Indian Restaurants

Enjoy delicious and authentic South East Asian cuisine at the very best Indian restaurants in London. Many Indian restaurants specialise in vegetarian dishes or halal food and therefore make for a possible option when keeping these dietary requirements in mind.

London is one of the best cities in the world for Indian food, offering everything from traditional curries and street food to modern, fine dining experiences that push the boundaries of Indian cuisine. Whether you're looking for a casual neighbourhood curry house or a Michelin-starred restaurant, London’s Indian dining scene has something to offer for every taste and budget. Here are some of the top Indian restaurants in London:

High-End and Michelin-Starred Indian Restaurants

Gymkhana

Mayfair Gymkhana is one of London’s most celebrated Indian restaurants, holding a Michelin star for its take on Indian fine dining. Inspired by the Indian gymkhana clubs of the colonial era, the restaurant serves traditional and contemporary dishes with a luxurious twist. The menu features a mix of regional Indian cuisine, with signature dishes like kid goat keema, wild muntjac biryani, and butter chicken. The elegant interiors, including dark wood paneling and a colonial-era vibe, make it perfect for a special occasion.

Trishna

Marylebone Another Michelin-starred gem, Trishna specializes in coastal Indian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. The restaurant offers an elegant dining experience with dishes like Koliwada prawns, Nariyal scallops, and stone bass tikka. Trishna also has seasonal menus, allowing diners to explore the flavours of southern India in a refined, modern setting.

Tamarind

Mayfair Tamarind was one of the first Indian restaurants in the world to earn a Michelin star. This elegant Mayfair restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Indian flavours, with a focus on dishes cooked in the tandoor. Highlights include lamb chops, black cod, and vegetarian options like paneer tikka. Tamarind's stylish and luxurious ambience, combined with its exceptional service, makes it a top choice for fine dining.

Benares

Mayfair Benares is a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant led by renowned chef Atul Kochhar, known for blending Indian and British flavours. The restaurant offers modern interpretations of classic Indian dishes, with beautifully presented plates like tandoori monkfish, lamb biryani, and samosa chaat. The chic, contemporary interiors and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients make Benares a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

Modern and Contemporary Indian Cuisine

Dishoom

With multiple locations (Covent Garden, Shoreditch, Carnaby, King’s Cross, and others) Dishoom has become a London institution, offering a nostalgic take on the Irani cafés of Bombay. Each branch has a unique, vintage-inspired ambience, with dark wood interiors and colonial-era décor. The menu includes favourites like black daal, chicken ruby, pav bhaji, and lamb raan. Dishoom’s bacon naan roll for breakfast is legendary, and their chai is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. The casual yet stylish setting and consistently excellent food make Dishoom a must-visit for Indian food lovers.

Hoppers

Soho, King’s Cross, Marylebone Hoppers is a modern Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant known for its bold flavours and vibrant atmosphere. The menu revolves around the hopper (a type of bowl-shaped pancake made with fermented rice batter) and dosa, paired with delicious curries and sides. Signature dishes include the egg hopper, black curry, and mutton rolls. The casual, bustling vibe makes Hoppers an exciting and affordable option for those wanting to explore South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine.

Kricket

Soho, White City, Brixton Kricket offers a modern fusion of Indian flavours with British ingredients and techniques. The small plates concept allows diners to sample a variety of innovative dishes such as Keralan fried chicken, samphire pakoras, and pumpkin curry. The focus is on seasonal ingredients and creative combinations, served in a contemporary, minimalist setting. Kricket’s relaxed yet trendy vibe has made it a favourite among those looking for a more modern take on Indian food.

Kahani

Chelsea Kahani, led by Michelin-starred chef Peter Joseph, is a contemporary Indian restaurant that emphasizes the art of grilling. The menu features modern twists on Indian classics, with standout dishes like grilled scallops, smoked Malabar prawns, and tandoori broccoli. The stylish interiors and attention to detail in presentation make Kahani a great option for those seeking a refined yet modern Indian dining experience.

