From Sunday brunches in Fitzrovia with dearest friends to a glamorous evening dinner in Mayfair with my husband, Mr. K, my birthday this year was indeed full of beautiful moments.

Since opening in November 2016, Jamavar has piqued the interest of many, with its luxurious and fashionable Indian fine dining offering in the heart of exquisite Mayfair.

With chef Rohit Ghai (of Benaras, Trishna and Gymkhana fame) overseeing the kitchen, and the hospitality backing and expertise of The Leela Group of Hotels, this is one powerful gastronomic experience. The food here brings classic flavours of North and South India and gives them a royal makeover with fresh ingredients and modern, creative presentations.

The ultra-stylish interiors, designed by Fabled Studio, is a visual kaleidoscope, evocative of the colonial residences of New Delhi on one hand and the floral patterns and textures inspired by the intricate embroidery of the famous Jamavar shawls of Kashmir.

The place is sexed up with materials like swish marble and dark timber panelling, with touches of delicate brass, white block print, gleaming cabinets and mirror detailing.

They have a smashing cocktail range, which we didn’t try on this occasion but is definitely on the list for next time!

We opted for the Early Bird menu (served between 5:30 pm – 7.00 pm) as we had a theatre performance to attend soon after. At £25 for three courses, this is a steal considering we are in plush Mayfair.

We kicked off with a Chilli Pepper Squid with Green Onion and Tellicherry Black Pepper . The spring onions had a luxurious crunch which contrasted perfectly with the soft, peppery squid. It was scrumptious and perfectly cooked.

Mr. K ordered the Pan-seared Achari Pork with Masala Puff, Quail’s Egg and Pickled Garlic. This was an absolute scene stealer. The pork had a dense texture full of robust Indian spicing. The light and flaky, nigella-seed bejewelled pastry was perfect to mop up all the meat with the oozing quail’s egg on top. It was a lovely plate of food.

For our next course, Mr. K had the Malai Stone Bass Tikka with Mace, Green Cardamom and Avocado Chutney. This was a delicate, fragrant and spicy fish dish superbly balanced by the fresh and creamy avocado chutney on the side – an Indian take on the guacamole which I thought was pure genius.

I had the Lamb Seekh Kebab with Kashmiri Chilli and mixed sprouts chaat. The lamb was succulent and full-flavoured, with the chilli adding more fire to the meat. The sprouts chaat was an interesting idea. Not one of my favourite things to eat, but at Jamavar it was done skilfully and served next to a kebab like that, I will eat my sprouts everyday!

The final course were a selection of curried dishes served with lentils, potatoes, fragrant basmati rice and mixed bread.

One of them was the Old Delhi Butter Chicken made with corn-fed chargrilled and pulled Suffolk chicken, fresh tomato and fenugreek. Now as someone born and bred in Delhi, I consider myself an expert in Butter Chicken.

The Butter Chicken at Jamavar was lip-smackingly good. The full-flavoured chicken was soft and juicy with a hint of smoky flavours; the sauce was indulgent and just the right amount of ‘tomatoey’! After Dishoom’s Black Dal, now Jamavar’s Butter Chicken is stirring up all these childhood memories of growing up with food.

Mr. K had the Macher Jhol which was Bengali Fish Curry with Chilli, Aubergine and Potato. It was a rather sensuous take on the humble fish curry that I am used to from back home. No matter where in the world I am, the Bengali genes in me will always gravitate towards this dish.

The Lunch/Early Bird menu is really good value for money for people who want to sample the fine offerings of this restaurant without breaking the bank. This is beautiful food, lovingly prepared and served in lavish surroundings.

The staff were impeccably groomed and courteous. The service was welcoming, elegant and faultless. Their sense of hospitality is a real testament to the famous Sanskrit saying of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’- the guest is equivalent to God.

The food experience in Jamavar is superlative and one feels treated and special dining here. I am undoubtedly going back for more.

More information can be found here.

N.B. All opinions and views expressed in this blog are my own. The photographs used have been taken by me and my partner (credited wherever applicable). I review anonymously and pay for my meals.