Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai
If you’re hunting for a truly memorable Indian dining experience in the heart of London, Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai might just be your next obsession. Nestled at 79-81 Mortimer Street, London W1W 7SJ, this restaurant doesn’t just serve Indian food - it celebrates it. Inspired by the cultural melting pot of Bandra in Mumbai, Pahli Hill brings a vibrant burst of flavors, textures, and memories to every plate.
The moment you step into Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai, there’s an unmistakable charm that hits you. It’s cozy without being cramped, stylish without trying too hard, and the ambiance feels like a well-kept secret - especially if you find yourself descending into the hidden Bandra Bhai bar tucked below. This speakeasy-style cocktail bar is straight out of a 1970s Bollywood crime flick, complete with velvet accents, vintage décor, and a cocktail menu that feels equal parts mischievous and masterful.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of regional Indian cuisine or a curious first-timer, the menu at Pahli Hill won’t let you down. It’s a rotating, seasonal menu that reflects the diversity of India’s culinary landscape. A few dishes, though, have definitely earned their spotlight.
The Cornish Lamb Biryani is the kind of plate that could convert any biryani skeptic. Perfectly tender lamb layered with fragrant basmati rice and a hint of saffron - it’s rich, balanced, and totally satisfying. Pair that with a Crispy Khakhra starter or Papadi Chaat, and you’re already off to a great start.
Vegetarian options are far from an afterthought here. The Palak Paneer is smooth, creamy, and flavorful without being overly spiced. The Hara Bhara Kebab is a go-to for those who love earthy, green flavors with a touch of char. And don’t sleep on the Cheese and Truffle Kulcha - it’s the kind of indulgent bread you’ll dream about long after your meal.
For dessert lovers, the Honey Mango Cheesecake and Parsi Caramel Ice Cream strike a beautiful balance between traditional flavors and modern presentation. It’s the kind of ending that doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth - it gives it a standing ovation.
Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai isn’t just a great restaurant - it’s a destination for cocktails in London. Their drinks list is sharp, creative, and full of character. Whether you’re into floral gin infusions or classic old fashioneds with an Indian twist, the mixologists behind the bar know exactly how to surprise you. There's also an expertly curated wine list, which is especially rare in Indian dining spots. If you're unsure what pairs best with your meal, the staff are happy to guide you.
And for the non-drinkers? Their specialty coffee and house-made mocktails hold their own.
Let’s talk comfort. Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai scores big on accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, toilet, and seating. There’s no wheelchair-accessible parking on site, which could be a drawback, but the central location offers plenty of nearby options.
Service is warm, relaxed, and refreshingly unpretentious. The team knows the menu inside out and are clearly passionate about what they serve. They’re also great at tailoring spice levels or making recommendations - a plus for anyone not entirely sure where to start.
Whether you want a quiet solo lunch, a romantic dinner date, or just feel like grabbing something on the go, this spot has you covered. They offer dine-in, takeaway, kerbside pickup, and delivery, plus outdoor seating when the London weather allows.
And if you’re dining solo? No judgment here - in fact, it’s a great place for it. The vibe is welcoming and casual enough that even a one-person table feels right at home.
Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai is perfect for:
Foodies who appreciate regional Indian cuisine
Wine lovers who crave thoughtful pairings
Cocktail explorers looking for a unique bar vibe
Vegetarians and vegans who want more than just token options
Solo diners, date-nighters, and small groups alike
It’s easy to see why this spot’s gained a loyal following. From the Paper Dosa to the Cornish Lamb Cutlets, everything has a story - and it’s one you’ll want to taste again.
Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai Menu
Reviews
We had a lovely dinner at Pahli Hill in Fitzrovia before heading to a party nearby. The menu showcases regional Indian dishes with real depth of flavour – we loved the papadi chaat, creamy paneer makhani, and the chargrilled broccoli was a standout. The mango cheesecake was excellent too. The setting is stylish yet relaxed, with a warm atmosphere and open kitchen. A great spot for a cosy dinner or special occasion, and very deserving of its Bib Gourmand award.
The best Indian food I’ve had in the UK, hands down. Pali Hill and Bandra Bhai delivered an authentic, flavour-packed experience that genuinely reminded me of home. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, rich in taste, and beautifully presented. A special shoutout to Nikhil G, he was an exceptional host. Warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable, he helped us navigate the menu perfectly and made sure we had an unforgettable evening. His recommendations were spot on, and his energy really elevated the whole experience. If you’re craving truly authentic Indian cuisine with 10/10 service, this is the place. Can’t wait to be back.
They no longer have dosa on the menu. A bit disappointed. There is no longer chocolate cake on the dessert menu as well . The decor is really nice...food presentation also good. Nice beers too. We had a nice tasty appetizer. My chicken tandoori tikka was excellent. The home style curry was saucy, but had a funny taste I didn't really like. The sauce wasn't so rich but there was a lot of sauce. We had a variety of bread and I could make out naan and a flaky roti. But it was a bit dry and maybe too crispy. It should have been softer to pick up the thinnish liquid gravy from the curry. The price is more than I would usually pay for curry. Service was good. A bit too much of an upsell which was too obvious.
Dined in a couple of times. The food is good and with fork app, it turned out to be better value. At full price, quality to price value isn't quite there..But still some dishes do stand out(hara kebab) while others(butter chicken) were just not good.
Another absolutely fantastic meal at Pahli Hill! As always the food was spectacular. A refined take on classics with real attention to details. The dishes taste as good as they look and the staff are perfectly attentive. Overall I think the team behind Pahli Hill really know what they’re doing. Great service (food all arrived quickly and the presentation was excellent), great food and a good atmosphere. We will keep coming back!