Manthan Mayfair – A Culinary Love Affair Between Mayfair Glam and Indian Soul

Some restaurants whisper elegance. Manthan downright sings it—in Raga Yaman. It does so with a modern beat and a perfectly mixed cocktail on the side. Manthan is located in the ultra-posh lanes of Mayfair, London, where the air smells of Chanel and old money. It invites you into a world where Indian street soul food meets fine dining finesse. And trust me, this is not just another Indian restaurant in London. This is where creativity, culture, and coriander collide in the most delightful way.

A Star Is Born: From Kutir to Manthan

If you’ve read my review of Kutir, you’d know I have a soft spot for Chef Rohit Ghai. I also have a soft spot for Abhishake Sangwan. After conquering Chelsea with Kutir’s elegant jungle vibes, these two culinary wizards impressed with knockout lamb dishes. They decided to stir the pot a little further and opened Manthan.

“Manthan” means “to churn”—and churn it does, blending bold street flavours of India with the sophistication Mayfair expects. The result? A menu that’s deeply nostalgic yet delightfully innovative. It’s like being served chaat by a Michelin-starred pandit in Gucci.

The Location: From Rickshaw Rides to Rolls Royces

Let’s be honest: Mayfair isn’t where you’d expect to find flavours reminiscent of Delhi’s Ram Ladoo vendors. It’s also not where you’d expect smoky tandoori bites from the alleys of Lucknow. But Manthan brings that street zest to one of London’s poshest postcodes—and somehow, it feels like it belongs.

Tucked on Maddox Street, the restaurant feels both exclusive and inviting. There’s a quiet confidence about its location, like a Bollywood actor at a BAFTA party.

Interiors: Modern India Meets Soho Chic

Step in. You’re greeted not by an overpowering waft of masalas (thankfully). Instead, you enter a space that is warm, elegant, and quietly whimsical. Lighting is dim but flattering—you know, the kind that makes you look like you’ve been drinking green smoothies for months.

And then… there’s the frog.

Yes, a frog suspended in a glass light fixture. I blinked. My husband blinked. Turns out, it’s a quirky good luck charm. Who knew amphibians could be so auspicious?

From luxe marble tables to textured walls, the design is upscale. Gorgeous crockery will make your Instagram thank you. However, it is not intimidating. Even the plates feel like they’ve got a fashion degree from Central Saint Martins.

Impeccable Service – Hospitality, The Indian Way (But Classier)

As an NRI, I’ve seen it all—from over-enthusiastic servers back in India to robotic ones in the UK. Manthan strikes the perfect balance. The staff is attentive but not clingy, knowledgeable but not snooty. They explain the menu like they actually love food (not just memorised it).

There’s a feeling that everyone genuinely wants you to enjoy your meal. In an age of QR code menus and ghost kitchens, this is refreshing.

Menu Marvels – Ram Ladoo in Mayfair?! Yes, Please.

What I loved about Manthan is its subtle approach. It doesn’t feel the need to shock you with ingredients you’ve never heard of. Instead, it takes beloved Indian dishes and elevates them with technique, texture, and presentation.

Take the Prawn Ghati Masala, for example. It arrives in a gorgeously plated style that feels almost too pretty to eat (almost). It was rich in coastal spices. There was a hit of garlic and that characteristic red chilli warmth. Every bite had me channeling my inner Goan aunty.

Then came the Tulsi Chicken—marinated with fresh basil and slow-cooked to juicy perfection. It’s one of those dishes where you think, “Why don’t we use tulsi in savoury cooking more often?” Earthy, aromatic, and unapologetically bold.

And let’s talk about a real showstopper: The Trio of Sweets.

Now, I don’t say this lightly—I’ve eaten my fair share of desserts from London to Ludhiana, but this one? Truly unforgettable. Picture this: a base of crumbly, rich besan ladoo. It is layered with a surprise gulab jamun sitting pretty in the centre and is topped with… well, I wish I remembered exactly what. It was a glorious, mysterious crown of indulgence. Maybe it was saffron mousse? Maybe a nutty crumble? I just know that I closed my eyes and whispered, “This is it. This is my sweet spot.”

It was familiar yet reinvented, comforting yet chic. The sort of dessert that makes you want to write poetry—or at least order a second one.

A Toast to Indian Spirits – Quite Literally

No fine dining experience is complete without a well-curated bar, and Manthan’s mixology game is on point. The cocktails here are crafted, not poured.

Think:

• Tamarind-infused gin,
• Coconut-washed rum,
• Or a saffron martini that might just transport you to Jaipur.

I opted for something called “The Monk and the Mango” (because honestly, how do you not?), and it was everything—tropical, mysterious, and slightly spiritual.

The bar area is cosy, intimate, and perfect for a pre-dinner drink or even a cheeky late-night rendezvous.

Who Should Visit?

• Homesick NRIs craving food that tugs the heartstrings and impresses the in-laws.
• Desi Londoners wanting to dress up, eat well and sip something that doesn’t taste like cola and regret.
• British foodies looking to go beyond tikka masala and taste the real India—elevated, not exaggerated.

Manthan is not your everyday curry house. It’s a celebration of Indian culture—past and present, rustic and refined. And as someone who’s oscillated between samosa cravings and fine dining expectations, this place hit the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts: Would I Go Again?

In a heartbeat. Manthan is heartwarming, stylish, full of character, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s like if your favourite chaatwala suddenly got a Michelin star and also watched MasterChef.

Are you dressing up for date night? Do you want to impress that one friend who only eats at places with mood lighting? Manthan delivers.

P.S. Are you a fan of upscale Indian cuisine in London? Don’t miss out on my experience at Kutir – Chelsea’s Jungle Jewel. Be sure to check it out! You should definitely visit it too!