Stepping into Quilon is akin to embarking on an immersive voyage along the sun-drenched shores of southwest India. Under the visionary guidance of Head Chef Sriram Aylur, the restaurant delivers a masterclass in classic coastal flavours, elevated to the pinnacle of fine dining. Indeed, from the moment you settle into the spacious, comfortable dining room—beautifully anchored by natural sandstone and warm rattan elements—you are guided by a smart, knowledgeable team that understands the art of hospitality. Whether you opt for the renowned seafood tasting menu, explore the separate vegetarian options, or pair a classic paratha with a rich fish curry, you are instantly assured that you are in exceptional hands.
The Seafood Tasting Menu:
A Culinary Narrative
Cochin lobster broth
Warm and aromatic: The comforting Cochin lobster broth at Quilon London.
As the first course arrives at the table, a delicate wisp of steam carries the unmistakable, soul-stirring aroma of coastal India. This mildly spiced broth acts as an immediate embrace, its warmth spreading instantly through you and evoking a profound sense of culinary comfort. Kissed by a subtle whisper of rich coconut cream, it lays down a velvety foundation that primes the palate, filling you with a quiet, blissful anticipation for the voyage ahead.
Oyster two ways
A masterclass in thermal and textural dualities that completely delights the senses. On the left, a chilled, cold-smoked oyster arrives paired with a vibrant, smoky heirloom tomato chutney. On the right, a piping-hot, pan-fried morsel is tossed in a punchy, aromatic pepper masala that gently awakens every taste bud. It is a playful, exhilarating dialogue between cool smoke and fiery spice, leaving you utterly captivated and sinking into a state of pure gastronomic delight.
Prawn roast
This is a true symphony of bold southern aromatics that speaks directly to the soul. Plump, succulent prawns are completely enveloped in a deeply caramelized, glossy medley of slow-cooked onions, ripe tomatoes, and fresh curry leaves. Every bite sings with the vibrant, warming heritage of authentic spice craftsmanship. It is hearty, deeply nourishing, and leaves you smiling with the pure, heartwarming comfort of Michelin-starred standard.
Lentil crusted scallop
Pan-seared to absolute perfection, this magnificent scallop wears a golden, satisfyingly crunchy armour woven from roasted aromatic spices and toasted lentils. As your fork cuts through its butter-soft core, it meets a sharp, unexpected splash of bright gooseberry sauce. The interplay between the deep, earthy crunch and the tart, vibrant fruit creates an explosion of contrasting flavors that fills you with a joyful satisfaction.
Baked black cod
Flaking apart effortlessly at the lightest touch of a fork, this luxurious cut of black cod is nothing short of a revelation. It is transformed by a sultry, lacquer-like glaze of tangy tamarind and rich jagery, delicately lifted by the bittersweet, maple-like perfume of dry fenugreek. The fish melts away on the tongue in a cloud of buttery richness, delivering a wave of sheer, unadulterated bliss that makes you pause just to appreciate the perfection of the texture.
Lobster butter pepper
An utterly decadent centerpiece that redefines comfort food through a lens of high luxury. Fresh, tender chunks of lobster meat are lavished in a rich, glossy emulsion of melted European butter, cracked black pepper, and fragrant garlic. The aroma alone is intoxicating, and the taste is a triumphant celebration of coastal opulence. It is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes in pure contentment, feeling entirely pampered and blissfully satisfied.
Malabar paratha
The ultimate, tactile companion to the feast. Soft, refined flour dough is beaten into a paper-thin sheet by masterful hands, meticulously folded to create countless delicate layers, and cooked on a hot skillet with pure ghee until it turns golden, flaky, and blistered. Tearing into its buttery warmth and using it to scoop up the rich, aromatic sauces is one of the most deeply satisfying, grounding rituals of the entire meal, wrapping you in a blanket of absolute culinary comfort.
Garlic seafood pulao, greens, and seaweed raita
A magnificent, bountiful gathering of the sea—sweet mussels, tender squid, and plump prawns—interwoven with fragrant basmati rice infused with aromatic garlic and herbs. Beside it, a vibrant medley of asparagus, mange tout, and tenderstem purple broccoli are skillfully tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilli, and freshly grated coconut. The entire ensemble is beautifully balanced and cooled by a refreshing, innovative seaweed raita, bringing a profound sense of harmony, completeness, and utter satisfaction to the main course.
Banana caramel mousse
A sweet, magical crescendo designed to end the journey on a note of pure joy. Silky, decadent banana caramel mousse meets a vibrant, tropical flash of mango passion fruit coulis. This is brilliantly grounded by a savory, textural coriander crumble and crowned with playful, airy puffs of mango yuzu popcorn. It is a brilliant, whimsical finale that leaves you floating on a cloud of sweet satisfaction, smiling and utterly content.
Stefano’s Verdict
Quilon proves that South Indian cuisine belongs at the very pinnacle of global fine dining. Chef Sriram Aylur and his team do not merely replicate the traditional flavours of the Malabar Coast; they elevate them with surgical precision, immaculate ingredients, and a profound respect for heritage. From the fiery punch of the prawn roast to the delicate harmony of the baked black cod, every course tells a compelling, delicious story. It is a masterclass in coastal cuisine and an essential culinary journey in London.
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