Quilon

"Quilon's longevity is no accident, as it delivers an object lesson in the importance of consistency and reliability. Longtime Head Chef Sriram Aylur and his experienced team put their focus on the cuisine of southwest India and the Malabar Coast, which means that seafood is always going to be a good choice. The recipes and preparation may be traditional, but the presentation is more contemporary, and the kitchen has an assured yet delicate touch. The ingredients are first-rate and the sauces are particularly good." - Michelin Inspector

"The Quilon, which presents diners with home-style, Southwest Indian cuisine from chef Sriram Aylur, has one star." - Eater Staff

"Two albatrosses — its location within a hotel, and a shiny Michelin star — hang round Quilon’s neck, and probably deter a great many potential customers. It’s their loss, as this is some of the best high-end Southern Indian food in the city — none better than the assortment of chutneys and pickles presented at the start of the meal. Prices at dinner can be bracing, but the set lunch represents one of the best haute bargains in town." - George Reynolds

"Michelin-starred for 14 years, Quilon in St James’ Court serves excellent southwest Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Naturally then, seafood is what the restaurant does best. There’s the simple but special lobster with butter, pepper and garlic, and coconutty prawn masala, and make sure not to scrimp on sides like egg paratha and fried okra. Perhaps one of London’s most underrated restaurants." - Daisy Meager

"Chef Sriram Aylur’s 20-year-old Westminster stalwart was the first South Indian to gain a Michelin star. It specialises in Southwest coastal cuisine that includes the states of Karnataka and Kerala, and is owned by the neighbouring St James’ Court, part of the Taj group of hotels. It’s a beautifully designed space, with a bar area leading to a dining room decorated with ornate ‘jaali’ screens and splashes of bold, bright watercolours; and a division bell for MPs from nearby Houses Of Parliament. Seafood is a speciality here, and two of the signature dishes include a gentle moilee of halibut and prawns, and subtly spiced baked black cod. Pulao of green jackfruit pieces that taste like artichokes, made substantial with lentil nuggets, is rich with ghee and sunny with saffron. Staff are lovely; and there are freebies thrown in such as papads with pickles, a palate cleanser shot of rasam, and cardamom-flavoured chocolate — so the strict no-tipping policy can feel awkward for diners who want to reward such great-value food and service." - Sejal Sukhadwala