Restaurants

Eastcote residents have done well out of their neighbourhood local. Nauroz is an established family-run concern, with owners whose previous business interests include such popular haunts as Five Hot Chillies and Karahi King . Easy-wipe tables and melamine plates lend it a functional feel but the look is surprisingly light and airy, with occasional knick-knacks softening the decor. Theres plenty of banter between family members as they exchange pleasantries. Reflecting the owners Pakistani roots, cooking is robust and focuses on earthy fried onion masalas, tandoori kebabs, and top-notch breads. Robustly spiced deighi gosht (on-the-bone lamb chunks, simmered in a silken masala of browned onions with cardamom) was an outstanding rendition of mums-own cooking. Just as endearing, slow-cooked black dhal (enriched with cream and dollops of butter) made a marvellous match with piping-hot nan. Feasting continued with smoky fish tikka, steeped in yoghurt scented with pungent thyme-like carom seeds. This is meat-eating heaven and vegetables are very much a side line. A meal here wont be gilded with gold leaf, but it will be cooked with passion, served with friendliness, and pegged at a reasonable price.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008