This intriguing restaurant is tucked away on Connaught Street, within Connaught Village, adjacent to Hyde Park and within a five-minute walk of Marble Arch Tube Station, the neon-esque exterior beckons you in to a world of impeccable service and exquisite Indian food.

Inside, there is a welcoming bar area and reception, leading through into the main restaurant area which is subtly lit, crisp white linen adorns the tables and it is clear from the first impression this is no ordinary Indian establishment.

The service is personal and efficient whilst not being obtrusive.

My partner and I opted for one of the pre-dinner cocktails, there is a choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic, I chose the Masala Soda, a refreshing and taste bud tingling mix of lime and mint, whilst my partner chose the Bombay Cola, an inventive twist on a classic.

The evening began with the classic poppadums and a selection of dips including quite possibly the best mango chutney we have ever tasted.

For starters, we chose a couple of the classic dishes as these are always a good note for comparison. Onion Bhajis being one of them, these delectable nuggets of onion, herbs and spices were sensational, as were the vegetable samosas in a thick, crisp pastry, the Chef insisted we tried two of his specialities – the Dahi Batata Puri – small choux style pastry buns made with lentil flour filled with tangy yoghurt and spices plus the Chicken Paneer which was succulent and flavorsome.

The starters were generous in proportions and we were allowed sufficient time to enjoy them and savor the flavors before the mains arrived.

Our main courses were a veritable feast of taste and sensation, opting for the Lamb Nilgiri, we have to say this was one of the most incredible dishes we have ever tasted in an Indian restaurant, melt-in-the-mouth lamb which filled your mouth with warmth followed by a cooling mint, a quite incredible invention of the Chef and the region.

Tandoori Murgh was our second option, moist chicken served on the bone with a delicious chargrilled flavor.

Again, on the Chefs recommendations we tried the Baigan Bharta, a dish of smoked aubergine and spices, we both had no option but to declare this as one of the most tantalizing Indian dishes we have ever tasted, absolutely delicious, following on from this we also tried the Tarka Dal, whilst not even being fans of lentil-based dishes, this was infused with flavor.

With the accompaniments of Jeera Pulao, basmati rice cooked with cumin, topped with golden fried onions and a Peshwari Naan – stuffed with succulent fruits, this really was a feast of Maharaja proportions!

Completely sated and whilst the desserts looked incredibly tantalizing we could only manage a lime sorbet, which was the perfect end to such a rich and heady meal, light and refreshing and just enough to end the meal on a sweet note.

As lovers of Indian food, we can genuinely say, if you are, you will not be disappointed with Bombay Palace, from the moment you step inside you are transported to another place, with impeccable service, and food that is not only a credit to the Chef but a credit to Indian cuisine the world over, it is hard if not impossible to find fault here.

A truly wonderful restaurant, when London is saturated with options for the hungry, it is a joy to behold that you find such opulence and passion for the food of a nation.

We will certainly be back and we hope that you will make the effort to visit this gem.

Connaught Village

Connaught Village is the Hyde Park Estate’s luxury retail quarter and one of London’s most exclusive spots for independent shopping, drinking and dining. An oasis of calm and an epicurean’s delight, Connaught Village is just a short walk from Marble Arch, Oxford Street and Hyde Park. Connecting the Georgian streets of Bathurst Mews to Porchester Place, Connaught Village is something of a haven from the everyday hustle and bustle of London, with a real sense of community spirit. Boasting a vast number of art galleries, fashion and homeware shops, beauty and bridal boutiques, specialist wine merchants, riding stables, vets and eateries.

A: 50 Connaught St, Tyburnia, London W2 2AA
T: 020 7723 8855
E: Reservations
W:Bombay Palace

Social media

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

Written by Dean Williams and Tyler Verdin for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International