BRIGHTON Marina’s newest and swankiest restaurant tastes as good as it looks.

Staying true to its name, the restaurant’s alluring blue glow enticed us in.

A quick glance around the spacious restaurant floor and I spot something to spark my first smile of approval – all the waiters and waitresses are decked out in traditional Indian attire. But it’s no cheap gimmick, they look really good and set a precedent for the evening to come.

A pint of Cobra is poured and I’m ready to go. Out first comes chicken malai tikka – bite-sized pieces of charcoal-grilled chicken marinated with cream, cheese, royal cumin and cardamom. The meat delicately pulled apart with a quick tap of my knife and fork.

The malai tikka is soon accompanied by lamb boti kebab – more bite-sized meat, but this time marinated in spring onion and slow cooked in a clay oven. Delicious, again, and it went down well with my Cobra.

My partner and I see through portions of perfectly-grilled lamb chops, fresh-as-you-like sautéed greens and Punjabi samosas before getting down to business with the main course.

While I’d usually try a hotter dish, I decided to play it safe with a chicken tikka masala. And what a choice it was. Blue Mango’s succulent chicken makes a welcomed reappearance – this time in a smooth masala sauce created with a secret recipe by talented chef Rakesh Kumar.

Side orders like glutinous garlic naan bread prove best for mopping up delicious masala sauce and hot-on-the-heels service from the decked-out waiting staff ensure it is an evening to remember.

Since opening in late September Blue Mango has reached 40th position on TripAdvisor’s best restaurants list in relatively quick time – and I can understand why.

Tip: A three-course lunchtime meal including a glass of wine costs £8.99. Great value.

 

Blue Mango, 1 Boardwalk, Waterfront, Brighton Marina, BN2 5WA
Tel: 01273 683399

Email: Info@bluemangobrighton.co.uk"