London ain’t exactly short of Indian restaurants it has to be said, and there’s everything here from high-end fusion spots to local BYOB curry houses. Both are fantastic – it just depends what sort of night you’re looking for. So, without further ado, here’s our rundown of 17 of the best Indian restaurants in London:
1. Kanishka by Atul Kochaar, Mayfair
Driven by the astoundingly credited chef, Atul Kochaar, boasting double Michelin stars, this truly fabulous restaurant has been a mainstay for Indian gourmet cooking in London for a quarter of the century. The essence of this eatery lies in the celebration of diverse Indian regional cuisines, utilizing the highest quality local produce.
I had the pleasure of sampling their Diwali specially curated menu. This featured culinary delights like the ‘Khasta Mug’ – an imaginative take on the chicken tikka in a pie coupled with a berry chutney infused with cumin, and ‘Changezi Champen’ – a succulent Romney lamb cutlet, marinated in fennel and star anise, served with kohlrabi, cavolo nero and jus. These gastronomic creations truly transcended the ordinary. Nestled discreetly in the heart of the city, this stylish establishment is enthusiastically recommended if you find yourself nearby. The friendly and attentive staff, coupled with a rich selection of wines, are the cherries on top of the cake that have made us fall for this place.
2. Discover Ganapati in Peckham
Ganapati, a vibrant and laid-back haunt located in Peckham, consistently ranks as one of South London's preferred Indian hotspots. With culinary influences drawn from the lush Southern Indian regions of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, the dishes served here are astonishingly scrumptious. Patrons will be treated to an extensive selection of intricate spices covering vegetarian thalis, tiger prawns, lentil pancakes, and sea bream.
The pricing here won't break your bank – expect to shell out approximately £10 for their delectable curries. If the restaurant is packed, don't fret – simply navigate to the convenient takeaway outlet positioned a little further along Bellenden Road. Excite your palate with the tantalising chaliyam fish curry, the vegan-friendly chutney dosas, and the signature dal. You are guaranteed a gastronomic delight that will tickle your tastebuds.
The bountiful Southern Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, from which Ganapati draws its culinary inspiration, are recognized for their distinct cuisine that heavily features rice, lentils, and a variety of spicy chutneys. Did you know, the restaurant's name, Ganapati, is actually a reference to Ganesha, a popular deity in Hinduism renowned for his love of good food?
3. Gunpowder, Spitalfields and London Bridge
For home-style Indian fare that offers modern twists on family recipes, visit one of Gunpowder’s three brilliant London restaurants in Spitalfields Market, Soho or right by Tower Bridge. This authentic Indian kitchen uses responsibly sourced ingredients to shine a spotlight on the banging flavours of the Indian subcontinent.
The emphasis here is on celebrating traditional family recipes and giving them an innovative and unique twist. Delectable options here include Goan-style black tiger prawns marinated in lashings of garlic, black pepper and herbs, and lamb cutlets soaked in ghee made in the Kashmir region of Northern India. They also deliver if you’d rather tuck into these flavoursome delights from the comfort of your own sofa.
4. Chourangi, Marble Arch
Emerging as a top choice for superior Indian cuisine in London is Chourangi. The establishment, though only operational since October 2021, has already created quite a stir in the metropolis. The gastronomic offerings are a unique collection of flavours, borrowed from Kolkata city's vibrant palate, an area that lends its name to the restaurant. The excellence of the dishes lies not only in their exotic spices, but also in the prime-quality ingredients, procured locally within the UK.
Among their most praised dishes are the ‘banana flower croquettes’ – a starter delicately infused with the irresistible combination of coconut, cinnamon and mint-kasundi sauce. The ‘daak bungalow chicken curry’, the main course, is equally as tantalizing with its divine mixture of stewed tomatoes, cashew nut sauce, fenugreek, and mace. And should there be room for dessert, the ‘langcha, rabdi’, a lusciously sweet pistachio milk cake dumpling, is a sensation that dissolves enchantingly on the tongue.
5. Dishoom, Various Locations
Undeniably, 'Dishoom' is a buzzword in the London food scene. If you haven't stumbled upon this literal flavor town yet, where might you be? Conveniently situated with six locations citywide, indulge delectable delights whenever cravings kick in. From mouth-watering breakfast treats to scrumptious brunch options, along with community-style curries and so much more, Dishoom serves unto you a cross-section of India's diverse cuisine.
Their menu boasts some standout dishes like the delectable mattar paneer, the chole puri, which is a delicious chickpea curry served with aromatic bread, and the unique spicy gunpowder potatoes for those who dare to deviate from the classic rice. Catering to various dietary preferences, they offer sumptuous food options for vegetarians, vegans, as well as gluten-free enthusiasts. And don’t forget, their cocktail offerings are truly a cut above the rest. Interestingly, Dishoom is known for artfully adapting traditional Indian dishes using local London ingredients which gives it a unique charm and helps engage a wider audience.
