Eastern Eye Restaurant, Docklands

The Eastern Eye Restaurant is a Brick Lane, E1 establishment, situated in the middle of London's best known concentration of Indian restaurants. Established since 1992, it has created a reputation which sets it aside from the array of Indian restaurants located on Brick Lane itself, where many restaurants seem to be much of a muchness. Indian restaurants come and go in this area, but the Eastern Eye has its reputation from the regular Indian cuisine, Brick Lane devotees. What sets this restaurant aside from the others? Its authentic traditionally-made Indian cuisine. The decor is a mixture of traditional and modern, with Indian art on the walls and two, wall-mounted flat screen TVs playing musical excerpts from Indian movies. There's a modern, upmarket black and white interior, with crisp white cotton table cloths and napkins. Fortunately, the menu has appeal to accommodate any palate and caters for a wide audience. There are classic dishes for those who never venture far from Tandoori Chicken or Chicken Tikka Masala, as well as a range of authentic regional specialities from Bangladesh. Chef Mahmed Miah, is delighted to explain how he uses only the best products and spices in order to achieve authentic Indian cuisine. Even the obligatory poppadums we had whilst waiting for our food seemed lighter than the usual offering and were certainly less greasy. The chutneys, pickle and raita, etc which came with them were extremely aromatic and flavoursome. Each dish we had was mouthwatering and, I have to say, personally the best my husband and I have ever tasted. There is something on the beverage and wine list for everyone, but as with most Indian meals, cold beer - Kingfisher or Cobra - is the drink to wash down your food with. The Eastern Eye offers a well-chosen alternative to many of the "Mac-Indian" restaurants, with their usual predictable menus, found in this area. Very reasonably priced and an establishment we fully intend to visit again and again (and again) when visiting London's famous culinary East End. I would definitely recommend that you try it. Address: 63a Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL. Telephone no. 0207-375 1696. Fully licensed and Air Conditioned. I recommend you book!