Jamavar

Indian restaurant · Mayfair

6

@infatuation

"If you want to eat some excellent Indian dishes that range from a Keralan scallop moilee sponsored by Lurpak, to a Rajasthani laal maas you’ll think about once every couple of weeks for the foreseeable—Jamavar can deliver. But if you’re after the kind of memorable experience that’ll leave an impression beyond the impressive food, this Michelin-starred Indian spot in Mayfair can be a bit of a snoozefest. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Jamavar’s interiors are inspired by Viceroy’s House—a presidential palace in New Delhi—and this spot has certainly got all of the brass accenting, some of the stiffness, and a hundredth of the space. Set over two floors, tables are a bit too close for comfort so you’ll often involuntarily eavesdrop on the double date to your right or overhear some dry business chat to your left. Despite the cosy set-up, a dinner here isn’t relaxing. You’ll need a smoke signal to get hold of a server, and once you do it feels very ‘let’s get down to business’. However, Jamavar serves some of the best Indian food in London when you order right which eclipses the sometimes dull experience. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch The slow-cooked lamb curry is a faultless dish, and Malvani prawn curry strikes the perfect balance between tasting comforting and home-cooked, and being better than anything you could make at home. But sometimes the food misses the mark. The lamb chops are disappointing and bland, and the butter chicken is forgettable—which isn’t what you expect when you’re paying over £30 for it. Come when you can put the meal on a company card—and just make sure you order right. Food Rundown photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Scallop Moilee These scallops are more buttery than your little sibling when they’re trying to get a lift to the station. And the coconut sauce is the kind of thing you want to keep around to soak up with an equally buttery naan. Adraki Lamb Chops When we pay more than £50 for some lamb chops, they better be good. But these were dry, bland, and OK. At best. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Malvani Prawn Curry Although we’d like a couple more of the meaty prawns in the curry, the coconutty sauce—that’s silkier than an Afghan hound that’s just come out of the groomers—makes up for it. Order this for the table. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Laal Maas One of the best lamb curries we’ve had in London, this eight-hour slow-cooked blushing pink lamb shank slides off the dramatic-looking bone without leaving behind a trace of meat. That, plus the moppable, tomatoey red curry sauce makes this an excellent main. Old Delhi Butter Chicken We love a good butter chicken. While this was perfectly nice, it was a whole lot of sauce, not much chicken, and slightly underwhelming. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Dum Nalli Biryani Yes, there’s a pattern here. Where there’s lamb involved at Jamavar, you should follow. This biryani arrives with a pretty golden pastry hat, and the biryani is flavourful, with crispy onions and chunks of tender lamb shank. Make sure you eat every last bit of that flaky pastry lid. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Pistachio Milk Cake A lot of pistachio milk cakes are disappointing, but this almost-fluorescent green number isn’t one of them. The light and creamy milk cake comes in a pool of nutty, sweet pistachio sauce—save some stomach space for this." - Rianne Shlebak

Jamavar Review - Mayfair - London - The Infatuation
Aleksandra Boruch

8 Mount St, London W1K 3NF, United Kingdom Get directions

jamavarrestaurants.com
@jamavarlondon

6 Postcards

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

The Cheeky Pea

Middle Eastern restaurant · The Hamptons

Tucked away on Eden Walk, The Cheeky Pea is a delightful spot for fresh falafel, creamy hummus, and vibrant Mediterranean fare—perfect for a quick, healthy lunch.

3 Postcards

Chucs Restaurant Mayfair

Italian restaurant · Mayfair

Discover a chic dining gem in Mayfair, where Mediterranean fare meets Italian tradition, all served in a stylish boutique with a garden vibe.

1 Postcard

Waitrose & Partners

Supermarket · Stratford

This supermarket chain offers fresh British produce and tempting baked goods, making it a go-to spot for quality groceries and convenient grab-and-go meals.

1 Postcard

Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank

Hamburger restaurant · South Bank

Nestled in Southbank, Paradiso Restaurant offers stunning Thames views and a vibrant ambiance, serving up gourmet burgers and imaginative chicken dishes.

2 Postcards

Hjem

Bakery · South Kensington

Nestled in a cozy corner of Kensington, Hjem serves up excellent coffee and scrumptious Danish pastries, complete with a charming secret patio to enjoy your treats.

5 Postcards

Chick 'n' Sours

Fried chicken takeaway · Dalston

Chick 'n' Sours serves a vibrant mix of sour cocktails and uniquely crispy fried chicken, bursting with Asian flavors in a fun atmosphere.

8 Postcards

Carnaby St

Notable street · Soho

Carnaby Street is a vibrant historic locale in the heart of London, buzzing with unique shops and delightful eateries, perfect for both shopping and dining.

1 Postcard

St. John

British restaurant · Farringdon

In a charming whitewashed ex-smokehouse, this celebrated eatery delivers exceptional British cuisine, showcasing offal delights like the iconic bone marrow.

68 Postcards

DUCKSOUP

Eclectic restaurant · Soho

Ducksoup is a charming Soho spot serving up simple, seasonal European small plates and a superb selection of natural wines in an intimate setting that buzzes with character.

13 Postcards

The Golden Heart

Pub · Spitalfields

The Golden Heart is a vibrant East End pub adorned with Tracey Emin's art, serving an eclectic crowd of regulars and curious newcomers alike.

2 Postcards