MD's Reviews

Having read mixed reviews about Trishna and now having visited it, it's clear that there is a divide amongst diners about its merits as an ‘indian’ restaurant. as I walked in and took an eyeful of the clean and crisp scandinavian inspired interior I could see this was going to be a different dining experience to my local tandoori and accepted that as a refreshing change, perhaps this is where some people are going wrong, like the group of gentlemen seated nearby, quibbling over the price of the signature lobster dish.

I actually found it quite funny having read one reviewer's comments on the food not being indian at all; at what point do clean presentation, edible portions, delicately balanced ingredients, spicy flavours and good wine not constitute an indian experience? Because to me these are the most important dimensions to a good indian meal as opposed to oily batches of pre cooked curry you get on the high st – which is not indian cooking at all let me tell you. Where Trishna fails is not in its cuisine, which is flavoursome and generous, it is it's inability to overcome diners' preconceptions of what ‘real’ indian food should be. If you understand that Trishna is not representing the whole of India and not even a region but a distinct style of cooking a particular food (in this case seafood) in a specific district of the country, you will enjoy your experience as I did.

As for comments on the vegetarian range, I myself have in the past been vegetarian and have friends who are vegetarian and we would all think it common sense not to go to a seafood restaurant for a decent vegetarian meal! Specialist restaurants are not obliged to offer vegetarian dishes and Trishna's are certainly not branded as meals but accompaniments to the mains to enhance and balance the flavours. Anyone complaining about these being afterthoughts are plainly not able to appreciate a finer cuisine.

All in all, a well thought out restaurant with a good select blend of seasonal dishes, a… More

I'm afraid I can't really provide much of a review on the food and drink at mint Leaf Lounge Bar, because despite a willingness to splurge on a minimum spend of £2500 (in hindsight this was very stupid indeed) the opportunity was denied by their by poorsighted events and management team. To elaborate, we had agreed to hire out the mezzanine champagne bar for a private party on a Saturday and had on several occasions questioned the availability of a saturday opening (knowing the city and its tendancy for being rather dead on weekends) only to be met with a positive yes. Whilst on holiday last week we were emailed (not even phoned!) to say after one weekend opening the management deemed it was not in their interest to open on weekends! Well even the village idiot could have predicted this, but what annoys one even more is the number of times we had sought assurance only to be met with the inevitable in the end anyway. It beggars belief how the events manager manages to get any bookings or profit in general for the restaurant when she can't even remember her own quotes! Bottom line: If you want a reliable venue for a special occasion – For god's sake don't do it here!

I've been to Benares twice now, with a friend and with my parents and both times, its not displeased me at all. Service is well timed and pleasant and there is an air of groomed professionalism about the staff that is quite refreshing. With delicious fish dishes such as the coconut seabass, you can see why in such a short time it has gained Michellin star status. The menu does let down a little on desserts but by the time you have gone through your tasty starter and main course it is a small if not unoticed complaint. the staff also go the extra mile to explain dishes carefully and pick up on reasons for dining. We were rather surprised when the waiter came out with a dessert finished with a sparkler, during my visit with my parents, only to learn he had overheard it was their anniversary. Rather sweet. The decor and style of the restaurant is quite glamorous too in black and white and although stark at first grows on you. Only little snag I noticed is the noise levels do get a little high at times, something to do with the acoustics but by no means a limiter to your experience.

Always a pleasure to drop into Mint Leaf for a curry with a difference. With its sleek look, dark teaks and a throughly modern yet members club atmosphere attached, it makes for a nice dinner out for just about any occasion. Food is well thought and above your ordinary indian. Don't expect a long menu full of oily regulars but instead carefully constructed contemporary twists. As an on/off visitor I've seen it change chefs and menu's, which hasn't affected the choice thankfully but if memory serves right portion sizes are not as generous as once were. One thing that has slipped a little since opening is service, which needs a little attention but is by no means of a diabolical standard or anywhere close. Overall a nice restaurant to walk into spontaneously if you are in the area or for a casual yet impression making dinner.

In a word – Belissimo! This was no ordinary visit to begin with as we were celebrating an anniversary, so the restaurant had already gone through my meticulous criteria to make it through. Once we stepped in though I knew at once this was going to be one of the better dining experiences I've been privy to in this great city and was not let down. From tasty and authentic food such as the Plaice with Tomato and Basil and deliciously balanced Tiramisu to pallete approving wines and a rather nice Martini aperitif, LL delivered on the three essentials: atmosphere, food and service. Waiters were the right blend of attentive, not too pushy, not too ignorant and wine was regularly topped up without the need to ask. One thing I particularly liked was the lack of pressure for table turnaround even though we were pushing past our two hours. Overall a great place for special occasions with partners, gatherings for model R. Lauren families and a nice opportunity for celeb spotting the likes of Benecio Del Toro, who we sat next to.