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Imli
London
If you’ve stumbled into the Indian section looking for a place that serves enough gloopy curry to drown a goat in (much less a naan), then turn away now. “Indian tapas”, Imli’s mission statement and raison d’etre, is an interesting concept, but the food is good and considered in both flavour and preparation, prices are reasonable (and discounts are available on their website) and the atmosphere civilised. No stag parties here to interrupt your date!
The food is fun and flavourful, and in style, modern Indian. There is a good section of grilled Tandoori-style dishes; classics like seafood Malabar and a good lamb rogan josh as well as a good selection of vegetarian dishes. Starters are varied and range from aloo matar (crisp potato cakes) and paani puri (puffed wheat crisps) to spiced chicken wings and pau bhaji.
The design of the restaurant make it suited to slightly-smart-but-casual get togethers and low key dates, as befits the Soho location.
Portions are on the small side - Imli’s PR will try and convince you it is to encourage you to order several different dishes to share and try. Though this is partly true, the prices don’t reflect particularly good value for money and if we’re going to be honest, you’re looking at £20-25 per head for a casual meal.
At under £10 for a selection of dishes, the lunch menu is a no-brainer.
Opening times: Monday - Wednesday: 12:00 – 23:00, Thursday - Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30, Sunday 12:00 – 22:00