La Porte des Indes

 

Set in an old Edwardian ballroom complete with a 40ft waterfall and a marble staircase connecting its two floors, it's fair to say that La Porte des Indes isn't exactly your typical curry house. But step inside the unassuming shop front, explore beyond the tropical plants and flowers and you'll find a sprawling restaurant that has earned a reputation for providing one of the finest Indian dining experiences in London, ever since its launch in 1996. With a strong French influence running throughout the menu, you can expect a new twist on Indian classics such as Vindaloo and Biryani, as well as seafood, duck dishes and a home-style goat curry. There's also a separate vegetarian menu boasting dishes such as lotus root fried with chilli and chives and a speciality of smoked crushed aubergine. And if you're feeling thirsty, you can also grab a Mango Chilli Mohito or some of the Pukka Punch up in the intimately-lit Jungle Bar, where exotic paintings line the walls and diners are encouraged to scatter their peanut shells on the floor in reference to the rich and famous patrons of Singapore's Raffles hotel who used to do the very same.