Restaurateur Samyukta Nair on her portfolio, passion and pizza.
Restaurateur Samyukta Nair is talking about food. She’s describing prawns, pasta and pizzas – each with such passion and precision that you can almost taste them. Articulate, assured and effortlessly elegant, she’s a powerhouse in the food industry. As CEO of LSL Capital, she has led the creation of culinary hit after hit, building a portfolio that includes Bombay Bustle, Jamavar, MiMi Mei Mayfair, and Nipotina. FACT caught up with her to talk about her restaurants in both Dubai and London – and what it takes to build a hospitality empire.
Samyukta was born into the industry through the Nair family. The family built and led India’s renowned hospitality brand, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. She grew up between Mumbai and New York. She recalls: “I grew up in Mumbai, living with my grandparents. All of my memories were around the dinner table, and everyone was talking over everyone. There was commotion, food and flavour.”
“I grew up with a hotel in my backyard, and room service was available. My mum never made me realise that I could ask for anything I wanted. One day a week, I could get anything – and as a child, I would ask for Domino’s Pizza.”
Samykta went on to study in the United Kingdom. She studied Sociology and Psychology at City, University of London, and then pursued a Master’s in International Business at the University of Nottingham. It wasn’t until she started working for the family company that she began exploring the food industry. She laughs: “I grew up with little ambition. I’m an accidental restaurateur.”
Landing in London
Jamavar first opened in India before making its debut in the United Kingdom. In 2016, Samyukta brought the brand to London. Located on Mount Street, Mayfair, it counts dining institutions including Scott’s as its neighbours – highlighting its premium positioning in the market.
The concept quickly made a name for itself and redefined the perception of Indian cuisine in the UK. It moved away from the stereotype of curry nights and introduced a more refined take on Indian dining. So much so, the MICHELIN Guide awarded it a Star within its first year.
“There’s nothing cool about being Indian and coming to the United Kingdom to open an Indian restaurant,” she laughs. “A lot of people do Indian food well in this country. We thought about merging the worlds of North and South Indian cuisine, and showing that India is not just chicken tikka.”
Building a brand is something that comes naturally to Samyukta. After Jamavar, they opened Bombay Bustle, a vibrant ode to Mumbai’s energy. Located on Maddox Street, Mayfair, some may question whether having two Indian restaurants in the same area and portfolio is a competitive risk.
“Bombay Bustle draws inspiration from the dabbawallas,” she enthuses. “When I went to school, we all had tiffin boxes, and the highlight was seeing what everyone was eating. It showed the diversity of India. The food is more fun, regional, colloquial, and everyday. We designed it for a younger audience and group dining.”
The portfolio continued to grow with the debut of MiMi Mei Fair, a story-driven exploration of Chinese culinary traditions. Most recently, she launched Nipotina, which is an ode to simple Italian pleasures. Tip: order the Beijing Duck at MiMi Mei Fair, and the Branzino Alla Scapece at Nipotina.
Making it in the Middle East
Many restaurants from around the world have opened in the Middle East, especially after the MICHELIN Guide was introduced in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2022. Jamavar made its way to Dubai in 2024 and was awarded a MICHELIN Star the following year. The expansion continued with MiMi Mei Fair, which opened in Downtown Dubai last December.
“For us, Dubai is one step closer to home. India is where my family are located. Dubai has become a culinary stage, which the world is watching. Anyone of recognition looks to the city. It has a global diaspora, too. When I first went there, I was disappointed with the Chinese and Indian food I ate – I was hangry,” she remarks. “The opportunity arose, and we jumped into it.”
Since Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has been going through social changes. Restaurants are no longer segregated by gender, and this has attracted big-name brands. Is Saudi Arabia the next chapter for LSL?
“We went to Saudi Arabia, and it was fascinating. We are ready to look at it if the opportunity arises, but we feel it’s still in its growth stage. Is it exciting? Absolutely,” she answers. “We are excited by the Middle East and find it fascinating. Everything is on a large scale, and everyone is running fast. I want a more considered approach – slow and steady wins the race. I want to be focused in my own lane.”
Breaking barriers
It’s rare to hear of female CEOs – rarer still in the restaurant industry. For Samyukta, however, it feels entirely natural. She explains: “I’m matriarchal – being South Indian. Leela is my grandmother, and the hotel was named after her. My mother is a dominant force in both my life and my father’s life. I have a large female team. The glass ceiling exists, but only if you want it to. I understand I say that from a place of privilege. I’m sure it exists for others, but I have never experienced it first-hand.”
At the inaugural FACT Dining Awards London 2025, Samyukta took to the stage and graciously accepted the award for Favourite Chinese Restaurant for MiMi Mei Fair. She recalls: “It’s heartwarming to be recognised. We are thrilled. I share it not just with myself, but with my team.”
So, what defines a restaurant by LSL Capital? “It’s thoughtfully designed spaces, warm service, and food that’s all about authenticity. You cannot compromise on what you’re serving. People come to you for what they know – and stay for what they don’t. The magic happens on the plate.” And, just like that, she trails off – making our taste buds tingle once more, as she talks about what she knows best. The magic of food might just be the magic of Samyukta Nair.
GO: Visit https://lslcapital.com for more information.