Every review of Curry Leaf Cafe will probably include the quirky "Gumtree story". So I'll keep mine really short but sets the scene for the origin of this restaurant nicely. Here goes; journalist Euan Sey puts a Gumtree ad out for a flatmate, in walks chef Kanthi Kiran Thamma. Journalist has always had a passion for Indian food from boyhood and a beautiful relationship is formed. Plenty of time is spent in their shared kitchen. They decide to open a restaurant, Curry Leaf Cafe.

Obviously there is loads more to it and warm, fuzzy stuff but hey, we're here to eat.

I think the combination of these two business minds is going to be paramount to the success of this place. Their mixed skill set, countless ideas as well as the clear passion is a real asset to the Brighton dining scene.
There is so much to like about the place. Although I would normally keep Indian food to evening dining, the casual nature of the restaurant, and presentation as a cafe, makes it more attractive to drop in for lunch. The fresher salads will be more up my street, but there are also thali, express curries or filled and rolled naan for those in a hurry. Cakes with Indian inspired spices can be washed down with a chai or tea from their decent list in the afternoon and of course there is a full dinner menu as well. Interestingly, a brunch menu is available which I love the sound of, possibly more so after a night on the tiles. For someone that doesn't do the traditional fry-up, this is a breakfast choice I would bother to roll out of bed for.