Moti Mahal

Of sound Delhi pedigree, Moti Mahal is a very good-looking modern Indian restaurant of crisply laid tables, chic leather and wood seating, glitzy chandeliers and a copper-backed open kitchen exposing the chefs at their tandoor ovens. Lunchtimes attract a middle-aged corporate crowd, while evenings see the same business people mixing with smart friends, family and theatergoers. Moti Mahal does traditional Indian food very well, although it's more accurate to say traditional with a contemporary twist, best exemplified by the starters (deep fried seabass with carom seeds and ginger being a fine example) and desserts. Spiciest and most popular of the signature dishes is a Rajasthani lamb curry from the tandoor. The menu covers a few Indian regions - the meaty, smoky kebabs from the Northwest Frontier are particularly good. Service is fine-dining formal yet friendly. Excellent drinks selection, including up to 60 different varieties of whisky.