The Chilli Pickle

You'll find this Indian restaurant tucked down Meeting House Lane, right in the heart of the Lanes where the tourist curry houses usually cluster. But don't let the location fool you – this place is the real deal. The menu reads like a love letter to regional Indian cooking, with dishes that actually pack the heat they promise and spicing that's been properly considered, not dumbed down for timid palates. The dining room feels intimate without being cramped, and the service strikes that perfect balance of knowledgeable without being preachy. They're particularly good with vegetarians here – the dal is properly silky, and their use of paneer doesn't feel like an afterthought. Book ahead, especially for weekend evenings, because locals know this is where you come when you want Indian food that doesn't treat you like you can't handle proper flavour.