The 36 best Indian restaurants in London
There are few things more indulgent than a visit to one of the best Indian restaurants in London. Whether we’re feasting on Himalayan favourites or fiery southern dishes, we’re at our happiest when surrounded by a gut-busting spread of warming dishes. How hot we Brits like it has been a topic of conversation (or contention) for decades, with the hardiest foodies scoffing at the sight of an indulgently creamy paneer tikka or chicken korma before diving into a vivid vindaloo. Everyone has their go-to, and we’re known to get giddy at the thought of settling into a glitzy dining room and watching the accompaniments roll out of the kitchen in a spice-scented procession. Whether it’s multi-course tasting menus in a Michelin-starred establishment or a tried-and-tested neighbourhood hotspot you seek, these are the failsafe Indian restaurants in London to add to that ever-expanding bucket list.
What area of London has the best Indian food?
It might seem surprising, but our expert food editors have coined Mayfair and Soho as the hottest locations for London's best Indian restaurants. These two neighbourhoods boast everything from Gymkhana, a Michelin-starred fine dining experience, to Kricket, a creative take on Indian cooking combining Mumbai and London's flavours. So whether you're in town for a few days or a local Londoner looking for Indian food, you can't go wrong with exploring Mayfair and Soho's offerings.
What's the oldest Indian restaurant in London?
Veeraswamy, on Regent Street, is the oldest Indian restaurant in London – and the UK, in fact. While it's not the first restaurant to serve Indian cuisines, it's the oldest restaurant still in operation, founded in 1926.
1. The Tamil Prince, Islington
Best Indian Restaurant for: Cosy pub aesthetics
Dish to order: Channa bhatura with raitaThe Tamil Prince took its Islington neighbours by surprise when it launched as a pub-slash-restaurant in June 2022. But the intrigue only fuelled interest, as influencers and discerning foodies have been seeking out the establishment – among a grid of manicured parks and lavish townhouses – ever since. Food is served tapas style as it's ready, fresh from the small kitchen which is visible through a large glass window from the dining room. Okra fries and onion bhajis kick things off, dipped in the fiery mint chutney – hold off if spice doesn’t agree with you. The paneer masala is an explosion in the mouth, with tender chunks of Indian cheese smothered in a rich sauce. Pile it on heaps of sweet coconut pilau rice, and you may wonder if you’ve moved straight onto pudding (no complaints here). Second helpings of buttery goodness come courtesy of dhal makhani, an indulgent lentil dish new to my palate that was so good I’ve since been on the hunt for a recipe to replicate it from the comfort of my kitchen. Prioritise the Channa bhatura, a melty chickpea dish accompanied by an Insta-worthy raita ideal for soaking up all of the sauce that hasn’t landed on the table or down your front. While there may not be much room left for pudding, the hefty cocktail list does a good job of extending sittings. More than one cocktail was sampled on our visit (a cardamom rum, rose water and lime concoction topped with a branded, edible rice paper circle among them). While it may come with a wildcard location, few Indian restaurants are as characterful as this. Connor Sturges
Address: The Tamil Prince, 115 Hemingford Road, London N1 1BZ
Website: thetamilprince.com
2. Ambassadors Clubhouse
Best Indian restaurant for: Late night vibes
Dish to order: Original BBQ butter chicken chopsIt’s a drizzly September evening, and temperatures have taken a considerable nosedive. However, rather than mourn balmy evenings of al-fresco dining, we’re headed to JKS Restaurants’ jewellery box of an establishment tucked just off Piccadilly on Heddon Street. We’re guided to our table downstairs, admiring interiors inspired by co-founders Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi’s maternal Grandfather’s summer house in Dalhousie (formerly part of Punjab). It’s dimly lit and subsequently moody, with meticulously placed lights spotlighting golden fixtures. We sip tandoori margaritas, welcome hugs in a glass, and slather crispy shards of papad in fiery chutneys. We soon realise that everything has a kick, but it’s pleasant, not overwhelming. The lightest spice is in the dunghar paneer tikka, which is enveloped in an uber-indulgent, nutty kaju masala sauce – the pools of vivid orange oil are best soaked up with a classic butter naan. From the tandoor, we devour BBQ butter chicken chops, tender meat falling off the bone, and give each other vigorous nods of approval before pre-curry stomach rubs. We’re encouraged to opt for four courses during our Punjabi feast, but portions are surprisingly generous. We pile loha karahi chicken curry on mountains of rice and strips of leftover naan bread, adjusting our belts for more room as we mop up the richly spiced tomato sauce. We’re unable to tackle dessert – the chocolate and fig kheer will have to wait another day.
Address: Ambassadors Clubhouse, 25 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BH
Website: ambassadorsclubhouse.com
Haarala Hamilton3. Permit Room, Notting Hill
Best Indian restaurant for: Feasting after market mooching
Dish to order: prawn recheadoThe queue stretching down Portobello Road provokes a gasp as we arrive at Permit Rooms on a balmy spring evening. The hundred-strong throng of hungry Londoners eager to be among the first into the restaurant reflects the capital’s ongoing love affair with Dishoom, from which Permit Rooms comes. The first London outpost, which follows successful openings in Brighton, Oxford and Cambridge, is a buzzy billet-doux to Bombay’s drinking dens – all-day hangouts for hungry passers-by. Downstairs, a cacophony of clinking cutlery and murmurs of satisfaction fills the street-level bar area, chestnut and chocolate shades joyfully interrupted by the bar’s turquoise tones. The immersive decor flows into the dining room above, where we sit and watch the hustle and bustle play out between overflowing tabletops as we anticipate the arrival of a decadent chai caffè martini. Menus mirror those of Dishoom’s, albeit with a spread of options exclusive to the Permit Room format. We ladle peanut masala, a crunchy mixture of roasted fresh peanuts tossed with chopped tomatoes, onions, coriander, chilli, and lime juice, into our mouths between cocktail sips, and the main event soon follows. Service is speedy, so much so that we’re soon surrounded by picky bits and larger dishes. We swerve the signature chicken ruby in favour of the mattar paneer, silky cubes of cheese and a hearty helping of peas, inviting us to pile them atop mounds of rice and get to work with steaming scraps of naan bread. However, it’s the prawn recheado that warrants a return visit sooner rather than later. Plump, pan-tanned prawns swim in a tangy masala of red chillies, garlic and ginger – a satisfyingly meaty event that has us in a stand-off over the last bite. Reluctantly (ish), pudding appears. Piping hot rum-soaked gulab jamun is better suited to a chilly winter’s evening, but it is the excuse we jump at to book in and overindulge another time.
