Beautifully designed Indian restaurant a few minute's walk from St James' tube station, serving light and well done
This was frankly a belter of a meal. I probably over did it volume wise on this occasion but for 4 people I didn’t want to take any chances and was lovely to get as many dishes as possible to experiment with which, basically ended up as a full blown banquet. It included the same, lovely South West coastal Indian food with emphasis on fish as a result and everything brought to the table was just wonderfully delicate. From the dahl, to the fish broth, to the cauliflower crispy fries to the black cod and even the rice – every dish was beautifully made and a pleasure to have. It was also interesting to see the okra fries and comparing to those of Dishoom; the ones at Quilon I felt were ever so lighter. Apart from minor language barriers with some of the staff, the hospitality here was entirely warm and attentive and as my third visit here, I am now utterly convinced this will always be a wonderfully safe bet and superb experience from the warmth of the staff combined with the beautifully prepared food. I might add I felt in very comfortable hands from the staff on the special and unique occasion it was as well.
Food Grade: 80%
This was another lovely visit where the service couldn’t have been more charming and hospitable. Not one member of the waiting staff displayed any negative points in terms of service and the meal itself was wonderful. I say this not only because the spice influences from the South West coast of India were beautifully fresh and toned down in terms of heat according to my palate on request, but also the care and attention that went in to all the little extras was obvious.
The mini popadoms were so light and cripsy, the home made condiments of chili and coconut cream (and mango chutney obviously) were all entirely lovely and the dishes of coconut cream chicken (utterly succulent), fish broth, prawn masala, beautifully balanced lemon rice and especially the mango curry which was beautifully creamy (with an almost cheese undertone) were all hitting the pleasure valves. What was also lovely was having different pre-dessert sorbets which were catered for the different curries we had had. As an aside, there was also a very good seafood and vegetarian set of tasting menu options, and maybe this is why Sir Paul McCartney was looking like he was enjoying his meal very much as well, being a staunched vegetarian.
Curries will never be pieces of technical wizardry, by the nature of what they are, but when passion and pride has gone in their preparation, it is clear as a bell on the palate and this is what I had – Indian food (from the SW coast of India) done very well, packed with lovely extras producing a meal where I left with a belly fit for hibernation and another kind of glow from having been looked after so nicely. Bravo Quilon, a lovely visit, and I look forward to coming again whenever I can.
Food Grade: 79%
Without question a little gem in itself and with £27 for 3 courses including tea / coffee and a petits fours you cannot get much better value for money at lunch for a Michelin starred restaurant in London. The food was highly pleasurable and the mini poppadoms with their select sauces was a treat in itself. A lot of care was taken on the set menu I had and certainly gives much desire to return whenever one can to explore more of the menu. The interior has a gentle warmth that makes the diner feel very comfortable and you are in good hands here.
Food Grade: 79%
My hobby-turned-passion began to evolve during my assignments to London where I was fortunate enough to be able to explore all the Michelin starred restaurants in my spare time and as a result, I gradually built up a catalogue of all these venues.
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