An fine dining Indian restaurant that focuses on lighter dishes
Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Quilon, is tucked inside a hotel in Westminster. Unlike many of our go-to Indian spots, Quilon takes things in a different direction, shining a light on the lesser-seen flavours from India’s coastal regions.
Headed up by Chef Sriram Aylur (also behind Bombay Brasserie), Quilon has held its Michelin star since 2008. While it might not be on everyone’s list of the best Indian dining spots in the city, it’s a great shout if you’re craving Indian flavours without the heaviness of curries, breads, and rice.
Eat This
The mini poppadoms, pickles, and chilli chutneys get things off to a great start. We followed them up with oysters served three ways – two cold (smoked red pepper with heirloom tomato chutney, and finger lime with basil) and one hot, pan-fried and tossed with pepper masala. Three is always an awkward number to share, so it’s worth ordering a second round or pairing it with another starter. We went for the crab cake made with claw meat, finished with crisp vermicelli and garnished with curry leaves.
We loved the Quilon fish curry, made with halibut simmered in coconut, chilli, and raw mango, served with soft Malabar parathas. The fish was light and flaky, soaking up all that rich, aromatic sauce. The buttery parathas were a knockout – so good we ordered another round to mop up every last drop. The lamb biryani, cooked with traditional Malabar spices in a sealed pot to lock in the flavour, was another winner. Perfectly cooked lamb, fluffy, fragrant rice, and just the right hit of spice.
For dessert, we went for the Pine-COCO – a showstopper of coconut mousse, lemon crumble, and passion fruit sauce tucked inside a coconut and chocolate shell. Sweet, tart, and tropical. Technically ideal for sharing, but honestly, we could’ve each had our own.
Drink This
Out of all the wines we tried, the 2023 Clos des Fous Chardonnay paired the best with the spices of the food. Instead of a boozy nightcap, we finished with a comforting masala chai, which is served unsweetened so you can adjust it to taste.
Why Go
As much as we love classic Indian cooking, it can sometimes feel a bit familiar. Quilon switches things up – perfect if you’re craving the punchy spices of Indian cuisine but want something a little lighter.
Key Information
Address | 41 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
For more information | quilon.co.uk
