Kasturi

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

When Kasturi opened its doors in 2010, the owners talked of their delight at securing a site that they had wanted for years – you wonder if they feel the same today. The closure of Shandwick Place for over a year due to tramworks will undoubtedly hurt passing trade, but you suspect curry lovers will continue to make their way to this polished and welcoming restaurant. A starter of chicken chat puree is a well balanced combination of spicy, aromatic chicken and rich doughy bread. Firm but tender aubergine pakora comes with a wonderful tamarind sauce which complements the fiery batter well. A neat touch is the pairing of each main dish with a suggested side: while catfish in a Goan fish curry is perhaps a little too delicate for the hot and flavoursome sauce, the bindi bajhi is a excellent partner, providing a firmer texture and aromatic depth. An excellent lamb pallak needs no help: the spinach, onion and coriander providing all the nuance required.

• High point: The terrific tamarind sauce makes for near perfect pakora
• Low point: The slightly dungeon-like low-ceilinged toilets