If you live in or are travelling to London and crave some desi Indian food, then worry not because this remarkable land has a rich cultural diversity and offers plenty of opportunities for every cultural group or community to thrive.
Indian culture and cuisine are among the many cultures one can witness in London, so don’t be surprised if you’re walking along London Street and find a shop selling authentic Indian food. However, there are multiple Indian food outlets in London, so how do you pick the best one that serves just the right blend of north Indian spices or south Indian cuisine?
Your search for Indian restaurants in London ends with this list of carefully curated Indian restaurants in London UK. Read on to find seven restaurants serving Indian food in London that are celebrated for their authentic Indian flavours and traditional cooking methods. Not only are these places aesthetically pleasing, but they also have interesting menus and present a subtle blend of age-old recipes with modern twists. If you are a foodie who loves exploring different cuisines or perhaps an Indian living in London who misses the taste of home, these places in London are the culinary heaven you have been looking for. These are among the most famous Indian restaurants in London that have everything from good hospitality and Indian music to themed decor and lip-smacking Indian dishes. London’s Indian dining landscape is colourful in its entirety and offers an excellent gastronomic tour of the heart of India.
Indian restaurants in London that are worth trying
1. Dishoom
Dishoom is a popular Indian restaurant, London chain with many branches across London. Its decor and vibe resemble that of the traditional Irani cafes of Bombay, and the aesthetics do a perfect job of taking you back to a classic Bombay Cafe with its vintage posters and ceiling fans. Dishoom has a wholesome menu covering everything from breakfast to lunch and dinner. A look at Dishoom’s breakfast menu will win your heart with its wide spread of Bombay breakfast, including the big Bombay, which is a spread of spicy Shropshire, pork sausages, smoked bacon, akuri, masala beans, home-made buns, and grilled mushrooms. you will also find the heart of Bombay in this restaurant in the form of Keema pav, Vada pav, bhel, etc. Some of the dishes you cannot miss at this Indian restaurant in London, UK are the Dishoom Espresso Martini, Sober Negroni, Tila-Foi’s Masala Fish, Keema per Eedu, Prawn Koliwada, Malai kulfi, Chicken Ruby, and Biryani.
Location: 12, Upper St. Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB
Timings: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday - Thursday), 8:00 am to 12:00 am (Friday), 9:00 am to 12:00 am (Saturday) & 9:00 am to 11:00 am (Sunday)
2. Gymkhana
Gymkhana is one Indian restaurant in London, UK, that comes to mind when you talk about fine dining and a space to socialise for the elite. The Gymkhana in London is a similar architectural marvel with modern-day luxuries and traditional Indian food. The club not only offers the high-society Indians living in London a place to unwind, relax and socialise, but its restaurant also makes delectable Indian food in London a tangible reality. Step into Gymkhana London, and you'll be reminded of the grand, old, lavish architectural styles from Kolkata. Explore the exquisite bar menu for a host of innovative club cocktails. Ideal for hosting large groups and even intimate private groups, the Gymkhana is equipped to cater to both. Some of the must-try items here are Chicken Butter Masala, Goan Prawn Curry, Meetha Baingan, Methi Malai Matar Paneer and Kasoori Chicken Tikka.
Location: 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4JH
Timings: 12:00 pm to 2:45 pm & 5:30 pm to 10:45 pm
3. Trishna
Yet another of the good Indian restaurants in London, Trishna in Marylebone, brings the goodness of Indian coastal cuisine to London. The place also has an extensive wine list and tea library that features unique tea varieties from family-owned estates. The menu at Trishna has a range of fresh seafood options and several items to interest a vegetarian as well. The bar menu features many Indian-inspired classic cocktails and drinks like Bombay chai, Alphonso mango lassi, and Mysore coffee. Some of the dishes you cannot miss here include Nanu Varuv, Beef Short Rib Coconut Fry, Aloo Tokri Chatt, Chemmeen Manga Curry, Custard Apple Kulfi, Chettinad Potato Roast, Jackfruit Pepper Fry and Paneer Tikka Anardana.
Location: 15-17 Blandford Street, Marylebone Village, London W1U 3DG
Timings: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Wednesday - Saturday), 5:00 pm to 10:15 pm (Monday - Saturday) & 5:00 pm to 9:45 pm (Sunday)
4. Benares
One of the good Indian restaurants in London, Benares offers a subtle blend of Indian culinary practices with British ingredients. The place had several private dining options like the Sommelier’s Room, the Berkeley Room, the Dover Room, and the Chef’s Table. Run under the able guidance of executive chef Sameer Taneja, this place has a menu inspired by India’s vibrant street food culture. The wine cellar here has over 400 selections from 17 different countries, and the lounge bar boasts innovative spice-laden cocktails. Must-tries here include the Dal Makhani, Malabar Scallops, Roast Chooza Chettinad, Chaapon Ka Pulao, and Tandoori Ratan.
Location: 12a Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BS
Timings: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Monday - Saturday) & 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm (Sundays)
5. Jamavar
Your craving for Indian food in London ends in Jamavar, this culinary paradise in Mayfair offering a taste of the good old Indian regional cuisines. This is one of the top Indian restaurants in London that reminds you of the grandeur of the Viceroy’s House in Delhi. This place uses Leela Nair's recipes to create a clay oven-cooked Indian experience with British ingredients. Apart from its delectable food menu, Jamavar is also celebrated for its extensive wine list and innovative gin and tonic selections. The things you should not miss here include the Chandni Chowk Ki Aloo Tikki, Tellicherry Pepper & Garlic Soft Shell Crab, Malai Stone Bass Tikka, Malabar Prawns, Old Delhi Butter Chicken, and Laal Maas.
Location: 8 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 3NF
Timings: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm (Monday - Sunday), 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm (Monday - Saturday) & 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Sunday)
6. Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai
Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai is a famous Indian restaurant in London that brings the goodness of Mumbai’s exquisite culinary scene to London. With art deco-inspired decor and traditional Indian family recipes, this place offers a cosy environment to sit back and have some hearty chats over soul-filling meals. The menu features several seasonal offerings along with an interactive seven-course dining experience. On Saturdays, you can enjoy the beats of live music and some chill cocktails at the Bandra Bhai cocktail bar downstairs. The dishes worth trying here include the Mangalore Bun & Scottish Crab Sukkha, Dark Chocolate Rum Cake, Homestyle Chicken Curry, Cornish Lamb Biryani, Pahli Hill Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Wild Sea Bass steamed in banana leaf, and Papdi Chaat.
Location: Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai, 79–81, Mortimer Street, London, W1W 7SJ
Timings: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Monday), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Tuesday - Saturday)
7. Brigadiers
One of the top Indian restaurants in London, Brigadiers, has a bar menu inspired by the Indian mess bars. This famous Indian restaurant in London had a 28-seat outdoor terrace and a grand 140-seat indoor dining area. Step in to witness themed rooms and engage in various leisurely activities from pool to car games. Just the right place to host gatherings in a relaxed environment, and with traditional Indian food being the highlight, Brigadiers will take you back to the parties back in India. Think of yummy tandoors, rotisseries, charcoal grills, and smokers with a range of options to drink, from cocktails and wine to beers and whiskies, because Brigadiers offers it all. Some of the best dishes to try here include the Mixed Grill Sizzler, Original BBQ Butter Chicken Wings, Indo-Chinese Chilli Paneer Lettuce Cups, Rum & Raisin Chocolate Mousse, BBQ Brownie, Amritsari Fried Fish Pao, and Achari Paneer Shashlik.
Location: 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
Timings: 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm (Monday - Saturday)