The Akbar

FIVE STARS for food - the best indian I've ever eaten (and I have eaten a lot of indian food!)
The service was very friendly and helpful and the atmosphere surprisingly modern and luxurious for an indian place.
They also give you those warm hand towels at the end of the meal.
The food was not expensive, around 12 pounds for a full meal with naan.
Overall, an excellent restaurant.

Name: CSW
Location: Cambridge, UK

It's a hard working menu, with variety and interesting flavours. Overcoming my distaste for the ugly word 'Bollywood', I ordered a Bollywood Blast. A timely choice, too: a film with an equally ill-advised title had just swept the Oscars, a quarter century after another British director had set a film in India. From 'Gandhi' (or Gandhi, The Movie, as I prefer to call it) to 'Slumdog Millionaire' is an economic and cultural trajectory.
But this is a review of a restaurant, not a film.
The menu promised Naga chilli. The waiter explained this was a Bangladeshi Naga, not its reputably fearsome Devonshire cousin.
I'm pleased to report quality food with authentic taste. The service was a bit slow but otherwise professional. Staff presented the food well and struck a careful balance between attentive and unobtrusive. The dish was prepared by a perfectionist who had trimmed the lamb in proper South Asian manner rather than slather it in its own fat.
The place is clean and attractive with a pleasant lounge/holding area and bar. Cheap and cheerful curry house it ain't. But the prices are reasonable, and you get the impression the place is reliable. Your waiter will advise you on the content of your food: no misleading puff.
I decided to skip a starter for a pudding, alas. Next time, I'll probably choose one of the attractive starters, and finish with liqueur or coffee. The dessert's all bought in. I've no idea what the rest are like, but Kulfi was never so dull.
If you aren't driving, the Akbar is a brisk walk from Pimlico underground. You could stretch your travelcard by taking a bus such as the 24 or the 360 from the station. Particularly useful if you're in heels and have spent the day at the office. If it's your companion who's in heels at the weekend, she'll still appreciate your thoughtfulness...
What a nice place to discover.

My first time at the Akbar, the food was really tasty and fresh. The service was also good. Excellent experience and will visit again.

Second time round at the Akbar. Food was really fresh and tasty, service was spot on. The Valentines deco is already up and I will definately be booking my seats for that intimate meal. If you have not been you must visit this hidden little gem in Pimlico.

Thursday night is curry night and we've just arrived back home after one of the most fantastic Indian meals I've had in recent years. Situated at the west end of Lupus Street, on the Chelsea / Pimlico boundary, "The Akbar" is on the site of what used to be called Nutmeg. The unfortunate location just off the Churchill Gardens estate should not put you off. The interior has had a stylish makeover resulting in a modern, sophisticated interior which still manages to be intimate and inviting. Originally from Newcastle, I have spent the last 8 years looking for a truly excellent Indian culinary experience. I have lived and dined everywhere from E13 to W12, but it has often seemed so mediocre. So it was with some reservations that we set foot inside The Akbar.

We were warmly welcomed and led to our table. It was after 10.00pm but there were still couples lingering at their tables. We started with the Mix Starter comprising King Prawn Peri Peri, Lamb chop and sheesh kebab amongst others. Beautifully presented and seasoned to perfection, this set the tone for our sumptuous main course. My partner opted for the Chicken Murgh Makhani while I went for the spicier option - the Murg-e-Jalfrezi. Both dishes were ordered with fluffy saffron pilau rice and peshwari naan bread. What a delight! Both dishes were cooked fresh and the chicken was tender and succulent and spiced to absolute perfection! At last I was tasting a real Jalfrezi with fresh green chillis which gave a welcome kick to the taste-buds without over-powering them. I even managed a couple mouthfulls of the Makhani which was of equally high quality.

All in all, while this newly-opened offering is still trying to find its feet due to its off the beaten track location, its well worth finding. This was almost certainly among the best Indian meals I've had in London - and I've been to all the big names too. Truly excellent food and genuinely warm, friendly service. This is my first 10 out of 10 rating so well