Reviews

Over the past ten years Mela has become a favourite with critics and celebrities. Here are just some of their comments...

"With a prime spot on Shaftesbury Avenue, just around the corner from Leicester Square and Cambridge Circus, Mela is perfectly located for theatre-goers. But despite its location, the restaurant has managed to maintain a friendly neighbourhood-restaurant feel, with welcoming staff and a laid-back atmosphere.

Until 31 March, as part of the Rajasthani Food Festival, the restaurant is offering diners a special menu of dishes from the land of the maharajas. Chef Kuldeep Singh has created a menu packed full of authentic dishes that help it stand apart from the usual Indian restaurant fare.

We were there for the first night of the new menu and our food took a while to arrive, but it was well worth the wait. Our King Sampler starter was a generous platter for two packed full of tasty mini-taster dishes, with the meaty duck samosa and diced lambs liver in a fiery sauce being stand-out favourites. My Prawn Mokal (king prawns in a spicy coconut sauce with poppy seeds and lime juice) was rich and fragrant, while my friend’s Hara Murg (marinated chicken cooked with whole spices and fenugreek leaves) was packed full of flavour.

Service was attentive and staff were helpful. With delicious food at a reasonable price, Mela makes a great alternative to the West End tourist-traps.", Welcome to London

"The best indian food I have ever had" Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber

"Mela has earned an enviable reputation for delivering authentic dishes at fair prices", Time Out, Eating and Drinking Guide

"Mela has taken 'going for an Indian' to the next level", Eating Out

"Actually fills the gap..." Guardian Guide

"Mela can change the image and accessibility of Indian food", Fay Maschler, Evening Standard

"Mela has brought its wonderful Indian dining experience from the West End right to your doorstep", South London Press

"Mela is a template for a modern Indian restaurant", Charles Campion

"I loved the food and the service...just perfect!", Drew Barrymore