Veeraswamy

 

London's oldest Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy has always enjoyed an excellent reputation. It's a delightful eatery, moderately expensive but offering a wonderful culinary experience. The sweeping dining room is agreeably packed even on midweek nights, and hums with the activity of discreet but attentive staff, all dressed inconspicuously in black. They're happy to talk you through the menu which holds some expected standards as well as more adventurous regional delicacies. To start, a platter of mixed meats with orange and coriander dips was elegantly simple and really whet our appetites. Recommended by our waiter, the Kerela Syrian Chicken Stew had a healthy kick which didn't overwhelm the subtle cinnamon undertones, and wrapped trimly in banana leaves, the sea bass cooked in red spices was a lesson in how to liven up a fish. The side dishes were fabulous too - the stuffed peppers deserving a special mention - a perfect combo of sweet, spice and savoury. Overall the subtle blend of flavours and the precise quantise of spice were right on the money. Indian restaurants aren?t famed for their desserts but the pistachio pastry served with vanilla ice cream is unfaultable, and the Espresso Martini a worthy accompaniment if you're still thirsty. We felt quite at home with Eastern screens behind us, bulbous lamps of varying gauge hanging overhead and some beautiful round dining tables. Great décor, superb service and delectable, novel food - Veeraswamy remains a standard bearer for Indian cuisine after nearly 80 years in business.

NOTES:
Booking advised. Dress smart casual.