Just when we thought the influx of Indian restaurants opening in London had come to a standstill it seems there’s a whole load more on the horizon. The latest is Farzi Cafe, which already has ten places in India and one in Dubai. It offers up an Indian menu with a British twist bordering more on the fine dining end of the spectrum than the likes of Kricket, Tandoor Chop House et al.
Located on Haymarket the place is buzzing on a Monday evening, we suspect due to its reputation in India where the founder has celeb status. The food menu is vast and it’s all for sharing. We kicked off with a couple of glasses of English sparkling rose wine – unexpected? Yes. Delightful? Absolutely. There’s a section called #FARZIFIED, which is bastardised English dishes and from there we tried a very good ground beef Indian scotch egg. It’s nice to see a restaurant not taking itself too seriously.
We skipped the fish and chips and shepherds pie in favour of the punchy venison irrachi pepper fry with fluffy paratha; tender lamb chops coated in fennel and maple; and the wagyu seekh kebab. We also enjoyed a chicken tikka masala served with Cornish cruncher naan and speckled with pickled onions. There’s no denying it, the food is a mash-up not just of Indian and English but many other cuisines, although each dish seems to work not just as a plate but also to fit with the others.
Go with a group – even better on your work’s tab – you’ll get to try more of the menu and given it’s busy throughout the week, it’s loud enough to add atmosphere even to the driest group dinner.
8 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4BP
farzilondon.com