Eat & Drink
Originally published on Friday, 15th February 2008
Amaya
I'm as anti-Valentine's as the next person but one thing I'm not anti at any time of the year is a little restaurant footsie and foodie frottage which this seductive, contemporary Indian is perfect for.
With its glossy, dark-wood interior, low lighting and open grill kitchen you could just as easily be in a Japanese and once you've tasted the food you'll understand why Amaya has been compared to Zuma. The vibe is less is more, so instead of steaming curries and huge platters of tandoori meats you can nibble on flash-grilled oysters, delicate monkfish tikka and the most delicious lamb chops that are more like intensely savoury lollipops. They even manage to make a dish of char-grilled broccoli and yoghurt sexy.
If you're feeling reasonably flush (and flushed) go straight to the Michelin-starred chef Karunesh Khanna's Gourmand Menu; eleven little tastes of heaven, including masala lobster and a choice of some serious desserts, for £60. Why skimp when it comes to seduction?
Hours: Mon-Fri 12.30-2.30 and 6-11pm • Sat 12.30-3pm and 6-11pm • Sun 12.30-3pm and 6-10.30
Place: Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JT
Cost: £60
Web: www.amaya.biz
Book: 020 7823 1166