Whether you're a mild miss or a hot heathen, if there's one thing that London's adopted with open arms, it's the heralded curry. From Thai curries than span the far reaches of the East to authentic Indian curries that put spices to the forefront, there's a myriad of curry restaurants in London that are just waiting to be explored by your adventurous palates. Check out our recommendations for the best restaurants for curry in London.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 13th January 2025
Designed as a modern day 17th century East Indian punch house, Gymkhana is a curry restaurant in London that knows no bounds when it comes to high-end dining. Found in the perfect Mayfair plot, this destination is for those that want to hunker down for a truly special meal of spices in the city.
Head to The Palace Hotel where this stunning curry house offers some of the finest Indian food in London. With spice imported exclusively from India the dishes here are vibrant, warm and rich - they also have occasional supper clubs here.
Roti Chai showcases the traditional flavours and cooking techniques from across the Indian sub-continent, and re-invents them for its West End audience. Choose between elegant eating of tandoor specials upstairs or tapas-style small plates in the causal space downstairs at this multi-talented gem.
Head to Buckingham Palace Road where The Rubens hotel is bringing you one of the best curry nights in London. From cooking classes to expansive banquets, this unique event series is one for the spice lovers.
Get on down to Mowgli Charlotte St for a fantastic menu of Indian fare, including plenty of lip-smacking curries. On the lineup? Fish simmered in a fiery. Goan-inspired sauce, as well as melt-in-the-mouth lamb elevated using anise, plums and chickpeas.
With Curry On Naanstop and, Momo Thai, and Sri Lankan spot Karapincha on site, Market Place Vauxhall is the ideal place to grab the signature curries of many Asian countries. Plus, there will be cocktails to wash it all down.
Anokha is a gorgeous Indian restaurant housed in a converted tea warehouse that's Grade II listed. From the sleek interiors to cocktails and signature dishes like shahi gosht biryani or twists on your favourites, it's a great place for a curry out.
When it comes to the best London curry menu, Darjeeling Express has to be up there for its rich tradition. They serve everything in the home-cooked style of a traditional 'daawat' (sharing feast), with influences spanning Asma Khan's royal Mughlai ancestry and everywhere from Calcutta in the east of India to Hyderabad in the south.
Found in the heart of Camden, Maharani Lounge is known for serving up authentic Indian food including chilli paneer, masala lamb chops and Goan king prawn curry. What's more you can enjoy refreshing mojitos or an old fashioned as you eat, with live DJs and electronic shisha on offer too.
Situated in Bromley, Copper Ceylon is a spacious restaurant filled with plush velvet booths and low-hanging lights. This spot was voted Best Sri Lankan Restaurant in the 2022 London Curry Awards, and for good reason, as their contemporary twists on classic dishes use only the freshest ingredients and spices imported from Sri Lanka, to make everything from chicken biryani to fried aubergine curry.
Busaba first opened up in Soho back in 1999, and since has expanded across London, with further outposts in Covent Garden, Stratford, Kingston and more. All of these restaurants offer an intimate, casual vibe, not to mention a fantastic menu full of Thai classics, including a great selection of curries.
The green curry (available with chicken or with vegetables) is creamy with a spicy kick, while the songkhla beef has a sweet, tangy edge thanks to the fresh cherry tomatoes and banana peppers. Plus, there's also the wok-fried aubergine curry, firey jungle curry and king prawn curry. To pair, choose from rice (jasmine, coconut, sticky, egg fried or brown), roti or salad.
The Bengal Tiger in East London combines the best of traditional Indian cuisine with a chic, contemporary setting. The interiors are a perfect blend of modern comfort and classic Indian elements, with soft lighting and stylish furnishings that create an inviting and cosy atmosphere.
On the menu, you'll find vibrant dishes such as the rich and creamy paneer butter masala, aromatic Hyderabadi biryani, and the ever-popular lamb korma, alongside a selection of delicious tandoori dishes.
When you ask people in London the best place to go for a curry, there's a name than can't help but creep in, and that's Dishoom. With a whole dotting of restaurants about the city, the interiors here are eclectic, the roster of cocktails is undeniable and a true taste of India can be found in each and every curry of theirs.
Located in Forest Hill, Babur is a stylish Indian restaurant that's been around since 1985. It's been highly acclaimed over the years, with mentions in the AA guide and stellar reviews. Expect a natural, contemporary interior featuring rough brick walls, stylish textural artwork and low lighting, which compliments the dark orange and burgundy colour scheme.
There are multiple different must-try curries on their menu, with something to suit all tastes. One of our favourites is the slow-cooked venison and sweet potato curry, though we're also big fans of the tikka butter masala. There's a suggested wine pairing for each dish on their menu, though there are plenty of creative cocktails to enjoy as well.
