Darbaar (Bar, Restaurant)

Top 10 things to know about Darbaar restaurant:

1) You might get lost trying to locate it. Once you turn off Shoreditch High Street though, you will find it…eventually. When you do, you’ll discover that doubling back on your steps was worth it.

2) Darbaar is elegant. A far cry from the edgy grunge of Shoreditch where people sit eating in the open air. Opt for the indoor glamour inspired by the Indian Royal Court. The patrons are embracing this majestic feel, taking their time with conversations, sipping on their fancy drinks.

3) Check your coat into the cloakroom and walk in, oohing at the open kitchen view which shows naan bread being baked on an open flame.

4) As well as water for the table, order the Red Lotus and Smokin’ Aces cocktails; the former, a green tea, cranberry and lychee tongue lifter; the latter, a mix of bourbon, rum and chocolate fondue that is as smoky as a November bonfire.

5) The very large menu offers a lot of tough decisions. Best start with Amrtisari calamari fritters, spiced corn fritters and Desi chicken wings.

6) The calamari fritters are OK alone but are elevated by the homemade chilli sauce; whilst the corn fritters aren’t oily, just delicate and balanced correctly. The wings talk of spicy Indian flavours that require garlic yoghurt to soothe your burning tongue.

7) Order a Watermelon Shake to freshen your palate and wait for your main. You suddenly notice a very packed restaurant full of hangry diners who couldn’t face a thirty minute queue just for pop-up food around the corner. Smart choice.

8) It’s smart because how else would they – and you - have known that Royal Bengal style wild Madagascan prawns are best served, sizzling over a small table fire with sides of white rice, fluffy cumin potatoes and garlic naan bread? Beats anything you could possibly have eaten that night.

9) How would you have known that Sufiani lamb sheekh kebabs are perfect shared with those you love? If you’re not feeling like sharing, you could order a beef vindaloo, guaranteed to have you screaming (elegantly) for water, milk, or a priest.

10) After all that heat, best to chill your hot but happy stomach with the ginger crème brulee before walking out into another amazing London night....read more