6. Trishna, Marylebone
Nestled within the idyllic surroundings of Marylebone Village is Trishna, an inviting local dining spot that brilliantly captures the modern flare of Indian maritime gastronomy.
Its delectable cuisine is so exemplary that it garnered a prestigious Michelin Star in 2012. It's a food haven where you can savor dishes like 'telicherry squid and shrimps' married with curry leaves, onion, raw mango, and coconut chutney or the 'badami broccoli' delightfully paired with cardamom, almonds, gajar murabba, and garlic chutney. Besides an impressive food roster, it also prides itself on an superbly curated wine selection and adds a festive twist with a Diwali-themed menu this year. Therefore, a trip to this alluring restaurant is very much recommended.
7. A Culinary Experience in the Heart of Covent Garden: Punjab Restaurant
Boasting the honourable title of being the 'oldest North Indian eatery in the United Kingdom', the team at Covent Garden’s Punjab Restaurant possess unparalleled expertise in Indian cuisine. This is a gastronomic treasure that has been nurtured by the same lineage for four generations, honing their culinary craft over countless decades, with their fiery lamb madras acclaimed as among the city's finest.
The restaurant's tantalizing creations include mouthwatering butter chicken and acharri gosht which is an aromatic lamb curry with a tang of pickles. A standout on the menu is Pahalwan Amar’s mint chicken. As folklore goes, consuming this dish on the regular and balancing on your head for a three-minute interval daily, you can attain a well-toned physique akin to the family wrestler it’s named after. Dare to try?
8. The Renowned Dosa n Chutney, Located in Tooting
Right in the thick of London's food scene, Dosa n Chutney, a famed Tooting establishment, offers a standout culinary experience with their speciality - as the moniker implies - dosas (also known as Indian rice pancakes). Bursting with mouthwatering stuffings like fiery chilli, fragrant coriander, rich ghee, and spicy onion and potatoes, their dosa is simply sublime and a not-to-miss opportunity.
Adding to the gastronomic adventure, they also serve toothsome biryanis, tandoori dishes and sundry other delicacies. Pair them with their glacial mango lassi, arguably one of London's finest, and you have a meal that is unforgettable. Funnily enough, the popularity of this eatery has sparked a 'Dosa debate' among food lovers across the capital! Don't forget, their rich and vibrant chutneys add an extra layer of flavor to every dish.
9. Naamaste Kitchen, Camden Town
Moving forward on our culinary journey, we land at the acclaimed Naamaste Kitchen. Its reputation sparkles with coveted titles such as 'Indian Restaurant of the Year' and the victory of its chef at the revered 'Asian Curry Awards.' There is no contesting these honors; the epicurean delights served here are unquestionably first-rate.
Every dish in this acclaimed place offers divine gastronomic experience, but the true stars of the menu are the house specialties. These range from a sublime Goan sea bass pan-seared to perfection, to an intriguing combo of potato and apricot dumplings bathing in a rich, creamy sauce. A diverse selection of finely crafted beers, wines, and cocktails are available to accompany your meal, assembling the ingredients for an unforgettable night.
10. The Unmissable Bengal Spice on Holloway Road
Nestled at the pinnacle of Holloway Road, only an arm's length away from Upper Holloway, one will discover Bengal Spice's offer of genuine Bengali cuisine, amiable customer service, and astonishing taste-bud teasers. They boast remarkable culinary creations such as the fish jara bhuna - a tantalizing, lemon-infused pickle flavour that offers an undeniable zest, served with piquant spices, herbs and onions, and the traditional Indian goat curry accompanied by hearty potatoes, crunch carrots, bright peppers and pungent mustard. For a truly immersive experience, visitors can extend their culinary adventure with a stay at one of the fine establishments in the area. For instance, the admiral hotel london provides comfortable accommodations that promise a delightful retreat after a day of flavour exploration. After indulging in the robust flavors at Bengal Spice, those looking to explore more culinary delights can use tophotels.com to find additional top-rated restaurants and hotels in London. This ensures that the journey through the city's diverse eateries and accommodations is just as exquisite as the dishes served at Bengal Spice.
Significantly, it's a BYOB establishment (a crowd favorite), while also maintaining affordable prices, making it the perfect place for superb Indian food. So, make your way to Holloway Road without delay!
