The Star of India has built an impeccable reputation over 50 years.

With India celebrating her 50th birthday last year, we thought it a good time to re-assess this renowned restaurant.

This restaurant prides itself on being different and doing it very well. It is no ordinary local Indian; it is modern, quirky and delicious. It is the Heston Blumenthal of Indian food and a culinary delight.

SUMPTOUS INTERIOR
The decor is sumptuous and sublime, resembling more a grand, perfectly distressed Georgian living room than an Indian restaurant. Look up and you will be confronted with a marvellous ceiling mural.

Look around and you will see walls painted in earthy tones and greys and the bar twinkling pink with mother of pearl. The space is a delight on the eye, but happily this is only incidental to the experience.

STAR ATTRACTIONS
Since the 50s streams of young chefs have been brought over from India to experiment and perfect their craft. Reza, Azam and Azal Mahammad – the current owners – have kept up this fine tradition. Reza is a celebrity TV chef and Azam and Azal are constantly working on new ideas keeping the restaurant ahead of the game.

INOVATION IN THE KITCHEN
The dishes themselves are certainly unique. For a starter you could have pan roasted duck breast in lightly crisped envelopes or stuffed vermicelli rolled coriander pancakes served with a spicy tomato and chive chutney. Whilst these dishes are based on traditional Indian flavours, the composition, presentation and methods are unique and creative.

MODERN TAKE ON THE TRADITIONAL
The specialities continue on the theme of the ‘unexpected but defiantly welcome’. Wood pigeon marinated in ginger, garlic, mustard, lemon juice and yoghurt, and roasted in a tandoor oven along with venison and Kashmiri spices offer a delightfully modern take on the traditional. The venison brings depth of flavour and texture to the dish while the Kashmiri spices provide a sweet juxtaposition. The crisp fried sliced okra and red onions coated in a lightly spiced batter, is one of the most innovative Indian vegetable dish you will try. The flavours, fragrance and texture provide a delectable mix.

A FINAL INDULGENCE
The Chocomosa is the perfect final hurrah to a wonderful meal. Marbled white and plain chocolate with chenna and roasted almonds is delicately enclosed in a crispy fried envelope. Certainly it is an indulgence, but when you experience such quality it would be a shame not pay all courses due attention. What is certainly not indulgent is the price. For the quality, innovation, service and décor, The Star of India certainly provides value…it’s a real Star!

LONDON,
SW5 0BE
OPEN 7 DAYS
12-2.45PM/6PM-11.45PM
7PM-11.15PM (SUNDAY)
TEL:020 7373 2901