Address: Dishoom Permit Room Portobello, 186 Portobello Road, London W11 1LA
Website: permitroom.co.uk
4. Vatavaran, Knightsbridge
Best Indian restaurant for: Supper with a story
Dish to order: Mangalore fishEmbark on a culinary journey at Knightsbridge’s hottest new Indian restaurant, inspired by the serene landscapes of the Himalayas. Abhi Sangwan masterminded the chic spaces, where each floor represents a different elevation of the mountainscape. Deep blues, representing valley streams, welcome you on arrival, flowing towards the Orangery’s colour scheme reminiscent of rocky ridges – head to ‘the summit’ for post-supper cocktails, where warm light illuminates cosy corners. This isn’t Rohit Ghai and Abhi Sangwan’s first rodeo, following success with Chelsea’s Kutir, another of the best Indian restaurants in London. Signature dishes highlight ingredients indigenous to the Himalayan region, and menus transition to represent the seasonality of the mountain range and the UK’s suppliers. Various spiced dishes scent the restaurant, and we inhale the rich aromas between mouthfuls of paneer flavoured with chilli, burnt tomato and garlic. Order a spread of small plates before the main event, not forgetting the obligatory popadoms – the gooseberry chutney is a revelation. Classic dishes are on the menu (chicken tikka, vindaloo prawns, kaali dal), but swerve – or share, again – in favour of perfectly-executed fish; mop up the fragrant sauce of the Mangalore fish dish between heaps of coconut rice and flakes of stone bass.
Address: 14-15 Beauchamp Place, London SW3 1NQ
Website: vatavaran.uk
5. Trishna, Marylebone
Best Indian restaurant for: A neighbourhood feel
Dish to order: Gongura lamb curryIs there a more charming Marylebone hideout than Trishna? Whether it’s a summer’s afternoon settled into one of the coveted outdoor tables or a supper spread of warming dishes on a nippy autumn evening, we can’t stop returning to this Michelin-starred restaurant with a welcoming, neighbourhood feel. The space underwent a complete transformation in 2025, with interiors inspired by the Kerala region using light blues against warm walnut tones to reflect the sea and sand. Having retained a Michelin star since 2012, it’s the exceptional-value set menus that tend to pull in the foodies for a varied taste of Southern India. For more intimate dining experiences and milestone celebrations, Trishna also houses one of the capital’s private dining rooms, seating groups of up to 12 people.
Address: Trishna, 15-17 Blandford Street, London W1U 3DG
Website: trishnalondon.com
6. Bibi, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: Character-packed fine-dining
Dish to order: Buffalo milk paneerIn the heart of Mayfair, BiBi’s ethos is inspired by traditional Indian cuisine and the personal memories and family history of esteemed chef, Chet Sharma. Opulent decor – think red-tiled kitchens, dark wooden countertops, chequerboard flooring and paisley-patterned chairs – make the space a worthy opponent of the glamorous haunts nearby. The menu – designed for sharing – consists of three sections, with seven or eight small plates the ideal number for getting an authentic flavour of the food here. Expect dishes such as green chilli monkfish, fiery native lobster, and a rich Pondicherry hot chocolate to finish. Olivia Morelli
Address: 42 N Audley Street, London W1K 6ZP
Website: bibirestaurants.com
NANDIT DESAI7. Benares, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: Michelin-starred memories
Dish to order: Oyster vindalooBenares is back in business as of February 2025 following a major refurbishment, and hungry Londoners made no hesitation in flocking back to Mayfair’s chicest Michelin-starred Indian restaurant. A candle wall and floral touches greet us on arrival, just some of the many touches incorporated into the restaurant’s new Varanasi-inspired look by Rosendale Design’s celebrated interior designer Dale Atkinson; the signature water feature remains between the bar and dining room. Executive chef Sameer Taneja has created a fantastical new spread of dishes while retaining the flavours that put Benares on gourmands’ bucket lists when it opened in 2023. The previously monochrome dining room feels warmer and more inviting, providing the perfect setting for fiery flavours. Knowledgeable waiters place dishes atop the crisp white tablecloth, taking us through the ingredients and process of every dish, whether classic or a more contemporary take. Diners take fleeting peeks at what’s arriving on the tables around them, and discussing whether the right choice was made is all part of the fun. The oyster vindaloo intrigues my dining companion enough to take a dive, crumbs of Goan lamb chorizo and Carlingford oysters mixed in pearly shells. The murg makhani, chicken in a rich tomato gravy, is a hit for all the right reasons – and a popular option among our fellow a la carte diners. Savoury highlights are aplenty, but we’ll remember our visit to Benares for the sweet note we finished on – a molten chocolate dessert hiding an indulgent pistachio centre, served with cocoa nibs and white chocolate ice cream.
