Nestled in a charming corner of London’s lively Fitzrovia, Pahli Hill is a high-end Indian restaurant that seamlessly merges authentic flavours with creative flair. I recently had the pleasure of dining here with two guests, and the experience left us all in awe. From the moment we arrived, the relaxed yet refined atmosphere provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal, meticulously crafted by Head Chef Avi Shashidhara. With a menu offering a tapestry of regional Indian flavours with a modern twist, Pahli Hill has become a must-visit dining spot in London for lovers of Indian cuisine.

We began our meal with a bowl of steamed Dorset mussels, a dish that instantly set a high standard for the evening. The mussels were tender and juicy, infused perfectly with white wine, coconut cream, and bay leaves, which added a subtle, aromatic depth. This starter struck an exquisite balance between coastal Indian flavours and European sophistication—a wonderful nod to Chef Shashidhara’s skill in blending global influences with traditional Indian ingredients.

Next, we savoured the pale aubergine bharta, an elevated twist on a North Indian classic. The smoky aubergine, enhanced with toasted cumin, pine nuts, yoghurt, and chives, was irresistibly creamy and delicious. Each bite had a beautiful complexity, with the pine nuts adding a delightful crunch and the yoghurt providing a cooling element that kept the flavours bright and balanced. It was a dish that lingered on the palate, drawing us back for more.

For our main courses, we shared two exceptional meat dishes. The chargrilled aged beef sirloin with black pepper fry sauce was simply sublime. The sirloin was perfectly charred on the outside and tender within, delivering an intense flavour that was enhanced by the peppery, slightly spicy sauce. The grilled Kerala spinach on the side added a subtle earthiness that complemented the beef beautifully. Meanwhile, the Cornish lamb rump was a standout in its own right. Marinated with rose petals, stone flower, crispy curry leaves, and fresh mint, the lamb was tender, aromatic, and full of character. Each bite was a burst of flavour, with the floral notes of rose balancing the rich lamb, and the crispy curry leaves providing an intriguing crunch.

But it was the homestyle chicken curry that truly captivated us. A testament to Chef Shashidhara’s talent, this dish was both comfortingly familiar and intriguingly unique. Made with fennel, star anise, stone flower, and yoghurt, the curry was fragrant and layered, with the spices adding warmth and the yoghurt lending a subtle creaminess. We found ourselves eagerly revisiting this dish for just one more spoonful. The use of stone flower—a rare spice in Indian cooking—added an earthy depth that was simply unforgettable.

Adding to Pahli Hill’s allure, the restaurant has announced an exciting collaboration with The Macallan, one of the world’s most renowned premium whisky brands. Together, they are hosting an exclusive six-course tasting menu on Wednesday, 20th November, celebrating The Macallan Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak. This one-night-only event promises to be an extraordinary pairing of whisky and Indian cuisine, thoughtfully crafted by Chef Shashidhara to draw on both Scottish and Indian influences.

The tasting menu will feature Scottish mushrooms, scallops from Orkney, and crab from Inverness, celebrating the best of Scottish produce alongside regional Indian flavours. In a nod to Scotland’s culinary heritage, venison will also be included—a true showcase of Chef Shashidhara’s commitment to blending the finest elements of both cuisines. The event will include a beautifully crafted cocktail on arrival and drink pairings designed to complement each dish. India is one of the world’s largest whisky markets, and this partnership with The Macallan highlights the harmony between India’s rich culinary traditions and the depth of a premium whisky.

Tickets for this exclusive tasting event are priced at £70 per person, which includes six expertly crafted courses, a cocktail, and thoughtfully curated whisky pairings. With seating available from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm, guests are encouraged to book soon—this celebration of culinary artistry and whisky is sure to be a popular choice for both food and whisky enthusiasts alike.

My evening at Pahli Hill reminded me why this restaurant has become one of Fitzrovia’s hidden gems. Every dish was a tribute to the flavours of India, yet interpreted with a fresh, elegant approach that felt entirely modern. For those seeking an evening of extraordinary Indian cuisine or the chance to experience the upcoming Macallan event, Pahli Hill is an experience not to be missed.