Mint Leaf

Rather like descending into a vast opium den, with lattices breaking up the space into more intimate areas, this dimly lit, minimalist Indian restaurant & bar (lovely cocktails & slightly cheaper food – see separate review) could be straight from the pages of Elle Decoration. With surrounds this sexy & prices so high, the food deserves to be good – & while there’s the odd grumble over ‘bland, dry’ dishes at ‘whopping’ prices, the cooking generally impresses. Fiery starters include plump, chilli-spiced king scallops cooked in the tandoor & black tiger prawns with green mango. Subtler main courses of lamb with spinach & yoghurt, & a knock-out red snapper in Goan spices, also hit the spot. Even desserts of creamy lemongrass & ginger creme brulee & a silky coconut cheesecake demonstrate the kitchen’s ability to get delicate spicing just right. Thoughts on service vary from ‘very attentive’ to ‘unsmiling & with limited English’.