Ooty, a fine-dining southern Indian restaurant on Baker Street in London, marries classic Indian with signature European cuisine. Ooty is named after a small town in Tamil Nadu in Southern India.
Executive Chef Manmeet Singh Bali has curated a selection of praise-worthy dishes across the board, from ‘Keralan lime lobster with shellfish charu to ‘Classic masala dosa with crushed potatoes, tempered with mustard. Ooty open its doors in February of last year.
The open air interior transports its guests to the legacy of the British Raj with soft colors like blush, teal, and lilac. The tables are spacious with plenty of natural light streaming in.
To Drink
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Beverages in this category were a particular strongpoint. First was the Silver Tip Sling, a light, fruity, and semi-sweet concoction that is beautiful to photograph, and even compliments the interior! The Silver Tip Sling is crafted with Silver Tip Jasmine Tea, Pineapple Juice, Amarena Cherry Syrup, Fresh Lime, and Soda.
Second, a more full-bodied, heavier choice is the Masala Chaya Martini. Made with Seedlip 94 (distilled non-alcoholic spirit), Masala Chaya Blend, Condensed Milk, Pomegranate Molasses. The Martini is beautiful with spicier plates, ideal for toasting at the holidays. The Silver Tip Sling pairs well with their desserts, and lighter selections.
Juices included a selection from Folkington’s including Pear, Mango, Apple, Elderflower, and Pink Lemonade.
Alcoholic Beverages
For alcoholic beverages, they have a fine selection of Gin, Rum, Liqueurs, and Cognac. Wines by the glass and bottle are available. Their wine list includes a selection by the glass and bottle from Argentina, France, Italy, India, Portugal, Austria, and South Africa. There is also a selection of beer and cider.
Unique cocktails to try include the Garden Reviver: Rosemary Infused Absolut Vodka, Apricot Liqueur, Elderflower Juice. Another is Date To Remember: Amrut Single Malt, Date Syrup, Bitters.
Lunch Menu
Start with the Trio Platter: tangy jackfruit bun, palak lolli, and achari broccoli; and Yellow Chili and Mustard Salmon: smoked mustard salmon, burani yoghurt, saffron cream, cucumber roll.
Main courses to note include the Andhra Natu Kodi Biryani: guinea fowl basmati rice, egg salan, cucumber yoghurt pachadi; and Kori Gassi: mangalorean coconut chicken casserole, string hoppers.
Dessert
Desserts and puddings rotate with the season. Past highlights include the Carrot Fudge Tart, and the Sago Kheer. The Carrot Fudge Tart was a warm carrot pudding, carrot kheer panna cotta, rabdi drops, and cashew chikki shards. The Sago Kheer was a beautiful presentation of tapioca pearl kheer, vanilla bean and rose gel marble chocolate disc. A great play on spices is the Fennel Chocolate Mousse: rasberry sorbet, rasberry gel, pistachio sponge, fennel and chilli crumble.
Hours & Information
Ooty in Marylebone London is open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner beginning at 12pm. Closed Sundays. Ooty offers an Express Lunch: 3 courses for £25/ 2 courses for £20. Vegetarian and vegan menus are available. They also serve brunch.
Ooty Marylebone also has The Club, a cozy bar separate from the restaurant. It is located on the lower ground floor and is ideal for events and small parties.
Nearby points of interest include Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, and Portman Square.