Traditional Curry Houses and Casual Indian Dining

Brigadiers

The city of London Brigadiers offers a lively, upscale twist on the traditional Indian curry house and is inspired by the army mess bars of India. The restaurant focuses on barbecued meats and Indian comfort food, with a variety of small plates, grills, and curries. Popular dishes include the suckling lamb biryani, BBQ butter chicken wings, and masala fries. The venue’s fun, sociable atmosphere—complete with live sports screenings and a whiskey and cocktail bar—makes it perfect for group dining and a night out.

Chutney Mary

St. James’s Originally located in Chelsea, Chutney Mary is now housed in St. James’s and has become a staple in London’s Indian dining scene. The restaurant serves a sophisticated take on traditional Indian dishes, with offerings like butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, and various seafood specialities. The elegant setting and attention to detail in the food presentation make it a great spot for a refined but comfortable meal.

Tayyabs

Whitechapel A legend in East London, Tayyabs is a bustling, no-frills Punjabi restaurant famous for its generous portions and affordable prices. The star of the menu is the lamb chops, which are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and grilled to perfection. Other popular dishes include karahi chicken, keema naan, and a variety of curries. Tayyabs is known for its lively, busy atmosphere and BYOB policy, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Lahore Kebab House

Whitechapel Another Whitechapel institution, Lahore Kebab House is known for its authentic Pakistani cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its grilled meats, particularly the seekh kebabs and lamb chops, as well as its rich curries and biryani. With a casual, unfussy atmosphere and excellent food at affordable prices, Lahore Kebab House is a great choice for a no-nonsense, flavourful Indian-Pakistani meal.

Street Food and Indian Snacks

Indian Accent

Mayfair Indian Accent offers a unique and contemporary take on Indian street food, blending global influences with traditional Indian flavours. Dishes like paneer tikka quesadilla, butter chicken kulcha, and spiced lamb kebabs reflect the restaurant’s innovative approach. The elegant, minimalist decor and sophisticated plating make it one of the top choices for those looking for a modern twist on Indian street food.

Darjeeling Express

Covent Garden Darjeeling Express, started by chef Asma Khan, is famous for its home-style Indian cooking, particularly from the Mughlai and Bengali traditions. The restaurant started as a supper club and gained fame for its authentic, soulful dishes. The puchkas (Indian-style pani puri), mutton samosas, and Hyderabadi dum biryani are among the favourites. The welcoming, warm atmosphere and personal touch to each dish make Darjeeling Express a standout in the Indian food scene.

Gunpowder

Tower Bridge, Soho Gunpowder offers Indian small plates with bold flavours and a contemporary twist. The menu includes dishes like spicy venison doughnuts, Kashmiri lamb chops, and pulled duck leg with paratha. The intimate setting and creative, flavour-packed dishes make Gunpowder a popular choice for foodies looking for something different.

Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Options

Rasa

Stoke Newington Rasa is a small, unassuming restaurant in Stoke Newington offering South Indian vegetarian food. The menu features a range of delicious, authentic dishes like masala dosa, avial (a coconut-based vegetable curry), and vada (lentil doughnuts). Rasa is loved for its vibrant pink decor and excellent value for money, making it a must-visit for vegetarians and lovers of South Indian cuisine.

Sagar

Hammersmith, Covent Garden, and more Sagar is a popular chain of vegetarian South Indian restaurants offering classic dishes like dosa, uttapam, and thali. The restaurants are casual and affordable, making them a go-to for those seeking authentic vegetarian Indian food. The dosas, in particular, are a highlight, served with a variety of chutneys and sambar.

London’s Indian dining scene is as diverse as the country’s own cuisine, offering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to street food-inspired casual eateries. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional flavours or contemporary twists, there’s an Indian restaurant in London to suit your palate and dining preferences.

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