Randomness Guide to London Menu

Note: As of early 2012, the Rasa Samudra branch of this chain, previously on Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia, is moving to the Dering Street branch. We aren't sure what, if anything, will change about this branch as a result.

This excellent Indian restaurant, part of the Rasa chain, is tucked away on Dering Street, a quiet little lane just off Oxford Street.

The presentation and quality of the food is excellent, right from the appacham and banana chips that arrive at the start of the meal. The service is good and the staff are friendly and helpful. itsbruce usually orders one of the fish dishes and has never been disappointed. This is high quality Indian cuisine, much lighter and healthier than the stodge found in the typical British curry house. It is a little more expensive than the standard British curry house but well worth it.

Kat and Rick visited on a Thursday evening in June 2016. We hadn't booked and it was reasonably busy, but were found a table straight away. The omnivorous W1 menu has a slightly reduced range of vegetarian options compared to the N16 branch and is slightly more expensive (as one might expect from the location), but the snacks and dosas are the same old familiar friends. Kat's adipoli erachi mulegu (lamb curry with shallots and coconut, £9.50) was deliciously rich. The nair dosa (£10) was huge and also delicious, served with side pots of sambar and coconut chutney.

Kat's verdict: I've been a big fan of the whole chain for some years now, and this branch is a fine example. I'd recommend it if you're in the area.

Accessibility: This restaurant is on the ground and first floors and the stairs to the upper floor (where the toilets are located) are quite steep and curved.

See also:

• London Eating comments
• MyVillage comments
• Trusted Places comments
• Gaztronomy review