The story
Kanishka, which opened in March 2019, is Chef Atul Kochhar’s celebration of India’s regional cuisines. The restaurant’s name nods to King Kanishka, a second-century emperor known for his wisdom and equality – qualities that inform the kitchen’s approach to hospitality. Here, the team explores the breadth of Indian cooking, from the coastal fire of Goa to the robust dals of the north, all presented with a refined, contemporary touch.
Atul Kochhar made history as the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star (in 2001, later adding a second). Today, as Chef Patron, he oversees the kitchen alongside Executive Chef Ashok Kumar, a protégé who won the Lumina Challenge 2023 and appeared on the Great British Menu. Together, they source the finest British produce and apply modern techniques to traditional recipes, creating dishes that feel both rooted and inventive.
The a la carte and tasting menus change regularly, but signature dishes include the Anglo-Indian Chicken Tikka Pie – a spiced pie with berry chutney – and the Royal Kanishka Grill, a platter of tandoori prawns, sea trout, chicken tikka, and lamb chop. The “Taste of Goa” menu (a seasonal offering) highlights Goan classics like crab xec xec and lamb xacuti. For those who prefer a guided journey, the tasting menu offers wine and whisky pairings, the latter reflecting India’s most cherished spirit.
Kanishka’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide for 2026 (as “Recommended”) underscores its consistency and ambition. The guide notes the restaurant’s glamorous setting and lively ground-floor dining – a fitting backdrop for cooking that balances regional authenticity with creative flair. This recognition places Kanishka among the top tier of Indian cuisine in London, a city where the competition is fierce.
The dining room on Maddox Street is elegant yet warm, with a bar that serves signature cocktails and an extensive whisky list. Private dining rooms accommodate up to 100 guests, and the restaurant regularly hosts Four-Hands dinners where Atul collaborates with other Michelin-starred chefs. These events, from Tom Brown to Aktar Islam, reinforce Kanishka’s place as a hub for culinary conversation. Whether you come for a weekday lunch or a celebratory tasting menu, the experience is grounded in the simple aim stated by the team: “We cook with honesty and passion.”
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
‘So consistent and so good,’ is one verdict on this relaxed Mayfair offering helmed by established Indian restaurateur Atul Kochhar. The decor transports diners with its cool jazz soundtrack and elegantly themed interiors inspired by the Sikkimese landscapes, while the cooking delves into the lesser-known cuisine of the Subcontinent’s north-east provinces, combining traditional techniques with modern flair. For starters, regulars rate the chidiya samosa ki chaat (a vegetable mini samosa with smoked yellow-pea curry and chutneys), and it’s also worth seeking out the tandoori monkfish with coconut creamed kale – although the chef’s signature chicken tikka pie (dating from 2006) is the all-round bestseller. Main dishes highlight the Kochhar’s commitment to provenance and British regional produce – as in batak salan (slow-cooked gadwall duck breast with apricot, confit leg samosa, peanut and coconut sauce) or a ‘coastal’ seafood bisque involving red snapper, scallops, tiger prawns and mussels in a spiced broth with caviar. Vegetarian dishes also figure prominently, from jackfruit kofta in coconut korma to fig-filled paneer tikka with baby spinach and rich tomato gravy. If a sweet finale is required, try the pistachio kulfi with dark chocolate mousse and rose foam. Service is generally attentive, and knowledgeable staff are ‘keen to make recommendations tailored to individual tastes’. There’s a brunch offer at the weekend, while Monday brings a special three-course menu with a carafe of house wine included. The bar is a good call in its own right, and the extensive drinks list spans everything from exotic cocktails to a carefully curated list of spice-friendly global wines.
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