Parveen Tandoori

Whether the name of the restaurant has something to with the photographs on the walls of Parveen Babi, an Indian actress of yesteryears, is anybody's guess, but this Theberton Street restaurant has been doing brisk business since 1977, with an illustrious list of politicians, bankers, artists and writers amongst its clientele. Situated by the Business Design Centre, Islington and the antique market, Parveen Tandoori draws its fair share of corporate honchos, tourists and shoppers as well.

The menu helpfully describes the degree of spice associated with each dish, so for the delicate palates there's roasted duck madhuwala cooked in almond and butter cream with honey sauce, and lamb pasanda, while the north Indian garlic chilli chicken is built around spices, chilli powder, herbs and green chillies for more adventurous eaters. Starters of tandoori lamb chops and grilled prawns mixed with mustard sauce, garlic and butter hit the right spots, and Peshwari naan, egg paratha and cucumber raita make excellent accompaniments.