Address: Benares, 12a Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BS
Website: benaresrestaurant.com
Key & Quill8. Kanishka, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: An elegant Mayfair affair
Dish to order: Chicken tikka pieAs one of the UK’s most celebrated Indian chefs, Atul Kochhar is no stranger to our TV screens. However, when he’s not cooking up a storm in front of millions of drooling viewers or devising recipes for his latest cookbook, you’ll find Atul checking in on the Mayfair restaurant he opened to great fanfare in 2019. The Maddox Street site is all cool, radiant blues and hunky earthy tables below scintillating chandeliers, with artworks set among mirrors that appear to elongate the already substantial space. Before a morsel touches our lips, we’re drawn in by the details – from decorative cutlery to glittering elephant napkin rings. We crunch through Atul’s signature chicken tikka pie and savour a taste of Kanisha’s elegant party spirit as a string of canapés appear. While the turbot nilgiri almost tempts us, we opt for the purani dilli ka butter chicken and all the trimmings; a welcome hug on a chilly winter’s evening piled atop bright saffron rice. Despite the bloat, the sight of a pistachio pudding draws us in – the final mouthfuls of the gallery-worthy treat leaving any intentions for post-supper cocktails redundant.
Address: Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, 17-19 Maddox Street, London W1S 2QH
Website: kanishkarestaurant.co.uk
9. Chook Chook, Putney
Best Indian restaurant for: Feasting in the suburbs
Dish to order: Railway chicken curryPutney’s Lower Richmond Road isn’t the first place you’d expect to find one of London’s trendiest Indian restaurants – let alone one that’s packed through the midweek, as we found Chook Chook on an early spring evening. The buzzy suburban restaurant is an immersive journey across India’s railways, featuring banquette seating that resembles plush train compartments for groups of up to six, alongside a compact bar and a front deck modelled in the style of a ticket office. We smother popadams in zingy chutneys before starters arrive in camping-style rectangular steel dishes, spongy chunks of paneer tossed in a sweet garlic and chilli sauce among crunchy vegetables. Curries follow suit, portions and presentations lending themselves to a convivial feast, signature railway chicken curry and indulgent North Indian-style daal spooned onto rice before mopping every last morsel up with doughy bitter naan. There was little room for dessert, although the chocolate samosa served with Bourbon vanilla ice cream is one of many things on my must-try list on my next visit.
Address: Chook Chook, 137 Lower Richmond Road, London SW15 1EZ
Website: chookchook.uk
Charlie McKay10. Kricket, Shoreditch and Soho
Best Indian restaurant for: Cool, creative Indian cooking
Dish to order: Karnakatan Pork NeckYou know that feeling when you visit a restaurant, and everything on the menu is so appealing that it's hard to know where to begin? I faced this dilemma the second I glanced at Kricket's menu. Should I choose the grilled squash, paneer and hazelnut curry, or the pork neck? The butter prawns, or the Keralan fried chicken? In the end, I opted for all of them (and obviously ended up taking some home to enjoy the next day) and honestly? No regrets. The menu is bursting with flavour and thoughtfully done; I appreciated the pickled mooli to add texture to the fried chicken, and the puffed wild rice giving a bite to the squash curry. Plus, the cocktail menu may be small, but it's mighty – opt for the Aam Standard, if you only choose one. The newest location in Shoreditch is a stunning setting; pink walls and draped hangings give the feeling of being enveloped in a very cosy tent. This, combined with the low lighting and friendly service, makes for an evening you'll want to stretch out as long as possible. While the East London restaurant has stolen some of the spotlight, Kricket's original Soho site still has the buzz and fiery flavours it did upon opening, making it the perfect pre-theatre hideout on a winter's evening.
Address: Kricket Shoreditch, 35-42 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3PB; Kricket, 12 Denman Street, Soho, London W1D 7HH
Website: kricket.co.uk
David Turner11. Paro, Covent Garden
Best Indian Restaurant for: A pre-theatre feast
Dish to order: Butter chickenUnderneath bold yellow posters advertising the neighbouring Lyceum Theatre’s long-running production of The Lion King, you’ll find Paro – a lip-smacking love letter to Calcutta in the heart of the West End. Interiors, designed by Studio G, are supposedly inspired by a traditional Calcuttan home, but the result of vibrant murals and foliage cascading from the ceiling is pleasantly Edenic. Chef Niaz has been cooking professionally since the age of 14. Luckily for diners, he’s inherited the family’s secret spice mix used as a curry base and incorporates a heady blend of 48 spices into the menu. Order an array of starters while ensuring there’s enough room for a curry fix; crunch into samosas filled to the brim with a chunky vegetable jumble and sample Paro’s signature spice mix at work in the plump Toddy Shop tiger prawns. Hidden towards the bottom of the menu, the butter chicken is a winning dish on a winter’s night – tender chicken chunks in a lightly spiced tomato and cream blend. Visit as a group for the ultimate Paro experience, as surrounding tables did, and cover the table in small plates around a centrepiece of meat thali or tandoori grill, two larger plates that offer a taste of several dishes. There’s unlikely room for dessert, but if there is, savour the syrupy goodness of the gulab jamun. Connor Sturges
Address: Paro, 21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7DN
Website: paroindian.com
12. Gunpowder, various locations
Best Indian restaurant for: Casual evening ambience
Dish to order: Gunpowder aloo chaatHarneet and Devina Baweja's tiny, homey restaurant has been serving small Indian plates in Spitalfields since 2015. Londoners soon caught on to the delights flying out of the kitchen, leading to subsequent openings in Tower Bridge and Soho. Menus vary slightly between the locations, but many of the staples remain, such as the Goan-style grilled prawns with roasted tomato and garlic, and the Kerala beef pepper fry (both designed for sharing alongside heaps of basmati rice and lashings of chutney). If you like what you taste, purchase the cookbook Gunpowder: Explosive Flavours from Modern India and replicate the flavours at home – your new dinner party secret.
