Top restaurants list
10 Best Indian Restaurants in London
- 10 restaurants
- United Kingdom
- Updated January 3, 2026
The ten best Indian restaurants in London are Gymkhana, Dishoom, Quilon, Tamarind, Benares, Ambassadors Clubhouse, Permit Room, The Tamil Prince, Raaz Modern Indian, and Veeraswamy. London’s Indian food culture is a global standard-bearer, with a collection of world-renowned fine-dining rooms and highly original casual concepts. A two-Michelin-star experience is the focus at Gymkhana, while unique specialists like The Tamil Prince serve authentic South Indian food in a traditional pub. London also has hugely popular destinations like Dishoom, which recreates the Irani cafés of old Bombay.
These restaurants are found in upscale Central London neighborhoods like Mayfair and Covent Garden, as well as in local areas like Islington and Finchley. The best Indian restaurant London scene includes Michelin-starred fine-dining rooms, regional home-style kitchens, and creative gastropubs. The atmospheres range from the exclusive, club-like setting of Gymkhana to the bustling, retro-themed dining halls of Dishoom. This incredible scope, from historic landmarks to groundbreaking modern kitchens, is a key feature of the city's food identity.
London's Indian kitchens are celebrated for both their adherence to tradition and their innovation. Gymkhana stands out as the best Indian London has for an overall experience, noted for its exceptional two-Michelin-star cooking, sophisticated atmosphere, and unique colonial club theme. For a casual and lively meal, Dishoom is a top choice, known for its immersive Bombay café concept and signature dishes like the House Black Daal. The distinction of being the best Michelin star Indian London restaurant for a historic fine-dining meal goes to Veeraswamy, the UK's oldest Indian restaurant. Restaurants such as Dishoom and Quilon provide extensive menus for vegan and gluten-free diets.
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Chicken Tacos BowlsDishoom is a restaurant group modeled on the old Irani cafés of Bombay. The menu features a mix of classic Bombay comfort food and grilled dishes, served in a lively, retro-themed setting.- Item Prices
- 27
- Average Item Price
- $10.20
Dishoom Menu PricesMore about Dishoom
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Bombay-style Indian
Signature Dishes:
House Black DaalBacon Naan RollChicken Ruby
Location:
12 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9FB (Covent Garden location)
Special Feature:
The restaurant's design and branding are meticulously detailed to evoke the atmosphere of early 20th-century Irani cafés in Bombay, from the decor to the music.
What Makes It Special:
Dishoom is known for its immersive, nostalgic ambiance and a menu that successfully captures the specific food culture of Bombay's historic cafés.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific and highly popular Irani café concept, combined with a no-reservations policy for smaller groups that creates a consistent buzz, makes it a unique London institution.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Price:
£30 to £60 per person
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2
Tamarind of Mayfair is a fine-dining restaurant that serves a menu of traditional Moghul cuisine with a focus on the tandoor oven. The restaurant was the first Indian restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star.- Item Prices
- 241
- Average Item Price
- $12.78
Tamarind Menu PricesMore about Tamarind
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian, Moghul
Signature Dishes:
Rajasthani Churi ChaatCrispy LobsterCoastal Crab Cake
Location:
20 Queen St, London W1J 5PR
Special Feature:
The restaurant's kitchen uses both traditional charcoal-fired tandoors and modern grilling techniques to prepare its signature dishes.
What Makes It Special:
Tamarind is known for its historic significance, its elegant setting, and a menu that consistently delivers refined and flavorful North Indian cuisine.
What Sets It Apart:
Its status as a pioneering Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, combined with its enduring reputation for high-end Moghul cooking, gives it a unique place in London's food history.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:15 PMSunday: 12:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Price:
£100 to £180 per person
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3
Benares serves authentic Indian cuisine in Wyckoff, NJ, featuring a blend of traditional North Indian flavors and contemporary interpretations. The Benares menu highlights clay-oven specialties, rich curries, and aromatic rice...- Item Prices
- 600
- Average Item Price
- $14.88
Benares Menu PricesMore about Benares
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Indian
Signature Dishes:
Meat CurryKabuli Chickpea MasalaFish and Egg Curry
Location:
12a Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BS
Special Feature:
The restaurant holds one Michelin star and features an elegant main dining room with a reflecting pool, a chef's table, and private dining rooms.
