Madhu’s of Mayfair is an Indian restaurant with Kenyan twist, presenting an authentic Punjabi cuisine and nested inside the historic Dilly Hotel that dates back to Edwardian times.
It offers its well-heeled clients the perfect venue for a gourmet dining experience in a truly unique setting of a Grade II listed mirrored ballroom. The building was designed by Richard Norman Shaw in 1904 in a Neo-Baroque style based on 17th-century English Palladian architecture. Majestic high ceilings and magnificent chandeliers are synonymous with the food that follows.
A family legacy
Madhu’s of Mayfair boasts a rich vein of family history dating back four generations from origins in Nairobi where Bishan Das Anand, grandfather to the restaurant’s owners Sanjay and Sanjeev Anand, made a name for himself as a successful caterer and owner of the Brilliant Hotel.
Inspired by his legacy, the Anand brothers—then just 17 and 16 years old—opened a small family restaurant in 1980, supported by their mother, who served as head chef. The name “Madhu’s” was inspired by their father’s nickname.
Secret recipes through four generations
The menu features speciality dishes and all the classics you would expect at your local Indian restaurant—elevated to an exceptional standard. Signature appetisers include Aloo Tikki, Palak Patta Chaat, and innovative tandoor and Robata Grill dishes like Jeera Scallops, Madhu’s Machi (whole seabass), and Robata Chops. For mains, standout options are Madhu’s Makhani Dal, Prawn Moilee Curry, and Madhu’s Lamb Shank.
Symphony of flavours
For a true showcase of the chef’s talent, the five-course tasting menu includes a nice variety and hits all the highlights. It begins with Avocado & Mango Chutney with three types of Poppadoms, served in a stunning silver box. Other dishes are served on exquisite Vera Wang for Wedgwood crockery. Quite the introduction.
Next arrives the Seafood Trio—Jeera Scallop, Chilli & Garlic Prawn, and perfectly cooked Tandoori Salmon—followed by a selection of chargrilled meats, including spiced chicken, mini lamb skewers, and a Robata-grilled tender lamb chop. The presentation of each dish is reminiscent of a Kandinsky painting—vivid, artistic, and full of flavour.
Passion fruit sorbet is served to cleanse the palate before the main course arrives: Madhu’s Royal Thali. This exquisite dish features Dal Makhni, Murgh Makhni, Saag Gosht, Baingan Bhartha, Raita, Rice, Pickle, Salad, and Tandoori Naan. And all of these mouthwatering flavours are presented on a beautiful silver tray—perfectly fitting for the prestigious setting. The naan is so irresistible that when the waiter offers another, it’s hard to turn down.
This dish holds a special place in the restaurant’s history—it was first commissioned for Madhu’s catering event at Windsor Castle for HRH King Charles.
The plates are empty and despite feeling full, Laduree’s famous chocolate and hazelnut dessert served alongside warm carrot halwa and Almond flavoured clotted cream Indian ice cream appears.
A dining experience to remember
The staff are incredibly hospitable and happy to give you a longer break between courses if needed. They make the dinner feel special, without being stiffly formal. Despite the restaurant’s regal interiors, the ambiance remains welcoming and unpretentious.
The dining room is buzzed with cheerful conversation and laughter—a refreshing contrast to the subdued atmosphere often found in even less grand settings. The restaurant also features ambient music specially curated by DJs from Buddha Bar, Marrakech.
To complete the experience, Madhu’s cocktails are not to be missed, so before or after your meal do slip in to the elegant bar next door, where a Berry Mojito or Passionstar Martini will keep the good vibes coming.
Madhu’s of Mayfair is a place to enjoy some incredible food and lose track of time. And if that isn’t a sign of a good meal, then we don’t know what is. This is also one of seven Madhu’s restaurants, with five more around London and one in Istanbul.
More information about Madhu’s of Mayfair can be found here.
Image credits: © Madhu’s
