Tucked away in the backstreets of Mayfair, Manthan is a stylish and modern Indian restaurant situated in a renovated townhouse on Maddox Street. The West End location and elegant setting make it feel tailor-made for pre-theatre dinners, relaxed dates and anyone craving a more refined take on Indian cuisine. It is the kind of place you book when you want something special, but not stiff.

The townhouse feel makes for a charming, intimate setup. Tables, mostly for two to four people, extend deep into the narrow restaurant, yet each has its own space and it never feels cramped. There are even some cute two-person booths. Marble countertops and soft velour furnishings create a comfortable yet slightly flashy feel, while the soft lighting gives the space a polished atmosphere without tipping into formality. A sleek, gently lit bar runs along one side, with counter seating and cocktails served with copper straws.

We are warmly greeted by the manager, whose depth of knowledge of the menu and genuine enthusiasm for the food are immediately apparent. Rather than simply listing dishes, he explains which regions of India they originate from, adding context and reinforcing the personal, thoughtful approach to Indian cuisine at Manthan. Dietary requirements are well catered for, with dedicated vegan and gluten-free à la carte menus, and they were able to adapt the Linner menu accordingly.

Cocktail Given their prime access to the West End, Manthan have combined their lunch and pre-theatre menus into a ‘Linner’ menu for £30 per person. Available throughout the afternoon and early evening, it cleverly bridges the gap between the two, offering a concise selection of dishes at a noticeably accessible price point for Mayfair. For those heading to a show, it makes for an easy and well-timed stop without feeling rushed.

We began with drinks. Cocktails are a clear focus here, including an impressive selection of non-alcoholic options. I tried the Sapta, a light and fragrant mix of guava juice, lemongrass and ginger, if a little on the sweet side. Even small touches, like the glugging fish-shaped water jugs, add a sense of personality, as we all remember these from our childhood.

For starters, I have the Artichoke Tikki, a deep-fried Jerusalem artichoke patty that delivers on both flavour and texture, crisp on the outside and soft within. It is served with pickled vegetables and crispy onions for added crunch. Delightfully, there is also a vegan option for the tandoor, a part of the menu usually lacking choice. The Soya Chop, served with a tart gooseberry sauce, is particularly impressive. It stands confidently on its own rather than feeling like a token substitute, though it could do with slightly more texture as it is quite smooth to the bite. The dishes are thoughtfully plated throughout, reinforcing the sense of refinement and Manthan’s elevation of Indian cuisine.

For mains, we opt for more familiar sauce-based curries. I choose the Bharli Vangi, baby aubergines cooked in a deliciously rich tomato, poppy seed and black spice sauce that clings to the vegetables without overwhelming them. Alongside this is a Tadka Dal, an Indian classic of tempered yellow lentils done really well, plus light, flaky paratha and plain steamed rice. Everything feels well judged, from spice levels to portion sizes, making it easy to enjoy multiple dishes without heaviness.

To finish, I have a Coconut Payasam, a rice-pudding style dessert made with broken rice and coconut milk, sweetened with jaggery, an unrefined cane sugar with a deep, caramel-like flavour. This was a really pleasant surprise for me, and it wasn’t overly rich, making for a well-rounded end to the meal.

Overall, Manthan hits all the right notes for a refined Indian dining experience in the heart of London’s West End. It is creative, confident and, most impressively, genuinely good value for its location. A polished yet approachable spot that feels perfectly suited to the theatre district.

 

The Linner menu is available for £30 per person, from 12:30 to 17:00 every day. It includes a starter, a grill/tikka dish and a main course. You can also add a welcome drink (£5) and a dessert (£5)

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Manthan, 49 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2PQ