London’s bustling culinary scene boasts some of the best Indian restaurants in the world. From Michelin-starred flagships to authentic street food, London has it all. So where do you start? How on earth do you decide?
If you’re on the hunt for exotic flavours and mouth-watering dishes, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve tackled the streets, filling our bellies with lamb chops and Rotis galore to bring you this comprehensive list of the best Indian restaurants London has to offer.
Undo the top button of your pants, because it’s time to get curried away!
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Benares
With a focus on modern Indian cuisine, Benares brings a contemporary twist to traditional flavours. It’s unique, daring and innovative stance has earned it many accolades as well as its spot our list. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried their Masala Crab Dosa. We can’t recommend the tasting menu enough.
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Dishoom
Fashioned after the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom delivers the faded elegance and character of these authentic memories. Boasting next-level naan and plates packed with abundance, the menu delivers Bombay in spades. Be sure to try the Mahi Tikka and Okra Fries, it’s nothing short of legendary.
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Bombay Bustle
Your journey to Mumbai continues with another delightfully authentic location. Step inside the Bombay Bustle and you’ll be transported to a colonial-era railway carriage – first class, of course! Paying homage to the culture and expanse of Mumbai, the menu offers some of the city’s most-loved and celebrated dishes. It’s the ultimate experience!
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The Cinnamon Club
Located in a former Westminster Library, The Cinnamon Club has become an institution in the world of Indian fine dining. BBC Saturday’s Kitchen regular, Chef Vivek Singh has developed a majestic menu packed with indulgent dishes and celebratory platters. His signature six-course menu is an absolute showstopper. Go on, taste it today!
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Masala Zone
Offering a real taste of India, Masala Zone exudes passion and tradition with exciting interiors and authentic food. The mouth-watering menu combines a range of pioneering street food, sophisticated grills, thalis, regional curries and biryanis. Transport your tastebuds around India with a menu offering the ultimate diversity.
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Darjeeling Express
What began as a dinner for 12 guests at home, serving Indian food lovingly prepared from family recipes, has become a bustling restaurant transporting guests to East India. The menu pays true homage to founder Asma’s royal Mughlai ancestry in Calcutta boasting generations of flavour. Immerse yourself in the culture with traditional platters and home-style food. You can taste the passion.
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Quilon
Offering the best of south-west Indian cuisine, Quilon is more than worthy of its Michelin Star. Boasting a philosophy of simple, subtle perfection, the restaurant offers the ultimate blend of old tradition and modern tastes. Chef Sriram’s ability to make the unfamiliar not only appealing, but delightful is an utter genius.
Sample his best seafood with a five-course tasting menu displaying his unique blend of ethnic and progressive dishes.
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Brigadiers
Located in the city’s Bloomberg Arcade, Brigadiers is inspired by the army mess bars of India. Accommodating over 140 covers, the ethos is all about camaraderie and socialising coupled with up-market Indian barbecue. When you’ve finished playing pool in its art-deco “social hub”, tuck into some of their perfectly crafted thali.
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Gunpowder
Showcasing a modern interpretation of family recipes, Gunpowder boasts home-style Indian cuisine bursting with vibrant, bold favours. Run by husband and wife team Harneet and Devina Baweja, the restaurant was recognised by Michelin with a Bib Gourmand in 2018. Offering rich, belt-loosening plates of charred lamb and Chettinad duck, Gunpowder is an absolute must-try.
With so many delectable options at your fingertips, it’s hard to know where to start. Wade your way through our mouthwatering list and we can guarantee you’ll sample some of the best Indian food London has to offer.
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Sindhu Restaurant
Set in idyllic Marlow overlooking the banks of the Thames, Sindhu serves traditional Indian cuisine with contemporary precision. Chef Atul Kochhar was the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin Star and there’s no question why. Must-try dishes include Manglorean Duck Tikka and Lamb Dum Biryani. But, why not try it all with a seven-course tasting menu for two?
For even more flavours from around the world, have a gander at our restaurant vouchers in London.
Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.