SOUTHAMPTON'S newest dining experience is also one of its very finest. So much so that they couldn't keep us away for more than two days!

After attending the official opening of Café Mumbai and sampling a few of the delights on offer, I just wanted more!

Housed in the building that used to be Bottoms Up behind Bedford Place, the place has been transformed into a light, airy and very sophisticated 180-cover restaurant catering for pretty much everything you could want from an Asian fusion restaurant.

There's room downstairs to enjoy the buffet or Indian tapas while you watch the team of ten chefs hard at work or dine a la carte on the mezzanine floor.

The first sign that the restaurant is already proving popular was that we couldn't get an a la carte table on Saturday night until 9.30pm.

So by the time I sat down with my three companions, I couldn't wait for the feast that was to follow.

We were welcomed by one of the restaurant's directors Salam Tarafdar, who already seems to recognise many of his customers who are returning in their droves.

Salam has teamed up with three old school friends to launch his vision, following in the footsteps of his father who opened one of Southampton's first Indian restaurants The Bombay in Onslow Road 40 years ago.

His passion is infectious and the place he has built up is truly inspiring.

We opted for Indian Pearls for four to start. This is a combination of starters recommended by the chef and gives you a real taste of what is on offer at Café Mumbai.

The pick of the bunch for me surprised me - a delicious cake of soft spinach.

Seafood features heavily on the menu and for main course I chose the exquisite Bharwan Calamari. Delicious fresh squid tubes are stuffed with tangy crab meat and peppers.

These were grilled to perfection and covered in a tangy tomato based sauce.

One of my companions enjoyed Murg Tikka Lababdar - chicken tikka in creamy tomato onion gravy with spices or the best Chicken Tikka Massala ever'.

Also on the menu for us were the Dhaba Murg - Punjabi country fare of tender chicken braised with tomatoes, red onions, herbs and spices and the very green but delicious Dhungaar ka Saag Gosht - sliced lamb chargrilled, smoked and tossed with spinach and garlic.

All four delicious aromatic dishes were served with superb rice and naan bread - but not a poppadom in sight.

Café Mumbai is a break from the norm and a very special one at that.

Café Mumbai, Lower Bannister Street, Bedford Place, Southampton, SO15 2EJ, 023 8063 0006.