Address: Gunpowder, 11 White's Row, Spitalfields, London E1 7NF; 4 Duchess Walk, London SE1 2SD; 20 Greek Street, London W1D 4DU
Website: gunpowderrestaurants.com
13. Gymkhana, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: Michelin-starred fine dining
Dish to order: Chicken butter masalaGymkhana has an excellent reputation for fancy fare that satisfies you. Taking inspiration from the old Gymkhana Clubs of India, the polished dark timber and richly printed fabric instantly transport you away from central London. Menus feature all the classics you’d expect at your local Indian restaurant – executed to an exceptional standard. Standout dishes include lasooni wild tiger prawns and, of course, the viral chicken butter masala; order the bread basket to mop up the indulgently rich sauce. The set menu offers the best value for money, offering four courses for £60. As with many memorable restaurants, it’s the service that sets Gymkhana apart from its competitors, so don’t be shy when asking for advice on what to order. Abigail Malbon
Address: Gymkhana, 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4JH
Website: gymkhanalondon.com
14. Kahani, Chelsea
Best Indian restaurant for: Indian small plates
Dish to order: Marinated tandoori broccoli with nigella seeds and wheat crispsKahani, which means 'story' in Urdu, is the first restaurant from chef Peter Joseph, who had been at Michelin-starred Tamarind for 14 years. Its elegant location, just off Sloane Street, has been reflected in the interiors: velvet chairs, low lighting and marble tables. And the menu is refined too. Joseph serves up traditional Indian dishes using seasonal, British ingredients with a little influence, he says, from Spanish tapas culture. Menu highlights include the soft-shell crab with Mangalorean spices, smoked Malabar prawns with turmeric and coconut and – the chef’s personal favourite – marinated tandoori broccoli, served on an artistic splatter of honey and crumbled poppadoms. For those who have a sweet tooth, the medley of kulfis is a must – an Indian take on ice cream in which eggs are replaced with evaporated milk to get a softer, creamier taste. And do try the special JCB No. 47 Brut from Mahārāshtra, an Indian sparkling wine named in honour of the country’s independence from Britain in 1947. Lucrezia Worthington
Address: Kahani, 1 Wilbraham Place, Belgravia, London SW1X 9AE
Website: kahanilondon.com
15. Dishoom, Soho
Best Indian restaurant for: Breakfast
Dish to order: The Big BombayFew, if any, restaurants have managed to branch out and multiply with such vigour while retaining as strong an identity as Dishoom. Suggest a signature chicken ruby with all the trimmings on a drizzly winter’s evening and watch the saliva build up behind your companions’ lips – London’s love affair with these menus undoubtedly lives on. The Dishoom concept is deeply rooted in a profound love for Bombay, from treasured childhood memories to convivial dining in the remaining Irani cafés. London’s Indian restaurants aren’t a regular shout first thing in the morning, but these breakfast menus draw in ravenous foodies, tourists and suited businesspeople every day of the week for one of the iconic eats. The bacon naan roll is a thing of legend. Carluke’s smoked streaky bacon arrives in a freshly hand-baked naan coated with a dash of cream cheese, tomato-chilli jam and fresh coriander – request chopped green chilli on the side for an added kick. Come lunchtime or suppertime, first visits should include diving into the rich chicken ruby and the indulgent house black daal. Share the love between larger groups, or return again, to expand your taste buds with dishes such as mutton pepper fry (mutton marinated in red chilli, ginger and garlic) or charred lamb chops marinated overnight in raw papaya, yoghurt and humble spices.
Address: Dishoom, 2 Kingly Street, Carnaby, London W1B 5QB
Website: dishoom.com
16. Tamarind, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: Lighter and more sophisticated take on traditional Indian cooking
Dish to order: Chargrilled lamb chopsTamarind’s been a steadfast fixture on London’s Indian fine-dining scene for 24 years: old-school, elegant and the first restaurant of its kind to win a Michelin star. And after an eight-month, multi-million-pound overhaul, it’s just thrown open the doors again, relaunched, box-fresh, and with not a starchy white tablecloth in sight. The space has doubled in size and the team behind Dover Street’s The Arts Club sent in; interiors have been pared-back, adding long squishy sofas, stripped wooden tables and two all-action open kitchens. There’s top talent in the kitchen too: Karunesh Khanna, swiped from Belgravia’s Amaya and Manav Tuli from Chutney Mary. The new menu focuses on small plates and light tandoor grills; start with huge plump scallops swimming in a red lentil and curry sauce, meaty coconut and chili sea bass, or sensational lamb cutlets sealed with a gently spiced pistachio crumb. Mains are designed for sharing: chicken biryani with a pastry lid that’s ceremoniously cracked open at the table, tender lamb osso bucco, and a Keralan prawn curry mopped up with slithers of fluffy garlic naan and dollops of hot-pink raita. There’s plenty for vegetarians too, or those who fancy something a bit healthier and fresher (making this a popular lunchtime spot) – brightly coloured kale and papaya salads, and – a must-order – caramelised Brussels sprouts in a chestnut and mustard-seed sauce. Come for a special occasion – the Michelin star may have been rescinded during the closure, but we’ve no doubt it’ll be won back in no time. Teddy Wolstenholme
Address: Tamarind Mayfair, 20 Queen Street, London W1J 5PR
Website: tamarindrestaurant.com
17. Brigadiers, The City
Best Indian restaurant for: Dining in the city
Dish to order: Indo Chinese Chilli Paneer Lettuce CupsInspired by the military mess bars of India, Brigadiers is the type of place to pull up a stool, enjoy a crisp glass of Cobra and tuck into BBQ butter wings while watching the cricket with comrades. Situated in the financial hub in the City of London, a Tuesday night sees groups in suits with loosened ties doing business over cocktails and a spread fit for royalty. New to the Brigadiers scene, the menu can be prodigious, but the friendly team are happy to talk you through each dish. With opulent interiors of oxblood leather booths and marble floors, you may feel a need to stand on ceremony, but we found the food was better enjoyed with our hands. Opting for a selection of the favourites, dish after dish is expertly delivered as soon as the last mouthful is finished. Beer snacks and bites come first, and we start by dipping a mix of crispy poppadoms into green chilli, tomato and an aubergine raita. The Achari Chicken Skins are spicy yet marvellous mouthfuls with a clean, aromatic flavour, followed by crisp lettuce cups filled with an Indo-Chinese Chilli Paneer filling. The lychee martini takes the edge off the heat warming our mouths, before we tuck into my personal favourite: the Hyderabadi Jheenga Poori - fresh prawns served in a spicy yet creamy sauce with coriander and lightly fried pockets, enjoyed ripped open and stuffed. As the night draws in, the vibe has shifted; the music turns to a bassy garage, and the chatter of the busy bar fuels the ambience. To finish, we sip on a black spiced plum and vodka after-dinner tipple and play cards.
