VIBE

This hip take on an Indian street food kitchen serves up gourmet kebabs in swish, contemporary surrounds. Flaming open kitchen gives cool views of the cooking action, while the scene around the dining areas is equally engaging. The color palette is dark, but the room is open–a great combo for upscale casual cool. The creative cuisine has made this an IT destination, so the well-heeled and the in-crowd come to relax and gobble steaming grill fare. By night, the lights dim to ultra-romantic levels, and the bar scene towards the front of the restaurant turns sultry (leans older and sophisticated).

CROWD

Expense accounters, trendsetters, and romantic daters mingle with a smattering of London’s celeb scene (Hugh Grant, Madonna, and most of the Rolling Stones have all popped in….).

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s smart casual–try a fun dress or black pants with a cool top, heels, and funky jewelry.

GO HERE WITH

Girlfriends; dates; older generation who want a taste of cool; families (for lunch)

WHY WE LIKE IT

Their updated Indian street food concept is creative, hip, and executed with panache. Even better, the décor is equally with-it, neatly sidestepping the usual "ethnic kitsch" look for a polished, stylish design. Amaya would work for everything from a cool business meal to a funky (yet grown-up) date.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The on-again, off-again service needs to be more consistent. Our ultra-friendly waiter seemed to forget us mid-meal.

GOOD TO KNOW

There are no conventional "starters" or "mains" here–true to their street food concept, the food is all dished up at once. The plates are definitely big enough to share; four dishes should be just about right for two people (they will suggest more; we completely over-ordered). Vegetarians are well served with loads of veggie grill options, while dieters should check out the "light lunch," which guarantees less than 400 calories. Families with kids should be aware that no children are admitted after 8:00pm (when the bar scene kicks into action).

CLOSEST COMPS

Read more about Amaya in The Diary

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