What Makes It Special:
Benares is known for its creative and beautifully presented dishes that combine authentic Indian flavors with modern culinary techniques.
What Sets It Apart:
Its combination of a luxurious, high-design setting with an innovative, Michelin-starred menu makes it a premier destination for contemporary Indian fine dining.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PMSunday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Price:
£100 to £200 per person
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4
4. Gymkhana
Gymkhana is a fine-dining restaurant inspired by the elite clubs of colonial India. The menu serves classic and contemporary Indian cuisine with a focus on tandoori and chatpatta dishes.More about Gymkhana
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Contemporary Indian
Signature Dishes:
Pork Cheek VindalooChicken Butter MasalaTandoori Masala Lamb Chops
Location:
42 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JH
Special Feature:
The restaurant holds two Michelin stars, recognizing its exceptional cooking, high-quality ingredients, and refined service.
What Makes It Special:
Gymkhana is known for its sophisticated and club-like atmosphere, combined with a menu that elevates traditional Indian recipes to a world-class standard.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific theme of a colonial Indian gymkhana club, along with its multi-Michelin-starred status, distinguishes it as a premier global destination for Indian fine dining.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM –10:30 PM
Price:
£100 to £200 per person
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5
5. Quilon
Quilon is a fine-dining restaurant that serves the coastal cuisine of Southwest India, with a particular focus on the food of Kerala. The menu highlights fresh seafood.More about Quilon
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
South-west Indian Coastal
Signature Dishes:
Seafood MoileeBaked Black CodLamb Shank Varutha Curry
Location:
41 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
Special Feature:
The restaurant has held one Michelin star since 2008, recognizing its long-standing commitment to high-quality, authentic coastal Indian cooking.
What Makes It Special:
Quilon is known for its elegant and refined presentation of South-west Indian seafood, offering a lighter and more nuanced style of Indian cuisine.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific and unwavering focus on the coastal food of Kerala and Goa, combined with its enduring Michelin star, makes it a unique fine-dining institution.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM Monday: Closed
Price:
£100 to £160 per person
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6
6. Ambassadors Clubhouse
Ambassadors Clubhouse is a restaurant that serves North Indian and Pakistani cuisine, with a focus on grilled dishes and traditional curries. The restaurant provides a comfortable and casual dining atmosphere.More about Ambassadors Clubhouse
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
North Indian, Pakistani
Signature Dishes:
Original BBQ Butter Chicken ChopsMasaledar Lamb BiryaniBeetroot Raj Kachori Chaat
Location:
25 Heddon St, London W1B 4BH
Special Feature:
The restaurant is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) establishment, allowing guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages without a corkage fee.
What Makes It Special:
Ambassadors Clubhouse is known for its authentic, homestyle cooking, particularly its flavorful and well-spiced karahi and grilled meat dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific focus on traditional, no-frills North Indian and Pakistani comfort food, combined with its popular BYOB policy, makes it a beloved local institution.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:
Over £100 per person
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7
7. Permit Room
Permit Room is a bar and restaurant inspired by the permit rooms of 1960s Bombay. The menu features South Indian small plates, snacks, and cocktails in a retro-themed, casual setting.More about Permit Room
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
South Indian Small Plates
Signature Dishes:
Turkey RaanPermit Room French ToastChicken Berry Britannia
Location:
186 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LA
Special Feature:
The restaurant has a strong focus on its bar program, with a creative list of cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks designed to pair with the food.
