Kanishka By Atul Kochhar

This is one of Atul Kochhar’s latest restaurants and focuses on the North East States of India which include - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. The North East region offers a mixed culture of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism which clearly reflects in the cuisine.

We were lucky to go on an evening to see both Atul Kochhar and Tina English at the restaurant along with the head chef Shishir Sinha. A great team and the most down to earth hard working people in the Industry I know.

Maddox street seems to becoming the home of indian food with a few other establishments on the same road. 

THE MOOD: You get a nice feel when you walk in and pleasantly greeted and shown to your table, the restaurant has a great bar with comfortable bar stools where you can also pass your evening having a few drinks and snacks. At first sight it seem like a smaller venue, there is a large lower ground floor with a completly different feel which is set up for private hire and soon to be a private dining area I am informed. There is also a nice little terrace area outside so worth a visit during the summer months (although I think we have missed out this time around). 

THE FOOD/DRINK: An amazing drinks menu with a special section “KANISHKA’S WORLD OF IMAGINATION” where you can make your own unique hiball drink with a hint of these flavoured distillates. A great idea but alas I don’t drink so I had to select one of three mocktails. It would be good to see more mocktail options in the future. 

A number of menus are on offer from the Al La Carte, Set Menus, Tasting Menu and a Vegetarian Menu options. In addition to all of this you also get special event menus as well, such was the case during Diwali. You will be sure to find something for everyone. The menu also consists of options without much spice so even those not usually into Indian food or the spices will have something to select making this a perfect office Christmas party spot so I would book early. 

Plum Elixir [Roast plum infused Seedlip Spice, cranberry juice, Lixir ginger ale] - A very light flavour reminded me of Ribena. I like the fact you get to try some new and unique mock-tails rather than the usual passion fruit combinations that are usually offered. 

Spice of Life [Seedlip Spice, blood orange and cinnamon tonic, burnt orange shrub] - A refreshing drink which has a ginger ale like taste with the same bitter after taste. 

Papadums served with Mango chutney - The chutney was fresh and subtle which I really enjoyed. A great start as you wait for your starters and glad they still serve this as some places have stopped serving such items.  

Atul’s Chicken Tikka Pie [Tikka masala in puff pastry, cumin scented berry compote] - Chicken pie flaky pastry the amazing berry sauce simply cuts through the spice and taste of the chicken beautifully. The chicken is not too spicy and this is a signature dish you simply have to order and try.  

Masala Mixed Grill [Selection of lamb chops, prawn, fish and chicken tikka (Vegetarian alternative available upon request)] - The chicken was moist and well cooked, with the Lamb falling off the bone and perfectly cooked. The sauce that is served is something I have tasted many times but it does compliment the grill. The Fish was also nice with a touch of spice. 

Naga Scallops [Smoked chilli spiced diver scallops, parsnip puree] - A very well cooked and presented dish.  

Purani Delhi Ki Gosht Biryani [Sealed and baked lamb, aromatic rice, served with burani raita (Vegetarian alternative available upon request)] - A nice spiced dry lamb and a good biryani option.

Lamb cutlets with sweet potato - The lamb was soft and succulent, not spicy and is the perfect dish for any person who can’t take spice and usually therefore stays away from Indian cuisine. So now there is no longer an excuse not to go.  

Dad’s Murg Makhani [Tandoor cooked chicken tikka simmered in San Marzano and fenugreek gravy (Vegetarian alternative available upon request)] - Also known as Butter chicken cooked well and tastes as you expect very rich and although there is not much you can do to this dish it is also easy to get wrong and this was perfectly cooked. A great staple dish to have on the menu.

Kanishka Signature Black Dal - A must have side order not to be missed, rich and one of the best black dal’s I have had. Even better than some of the places I visited in Mumbai India recently.

Sagolir Manxo [Cumin and black pepper spiced country goat curry] - Not something I would normally order but this is simply a must have dish to order, this goat curry was simply astonishing with the meat just melting in the mouth and the curry being full of flavour and when accompanied with nan it’s simply breath taking. I took a doggy bag home and next day this tasted just as amazing so order this even if you only have one spoon, just take the rest away and enjoy the next day. 

Seafood Moilee Curry [Pan-seared seafood, onion and ginger sauce, Seafood coconut more Thai twist] - A nice twist allowing for a more varied menu.

Gangtok Momos [Choice of filling] - I did not have this but once we finished our meal a friend came and he ordered this at the bar and I must say I really wish I had room to try this so next time this will be on my list. 

There is also a great dessert menu with a light and creamy dol which consists of a light rose sorbet which refreshes pallet and is just sublime. Along with a number of options including more traditional options such as mango and pistachio Kulfi so you get the best of both worlds.

THE VERDICT: I am very impressed by the menu selection and options, I really look forward to coming again and I noted the Diwali special set menu was only £35.00 per head so I would recommend keeping an eye on the events and what’s being offered as I think its a great idea to have events and experience days being offered. It was really a pleasure and cant wait to visit again and again. The only criticism is please add some more sweet and other mock-tails. There are so many items on the menus both a mix from traditional to some unique options that I left wanting more and more. So I have no choice but to return and give you a review on some of the other dishes on offer. Do visit for a memorable evening you will walk away extremely happy.

An absolutely amazing find in Mayfair. A lovely restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere - not to small or too large, it creates an ambience which is relaxed and enjoyable. The menu is wonderful - some really lovely and novel indian dishes which will surprise and delight. Every dish on the menu has its own distinct flavours and character. The quality of the ingredients is apparent - for example the meats are of the highest quality and melt in the mouth. There is a wide variety of choice and something for everyone to enjoy. The service was second to none when we visited - not too intrusive, but relaxed and helpful staff only too happy to help and to explain anything about the dishes. We visited for my wife's birthday and they arranged a special desert for us all as a result. Totally unexpected and a lovely surprise. It is not cheap, but if you are booking to come here you know that at the outset. The important thing is whether it is value for money - and I would say it most certainly is good vaue for money. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, and we will definitely return again.

Visiting for the 5 course tasting menu which was a birthday gift. Overall, a really nice visit and quality food but not life changing. I have had better food for cheaper. We were served by Roshan and Deevaj (sorry if I got your names wrong) who gave top quality service to us. Friendly staff and knowledgeable on the dishes being served. Nice quiet atmosphere as we arrived just at opening time for lunch. The tasting menu overall was good. The highlights for us were the chukundur aur feta (beetroot dumpling), signature chicken tikka pie and the Varanasi custard apple rabdi. The actual curries served were acceptable but nothing special. Another comment calls out that they would find it hard to tell apart from a typical British Indian restaurant style curry and I kind of agree. It was good.. but that was it.. nothing mind blowing. Price, as expected is on the higher end. Even with a 5 course voucher we still ended up spending about £70 just on a few extras like a couple of soft drinks, 1 cocktail a roti and a garlic naan. Overall this was a good experience and decent food but you can get better food at a lower price point in my opinion if you're seeking value for money.

Food was excellent, particularly the main course of the mixed grill and the salmon. Dessert was a little disappointing and not as great though. Service and atmosphere were okay. Overall I think it's a bit pricey and could do a bit more to stand out compared to the other fine dining Indian restaurants around.

Michelin Experience. Excellent food, service and atmosphere. Gr8 cocktails by Dheeraj. Chicken tikka pie is a must try. Definitely recommend this place.

Went as a party of 4, we got the set menu and was able to try everything as we all shared. Starters were amazing, all very flavourful and tasty. Mains were very bland and lacked flavours, was disappointed. Desserts were excellent, love them all, very rich in flavour