Address: Brigadiers, 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
Website: brigadierslondon.com
18. Tamarind Kitchen, Soho
Best Indian restaurant for: Sharing small plates
Dish to order: Lotus-root kebab with dates and plum chutneyThere’s something pleasingly jewel-box about the interior of Soho’s Tamarind Kitchen (the little sister to Tamarind) with its dark wood panels, striped banquettes and walls hung with shiny brass plates. The menu focuses on three grills – the tandoor, hot griddle and charcoal – and all the wonderful things you can flame on them (ask the brilliant manager for recommendations). Order small plates and grilled dishes of black pepper chicken tikka, venison samosas and golden fried prawns. Accompanying it all are rotis hot off the heat with a spread of tangy, fiery chutneys. To finish, go for a rich and sticky gulab jamun with vanilla ice cream. Gráinne McBride
Address: Tamarind Kitchen, 167-169 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WR
Website: tamarindkitchen.co.uk
19. Jamavar, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for:: A romantic meal for two
Dish to order: Scallop bhelNamed after a type of intricate and vibrant 16th-century Kashmiri shawl, Jamavar is a stunning restaurant in the heart of Mayfair with a menu created by chef Surender Mohan that celebrates his love of authentic dishes from both the palatial north and coastal south. On the list are a wide range of specialities from all over India, but the exquisite seafood menu really stands out. Try the wonderfully soft scallops served with crispy puffed rice, or the delicate stone-bass tikka, which is soaked in milk and whole spices before being roasted in the tandoor, and served with avocado chutney. Amandip Uppal
Address: Jamavar, 8 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K 3NF
Website: jamavarrestaurants.com
20. Munal Tandoori, Barnes
Best Indian restaurant for: Family-run charm
Dish to order: Peshwari naan (for saucy dipping)Ask anyone in SW15 where their family milestones are celebrated once the mercury drops, and there’s a high likelihood that they’ll say Munal Tandoori. Its location on the Upper Richmond Road, a short walk or bus ride away from the hustle and bustle of Putney High Street, makes it a neighbourhood favourite rather than a foodie’s pilgrimage. Still, its community feel makes it all the more attractive. It’s technically a Nepalese restaurant, but expect to find all the Indian classics on the menu, alongside more adventurous dishes. The butter chicken is quite simply to die for, the sauce best mopped up with torn chunks of sweet, pillowy peshwari naan and crispy onion bhaji that flakes apart. Prices are more than reasonable and the portions are very generous, so much so that it pays to agree on a curry and adorn the table in sides – or bag up the leftovers for a second round the next day. An evening here explains why generations have cosied up in the corners for fiery feasts since 1990, as the friendliest servers in town dart about the dining room tending to every want or need with smiles. Deliveries are available, and extremely popular in this part of town on drizzly winter nights, but Munal Tandoori’s charm is best experienced when securing a coveted weekend table.
Address: Munal Tandoori, 393 Upper Richmond Road, London SW15 5QL
Website: munaltandoori.co.uk
21. Darjeeling Express, Soho
Best Indian restaurant for: Proper home-style cooking
Dish to order: Darjeeling steamed dumplingsOwner Asma Khan is a self-taught cook and previously a much-loved supper club host. The open-plan kitchen inside Darjeeling Express, her first restaurant, is run by a team of ladies who, similarly, have no formal training – they cook from the heart, showcasing Khan's passion for traditional North Indian, Bengali and Hyderabadi dishes. Aromatic mutton kebabs are stuffed with hung yoghurt and fresh mint; a slow-cooked Bengali-style goat curry is strewn with spice-soaked potatoes. The restaurant's steel-blue walls display a storyboard of pictures from Khan's childhood and the slatted wood benches, concrete tables and Victorian tile patches are inspired by her childhood home. This is a personal project from an exceptional chef.
