Best Indian Restaurants in London for a Flavorful Experience

London is a haven for Indian food lovers, with everything from high-end dining to street food gems. Whether you crave North Indian tandoori or South Indian dosas, this guide to the best Indian restaurants in London covers must-visit spots across the city. From Michelin Star venues to cozy curry houses, London’s Indian restaurants promise an exciting culinary adventure with flavors from across India. Whether you're exploring with friends, planning a cozy dinner, or searching for a hearty lunch, these picks are worth every bite.

This curated list blends flavorful dishes, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional service, ensuring an experience full of spice, love, and gastronomic wonder. From pub-style grills to elegant Michelin Guide listings, you’ll discover exciting menus, passionate teams, and warm spaces perfect for your next meal.

1. Dishoom – Bombay Vibes with a London Twist

Dishoom is a tribute to Bombay’s Irani cafés, offering atmospheric interiors, vintage decor, and a warm ambiance. Known for its legendary Black Daal, Bacon Naan Roll, and chai, the chain continues to charm diners across London. Dishoom is consistently known for good quality food across all its locations.

Location: Multiple branches including Covent Garden & King’s Cross
Timings: 8 AM – 11 PM daily
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Speciality: Iconic breakfast and Bombay-style small plates

2. Gymkhana – Michelin-Star Luxury

Gymkhana, inspired by Indian colonial clubs, serves upscale Indian dishes in a wood-paneled setting. Signature dishes like wild muntjac biryani and butter chicken are balanced with impressive cocktails. A true fine dining experience recognized by the Michelin Guide.

Location: 42 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4JH
Timings: 12 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Closed Sun lunch)
Michelin Star
Speciality: Elegant menus, rich curries, and fine service

3. Tayyabs – A Punjabi Powerhouse in Whitechapel

Tayyabs is an East London institution famous for its sizzling lamb chops, Punjabi curries, and BYOB policy. The no-frills ambiance is made up for by bold, authentic flavors at great value.

Location: 83-89 Fieldgate St, Whitechapel, London E1 1JU
Timings: 12 PM – 11:30 PM daily
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Speciality: Grilled meats and Punjabi-style sauces

4. Hoppers – A Taste of South India and Sri Lanka

With vibrant dishes like bone marrow varuval, egg hoppers, and crab kari, Hoppers delivers a culinary journey through Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. The Soho location remains a favorite for casual yet flavourful dining.

Location: 49 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4SG
Timings: 12 PM – 10:30 PM daily
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Speciality: South Indian and Sri Lankan street-style food

5. Veeraswamy – London’s Oldest Indian Restaurant

Established in 1926, Veeraswamy is a luxurious landmark offering refined Indian cuisine in an elegant setting. The duck vindaloo and lamb shank rogan josh are must-tries. Veeraswamy is considered the gold standard of Indian restaurants in London.

Location: Victory House, 99-101 Regent St, London W1B 4RS
Timings: 12 PM – 2:15 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM daily
Michelin Star
Speciality: Regal dining with rich Indian flavors

6. Gunpowder – Small Plates, Big Flavors

Gunpowder specializes in punchy Indian small plates, blending home-style cooking with a creative flair. Their venison doughnuts and Maa’s Kashmiri lamb chops are fan favorites in their chic, minimalist space.

Location: 4 Duchess Walk, Tower Bridge, London SE1 2SD & 11 White’s Row, Spitalfields
Timings: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM daily
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Speciality: Indian grills and tapas-style dishes

7. Kricket – Indian-Inspired Tapas in Soho

Kricket fuses British produce with Indian spices in a modern small plates concept. Highlights include Keralan fried chicken, burnt garlic dal, and seasonal twists on classics—all served in a trendy, industrial-chic space.

Location: 12 Denman St, Soho, London W1D 7HH
Timings: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM daily
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Speciality: Modern Indian tapas with British ingredients

8. Brigadiers – Grill & Sports Bar Fusion

Brigadiers is where Indian BBQ meets gastropub, serving smoky kebabs, butter chicken wings, and curated cocktails. TVs, card rooms, and beer on tap make it ideal for a sociable dining experience.

Location: 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
Timings: 12 PM – 10 PM Mon–Sat (Closed Sunday)
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Speciality: Grilled meats and Indian-style pub dishes

FAQs

• Which area of London is best for Indian food?
  Southall, often referred to as "Little India," is considered one of the best areas for authentic Indian food in London.
• Is London good for Indian food?
  Yes, London is renowned for its diverse and vibrant Indian food scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from street food to fine dining.
• Where in the UK has the best Indian food?
  London is widely regarded as the best city for Indian food in the UK, thanks to its diverse range of authentic Indian eateries and regional specialties.
• What neighborhood in London has the best Indian food?
  Brick Lane in the East End is another hotspot known for its Indian cuisine, with numerous curry houses offering traditional and modern twists on Indian dishes.
• Is there a lot of Indian food in London?
  Yes, London boasts a vast array of Indian restaurants, ranging from street food to Michelin-starred establishments, and is considered one of the best places for Indian cuisine outside India.
• How expensive is Gymkhana?
  Gymkhana, a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Mayfair, is on the higher end of the price scale. Expect to pay around £50-£100 per person for a meal, depending on the menu choices and drinks.
• Does London have good Indian food?
  Absolutely! London offers some of the best Indian food in the world, with a diverse selection of regional specialties and innovative dishes.
• Why is there so much Indian food in London?
  The large Indian diaspora in London, along with the UK's colonial history and strong cultural ties to India, has contributed to the prevalence and popularity of Indian cuisine in the city.
• What are some standout Indian restaurants in London and their unique dishes?
  Brigadier's is praised for its butter chicken wings, Chourangi is known for offering an authentic Bengali food experience, and Saravanaa Bhavan serves the best dosa in London. The Glad is famous for its goat sliders and quality Indian pub food.
• What makes Quilon, Trishna, and Colonel Saab unique in London’s fine dining scene?
  Quilon stands out for its Michelin star and affordable lunch set menu, while Trishna is recognized for its fancy South Indian food but has received mixed reviews on service. Colonel Saab offers a fine dining experience with a focus on Indian heritage and innovation, complemented by unique Indian artefacts and art in the ambiance.

Final Bite

Whether you're near Camden Town or Covent Garden, these Indian restaurants in London offer something for every palate—from luxurious dining to fiery street food. Bookmark this guide to ensure your next meal is packed with spice, flavor, and authenticity. Let this love letter to Indian cuisine guide your next dinner, lunch, or breakfast outing in this dynamic city.

Explore new restaurants, check their menus, and don’t forget to book ahead—especially at those Michelin star gems! Whether you crave bold curries, sizzling grills, or buttery naan, these hot picks are your answer to the most fantastic Indian dining in London.