CAPTURING the authentic essence of true Indian cuisine is a task many curry houses struggle to fulfil, but at Kuti's diners will not be left disappointed.

The popular restaurant in the heart of Southampton's upmarket eating and drinking area is hard to miss with its bright pink lights and colourful exterior.

The eatery is warm and welcoming, complete with carpets and dimmed purple lighting to create an intimate evening atmosphere.

For starters diners are spoilt for choice with a number of tempting dishes to choose from, including aloo tuk, a scooped out potato dish filled with a wonderful combination of vegetables, potato, herbs and coriander.

For the main course, we chose the delicious sabzi jalfrezey. The combination of fresh vegetables such as potatoes, green beans and onions served in a hot and spicy sauce is enough to tantalise anyone's taste buds.

To accompany this we plumped for the mouth-watering paneer palak Indian cheese and spinach and a tasty lentil delight called tarka dal. Full of flavour, this delicious side order was made complete with a hint of garlic.

We also had the brinjal bhaji - a side order of fried aubergine that compliments a spicy, rich main dish perfectly. Its light and mild texture provides a taste of something different to accompany a traditional curry, however its coating of oil may prove too greasy for some.

Kuti's also boasts an unusual range of fresh fish, duck, venison, lamb and poultry for meat eaters.

The delicious main courses can easily leave diners without any room for dessert, but there is a large selection to choose from.

The impressive cuisine and service offered at Kuti's is ultimately a culinary experience not to be missed.

A one-course meal for two, complete with a few drinks, costs about £30.

Kuti's Brasserie, 37-39 Oxford Street, Southampton. Tel: 023 8022 1585 or 023 8033 3473.