Classic Indian dishes combine with innovative creations at this Covent Garden favourite.

The Venue
Although it only opened its London restaurant in 2005, Moti Mahal has a long history in India, where it first set up shop more than 40 years ago. If that's not recommendation enough, their first restaurant in India is credited with creating the recipe which is now best known as chicken tikka masala.

The Atmosphere
A stone’s throw from Covent Garden tube, Moti Mahal attracts an equal amount of theatregoers, tourists and office workers out for a leisurely meal. One side of the main dining area is taken up by a large, curved glass wall, behind which you can see some of the chefs at work. The atmosphere is tranquil and the decor simple, but this is a place where you relish your food, not the interior design.

The Food
After just launching a new menu, Moti Mahal is moving away from dishes that aren’t normally associated with India (think lobster and mango stir fry and rabbit stew) and towards more traditional and classic Indian staples. Murg makani (the aforementioned pre-chicken tikka masala dish) consists of wonderfully tender chicken in a creamy sauce. Chemeen mappas (king prawns in a coconut and curry leaf sauce) are enormous and taste incredibly fresh.

There are still hints of the quirky former menu though, including a dish of sliced lotus stems as well as a minty tandoor bread. Whatever you choose for your main meal, don’t pass on the desserts – especially the little dumplings filled with melted chocolate and accompanied by fresh strawberries.

The Drink
Moti Mahal’s first bar, along the side wall of the main room, is dedicated to an extensive list of wines and cocktails and has a few sofas where you can enjoy your drinks. A second bar downstairs concentrates solely on whisky, with more than 80 different varieties to choose from. If you’re concerned about the spiciness of the food, a cold Cobra beer or a milky lassi is perfect to take the edge off.

The Last Word
A very smart restaurant serving some seriously delicious food, the menu at Moti Mahal excels at retaining its authenticity combined with a refreshing originality.

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