What Makes It Special:
Permit Room is known for its fun, vibrant atmosphere and a menu of flavorful South Indian snacks and small plates that are ideal for sharing.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific concept of a retro Bombay permit room, with an emphasis on drinks and shareable food, creates a distinct and social dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AMSunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price:
£30 to £60 per person
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8
8. The Tamil Prince
The Tamil Prince is a neighborhood pub in Islington that serves a menu of South Indian cuisine, with a focus on Tamil dishes. The restaurant combines the atmosphere of a traditional London pub with Indian food.More about The Tamil Prince
Type of Restaurant:
Gastropub
Type of Food:
South Indian, Tamil
Signature Dishes:
Okra FriesPrince's Special Masala DosaChettinad Lamb Curry
Location:
115 Hemingford Rd, London N1 1BZ
Special Feature:
The restaurant operates within a fully functioning, classic London pub, allowing diners to enjoy both pints of beer and authentic South Indian food.
What Makes It Special:
The Tamil Prince is known for its unique and successful fusion of a proper pub environment with high-quality, flavorful South Indian cooking.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific identity as an Indian gastropub, a rare concept, makes it a distinct and highly popular destination that bridges two different cultural traditions.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:30 PMMonday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:
£40 to £70 per person
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9
9. Raaz Modern Indian
Raaz Modern Indian is a restaurant in Sunbury-on-Thames that serves a menu of contemporary Indian cuisine. The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and a refined presentation of classic dishes.More about Raaz Modern Indian
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Indian
Signature Dishes:
Rajasthani Lamb ShankOvernight Beef Ribs NihariSoftshell Crab
Location:
113 Lower Richmond Rd., London SW15 1EX
Special Feature:
The restaurant is located in a historic, Grade II listed building, offering a unique and charming setting for a meal.
What Makes It Special:
Raaz is known for its elevated yet accessible take on Indian food, providing a polished dining experience in a suburban setting.
What Sets It Apart:
Its location within a historic building in a Thames-side town, combined with its modern culinary approach, distinguishes it from more traditional high-street curry houses.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PMSunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
£30 to £50 per person
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10
10. Veeraswamy
Veeraswamy is the UK's oldest Indian restaurant, established in 1926. Located on Regent Street, it serves a menu of classical Indian cuisine from across the country in an opulent, 1920s-inspired setting.More about Veeraswamy
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Classical Indian
Signature Dishes:
Butter Chicken MasalaCalcutta Beetroot Croquettes with Stilton & Green Chilli SauceChicken Makhani MasalaLal Mirchi ka Paneer
Location:
Victory House, 99 Regent St., London W1B 4RS
Special Feature:
The restaurant holds one Michelin star and is celebrated for its historical significance as the first fine-dining Indian restaurant in the United Kingdom.
What Makes It Special:
Veeraswamy is known for its rich history, its luxurious and vibrant decor, and a menu that honors the grand culinary traditions of India.
What Sets It Apart:
Its status as the oldest Indian restaurant in the UK, combined with its Michelin star and prime location, makes it a unique and iconic landmark of London's dining history.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price:
£100 to £160 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Indian Restaurants in London Famous?
Indian restaurants in London are famous for their exceptional quality and remarkable range, from world-class, Michelin-starred fine dining in Mayfair to innovative gastropubs in Islington. London is a global center for Indian cuisine, with historic establishments like Veeraswamy, the UK's oldest, operating alongside modern, two-Michelin-star destinations like Gymkhana. The city's Indian food culture is also defined by highly specific concepts, such as the Bombay-style Irani café Dishoom and the South Indian pub The Tamil Prince. This co-existence of groundbreaking fine dining, authentic regional specialists, and creative casual concepts makes London's Indian food scene one of the most dynamic in the world.
What Types of Indian Restaurants are Commonly Found in London?
London's Indian restaurants include many kinds, such as Michelin-starred Fine Dining, Regional South Indian, and Bombay-style Cafés. The different categories are described here:
- Michelin-Starred Fine Dining: London has a high concentration of Michelin-starred Indian restaurants that present the cuisine with refined techniques and high-quality ingredients. Gymkhana, Quilon, Tamarind, Benares, and Veeraswamy are all examples, primarily located in upscale neighborhoods like Mayfair and St. James's.
- Regional South Indian: These restaurants focus on the food of Southern India. Quilon is a fine-dining example specializing in coastal seafood from Kerala, while The Tamil Prince serves homestyle Tamil food in a pub setting.
