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

Brawn

Mediterranean restaurant · Bethnal Green

This stylish Mediterranean spot serves delightful small plates, highlights pork, and boasts a charming ambiance perfect for any occasion.

23 Postcards

Oranj

Wine bar · Bethnal Green

A trendy restaurant and wine bar featuring rotating chefs, perfect for date night or casual hangs, where the food and atmosphere shine bright.

4 Postcards

CERU Eastern Mediterranean Restaurant South Kensington

Mediterranean restaurant · Earl's Court

Ceru is a vibrant South Kensington diner offering modern Levantine cuisine like lamb shoulder and fresh mezze, perfect for sharing and daydreaming of sunnier days.

10 Postcards

Chequers

Sandwich shop · Covent Garden

Chequers is a bustling sandwich haven near Covent Garden, where you can score generous, made-to-order creations and a free cup of soup for under tenner.

1 Postcard

Queen of Hoxton

Cocktail bar · Shoreditch

Queen of Hoxton is a vibrant Shoreditch hotspot featuring a lively rooftop garden, seasonal themes, and a fun atmosphere perfect for any celebration.

3 Postcards

Beam

Cafe · Bayswater

A trendy, walk-in-only Notting Hill cafe, Beam serves up Mediterranean-infused brunch delights, from shakshuka to Nutella doughnuts, in a cozy, stylish setting.

12 Postcards

Rochelle Canteen

Restaurant · Bethnal Green

Rochelle Canteen, nestled in a former bike shed of an old school on Arnold Circus, serves fresh, seasonal British dishes in a charming garden setting, making it a delightful, laid-back foodie hideout.

37 Postcards

Daylesford Organic

Farm shop · Belgravia

Daylesford is a chic cafe-deli in Pimlico, serving up vibrant organic dishes and seasonal salads alongside a stylish market that brings the farm to your table.

3 Postcards

Westerns Laundry

Seafood restaurant · Highbury

Located in a transformed garage in Highbury, Westerns Laundry serves up British and Spanish-inspired seafood small plates, complemented by a stellar natural wine list in a cozy, romantic setting.

21 Postcards

The Crabtree

Pub · Hammersmith Broadway

Nestled along the Thames, this charming pub features a vibrant riverside garden where you can savor classic dishes like fish and chips amidst stunning views.

4 Postcards