Review of Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai

Tucked away in the backstreets of Fitzrovia, Pahli Hill is a modern gem that effortlessly blends the vibrant traditions of Indian cooking with a contemporary, creative flair. Since its opening in 2019, the restaurant has garnered attention for its fresh and innovative approach to regional Indian cuisine, quickly becoming a must-visit for food lovers. Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Mumbai and beyond, the menu reflects the diverse and bold flavours from across the country.

At the helm of Pahli Hill is Chef Avi, who you may recognise from BBCs Great British Menu. With a deep understanding of traditional Indian techniques and an impressive career honing his skills in some of the UK’s finest restaurants, Chef Avi’s food tells the story of India’s vast culinary landscape, all while staying fresh and exciting. 

Walking into Pahli Hill is like stepping into a dynamic fusion of old-world Indian charm and sleek modernity. The interior is warm and inviting, with an artful blend of contemporary design and traditional Indian influences. The space is relatively intimate, with a minimalistic design that allows the vibrant artwork to take centre stage. As you enter, your gaze is immediately drawn to the bold and striking murals that adorn the walls—each piece is a modern reinterpretation of traditional Indian imagery, brimming with energy and colour.

The soft lighting and wood accents give the restaurant an intimate, welcoming feel, while the open kitchen adds an element of excitement, allowing diners to witness the culinary magic happening in real time. The layout is cleverly designed to ensure a cozy, communal atmosphere, yet the spaces still feel personal.

Pahli Hill’s menu is a vibrant, bold exploration of India’s diverse regions, each dish crafted with care and precision. The emphasis is on bringing regional Indian flavors into a contemporary context, with dishes that feel both nostalgic and novel.

We began our meal with two exceptional starters: Mangalore Bun & Scottish Crab Sukkha: These delicate, slightly sweet Mangalore buns made the perfect vessel for stuffing the gorgeous, tender Scottish crab, which was flavored with fennel and ginger. The combination of textures and flavors was harmonious, with the sweetness of the bun beautifully offset by the aromatic crab mixture.

Next up the Hara Kebab: These crisp, vibrant mouthfuls, packed with spinach, ginger, and Rosevale potato were full of flavour and had a lovely, warm chilli kick.

Moving to the grill options, the next two dishes were real standouts:

Tandoori Cornish Monkfish: The monkfish was meaty, juicy, and perfectly charred, sitting atop a bed of blistered corn that added a smoky sweetness to each bite. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the combination of flavors was unexpectedly balanced and rich.

Pahli Hill Tandoori Chicken Tikka: This dish was unexpectedly refreshing, a reinvention of the traditional chicken tikka. The chicken was incredibly tender, with a vibrant coating of cucumber, coriander, and mint that gave it an almost herbaceous, green freshness.

Each mouthful is a journey—whether it’s the herbaceous notes of the chicken tikka or the rich, smoky monkfish—it’s clear that Chef Avi has a deep respect for the culinary traditions of India, while also pushing the boundaries with bold, unexpected combinations.

For those looking for a truly special experience, Pahli Hill also offers a Chef’s Counter tasting menu. This unique experience lets you sit directly at the chef’s counter, where Chef Avi himself will guide you through twelve of his most masterful dishes. It’s a personal, immersive experience that promises to showcase the best of what Pahli Hill has to offer. The tasting menu is available for £125 per person, with an optional wine pairing for £75 per head. A cocktail on arrival completes the experience, making for a memorable evening.

Address: 79-81 Mortimer St, London, W1W 7SJ

To book a table, visit www.pahlihill.com

Written by Rick Hartley