Address: 2.1, 2.4 Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London, W1B 5PW
Website: darjeeling-express.com
22. Jikoni, Marylebone
Best Indian restaurant for: A spicy brunch
Dish to order: Prawn toast Scotch egg with banana ketchup and pickled cucumbersA homely spot with a menu that draws upon East Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, Jikoni has the look of an arty aunt's house with a mix of Indian printed tablecloths, wicker chairs, and mismatched china. Sit back, get cosy and enjoy reinvented brunch classics such as tamarind and pineapple glazed bacon with fenugreek waffles and fennel slaw, or poached egg and chilli pickled cauliflower on caramelised pineapple piña colada pancakes. Also worth ordering are the lobster khichdee with a spicy moolie broth and coconut chutney, a green bean and cashew nut thoran and the Pondicherry prawn puffs. Make sure you save room for the iconic banana cake with miso butterscotch. Amandip Uppal
Address: Jikoni, 19-21 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DH
Website: jikonilondon.com
Chris Orange23. Bombay Bustle, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: Cocktails to match your curry
Dish to order: Duck Chettinad dosasFrom the brains behind Jamavar, this is an exciting new Maddox Street opening. Interiors are inspired by the bustling streets and famed railways – with booth seating that mirrors an old first-class railway coach and station-style signage to differentiate between the bar (the spot is so buzzy that you could happily just visit for drinks) and dining areas. Come for the collection of gin cocktails, but stay for the small plates – our favourites were the green chilli, red onion bhaji fritters, and the trio of spicy duck dosas. Then, there’s a tandoor menu featuring chaat masala chicken, as well as a tasty Cornwall lamb chop. For those that prefer curry the Keralan fish is made with coconut milk and tamarind; and the paneer butter masala comes with charred cottage cheese, peppers, fresh tomatoes and fenugreek. Tabitha Joyce
Address: Bombay Bustle, 29 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2PA
Website: bombaybustle.com
24. Tandoor Chop House, Charing Cross
Best Indian restaurant for: Excellent meat cuts and naans
Dish to order: Dexter beef naan and house tandoor chickenThis is where a classic Brit chop house meets a traditional smoky North Indian eatery. Interiors are stripped-back but offset by a stunning mosaic-tiled floor and three large brass tandoor ovens. Order from the select cuts of meat, including a moist masala-boti-rubbed rib-eye, Amritsari lamb chops and fiery black-pepper chicken tikka. As an alternative to meat, there's also tandoor-roasted cauliflower and delicious fish specials to choose from. The simple butter naans are pillowy soft, but the bone-marrow butter naan is the one to try. Be sure to end your meal with the sweet brûlée made from BBQ pineapple and chai. Amandip Uppal
Address: Tandoor Chop House, 8 Adelaide Street, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4HZ
Website: tandoorchophouse.com
25. Cinnamon Bazaar, Covent Garden
Best Indian restaurant for: A portable hand-painted chaat cart and bespoke cocktails
Dish to order: Grilled aubergine with sesame peanut crumble and labna-toasted buckwheatA familiar face in the national media, Vivek Singh is a master of top-end feasting and is constantly exposing us to new tastes. Cinnamon Bazaar is his fourth restaurant (The Cinnamon Club is his best-known restaurant), and it draws inspiration and interpretation from the colours, food, and energetic atmosphere of India's old spice markets. Interior doors are parrot-green, and a statement ceiling is hung with baskets and panels of hot-pink silk draped to create an awning. While you're gliding through the menu, order a Bazaar Old Fashioned cocktail made with Indian scotch, coconut sugar and burnt cinnamon. Main courses include Indo-Chinese chicken wings with burnt chillies and a double-cooked pork belly with curried yoghurt, barley, pomegranate, and a broccoli smoked raita. Amandip Uppal
Address: Cinnamon Bazaar, 28 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7JS; Cinnamon Bazaar, 31 Kew Road, Richmond TW9 2NQ
Website: cinnamon-bazaar.com
PATRICIA TOBIN26. Chourangi, Marble Arch
Best Indian restaurant for: unexplored flavours of eastern India
Dish to order: Welsh lamb chopsNamed after a neighbourhood in the vibrant city of Calcutta, Chourangi is relatively new to the beating heart of London’s food scene. Situated in Marble Arch, the menu is a contemporary fusion of European, Mogul and Chinese flavours adapted from Bengal's rich 300-year-old history. Dishes draw inspiration from the people, culture and traditional cuisine of these regions, including prawn cutlet, a dish commonly enjoyed in Kolkata by local children as an after-school snack and lotus stem potato chaat, a palette cleanser of sweet potato, pomegranate seeds and crispy lotus stem on a bed of fresh yoghurt. Seated in a dark green, leather corner booth with views of the restaurant, groups and families file in, filling the rattan seats along the white shutter-style walls, while London locals park up at the art deco bar. The rattle of cocktail shakers fills the air, dancing on the waves of the fragrant aroma and dinner music. The dishes are large and best enjoyed family-style. An order of steamed basmati rice and freshly made in-house Calcutta naan, alongside the tiger prawn malai curry, served in a coconut and the daak bungalow chicken curry was, if anything, too much for a table of two, but then again, we couldn’t help fill up on the fresh but fiery grill Welsh lamb chops coated in yoghurt and spices. For dessert, the saffron pistachio kulfi is a must – vaguely resembling marzipan, this creamy ice lolly is a fun way to wind down the evening. Drawing inspiration from the ‘city of joy’, the friendly and welcoming team here have created a transportive and authentic experience for the community through food and drink. Megan Wilkes
Address: Chourangi, 3 Old Quebec Street, London W1H 7AF
Website: chourangi.co.uk
Nitin Kapoor27. Café Spice Namasté, Whitechapel
Best Indian restaurant for: Persian recipes with an Indian twist
Dish to order: Parsi lamb and lentil dhaansakJovial TV chef Cyrus Todiwala is the godfather of contemporary Parsi cooking, famous for bringing his unique Persian-Indian style to the London food scene. A short stroll from the Tower of London, Café Spice Namasté is housed in a Grade II-listed former magistrates court, with large stained-glass windows providing a gentle grandeur. Choose from classic picky bits and dishes such as lamb samosas, chilli and ginger prawn balls and beef tikka, or opt for the full experience via the £75 tasting menu. Amandip Uppal
Address: Café Spice Namaste, 16 Prescot Street, Whitechapel, E1 8AZ
Website: cafespice.co.uk
28. Holy Cow, Limehouse
Best Indian restaurant for: Takeaway options
Dish to order: BiryaniYou’ll be familiar with Holy Cow if you frequently use takeaway apps near their prep kitchens – current locations include Archway, Battersea, Hammersmith, and Balham. Indian favourites are created using the freshest ingredients and packed into stay-fresh packs for collection or delivery. The generous portions, rich flavours and excellent range of options have made Holy Cow a night-in go-to for families across the capital, although the Limehouse restaurant is a little lesser-known. Tucked between Limehouse Basin and a curve of the River Thames, the fine dining space is a chic haven in an underrated corner of the capital. Here, chefs ditch containers for crockery, plating up mouth-watering pakoras and samosas, followed by curries and tandoori specials, surrounded by all the trimmings. Think plump king prawns on heaps of rice, hearty biryanis, and creamy sauces that call to be soaked up by scraps of silky paratha.
