Eriki - Swiss Cottage

Since opening in 2002, Eriki has become a well-respected and much-loved bastion of authentic Indian food in Swiss Cottage. New chef Naresh Matta came here from the auspicious Red Fort in Dean Street and has put together an intriguing menu that offers a tour of India 'with dishes starting from the northern regions of Hyderabad, Punjab, midway through Delhi and Mumbai, moving south to the coastline of Goa.' Flavours are fresh, spicing forthright and the results are first rate.

To start try the mixed 'panorama' (a selection of five vegetarian starters); otherwise, go for something more unusual like steamed scallops 'haryali' with a green herb sauce or tandoori-flamed baby potatoes. Main courses tend to by-pass familiar curry-house names in favour of more eclectic regional specialities: look for Goan fish curry flavoured with kokum and coconut, handi ghost dum biryani (traditionally cooked in a copper haandi sealed with pastry) or Laknowi lamb chops masala with dengi mirch, ginger and fresh lime.

There's also an interesting choice of vegetables, including crispy okra and baby sweetcorn tossed with kadai spices, plus desserts including traditional classics like gulab jamon, rasmalai and mango margoa. A second branch is now open at 122 Boundary Road, St John's Wood, NW8.