Oudh 1722, London SE1: ‘Finickety food, yes, but still a blowout feast’ – restaurant review | Grace Dent on restaurants

Grace Dent's review for The Guardian introduces Oudh 1722, chef Aktar Islam's highly anticipated first London venture, located in a listed Victorian townhouse near Borough Market in SE1. Islam, already a culinary star in Birmingham with his two Michelin-starred restaurant Opheem (known for its 10-course tasting menu and special-occasion vibe, which Dent likens to L'Enclume), brings his ambitious vision to the capital. Dent notes that Oudh 1722 is clearly 'Michelin-chasing' with its 'finickety food,' suggesting a refined and perhaps intricate culinary approach. However, despite this pursuit of high accolades, the restaurant still delivers a 'blowout feast,' implying a generous and satisfying dining experience that is 'resolutely midriff-expanding.' The review positions Oudh 1722 as a significant new player in London's fine dining scene, carrying the weight of Islam's Birmingham success and his ambition to make a mark in a highly competitive market, contrasting its vibe with fellow two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Gymkhana in Mayfair.