7 Must Visit Indian Restaurants In London

The UK is often seen as home for Indians outside of India due to its large Indian population and cultural influence. The presence of Indian colleagues, students, and cuisine has become a normal part of the UK culture for many. British Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala have become as British as fish and chips. 

Since many years, there have been numerous excellent curry houses owned by both Indians and Bangladeshis in London. Over time, due to demand for authentic high- quality Indian dishes,  many innovative Indian chefs have attempted to bring together the different flavours and ingredients of India- from North to South, and from East to West of the subcontinent, thus making exotic variations of Indian food widely available throughout the UK. 

Dishoom Carnaby (Soho)

Dishoom offers delicious Indian food at affordable prices, bringing a refined dining experience to a wider audience. Known for serving curated Bombay comfort foods, Dishoom also participates in charity projects to feed hungry children during Diwali and Ramadan. The restaurant provides both a relaxed café vibe, where people work on their laptops, and an elegant traditional Iranian café setting, adding a touch of class to the dining experience.

 

Phone Number: 4420-74209322

USP Dishes: Dishoom espresso martini, Dishoom house chaat, Dishoom chicken tikka

Available Cuisine: Indian, Iranian

Type: Veg and Non-Veg

Meals Served: Brunch, Lunch, Snacks, Dinner

Timings: 8 am to 11 pm (Monday to Thursday); 8 am to 12 am (Friday); 9 am to 12 am (Saturday); 9 am to 11 pm (Sunday)

Address: 22 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5QP, United Kingdom

Cost For Two: Rs. 6000

Benares (Mayfair)

Benares, is the first Indian restaurant to earn a Michelin star, a well-deserved recognition. The ambiance exudes sophistication, with a smart dress code that needs to be observed by the clientele. The spacious bar area attracts a stylish crowd, making it a sought-after destination. Benares boasts a contemporary vibe with dark wood furniture, contributing to its serene atmosphere.

Phone Number: 4420-76298886

USP Dishes: Hiran ke pasande, lobster biryani, pan seared scallops, passion fruit chutney martini

Available Cuisine: Indo-British fusion

Type: Veg and Non-Veg

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Timings: 12 pm to 12:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm (Monday to Saturday); 6pm - 9:30 pm (Sunday)

Address:  12a Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BS, United Kingdom

Cost For Two: Rs. 16000

Trishna (Marylebone)

Trishna strives to offer a modern interpretation of Indian coastal cuisine, characterised by an abundance of seafood, coconut, tamarind, and spices. Ingredients like raw mango and coconut are utilised to be creative with dishes made of squid and shrimp. From the tandoor, indulge in delights of an array of upscale curries.

Phone Number: 4420-79355624

USP Dishes: Dill and pepper salmon tikka, baby aubergine vathagal, custard apple kulfi, passion fruit ginger malai

Available Cuisine: Indian

Type: Veg and Non-Veg

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Timings: 5 pm to 10:15 pm (Monday, Tuesday); 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 10:15 pm (Wednesday to Sunday) 

Address: 15-17 Blandford St, London W1U 3DG, United Kingdom

Cost For Two: Rs. 25000

Gunpowder (Spitalfields)

Gunpowder offers diverse Indian dishes in a tapas-style format. Its fresh, modern kitchen crafts flavorful plates inspired by various regions of India. Despite its compact size and constant crowds, Gunpowder's atmosphere is enticing, with high wood tables and traditional seating against red brick walls, making it a must-visit spot near Brick Lane.

Phone Number: 4420-74260542

USP Dishes: Jodhpuri laal maas, mewari daal, malai ghewar strawberry tart

Available Cuisine: Indian

Type: Veg and Non-Veg

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Timings: 12 pm to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 10pm (Monday-Friday); 12pm-10pm (Saturday)

Address: 11 White's Row, London E1 7NF, United Kingdom

Cost For Two: Rs. 2000 (Budget-friendly)

Tamarind (Soho)

Tamarind's menu offers a wide variety, featuring Awadhi kebabs, South Indian curries, and tandoori meats and seafood. They provide pre-theatre and tasting menus, along with an extensive drinks selection. Tamarind has significantly boosted the reputation of Indian cuisine in the UK. While their acclaim has been beneficial, they remain committed to introducing traditional Indian dishes with flair, pride, and innovation to their audience.

Phone Number: 4420-72874243

USP Dishes: Awadhi chicken biryani, kerala prawn curry, avocado bhelpuri

Available Cuisine: Indian

Type: Veg and Non- Veg

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Timings: 5 pm to 10 pm (Monday to Thursday); 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5pm to 10:30 pm (Friday, Saturday); 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 9:30 pm (Sunday)

Address: 167-169 Wardour St, London W1F 8WR, United Kingdom

Cost For Two: Rs. 3000 (Budget-friendly)

Indian Essence (Petts Wood)

Indian Essence, skillfully blends traditional Indian dishes with contemporary flair. The restaurant offers polished service, reasonably priced menus, and exceptionally delicious food. While located outside central London, it remains a top choice for those seeking 

Indian cuisine in a modern setting.

Phone Number: 44-1689838700

USP Dishes: Pan-seared king prawns, kafir-lime marinated Scottish salmon, lamb shank, dark chocolate mousse 

Available Cuisine: Indian

Type: Veg and Non-Veg

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Timings: 12 pm to 2:45 pm, 5:30pm to 10:30 pm (Monday to Saturday); 12:30 to 2:45 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Sunday)

Address:  176-178 Petts Wood Rd, Petts Wood, Orpington BR5 1LG, United Kingdom

Cost For Two:  Rs. 8000

Jamavar (Mayfair)

Jamavar offers a diverse range of excellent Indian dishes. While the food is impressive, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair may lack a memorable experience beyond its cuisine. Inspired by New Delhi's Viceroy’s House, the interiors feature brass accents but limited space whose close-set tables disrupt privacy. Despite these drawbacks, Jamavar's exceptional Indian cuisine more than compensates for the ambiance.

Phone Number: 4420-74991800

USP Dishes: Kid goat shami kebab, calicut meen curry, duck gilafi kebab

Available Cuisine: Indian

Type: Veg and Non-Veg

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Timings: 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm (Monday to Saturday); 12 pm to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Sunday)

Address: 8 Mount St, London W1K 3NF, United Kingdom

Cost For Two: Rs. 10000