11. Tayyabs: A Culinary Landmark in Whitechapel
Established in 1972, the much-loved Tayyabs, a family-owned eatery in Whitechapel, has etched its name in London's culinary scene with its phenomenal, award-garnering Punjabi cuisine. Not only is it a BYOB restaurant, but its popular, richly flavored lamb chops are truly sensational. The delectable Tarka Dahl, sumptuous Tandoori chicken, and delightful mixed grill are few of the much-raved-about dishes.
Here's a small catch — due to its popularity, the restaurant often sees long waiting lines. Booking in advance is highly advisable to secure your spot!
12. Grand Trunk Road, South Woodford
Taking its name from an ancient trade route connecting Afghanistan all the way to Bangladesh, the Grand Trunk Road offers up a vast array of dishes inspired by the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of this world-famous route.
Owned by the Michelin-starred chef Rajesh Suri – who’s regularly appeared on Master Chef The Professionals – the dishes served up here include chargrilled barbequed meat originally hailing from the regions of Peshawar and Rawalpindi, Amritsari butter chicken and baby okra cooked with vinegar-soaked onions and a juicy masala sauce. They also do two-for-one cocktails on Sundays through to Thursdays – no wonder they’re a contender for being one of the best Indian restaurants in London with all of that going on then.
13. Gymkhana, Mayfair
Now this one needs no introduction, it has to be said. If you’re feeling particularly fancy or are wanting to wine and dine for a special occasion, then pay a visit to Gymkhana for your Indian meal. This Michelin-starred spot is inspired by the elite clubs and high society playgrounds of India; it looks absolutely stunning and rustles up some incredible food.
There’s everything here from succulent butter chicken masala to tandoori broccoli with chilli and green mango raita – best mopped up with a plethora of sides. This year they’re also doing a special Diwali menu to celebrate the festival of lights, and a standout on the menu includes wild muntjac biryani served with a pomegranate and fresh mint raita. Sign us up!
14. Brigadiers, Cannon Street
Located centrally within Bloomberg Arcade, Brigadiers is a stellar Indian dining establishment that encapsulates the vibrant atmosphere of India's military mess bars, frequented by regiments for dining, drinking, and bonding sessions. Here, patrons can relish sumptuous Indian barbecue, all while immersed in the buzzing ambiance of this dynamic venue that includes access to on-demand live sports in specific rooms and pool tables - a feat akin to a successful marriage between an Indian restaurant and a sports-bar.
This eatery's remarkable culinary offerings, underscored by the patronage of the JKS group, heavily feature exquisite dishes like sizzlers, steak, kebabs, chops, and ribs - all prepared and presented luxuriously. To accompany these divine dishes, a broad selection of draught beverages, lagers, and wines are available for guests to choose from. Doesn't that feel like a gastronomic dream come true?
15. Hullabaloo, Deptford
A great Indian restaurant in London and this author’s favourite (partly because he lives five minutes’ walk away), Hullabaloo in Deptford is well worth a visit if ever you’re south of the river.
Decked out in Bollywood movie posters, it’s an authentic hole-in-the-wall kind of spot that whips up some absolutely delicious (and authentic) street-food style food. Everything here is vegan or veggie, and they do some cheap lunchtime deals here too. Winner, winner.
16. Babur, Brockley
Babur, a highly-regarded South London Indian restaurant in Lewisham, effortlessly secures a place on the list of London's top-rated Indian restaurants. Commencing operations in 1985, the restaurant has been consistently pleasing palates with its exceptionally crafted Indian dishes.
Whether it’s the mouth-watering kasundi king prawns coupled with green papaya murabba and Bengali mustard, or a dosa filled with young peas and jackfruit accompanied by potatoes, curry leaf, and crunchy pancakes - satisfaction is a sure thing. They also serve a remarkable selection of cocktails. Their culinary excellence has rightfully earned them a Michelin Star.
17. Kricket: Indian Cuisine Across London
The concluding highlight in our compilation of London's finest Indian food destinations is Kricket. Initially, it emerged from the humble beginnings of a shipping container, offering 20 seats at Pop Brixton. It has since evolved into three esteemed establishments located in Soho, Brixton, and White City. Each venue prides itself on a fantastic array of Indian mini dishes.
Indulge in the succulence of Keralan fried chicken or savour the crispy samphire pakoras, pair them with the captivating flavours of burnt garlic tarka dhal or saag aloo, and you have yourself a culinary masterpiece that stands unparalleled in the vast London gastronomic scene. Not to mention, their expertly crafted cocktails have quite the reputation, earning Kricket its spot as amongst the capital's top-rated dining establishments.
There you have it, a curated selection of London's top 17 Indian restaurants. Whether you're on the hunt for an award-winning restaurant for a special evening or a bring-your-own-booze location that's budget-friendly, this list caters to every preference.
Further reading: Discover more favourites in London's food scene with our pick of 32 exceptional Thai restaurants in the city.