Think of the last Indian meal you had. Now take that image, mentally scrunch it up and throw it away with the leftover poppadoms. Nina’s contemporary take on Indian cooking challenges even the most takeaway-weary palate, with an array of super-light and beyond-flavoursome dishes. And for all the sumptuous decor, which creates an intimate atmosphere, and the knowledgeable and attentive service, the food is the star here.

We highly recommend the taster menu, which features an array of never-ending courses from nibbly starters of cashew and potato cake with roasted red pepper masala and crispy rice crepe, through to sample-everything mains of braised tomato butter chicken, tandoori lamb chop and cucumber raita. The highlight was the banana okra and corn in a turmeric coconut sauce – the recipe for which would be worth bribing the chef for.

INFO: Nina @ The One & Only Royal Mirage, 04 399 9999