Tucked away in Belgravia’s Halkin Arcade, Amaya has despite years of competition, an ever-evolving dining scene and the endless Covid pandemic – still managed to retain not just its Michelin star, but its loyal customer base. It was so great to be back after months of sitting at home and it was so nice to see it busy and the chefs back in action. Amaya is my absolute favourite Indian restaurant (alongside the legendary Chutney Mary) and our meal didn’t disappoint this time around.
Opened in 2004, Amaya is overseen by a team of talented chefs who work in a large open kitchen where you can watch the magic unfold right before your eyes. It smells just as good as it looks in here and it looks stunning. It’s been a while since Amaya was last revamped and today it still looks like it was only launched yesterday. And whilst were still hot on the topic of Covid – the place is immaculate, it’s all about attention to detail here from the moment you walk through the front door.
We began our Indian journey with a cocktail to whet our appetite and I opted for the grapefruit Negroni which was delicious. The grapefruit added more bitterness, but also a welcomed freshness and delightful citrus hit on the finish. The perfect way to start just about any meal – especially this one.
Whilst we salivated over the menu, we ordered a dish from the menu to snack on before tucking into our feast. Minced chicken lettuce parcels with a coconut & lime dressing. It was a little like Coronation chicken – but coconutty and much more delicious.
The Spring lamb chops here are arguably some of the finest you’re every likely to eat and so save room. Each chop is cooked to perfection and smothered in smoked chili sauce which had so much flavour to it without been overly spicy, but instead packed with flavour and succulency. It’s dishes like these which make you realise just why Amaya has held onto its Michelin star for so many years.
If those lamb chops hadn’t already left you speechless, the the char-grilled fillet of seabass will. Served on a banana leaf, this fish is succulent and smokey. Flaky flesh falling apart at just the sight of my fork, crisp charred skin and delicate flavours of coconut, curry leaf and chilli. I think this is one of my favourite dishes here at Amaya.
If you fancy continuing that ocean theme, order the seafood platter. Rock oysters had been flash grilled with a light crumb coating. Grilled king scallops in herby sauce were absolutely stunning and the gargantuan plump tandoori ocean wild prawn smothered in a tomato-based paste quite literally had my lost for words. I don’t want to go overkill here, but this platter really was truly astonishing.
If you’ve still got room, order a side of Amaya’s famous truffle naan which is one of the finest you’re likely ever to stumble upon not just in London, but the entire UK. The smell when it arrives to the table will have you drooling even before your first bite.
To finish, a trio of desserts. The one thing I love about the dessert selection here is you can choose just to order mini versions of their much-loved favourites. Whilst we went slightly overboard in terms of quantity, you can order simply one, one of each or like us – lots of each! The gulab jamun and selection of kulfi were our favourites. Each were such a joy to eat and the perfect way to near the end of our meal.
We ordered a coffee to finish, that somehow turned into an espresso martini – which of course was excellent. Once again, we had a beautiful meal here at Amaya and after a gruelling 18 months of being my own chef, it was so nice to return to somewhere truly magnificent. Would we return? Of course – it’s just a matter of when and I hope that time is very soon.
