There has been a growing trend of upmarket Indian restaurants with the calibre of the cuisine earning a number of them Michelin stars. Outside of India, London may well be able to boast some of the best Indian cuisine in the world.
Below is a list of the five Michelin-star Indian restaurants in London, all of them having one Michelin star. Are you ready to find out what makes them worthy of a shiny Michelin star? Let’s go!
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Amaya
Halkin Arcade, Off Lowndes St, Belgravia, London SW1X 8JT, United Kingdom
About
Located in Belgravia, this Michelin star restaurant is known for its open grill and sublime execution of an upmarket take on Indian street food. Amaya was opened in 2004 by Camellia Panjabi, Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi who are the owners of two other brilliant Indian restaurants – Veeraswamy and Chutney Mary.
Ambience
Known for its open kitchen and contemporary setting, Amaya continues to impress visitors with its rosewood tables, hanging crystals and quirky paintings.
The food
Amaya has taken an unconventional approach to its food, serving bite-sized portions to share between the guests. You should definitely book a table if you are a lover of grilled dishes! The restaurant is known for its wide range of grilled food which is one of the largest in the world and an upmarket take on Indian street food.
Dress code: Smart Elegant
Price range: £50 – £70
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Trishna
15-17 Blandford St, Marylebone, London W1U 3DG, United Kingdom
About
Trishna opened in 2008 and received its Michelin star in 2012. The restaurant is owned by Michelin star chef Karam Sethi, the brain behind both Trishna and Gymkhana, two of London’s best Indian restaurants.
Ambience
The walls are decorated with vintage mirrors and wooden planks creating a unique and affluent atmosphere. The dimmed lighting along with the candles on each table adds a romantic touch making the restaurant a good candidate if you’re looking to take someone on a date.
The Food
Specializing in South Indian cuisine the restaurant boasts a wide array of excellent seafood dishes and an incredible wine selection from boutique wineries from all over the world.
Dress code: Smart Casual
Price range: £50 – £70
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Quilon
41 Buckingham Gate, Westminster, London SW1E 6AF, United Kingdom
DINE AT QUILON
About
The restaurant has retained its reputation for impeccable food and service since its opening in 1999. Winning a Michelin star by 2008, it’s the best place to go in London if you want to try South-west coastal Indian cuisine.
Ambience
Quilon’s subtle and rich modern look is complemented by the paintings of Indian artist Paresh Maity which were specially created for the restaurant. This place may give you the perfect feel if you’re organising a fancy business lunch or dinner.
The food
Quilon, known for its progressive style of cooking and beautifully constructed dishes, offers the best of south-west Indian cuisine in London. Tailor-made tasting menus to your taste can be arranged upon request with wine specifically selected to match each dish.
Dress code: Business Casual
Price range: £25 – £120
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Gymkhana
42 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4JH, United Kingdom
About
Gymkhana opened in 2013 and was voted best restaurant in Britain in the 2014 National Restaurant awards.
Ambience
Inspired by the Gentlemen’s clubs of the English Raj, the retro ceiling fans, marble table-tops and vintage photos of polo and cricket team triumphs, contribute to the rich cultural ambience. This may be the place for you if you’re looking to dive into the past, experiencing a traditional Indian elite atmosphere with great food.
The Food
The restaurant serves contemporary Indian cuisine using seasonal British ingredients with a strong focus on the tandoori oven and chapatti sharing dishes for a sociable experience.
Dress code: Smart Casual
Price range: £25 – £120
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Veeraswamy
Victory House, 99-101 Regent St, Mayfair, London W1B 4RS, United Kingdom
About
Established in 1926 by Edward Palmer, a retired Indian Army officer, Veeraswamy is the oldest Indian restaurant in London.
Ambience
The restaurant has a luxurious Maharajah decor and a distinct view of Regent’s Street. The coloured candle-like lights and pictorial carpets create a lively sociable atmosphere, ideal if you are looking to celebrate.
The food
Veeraswamy’s dishes are inspired by more than 16 different Indian cuisines mixing traditional cooking styles with a modern approach. The spices are sourced directly from India and mixed with local ingredients to create a fresh and authentic taste. Each dish is cooked by a regional chef coming from the place of the dish’s region which makes the dining experience even more unique and one of a kind.
Dress code: Smart Casual
Price range: £55 – £60
If you enjoyed this article you might want to check our Michelin star restaurant vouchers and all of our London restaurant vouchers.
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.