Address: Holy Cow Limehouse, 51 Narrow Street, London E14 8DN – multiple locations available for takeaway and collection
Website: holycowonline.com
29. Chutney Mary, St James's
Best Indian restaurant for: Elite dining with a kick
Dish to order: Griddled scallops in mangalorean sauceA stone’s throw from The Ritz, Chutney Mary offers its well-heeled clients the perfect venue for a Gourmet Indian dining experience. Originally founded in 1990, when it opened on the King's Road, it was among the first of its kind to offer a taste of contemporary Anglo-Indian cuisine, reinventing regional recipes with seasonal produce. Now located in St James’s and complete with resident doorman, diners can begin their evening sipping a chutney bloody Mary with a side of perfectly placed poppadoms, sweet and spicy chutneys and deliciously crispy kale in the cocktail ‘Pukka Bar’. The main dining room, where Indian design meets old-school glamour, offers intricately presented dishes from every region. Small plates not to miss include flavoursome baked Marwari vegetable samosas and tangy chilli glazed paneer tikka. If you still have the space left, the chocolate and gingerbread butter pudding will ensure the (very attentive) waiters have to carry you out at the end of the night. Jessica Rach
Address: Chutney Mary, 73 St. James's Street, London, SW1A 1PH
Website: chutneymary.com
30. Veeraswamy, Regent Street
Best Indian restaurant for: Old-school royal recipes
Dish to order: Raja of Travencore prawn curryOnce frequented by Mahatma Gandhi and Charlie Chaplin, this atmospheric Michelin-starred gem is the UK's oldest Indian restaurant. It was founded almost 100 years ago by a retired Indian Army officer and his princess wife, and the menu features royal favourites from several regions of India. In keeping with its roaring Twenties history, the Maharajah-style interiors have a timeless sophistication – twinky chandeliers and candlesticks, fretwork screens, hand-woven carpets – as does the menu. Try the subtle sweet coconut and sour tamarind flavours of the Malabar lobster curry, or the intense lamb shanks slow-cooked in bone-marrow sauce. Other favourites include a rich chicken makhani in a caramelised onion and tomato Delhi sauce, and the signature prawn curry.
Address: Veeraswamy, Victory House, 99-101 Regent Street, W1B 4RS
Website: veeraswamy.com
31. The Punjab, Covent Garden
Best Indian restaurant for: No-frills Punjabi dining
Dish to order: Tandoori paneerThis fourth-generation, family-owned restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden has its feet firmly on the ground. Specialising in standard, no-nonsense north Indian cuisine, the menu is comfortingly old-school consisting of familiar favourites such as a tarka daal bursting with smoky garlic, fried onions, cumin, red chilli and ghee. The vegetarian tandoori paneer is creamy and fresh, while it’s hard to find curries this indulgent at this price elsewhere. The chicken tikka is particularly delicious with a soft, coconut-stuffed peshwari naan. But Grandad's Kali Daal, a take on a classic black daal, is the stand-out dish. Amandip Uppal
Address: The Punjab, 80 Neal Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9PA
Website: punjab.co.uk
David Cotsworth32. Amaya, Knightsbridge
Best Indian restaurant for: Fine-dining Goan plates
Dish to order: Punjabi Channa Cheat tart (a considered twist on a street food classic)Camellia Punjabi wrote the book on Goan dining. Literally; her 50 Great Curries of India sold over one million copies and has been described as “the definitive guide to Indian cooking”. After opening the doors to uber-popular Chutney Mary in 1990, Punjabi along with Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi launched Amaya in 2004 in sleek Belgravia, winning a Michelin star and changing the Indian dining scene in London along the way. Leave any preconceived ideas of a ‘curry house’ at the door. This is a slick dining experience, with dimmed lighting illuminating hardwood tables and terracotta statues. At the back is its open kitchen – the first in London – a glowing, surprisingly small, streamlined operation, backlit with shelves of flavoured oils and broken into sections depending on whether a dish is flame-grilled, cooked in traditional tandoor clay oven pots, or freshly picked out of the fridge-cold herb garden. As a result, plates are small and unfussy, allowing the fresh ingredients and flavours to shine by themselves. Everything is cooked to order so don’t expect any heavy, mulled flavours; think more elegantly spiced Indian tapas. There's an emphasis on seafood – a reminder that India is a giant sea-facing peninsula, especially for beach-town Goa – so expect a healthy offering of dishes such as rock oyster bhajitas, griddled king scallops, and tandoori wild prawns, as well as chargrilled sea bass and ginger and lime crab. Waiters are on hand and all too happy to recommend the best dishes – some of the highlights are in the unexpected, such as the crispy cabbage and noodle salad. On top of all of that, there’s also a seriously considered wine list, and an inventive cocktail menu – the mirchi Martini goes down a treat.
