visit.
Michelin Stars are awarded to restaurants that are considered to be the very best in a given city.
Recipients gain immense prestige and exposure along with the honour, with many seeing an increase in business after receiving their stars.
Michelin-starred Indian restaurants have gained a reputation for putting innovative twists on classic Indian cuisine.
This, coupled with the decor, are some of the reasons why they are enjoyed by locals and visitors to the capital city.
If you live in London or are visiting the city and want to enjoy a luxury dining experience, here are seven Michelin Star Indian restaurants which are worth dining at.
Amaya
Located in Belgravia, Amaya is known for its open grill and upmarket take on Indian street food.
This Michelin Star restaurant has been open since 2004 and it continues to impress diners with its rosewood tables, terracotta statues and modern paintings.
Amaya takes an unconventional approach to its food, serving bite-sized portions to share between guests.
Its wide range of grilled dishes is one of the largest in the world. This includes Duck Tikka, Venison Seekh Kebabs and Tandoori Prawns.
There are no set courses, so feel free to ditch the cutlery and dig in.
Jamavar
Jamavar takes its name from the intricately embroidered shawls made in Kashmir.
This Mayfair eatery is an exquisite fine dining concept with cuisine that draws on the rich and diverse culinary traditions of India.
It is part of the founding family of The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts.
The varied menu is a trip across the subcontinent.
Diners can enjoy exquisite main courses or small plates to share. This ranges from Malabar Prawns to Shammi Kebabs to Lobster Idli Sambar.
Samyukta Nair adds a homely touch to the menu with certain dishes such as Leela’s Lobster Neeruli and Calicut Sea Bass Curry.
These and every other dish are perfectly executed by executive chef Surender Mohan.
These dishes are perfect alongside one of the classic cocktails.
The atmosphere is just as luxurious, featuring colonial-style decor such as rattan chairs and brass accents.
Trishna
Trishna opened in 2008 and received its Michelin Star in 2012.
Located in the heart of London’s Marylebone Village, this restaurant is owned by Karam Sethi.
Trishna offers a contemporary taste of Indian coastal cuisine as well as an extensive wine list that focuses on emerging regions and fine wines from nice producers and boutique wineries from all over the world.
The ambience is just as appealing.
The walls are decorated with antique mirrors and wooden planks, creating a unique atmosphere.
The dimmed lighting along with the candles add a romantic touch while the terrace doors open onto Blandford Street, creating a semi-alfresco ambience throughout the restaurant.
Veeraswamy
Veeraswamy is London’s oldest Indian restaurant.
The restaurant was founded by Edward Palmer in 1926 and it has seen the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill and Indira Gandhi dine there.
Its dishes are inspired by more than 16 different Indian cuisines, mixing traditional cooking styles with a modern approach.
Spices are sourced directly from India and mixed with local ingredients to create an authentic taste.
Each dish is cooked by a regional chef coming from the place of the dish’s region which makes the dining experience even more unique and one of a kind.
Veeraswamy won its first Michelin Star in 2016 and Michelin Guide inspectors said:
“It may have opened in 1926 but this celebrated Indian restaurant just keeps getting better and better!”
“The classic dishes from across the country are prepared with considerable care by a very professional kitchen. The room is awash with colour and it’s run with great charm and enormous pride.”
Gymkhana
If you want to experience nostalgia, then Gymkhana is the place to go.
Located in Mayfair, it opened in 2013 and received a Michelin Star just one year later.
Inspired by the elite clubs of India, the retro ceiling fans, marble table-tops and vintage photos of polo and cricket team triumphs, contribute to the rich cultural ambience.
The walls are also adorned with hunting trophies from the Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Gymkhana serves contemporary Indian food using seasonal British ingredients.
It makes use of the tandoori oven, creating dishes like Gilafi Quail Seekh Kebab and Guinea Fowl Pepper Fry.
Every dish is prepared under the supervision of executive chef Sid Ahuja.
Quilon
This Buckingham Gate restaurant is known for its impeccable food and service.
The kitchen is helmed by Sriram Aylur and before, he was told that the South Indian cuisine he was serving was “great food, but not Indian”. This was due to London’s obsession with Chicken Tikka and Naan bread.
Today, the restaurant attracts diners from around the world with its coastal Indian cuisine.
Quilon is known for its beautifully constructed dishes, serving the likes of Lobster Butter Pepper and Baked Black Cod.
Diners can also enjoy tailor-made tasting menus that can be adjusted upon request.
The food is complemented by the atmosphere, which features paintings by Indian artist Paresh Maity that were specially created for the restaurant.
So, if you looking to have a fancy business lunch or dinner, Quilon may be the Michelin Star restaurant to visit.
Benares
Mayfair’s Benares is located on Berkeley Square and has a unique talent for changing the way people perceive and experience Indian cuisine.
The restaurant combines tradition with daring modernity.
Throughout the pandemic, chef Sameer Taneja has taken the restaurant from strength to strength and this culminated with a Michelin Star in 2021.
Sameer creates seasonally changing menus that draw on influences and spices from all corners of the subcontinent.
From Baked Malabar Scallop to Lucknowi Style Scottish Lobster Yakhni Pulao, Benares showcases both traditional skills and modern techniques.
For an authentic taste of India using seasonal British ingredients, visit Benares.
These Indian restaurants are at the top when it comes to delicious food and quality service.
The various cuisines that they specialise in mean that there is an Indian restaurant for different taste preferences.
So whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy exquisite food, these restaurants will leave you feeling satisfied.
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