Vaasu by Atul Kochhar

Vaasu is the latest creation from Atul Kochhar, the twice Michelin-starred chef known for his modern approach to Indian cuisine. The restaurant can be found just off the main High Street in the charming river-side town of Marlow.

The outside of the restaurant is fairly understated, but who cares when the interiors are so gorgeous? At the front, a stylish bar leads to the main dining area, featuring dark wood floors, floral prints and thick curtains, all set under soft lighting for the perfect ambience.

The menu has been created to give diners a true taste of India, with vibrant dishes made using the freshest ingredients. We ate from the sample menu, which at £65 per person is available in several options including pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan. It features six main dishes, plus an apple and mint ice palette cleanser. You can also opt for the wine pairing for an additional £48.

The amuse bouche was a pithode – a chickpea flour cake with tamarind and mint chutney, beautifully presented on a bed of pebbles. The artichoke was a particular highlight, served both grilled and deep fried – we’d be hard pushed to choose a favourite! The penultimate course was a choice of lamb and muntjac fillet – both perfectly cooked and served with pulou rice and yellow dahl.

Whilst Vaasu offers a high-end Indian experience, there are nods to traditional Indian favourites, with papadums served with fresh mango and berry chutney, and delicious fluffy naan breads.

The lovely team provided a professional but friendly service from the moment they greet diners. One of the nicest things visits is the potential to meet Kochhar himself. Not only did he greet us at the door on our visit, but he came out throughout the evening to chat to each table... a lovely touch.

If you’re looking for a casual curry, this probably isn’t the restaurant for you but for Indian food fans looking for high-quality dishes in elegant surroundings, you will not be disappointed.

Atul Kochhar has become renowned across the UK for his collection of restaurants, all of which showcase the culture and flavours of India in a modern style. Vaasu is the second restaurant in Kochhar's portifolio based in the Buckinghamshire town of Marlow, having opened Sindhu in 2014. Located on the charming Chapel Street, Vaasu is all about big flavours, quality produce, and a laidback ambience meaning that it's great for a variety of different occasions.

Vaasu's intimate but elegantly decorated dining room has a feeling of real class to it yet still provides a more relaxed atmosphere than some of Kocchar's more 'fine-dining' ventures. Floral prints decorate the restaurants bright walls, while plenty of overhead lights and a skylight in one corner ensure that Vaasu is anything but a dark and gloomy affair.

The food offering at Vaasu is inspired by a number of different regions in India, with a particular focus on the North, Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan. There's the choice of an unpretentious a la carte menu, a cheaper set lunch menu (£28 for three courses), and a more sophisticated tasting menu with both vegan and vegetarian options available.

Expect tempting starters such as jal pari - pan roasted cauliflower, with cauliflower and kamquats, and a platter of kebabs including lamb cutlet and seabass. Main courses range from old Delhi style classic tandoori chicken supreme, to sauteed New Forest venison and dum biryani served with oyster mushrooms and laal maas gravy. These, of course, can be accompanied by a variety of hearty sides such as tandoor smoked aubergine with green peas, as well as a choice of different Indian breads.

When it comes to drinks, Vaasu offers an extensive wine list which even includes some English whites alongside the more typical regions. There are also a number of different cocktails available to be enjoyed before or after your meal, as well a good selection of beers, spirits and soft drinks too.