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BYOB & Beautiful: 6 Of London's Best Pakistani Restaurants That You Can't Miss

Published . By Leighanne Bent.

You’ve Googled ‘Pakistani restaurant London’ and ended up here? Lucky you. If you’re on the hunt for the best Punjabi food London has to offer, there’s no need to prolong your search. We’ve turned the city upside down to find you the best of the best where unique flavours come into their own thanks to slow cooking, aromatic spices, and the use of diverse ingredients. From award-winning cuisine to BYOB policies with no corkage fee, we know exactly where to go, and now you do too.

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Tayyabs

You can’t have a list of the best Pakistani restaurants in London without mentioning Tayyabs. This Whitechapel restaurant has been cooking traditional Punjabi cuisine since 1972, so rest assured you’re in good hands when it comes to delicious food. It’s known for its long queues but don’t let that put you off. We promise you it’s worth the wait time with cheap and cheerful chef’s specials, wraps for as little as £5.20 and their famous BYOB policy that has no corkage fee.

Tayyabs London Pakistani Restaurant

Brave the queue at Tayyabs for food that will live in your noggin rent-free.

Needoo Grill

If you’ve been to Tayyabs and fancy some comforting grub that's just as good, we highly recommend Needoo Grill. This east London Pakistani restaurant first opened its doors in 2009 by a former Tayyabs manager, and it’s been winning over people ever since with its award-winning food and Bollywood soundtrack. They have a menu packed with all the favorite's too, including chili paneer and Tandoori chicken. If you want a boozy beverage, remember to drop by the supermarket first - this place has got a BYOB with no cost attached.

Needoo Grill London

Bring along a bottle of bubbly thanks to Needoo Grill's affordable BYOB policy.

Spice Village Tooting

When it comes to curry, nowhere does it like Spice Village Tooting. The area itself is home to some of the top Pakistani restaurants in London, with enough choice to make you feel dizzy walking down the street. The tables are almost always full and after one bite of their kormas and baltis, you’ll understand why. Interiors are sure to catch your eye and we've heard they do an outrageously good set menu for Ramadan.

Spice Village Tooting London Curry House

If the food doesn't make your eyes pop, the food most certainly will. 

Punjab

Punjab is the oldest (and best) Pakistani restaurant in the UK. Impressive, right? This hotspot in central London knows a thing or two about spices and service, with all the knowledge passed down from four family generations. It’s a great place to go for a no frills affair that’s all about familiar favourites and a few modern twists, like their take on the black daal, called grandad's kali daal. They run a fully fledged bar too with everything from wine and bottled beer to spirits and mixers.

Punjab London 's Oldest Pakistani Restaurant

Mix the old and the new with a traditional menu with modern twists at the best Pakistani restaurant in Central London.

Zayna

Brave the hustle and bustle of Marble Arch for something other than Primark this year and make your way to Zayna. This intimate spot is one of the best Pakistani restaurants in Marylebone where the interiors are just as bright as its plates. The menu is a little more on the expensive side with mains starting from £19 but it caters for all kinds of dietary requirements, from vegan and gluten-free to halal. There’s naan bread the size of frisbees and butter chicken cooked in a clay oven that’s sure to live in your mind rent-free.

Zayna London Restaurant Pakistani Food

You may have to splash the cash at Zayna but it's worth it.

Lahore Karahi

Lahore Karahi is probably one of the busiest and buzzing eateries in Tooting. This family-run Pakistani curry house has received praise from a lot of people over the years, from Sadiq Khan to Vivek Singh - the owner of Cinnamon Kitchen who's been lauded as one of the capital's best Indian chef's. From £6.50 Pakistani breakfasts to £11.50 chicken kormas, this colorful spot has the affordability factor too. It's alcohol-free at this south London gem but they have mango milkshakes, guava juice and you can bring along your own bottle for as little as £2 corkage. 

Lahore London Famous Indian Restaurant

Lahore Karahi are known for their rainbow interiors and ridiculously good food.

Want more? Check out our guide on the best Asian restaurants in London and sign up for our London newsletter here.

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