The Mint Leaf restaurant has a historic location next to the Bank of England somewhat sequestered within Angel Court. But unlike that prim and proper financial institution, there is nothing stuffy about this stylish yet sometimes playful restaurant that sometimes offers eyebrow-raising flourishes.
Ambience
Inside dimmed lighting throws pleasant orange hues over a chambered space filled with sofas for a leisurely sip of the many cocktails mixed at a fifty-foot-long bar with bottles shimmering with coloured hootch, and a restaurant area. The various areas are cleverly sectioned and it’s all wood flooring, pebbled walls, copper and bronze art and interesting chandeliers.
Parties of young people and the odd family were dining with us, while a good-natured hen party was taking place on the mezzanine Champagne bar. There were plenty of smiles and intuitive and gracious service.
Food and Drink
Mint Leaf offers classic Indian dishes a la carte, including curries, biryani, dal, paneer and chicken tikka We started with some drinks to whet our palates. I chose one of their signature cocktails – the Meghalaya which means the land of the clouds named after a state in northeast India. It’s a sumptuous mix of whiskey, saffron syrup, lemon juice and egg white. It comes with plenty of drama served in a cage and blue candy floss. My partner chose a G&T and this was garnished with a spoon of pomegranate and another of Spherified caviar.
I almost ordered my favourite Dahi Papdi Chat (a spicy, tangy Indian street food with yoghurts and crispy wheat cracker) but we opted for a sharing plate, a Tandoori mixed grill platter. This was a colourful foodie artwork of chicken tikka, duck, lamb salmon and prawns around a bowl of delicious mint sauce. There is a mixed veg appetiser platter too for non-carnivores.
The mains was a soft butter chicken Masala, in creamy tomato sauce with spicey flavours and a tender lamb Chettinad, a dish from south India cooked in coconut and spices. We ordered a side of almost crispy tandoori broccoli, steamed rice, and a bowl of lentils and two types of nan bread, chilli and garlic.
The food was generous and we had our fill. Yet, the dessert menu was winking at us. And so we ordered a soft and slightly tangy mango mousse with Alphonso mango pulp, lemon zest and edible flowers, it was light and airy and full of flavour. Also, we had a delightful raspberry cheesecake with raspberry. compote, mascarpone and crumble.
VERDICT: Mint Leaf restaurant dishes are colourful, beautifully arranged, and totally delicious. It’s romantic, it’s great for business or just a night out somewhere you are assured great food. I will return to this speciality Indian restaurant playful with flourishes that surprise and delight
Mint Leaf Restaurant website
12 Angel Court, Lothbury, Bank, London EC2R 7HB, 0207 600 0992
[email protected]
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