Shikara

Shikara shies away from vibrant colours, rich fabrics & standard curry house clutter in favour of a suave, modern monastic blend of bare white walls, black tables & a glass frontage. It’s a brave choice that can make the dining room seem stark & soulless when empty, but, thankfully, the restaurant’s loyal locals keep the place busy with life most nights. The menu mixes fail-safes such as onion bhajis & tandoori chicken with more interesting regional ideas & specials including spicy squid tossed in curry leaves, ginger & onion or Malabar monkfish curry laced with tamarind & dried mango. With one eye on the mores of its body-conscious clientele, Shikara makes a point of serving healthy versions of all its dishes, cooked in olive oil instead of ghee.