The Best Indian Restaurants in London

The best Indian restaurants showcase a vast and diverse culinary landscape, reflecting the country’s rich regions, cultures, and traditions. From coastal seafood specialities to vibrant vegetarian dishes and aromatic spice-laden curries, Indian food offers something for every palate. London, as a global food capital, is home to an impressive selection of Indian restaurants that celebrate these rich and varied flavours. Whether you’re after a refined Michelin-star experience or an energetic eatery inspired by Bombay’s street food culture, the city has plenty to offer.

Here’s a look at some of the most exceptional Indian restaurants in London, each bringing a unique taste of India to the heart of the UK.

VATAVARAN – Best Indian Restaurants

14-15 Beauchamp Pl, London SW3 1NQ

Situated in the stylish neighbourhood of Knightsbridge, Vatavaran is one of the newest additions to London’s Indian dining scene. The name, derived from Sanskrit, translates to ‘atmosphere’, and the restaurant certainly delivers on that front. With its sleek interior and an impressive menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, Vatavaran has quickly become a hotspot for West London’s elite.

The menu boasts an array of luxurious dishes, such as robata-grilled wild tiger prawns with coconut and chickpea, as well as a fragrant slow-cooked lamb shank biryani. Meanwhile, the balchao guinea fowl, served alongside smoked beetroot, offers a creative take on traditional Goan flavours. On weekends, live music sets the tone for a lively dining experience, while guests can later retreat to the upstairs bar for cocktails infused with gulab jamun and cardamom whisky.

Pali Hill

79-81 Mortimer St, Fitzrovia, W1W 7SJ

A relative newcomer, Pali Hill made its mark on London’s food scene despite launching during the pandemic in 2020. Inspired by the communal neighbourhoods of Bombay, this Fitzrovia restaurant is the brainchild of head chef Avi Shashidhara, an alumnus of the River Café.

The menu is designed for sharing, featuring bold and inventive small plates such as Pondicherry-style fried squid and vibrant pea and spinach hara kebabs. The tandoor and grill section offers standout dishes, such as tandoori monkfish marinated in mango pickle. Additionally, the indulgent vegetarian thali features Gujarati kadhi, coconut broad beans, and rich saag paneer. The desserts are equally captivating, with a silky mango cheesecake and a deeply rich chocolate and coconut cake rounding off the meal.

Dishoom Kensington

4 Derry Street, W8 5SE

Dishoom is a household name when it comes to Indian dining in London. Inspired by the Irani cafés of mid-century Bombay, each Dishoom outpost offers an immersive experience filled with nostalgia and warmth. The Kensington branch stands out, particularly on Thursday and Friday evenings when a live jazz band performs, evoking the glamour of Bombay’s 1940s clubs.

Signature dishes include the famed black dal, which is slow-cooked for 24 hours, resulting in an intensely rich and velvety texture. Meanwhile, the masala prawns from the grill, the hearty chicken ruby curry, and the jackfruit biryani create an excellent feast. Finally, for dessert, the gooey chocolate pudding paired with Kashmiri chilli ice cream is an absolute must-try.

BOMBAY BRASSERIE – Best Indian Restaurants

Rohit Ghai Courtfield Road, SW7

As one of London’s longest-standing Indian fine-dining establishments, Bombay Brasserie has remained a favorite among celebrities and dignitaries for over four decades. Moreover, with its high ceilings, chandeliers, and elegant décor, the restaurant provides a refined setting for a sophisticated Indian meal.

The menu highlights classic dishes, crafted with precision, like fiery jumbo tandoori prawns marinated in yogurt and special spices. Additionally, the indulgent chicken tikka makhani offers rich, creamy flavors that perfectly balance the menu’s bold, spiced selections. The Kovalam fish curry, a fragrant dish packed with halibut in a coconut, chilli, and mango sauce, is a must-order. The adjacent Bombay Bar serves expertly crafted cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

Jamavar

8 Mount St, Mayfair, London W1K 3NF

After gaining success with multiple restaurants in India, Dinesh Nair brought his celebrated Jamavar concept to London in 2016. Within a year, it earned a Michelin star, solidifying its status as one of the city’s premier Indian dining destinations. The Mayfair restaurant exudes sophistication, with warm wooden details, gold accents, and an inviting atmosphere.

The menu showcases North Indian specialities, including Old Delhi butter chicken and smoky charcoal-grilled chicken tikka. The sharing plates, inspired by Indian street food, feature delights like stuffed sweet peppers with paneer and purple potato. Additionally, the sumptuous kid goat shami kebab comes in a rich bone marrow sauce, enhancing its deep, hearty flavours. The Mango Rasmalai, a deconstructed Indian cheesecake, makes for a spectacular finale.

Tamarind Mayfair

20 Queen Street, Mayfair W1J

Tamarind Mayfair holds the distinction of being the first Indian restaurant in London to receive a Michelin star. Following an extensive renovation, the restaurant returned with an elevated menu curated by chefs Karunesh Khanna and Manav Tuli.

The pistachio-crusted grilled lamb chops, Old Delhi butter chicken, and rabbit kebab stuffed with sundried tomatoes highlight the menu’s bold and diverse flavours. Designed for sharing, the dishes are best enjoyed with an accompanying selection of naan and rotis. The chic interiors, featuring soft pink banquettes and copper accents, add to the restaurant’s contemporary charm.

KUTIR – Best Indian Restaurants

10 Lincoln St, Chelsea, SW3

Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai’s first independent venture, Kutir, brings the opulence of India’s palatial retreats to Chelsea. Inspired by the grandeur of India’s countryside estates, the restaurant offers an intimate and luxurious dining experience.

The black cumin lamb chops are grilled to perfection, while the truffle mushroom khichadi – a decadent take on the classic lentil and rice dish – is a rich and comforting delight. Seafood lovers should try the pan-seared seabass, served in a fragrant coconut sauce with mussels.

Chutney Mary

73 St James’s Street, SW1

For over 30 years, Chutney Mary has been a staple of London’s high-end Indian dining scene. Located in St James’s, the restaurant attracts a mix of diplomats, celebrities, and discerning diners.

Signature dishes include the decadent duck jardaloo, which features sweet and sour notes, while the Goan chicken curry is packed with warming spices. Meanwhile, the elegant bar serves an array of cocktails, ensuring a stylish experience from start to finish.

Trishna

15-17 Blandford Street, W1

Owned by the acclaimed Sethi family, Trishna set the standard for modern Indian seafood dining in London. Taking inspiration from its namesake in Mumbai, Trishna focuses on coastal Indian cuisine, with a menu that highlights the finest seafood and seasonal ingredients.

Expect expertly prepared dishes such as tandoori lobster, Hyderabadi spiced crab, and chargrilled fish cooked with precision. The restaurant’s impressive wine list, curated by sommelier Sunaina Sethi, makes for perfect pairings with each dish.

A Culinary Journey Through London’s Indian Scene

London’s Indian dining landscape is as diverse as the country itself, offering everything from luxurious fine dining experiences to casual yet vibrant street-food-inspired eateries. Whether you seek a Michelin-starred feast or a laid-back spot with a buzzing atmosphere, these restaurants ensure that the rich flavours of India are never far away.