Jamuna Restaurant, Paddington, London, – A review by Roshni Jethwa

Jamuna Restaurant
38A Southwick Street,
Paddington,
London,
W2 1JQ

Slightly off the beaten track is this modern, smart and
contemporary Indian restaurant of the fusion variety. Most people
associate Indian food with a certain ‘slapdash’ lack of sophistication,
often served with lashings of beer and backchat. But Jumanu resembles
nothing like the usual dubious décor – none of the flock wallpaper, naff
sitar music and pictures of the Taj Mahal that light up. When you arrive
there’s a warm and friendly reception waiting to lead you into a very
minimalist style restaurant with wooden floors and clean lines.
The chefs here are keen to redefine expectations and the dishes are not
formulaic in any sense of the word. The menu looks delicious and proves
difficult to make a selection from the variety of intriguing dishes to
sample. It offers good staple favourites but with innovative twists –
dishes such as Sunhari Tikka (Diced breast of corn fed chicken marinated
with orange zest, chilli & honey cooked in a clay oven) or Monkfish Tikka
(Grilled monkfish tails in a marinade of coriander & mint). At the same
time are very accommodating if you desire dishes not on the menu
The cooking is fresh and fragrant and is so well presented you would be
forgiven for thinking you were treating yourself to the upper echelons of
fine dining. even the kulfi comes dressed up ready to impress!!!.. Each of
the courses are distinctive with the right amount.

Alongside the food comes classy service without the all too common
hovering of waiters and leaving you to enjoy the meal. The restaurant has
the most delightful owners including Moffat head waiter who is certainly
worth including in on your conversations as he provides entertaining and
amusing stories of the area and its people inbetween courses.

This restaurant has a very quiet and calm atmostphere and is not a full of
clatter, noise and loud music and is therefore ideal surroundings for
business meetings where you really interested in engaging with those you
are with or enjoying the company of friends and family alike.

Although slightly pricey (average price is approx 34-45 per head). This is
all you could want restaurant – pleasantly unpretentious but is never
patronising or imposing, just as the service is genuinely friendly and
warm – almost as if you are visiting old friends with promises of a hearty
and filling meal in great company – it’s certainly easy to make yourself
feel at home.

Jamuna
38A Southwick Street,
Paddington,
London,
W2 1JQ
Tel: 0207 723 5056
http://www.jamuna.co.uk