Tamarind of Mayfair

Last Friday the hubby took me for dinner at Tamarind of Mayfair. We were welcomed into the restaurant and had our coats and bags stored away before meandering downstairs to the table. There is no bar here so if you do fancy a pre dinner drink head elsewhere. The dress code is quite casual and the underground restaurant whilst lovely isn't anything incredibly fancy or beautiful. However, it was refreshing to not be in a stuffy, OTT, pre-determined Michelin starred type restaurant. It felt like a very relaxed Friday night curry just in more luxurious surroundings.

This is probably one of the best curries I have ever eaten and I would say the food has definitely earned it's Michelin starred status. We started with a selection of poppadum and dips. One was flavoured with tamarind, one tomato and one date. The date was by far our favourite but all were a delicious pre-dinner snack! We both opted for a glass of wine. The wine list here is pricey so be warned! I had a gorgeous glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which was £12.50 per 175ml glass and the hubby had a delicious Malbec at £14.50 per glass.

To start I tried the grilled scallops with mixed peppercorns and topped with roasted peppers. They had a kick but nothing too spicy. They were large, juicy and melt in your mouth. I could not have faulted the flavour or presentation. The hubby had the lamb cutlets with ginger, dried mint, peppercorns and chili yoghurt dip. He was thoroughly impressed and the small bite I was allowed to sample was tender and tasty.

For main course I tried the Malabar Prawn. This was large tiger prawns with sautéed onions, chili, fenugreek seeds and coconut. The portion was large and the sauce rich and creamy. The hubby had originally selected the Murgh Makhni, however, was advised to try the special not on the menu chicken tikka masala as it was packed with more flavour and a little punch. We shared one rice, which was plenty but did work our way through two butter naans as they were so, so good! We also shared a saag aloo and some cucumber raita.

We were too full to even consider dessert but as it was my birthday the staff brought over a special birthday treat topped with a candle and singing waiters. The chef also did the rounds to ensure all guests were happy and enjoying their meals, which I think is a really personal touch. The staff here are incredible, so polite and efficient. My water glass was never empty yet I never felt as though they were intruding on our personal space. Equally tables are large and well spaced out so our meal did feel quite private.

This was such a great place to come for a relaxed, informal but at the same time intimate and special occasion. The bill was just over £150 for the food, service and three glasses of wine. They even serve you Indian sweets as you leave and incredible petit fours with the bill! Think dark chocolate orange truffle and mint leaf coated in white chocolate. Even the toilets ooze Michelin starred decadence.

If you enjoy Indian food then I would thoroughly recommend the fuss free Tamarind of Mayfair where curries you would find in other restaurants are taken and plumped up to a Michelin star standard. The meal was simply, in one word, divine.