Tucked behind Bank Station’s maze of stone facades and glass towers, Mint Leaf London isn’t your average City restaurant. It’s that rare mix of moody sophistication, exceptional Indian cuisine, and a bar scene that hums with quiet confidence. Come for the cocktails, stay for the curry, and leave wondering why you hadn’t been sooner.
The First Impression That Pulls You In
Step through Mint Leaf’s discreet entrance and the chaos of the City fades instantly. The lighting softens to a golden glow. Plush seating, dark wood, and warm bronze accents wrap around you like a velvet cocoon. The hum of conversation and the rhythmic shake of cocktail shakers set the tone, this is where business turns to pleasure.
The bar is the first thing you’ll notice, and the last thing you’ll want to leave. The crowd is effortlessly stylish, a mix of post-work regulars and well-dressed diners who clearly know the place. It’s where champagne flutes and whisky glasses clink under candlelight, where a deal closed or a date night both feel equally at home.
The Mocktail That Outshines the Cocktails
I started with the Sundarban, a mocktail so good it could make even the most loyal gin drinker reconsider. Its presentation was stunning, vibrant, almost tropical, and the first sip was a revelation: complex, balanced, and full of life. It wasn’t just refreshing; it was a statement. Beautiful to look at, unforgettable to drink.
Mint Leaf’s cocktail list reads like a love letter to modern mixology. Classics get twisted with Indian flair: Darjeeling tea here, coconut syrup there, even a hint of edible charcoal in the Volcanic Spice. But the Sundarban? It’s in a class of its own, one of those drinks you keep thinking about long after the glass is empty.
The Appetiser That Sets the Bar High
The Achari Chicken Tikka arrived sizzling, aromatic, and unapologetically generous. Perfectly grilled and laced with the tang of Indian pickle spices, it struck the ideal balance between heat and depth. Each bite was tender, juicy, and lifted by the cool freshness of the mint sauce on the side.
This is Mint Leaf’s sweet spot: taking something familiar and turning it into an experience. You can taste the precision, the respect for flavour, and the quiet confidence of a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing.
If you’re the kind of diner who likes to share starters, add the Charcoal Lamb Chops to your order. Recommended by the chef, they’re apparently a masterclass in grilling done right. It’s no wonder they’ve become a fan favourite.
The Curry Worth Coming Back For
I opted for The Lamb Chettinad. I can only say it is Mint Leaf at its best: fiery, rich, and layered with South Indian flavours. Coconut and curry leaves create a creamy base, while black pepper and roasted spices bring just the right heat. The lamb melts under your fork, every bite a mix of warmth and indulgence. The kind of meal that warms you on a cold winter night
If you’re craving something milder, the Coconut Prawn Curry offers a silkier, tropical version of comfort. Plump tiger prawns swim in a lightly spiced sauce that feels like a gentle hug. Pair it with the Dal Makhani, a creamy, buttery lentil stew so rich and velvety it could easily steal the spotlight from any main course.
The Dessert That Steals the Finale
Just when I thought I couldn’t fit another bite, the Truffle Chocolate Tart arrived, and all restraint vanished. Smooth, dark, and impossibly creamy, it was pure indulgence. The texture was flawless, the flavour deep and satisfying without tipping into heavy.
This isn’t the kind of dessert you share. You’ll want to savour it slowly, spoonful by spoonful, until you’ve scraped the plate clean. It’s the perfect close to a meal that’s all about balance: heat and cool, spice and sweetness, richness and lightness.
The Kind of Atmosphere You Sink Into
Mint Leaf’s secret weapon isn’t just its food, it’s the mood. Everything here is designed for comfort and connection. The lighting is low and flattering, the tables spaced just enough for privacy, and the playlist hums quietly in the background.
It’s the kind of place where hours slip by without notice. You’ll see groups of colleagues starting with drinks, couples lost in conversation, and friends laughing over shared plates. There’s a feeling of understated luxury here: no pretence, no stiffness, just that perfect City blend of sophistication and ease.
The staff add to that effortlessly. Polite, warm, and always ready with a recommendation, they strike that rare balance between professional and personable. Nothing feels rushed, nothing forced. You’re cared for, not managed.
Why Mint Leaf Works So Well
What Mint Leaf does differently is deceptively simple: it doesn’t try too hard. It’s confident in its craft. The food doesn’t need gimmicks, and speaks for itself. The design whispers luxury. Every detail, from the plating to the playlist, feels deliberate yet effortless.
It’s not the cheapest night out, of course. Starters hover around £15, mains closer to £25–£30, and desserts around £10. But this isn’t a quick curry house: it’s a culinary experience that earns every penny. Each bite feels worth it, not because it’s expensive, but because it’s memorable.
The Crowd That Defines It
Mint Leaf is where the City’s best-dressed come to exhale. Think tailored suits, silk blouses, perfectly mixed cocktails, and an atmosphere that walks the line between corporate chic and after-hours indulgence.
It’s ideal for a dinner date that needs to impress, a quiet celebration, or that spontaneous “let’s treat ourselves” evening. It’s a restaurant for people who appreciate the details: the gleam of copper on the tableware, the subtle scent of cardamom drifting through the air, the way every element feels considered.
When the Night Doesn’t End at Dinner
One of the joys of Mint Leaf’s location is what’s around it. Step out and you’re in the heart of the City, minutes from Leadenhall Market, the Sky Garden, or a riverside walk. But honestly? You’ll probably stay for one more round at the bar. It’s that kind of place.
There’s an intimacy that builds as the evening unfolds. The lights dim a little further, the chatter softens, and the room feels almost cinematic. Whether you’re on your first date or your fiftieth visit, the night feels special.
The Final Word
In a city bursting with fine dining and fleeting trends, Mint Leaf London stands steady: traditional, soulful, and deeply satisfying. It’s where Indian cuisine is celebrated, not reimagined beyond recognition. Where every flavour feels authentic yet elevated.
It’s an experience: one that starts with a perfect cocktail, peaks with a flawless curry, and lingers with the memory of candlelight and spice.