- Bombay-style Cafés and Bars: This category is defined by restaurants that replicate the food and atmosphere of Mumbai's historic Irani cafés or modern bars. Dishoom is the most famous example, while Permit Room focuses on the drinks and snacks of a Bombay "permit room."
- Indian Gastropubs: This unique format combines a traditional British pub with an Indian kitchen. The Tamil Prince is a leading example, serving South Indian food alongside pints of beer in a classic pub environment.
- North Indian and Pakistani: These establishments serve the classic tandoori dishes and rich curries of Northern India and Pakistan. Ambassadors Clubhouse is a popular local example known for its traditional karahi and grilled meats.
Are There Authentic Indian Restaurants in London?
Yes, authentic Indian restaurants exist in London, including Gymkhana, Quilon, and The Tamil Prince. Gymkhana is a two-Michelin-star restaurant that serves classic Indian dishes inspired by the elite clubs of India, with a focus on traditional tandoori and chatpatta preparations. Quilon is a Michelin-starred restaurant dedicated to the specific coastal food of Southwest India, particularly Kerala, using authentic recipes and ingredients. The Tamil Prince is a neighborhood pub that serves a menu of homestyle South Indian and Tamil food, staying true to its regional roots.
What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Indian Restaurants in London?
The signature dishes at the best Indian restaurants in London are Kid Goat Methi Keema, House Black Daal, and Fisherman's Catch. The leading Indian restaurants in London are known for the following standout dishes:
- Kid Goat Methi Keema: A signature dish at the two-Michelin-star Gymkhana, featuring minced kid goat cooked with fenugreek leaves, spices, and served with bread for scooping.
- House Black Daal: A rich and creamy slow-cooked black lentil dish from Dishoom. It is cooked for over 24 hours to achieve its signature texture and flavor.
- Fisherman’s Catch: A representative seafood curry from the Michelin-starred Quilon, made with a selection of fresh fish and seafood simmered in a coconut and tamarind-based sauce, typical of coastal Kerala.
- Bacon Naan Roll: A famous breakfast dish from Dishoom, consisting of freshly baked naan bread filled with bacon, cream cheese, and a chili-tomato jam.
- Wild Muntjac Biryani: A refined game dish from Gymkhana, featuring wild muntjac deer cooked with fragrant basmati rice in a sealed pot, served with a pomegranate and mint raita.
Is Indian Food Popular in London?
Yes, Indian food is extremely popular in London and is considered an integral part of the city's food culture. The high number and critical acclaim of Indian restaurants, including numerous Michelin-starred establishments, demonstrate this popularity. The cuisine is found in every corner of the city, from high-end restaurants in Central London to local curry houses in residential neighborhoods. The widespread success of restaurant groups like Dishoom and the historical significance of places like Veeraswamy confirm that Indian food is a staple of London dining.
What is the Average Price of a Meal at an Indian Restaurant in London?
The price of a meal at an Indian restaurant in London can be anywhere from under £30 to over £200 per person. For a budget-friendly choice, a meal at a casual local spot like Ambassadors Clubhouse is between £25 and £45. A mid-range eatery such as Dishoom or The Tamil Prince will generally have a meal cost between £40 and £70. In a Michelin-starred fine-dining setting like Gymkhana or Benares, a full dinner experience will exceed £150 and can be more than £200 with wine.
Do Indian Restaurants in London Offer Vegan Options?
Yes, Indian restaurants in London offer vegan options, and Dishoom, Quilon, and Gymkhana are a few that serve plant-based dishes. Dishoom has a separate and extensive vegan menu that includes plant-based versions of its most popular dishes. Michelin-starred restaurants like Quilon and Gymkhana also offer dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus or can accommodate vegan diners with specially prepared dishes. Many South Indian dishes are naturally vegan.
Do Indian Restaurants in London Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Indian restaurants in London offer gluten-free options, including Dishoom, Quilon, and Gymkhana. Dishoom provides a detailed gluten-free menu, and many of its grilled dishes and curries are made without gluten. At fine-dining restaurants like Quilon and Gymkhana, the majority of the menus, outside of bread, are gluten-free. Rice-based dishes and those made with lentils are common gluten-free choices available at most Indian restaurants.
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