Raaz delivers stunning opening night with Michelin star ambitions intact

Raaz opened with remarkable confidence for a first night. Where boxes had been stacked hours earlier, diners found a warm, sophisticated space with dark woods, floral patterns, and thoughtful lighting across three distinct areas.

Chef Imran Mansuri’s ambitious vision – to bring Putney a Michelin star – feels achievable based on this debut. His menu spans India’s regions, featuring standout dishes from his time at London’s top Indian restaurants, each with his signature “raaz” (secret) twist.

The cocktails immediately signal serious intent: a coconut-smoothed Old Fashioned and a perfectly balanced kiwi sour that demands immediate reordering. Both showcase the spice-forward approach that defines the evening.

Food highlights include exemplary grilled tiger prawns, malai broccoli with cauliflower purée, and what one diner called “the best butter chicken of my life”—elevated with grilled, smoked lettuce. The Malabar seabass curry delivers light, complex spicing, while the chicken tikka masala transcends its usual cream-heavy reputation.

Pricing remains Putney-friendly despite the quality: mains £13-20, starters £10-15. Minor opening-night glitches (no Cobra on tap, bathroom fixtures) pale beside the kitchen’s precision and front-of-house polish.

With half-full tables on a quiet launch, Raaz represents exceptional value for genuinely accomplished Indian cuisine.