Cinnamon Kitchen, London City

Let’s get this out of the way – I could eat Indian food every day and never tire of it. And after a visit to Cinnamon Kitchen, a stone’s throw from the buzz of Liverpool Street station, you’ll likely feel the same.

Housed in a former warehouse of the East India Trading Company, the space is vast and cathedral-like with a view of the Gherkin, and an alfresco terrace that manages to be equally stunning in sun or storm. Sunshine floods the open space when the weather behaves; if it doesn’t, you’re covered, dry, and still soaking in the atmosphere.

This is one of celebrated chef and owner, Vivek Singh’s ventures – the man behind the elegant Cinnamon Club in Westminster. But here, the vibe is looser, less parliamentary, and more palate-forward. Cinnamon Kitchen brings a more traditional Indian approach to Singh’s East-meets-West style, marrying subcontinental spice with local British produce – and the results are deeply satisfying.

Menus include à la carte or a generous tasting option, which drops to a jaw-dropping £20 after 9pm for a six-dish sharing feast. You read that right. A full Indian tasting menu for the price of a couple of cocktails. (Though, spoiler: the cocktails here are also worth your attention.)

We started strong: Chinjabi chilli paneer, slick with garlic soy and curried yogurt – a bold dish with just the right sting. Chargrilled lamb fillet, dusted in Rajasthani soil spices, arrived meltingly pink, offset with a paprika raita that was equal parts smoky and silky. Then came the Chettinad shrimps – fiery, fragrant and utterly addictive – chased with bites of pillowy potato paratha, perfect for dragging through the last golden streaks of sauce.

The mains didn’t back down. Kadhi Pithod Saag, chickpea gnocchi in a tangy tomato makhani with spinach crumble, brought a southern Indian comfort food feel, while the grilled chicken breast with fenugreek swam in a korma sauce fragrant with saffron and cardamom – floral, sweet, and bright in all the right places. And because this place doesn’t skip a beat, the sides held their own: creamy, slow-cooked black lentils, 24-month aged pilau rice, and a cheddar-chilli naan that made us question everything we thought we knew about naan.

There’s something elegantly casual about Cinnamon Kitchen. Perfect for a slick lunch meeting or a sultry summer evening on the terrace, Mango Sour in hand. Speaking of which: Anise Bar, attached to the main space, is a worthy destination on its own – serving up Indian-spiced cocktails, snack plates, and the occasional masterclass in how to drink well.

Cinnamon Kitchen is a love letter to spice, a playground for bold flavours in a calm, stylish setting. If you’re anywhere near the City – and even if you’re not, it’s worth the journey. Just make sure to save room for the naan. You’ll want to mop up every last drop.