Babur

The intriguing kalamkari (painted textile) at the entrance suggests this is not your everyday Indian restaurant, and so it proves, for Babur combines modern good looks with innovative cooking. There are numerous striking Bengali artworks around the room, which is a stylish space with American walnut tables, chocolate brown banquettes and exposed brick walls. The menu is an appealing blend of traditional dishes and contemporary, creative ideas, and everything looks a picture on the plate. How about pan-seared mackerel as a first course with green apple and coriander salsa, spiced with the flavours of fennel, mustard and black onion seed? Or tamarind-glazed quail cooked in the tandoor? Among main courses there might be chicken biryani, pot-roasted mustard rabbit, or Goan-spiced duck breast, and to finish, perhaps spiced pear tarte Tatin. Menu symbols flag up dishes where hot chillies lurk within, and there are wine suggestions against main courses.