Seemor
QuilonAMust Try
41 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
· Indian restaurant, Fine dining restaurant, Modern Indian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1167 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Elegant Michelin-starred South-West coastal Indian with standout seafood, polished service, creative cocktails, and premium pricing; best for tasting menus and special occasions rather than purist spice hunters.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Quilon ranks among the region's finest dining establishments, earning its Michelin recognition through exceptional seafood-focused cuisine and polished, genuinely attentive service. Consistent execution across the tasting menu—from black cod to fish curry—combined with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail program and strong destination appeal positions this as a premier coastal Indian dining experience. Minor concerns around vegetarian balance and dated ambiance prevent a higher grade, but overall performance solidly justifies grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels elegant and calm, tucked near the palace and parks, with service that is genuinely attentive rather than fussy. Diners describe refined pacing, a warm pour of rasam to open the palate, and small touches for celebrations. One guest summed it up simply: "The team made our night feel special from the first drink." With a balanced mix of locals and travelers, the vibe leans polished without being stiff. The culinary approach leans contemporary coastal Indian: seafood-led and produce-driven with South-West flavors translated into modern plating. Expect black cod glossed with tamarind and jaggery, scallops with gentle heat, and a coconut-lifted fish curry. Vegetarians find range, though a few wish for bolder spice; the kitchen aims for balance over burn. Cocktails are a quiet strength, crafted to play well with spice rather than overwhelm it. Families are accommodated with grace even if this is not a kids-first venue. Staff have prepared simple plates like chicken with rice on request, and the menu has friendly anchors (steamed rice, breads, mild curries). That said, the focus is seafood and nuanced spicing, so picky eaters may do best with sides and milder mains while adults explore the tasting menus.
At a Glance
- Seafood tasting menu and black cod earn repeated praise
- Polished, caring service with celebration-friendly touches
- Excellent cocktail program that complements spice
- Some vegetarian dishes read mild or underseasoned for purists
- Ambiance feels dated to some, with lighting critiques
What Sets It Apart
- Michelin-starred coastal Indian focus
- Seafood tasting menu with refined execution
- Thoughtful cocktail program tailored to spice
What People Love
- The silky, tamarind-kissed black cod
- Warm, anticipatory service that personalizes the evening
- A refined take on Kerala flavors without heavy heat
- Cocktails calibrated to the cuisine
- Thoughtful touches for birthdays and anniversaries
Points of Concern
- Vegetarian mains can feel restrained in spice compared with traditional eateries; expectations should be set for refinement over heat
- Lighting and decor strike some as dated or overly dim/harsh depending on the corner
- Isolated service lapses tied to a specific manager name; the broader team is praised
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (short generic 5-star blurbs and marketing tone) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£65-88 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Seafood-forward diners should prioritize black cod (£41) or prawn masala (£41)
- Vegetarians seeking bolder spice should ask for guidance toward aubergine masala or spinach poriyal and request a higher spice level
- Balance rich mains with lemon rice (£6) or tomato red lentil rice (£6) and a cooling raita (£6)
Perfect For
- A celebratory dinner centered on refined seafood
- Business dining near Buckingham Palace and Westminster
- Cocktail-forward date night with tasting menu
- Well-paced brunch with South-West coastal flavors
Location Insights
Area: Upscale government and royal precinct near St James's Park and Buckingham Palace; frequented by business travelers, diplomats, and tourists.
Safety: Very safe, high foot traffic, well-lit, and well-maintained.
Nearby: Adjacent to luxury hotels (Taj), ministries, and royal attractions; convenient for pre/post-theatre and sightseeing dinners.
St. James'sPrestigious, historically significant neighborhood characterized by elegant architecture, high-end dining establishments, and proximity to royal and governmental landmarks.
Royal WestminsterExclusive sub-area featuring historic royal and governmental buildings, characterized by formal atmosphere and sophisticated urban infrastructure.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:30–22:00
Wednesday12:00–14:30, 17:30–22:00
Thursday12:00–14:30, 17:30–22:00
Friday12:00–14:30, 17:30–22:30
Saturday12:00–15:30, 17:30–22:30
Sunday12:00–15:30, 17:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →