Seemor
Cinnamon BazaarB+Worth Trying
28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS
· Modern Indian restaurant, Indian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (3203 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Creative Indian small plates and an inventive High Chai in Covent Garden with warm service and lively ambiance, though service speed and portion value vary at busy times.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Cinnamon Bazaar delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by inventive chaats and balanced spicing, paired with warm, attentive service that celebrates occasions. However, inconsistent execution across visits and notable service slowdowns during peak times prevent grade A-level reliability. The creative fusion approach and Covent Garden location appeal to modern Indian enthusiasts, though portions and drink pricing warrant consideration.
Restaurant Summary
On Maiden Lane, the room feels warm and bustling without drowning conversation, a spot where staff often add a candle or cake to mark the moment. One diner summed it up: "Service felt genuinely kind and tuned-in," with named servers remembered across visits. The cooking leans creative and chaat-driven, remixing Indian flavors with playful ideas like a roganjosh shepherd pie and an Indo‑Madagascan curry. Expect layered spices over fireworks, and that pineapple kasundi chaat that fans order twice. It suits diners who enjoy modern twists more than stick-to-the-script classics. Families do well here: mild biryani, naan, rice, and grilled chicken are easy wins, and staff are reported as good with kids. There is no dedicated kids menu, but the current menu has plenty a cautious eater can handle; strict no-onion/garlic needs are harder.
At a Glance
- Inventive High Chai and standout chaats
- Warm, named-server hospitality and celebration touches
- Service can slow significantly at peak times
- Portions feel small to some; drinks add to spend
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Indian High Chai experience
- Creative chaat-led starters
- Celebration-friendly service touches
What People Love
- Playful, balanced spicing without harsh heat
- Pineapple kasundi chaat and sticky-toffee riff
- Servers who remember occasions
- Cozy central location near theatres
Points of Concern
- Service delays at busy periods with long gaps between courses; plan extra time
- Portion sizes vary by dish; some left hungry without sides
- Occasional defensive management reported during complaints
- Review patterns show isolated safety concerns (hair-in-food, illness claims) without wider corroboration
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£36-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share 2 chaats, 1-2 mains, and a rice plus naan for two
- Balance richer dishes (paneer masala) with greens or kachumber
- Dessert: choose the toffee pudding or rasamalai tres leches
Perfect For
- Afternoon High Chai with a twist
- Pre-theatre small plates in Covent Garden
- Celebration dinners with friendly service
- Adventurous diners who enjoy fusion flavors
Location Insights
Area: Bustling central theatre-and-shopping district drawing tourists and office crowds; lively evenings and weekends.
Safety: Well-trafficked and well-lit; typical central London crowds, generally safe with standard urban awareness.
Nearby: Steps from Covent Garden Piazza, Strand theatres, boutiques, and bars; strong pre-theatre traffic.
Covent GardenCovent Garden offers a bustling dining scene with a mix of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and trendy bars. The area is lively throughout the day and evening, catering to visitors attending West End shows as well as locals enjoying the vibrant social atmosphere.
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Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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