MD's review of Quilon

On my recent and second visit to Quilon, I was quickly reminded of why it had taken so long to come back. This is not to say that the experience was a negative one, but neither was it overly positive. Quilon seems to be one of these in between restaurants – the one that is never raved about nor complained about. It does well, with the custom it receives but doesn't seem to push for more. For this reason it is a real puzzle to me as to why or how it received its Michelin star back in 2008. Having visited it last weekend, the dishes, service and atmosphere were still as so-so as they were on my first visit over a year ago.

To briefly explain…service is acceptable but never appears overly friendly, helpful or approachable. Except right at the end where a suited man inquires as a formality, if all was to your liking. Well it may not have been, but there's no point quibbling about it right at the end of the meal. Food is thoughtful, well constructed and covers the south Indian region justifiably with a good selection of veg, fish and meat dishes. But these are not in any way unique to the venue and dishes of similar ilk can be found in Indian restaurants of similar themes all over London. Lastly atmosphere, well there is very little to say about the dull bland and uninspiring interiors which together with the cold air conditioning that froze me and my fellow diners, proves to add very little warmth to the whole experience.

It's a tricky one. I don't dislike Quilon but I don't love it. Nothing about it screams ‘come back for more’ and nothing of the evening remains vividly in your mind the following day. It is at best a find for those seeking quiet business lunch venues and for tourists of the Crowne Plaza to have dinner on their doorstep, unfortunately I'm neither.