Bhatti

On the western fringe of London’s Holborn, along Great Queen Street, is a temple to the cuisine of the Mughal Empire, the dishes enjoyed in modern-day India before the time of the British Raj. Bhatti is one of the West End’s most well-liked restaurants, serving up veritable banquets of supremely authentic Indian at fantastic prices. Garnering praise from critics and satisfied diners alike, Bhatti is a great place for some pre- and post-theatre dining, or private parties in the Bhatti Suite, which can accommodate thirty.

Holborn’s Bhatti has styled itself on the courts of the Mughul Emperors, naming each section of its very extensive menu in traditional fashion. Shuruatt (starters), samunder se (seafood), tandoori se mutaket (clay oven dishes), gosht laziz (boneless lamb), bahar-e-murgh (chicken), naan-roti (Indian breads), bahar-e-sabz (vegetables), and chawal-ke-namoone (rice specialties) – the menu at this Great Queen Street Indian restaurant reads like a lesson in the structures of Indian cuisine. Needless to say, a meal here is one of the most opulent in London’s West End.

The star attraction at Bhatti, close to Covent Garden and London’s West End theatreland is probably the shifarish-e-khas (house recommendations) selection. Each is a kind of set menu – vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and fish, plus the Special Dinner and Bhatti Delight – that’s popular among those in a bit of a hurry to catch a play. Hopefully you’re less rushed if you opt for a private party in the Bhatti Suite, a separate room at this Great Queen Street restaurant that can seat up to thirty guests. Holborn’s Bhatti is up there in the London Indian scene.