Address: Amaya, Halkin Arcade, Belgravia, London SW1X 8JT
Website: amaya.biz
33. Pali Hill, Fitzrovia
Best Indian restaurant for: Seasonal regional dishes
Dish to order: Homestyle fish curryNamed after one of Mumbai’s oldest neighbourhoods, Pali Hill delves into some of the finest flavour-packed regional dishes from every corner of the country. Sit on the side-street terrace or cosy up among colourful cushions in the art deco-inspired interior, admiring the specially commissioned artworks from India adorning the walls. Kick things off with an apricot cocktail for a refreshingly sweet start, made with Macallan 12 and apricot cordial – alternatively, pour over the extensive wine list. Accompany your tipple with papadi chat – crispy and crunchy and topped with spice yoghurt, red and yellow tomato, pomegranate, mint and tamarind chutney; it’s a sophisticated upgrade on the classic poppadom with chutneys and pickles, deep in flavour and dangerously moreish. Another small plate to try is the hara kebab, a falafel-style combination of spring peas and spinach with tamarind chutney for dipping. Following this, move onto the big plates, tandoor and grills, all cooked following house recipes that use traditional techniques. Our pick? Feast on homestyle fish curry, flaky halibut floating in a tongue-tingling green mango and chilli sauce, and the Cornish lamb biriyani alongside a spread of sides and something green from the grill. It’s unlikely, but, if there’s room for dessert, there’s a small selection of sweet treats, including creamy ice cream served by the scoop, from pistachio to mango sorbet.
Address: Pali Hill, 79 - 81, Mortimer Street, London, England, W1W 7SJ
Website: palihill.co.uk
34. Empire Empire
Best Indian restaurant for: A chain-free Notting Hill hotspot
Dish to order: Kale patta chaatHaving launched the Gunpowder franchise, Harneet Baweja knew the recipe for restaurant success long before opening the doors to Empire Empire. Various Asian regions inspire the menu, from corners of the Punjab Empire to Afghanistan and beyond, but the menu certainly taps into Londoners’ love of classic Indian-style flavours. Settle into the tables alongside either wall as Bollywood tunes play faintly from the speakers overhead, and assess how much your appetite can take. Start with tangy kale patta chaat, crunchy kale fritter doused in yoghurt, tamarind and sev, and tandoori malai broccoli marinated in cream cheese, green chilli and roasted pine nuts. The butter chicken is as delicious as it comes, but don’t be fooled – its fiery kick means it’s not the usual ‘safe option’. Mop up sauces with doughy garlic naan and finish on a fancy note with a milk butter cake soaked in saffron milk.
Address: Empire Empire, 16 All Saints Road, London W11 1HH
Website: empire-empire.restaurant
35. Kutir, Chelsea
Best Indian restaurant for: an Indian tasting menu
Dish to order: Signature ExpeditionKutir is the first solo venture by chef Rohit Ghai and front-of-house Abhishake Sangwan, both previously at Gymkhana and Jamavar, so expectations were pretty high when it opened at the end of 2018. The name means 'small cottage in the middle of nowhere' in Sanskrit – in this case a very exclusive one, and certainly not off-the-map remote. Set in a townhouse across the road from the Saatchi Gallery, it takes its theme from hunting expeditions in the Indian countryside. You ring the bell before being guided into a dining space of pistachio-green walls with mirrors and prints of elephants and tigers – the nature theme extends to vibrant bird-print panels on the bar, and flower-branch lights and hypnotic tree wallpaper elsewhere. For the full showcase of Ghai's skills, the Signature Expedition (one of three tasting menus) is packed with satisfyingly rich meat dishes and just-right spicy seafood – standouts among them were the crunchy prawn masala and velvety coconut sea bass with mussels. There's also stone bass with squid, hot and cold partridge with beetroot, and lamb with cumin, all expertly paired with wines from a globe-spanning list, and when you feel certain you cannot fit in pudding, a tempting Valrhona-chocolate and banana square appears. Katharina Hahn
Address: Kutir, 10 Lincoln Street, London SW3 2TS
Website: kutir.co.uk
36. Raaz Modern Indian, Putney
Best Indian restaurant for: Elevated fare in the suburbs
Dish to order: Butter chicken from Delhi to PutneySouth west London’s hottest new Indian restaurant is the brainchild of chef patron Imran Munsuri. Raaz is the result of more than two decades in some of the capital’s most celebrated kitchens, from Tamarind to Benares via Jamavar and Kolamba. A 14-seater terrace, perfect for people-watching and aperitifs on sunnier evenings, leads into a walnut-panelled, florally-patterned 60-cover dining room that’s undoubtedly one of the neighbourhood’s cosiest dining spaces. As much thought has gone into the refreshments as the food, with a tidy selection of signature cocktails ranging from a lychee royale with rose water and a hint of lemon to a punchy Kerala old-fashioned crafted with coconut fat-washed bourbon. Start proceedings over a basket of papads, generously dipped and coated in mint and mango chutneys, alongside warming samosa chaat and grilled tiger prawns coated in southern spices. Pile pulao rice atop pre-sliced strips of your naan of choice and finish off with your saucy main of choice. Some chicken dishes (including the butter and tikka masala varieties) come on the bone, which, while not everyone’s cup of tea, adds an aesthetic touch far from the soupy bowls of curry offered up in less-refined Indian restaurants. If there’s any room in the second stomach for a sweet finale, cleanse the palate with a scoop of mango sorbet. Classic cocktails are available at request – the espresso martini is enough reason to return alone.
Address: Raaz Modern Indian, 113 Lower Richmond Road, London SW15 1EX
Website: raazlondon.com
