It's no secret that Britain is a nation of curry lovers. However, finding the top places can be quite the task. Whether you're craving a hearty biryani, proper pani puri, freshly-grilled tandoori meats, a humble korma or some light bites for grazing on while you drink, this is the ultimate guide for you. Satisfy those hunger pangs and quench your thirst with our guide to the best Indian restaurants London has to offer.
When you're looking for somewhere a bit more casual with a fun, jungle-inspired look complete with fairy-lit trees, treat your tastebuds to a tantalising meal over at Mowgli Charlotte St. Not only is this joint a bit of a beauty, pocket-friendly and perfect for Instagram, but it also whips up a lineup of delish Indian street food dishes. Think gunpowder chicken, curried chip butties and Bengali five spice curries.
Taking you on a culinary journey through the history of Indian cuisine, Matsya is fronting some of the finest seafood dishes at its Mayfair home. Shed your preconceptions and delve into its menu of traditional recipes, which have been either forgotten or lost from the entire subcontinent - but are now being rejuvenated at this unique venue. Tuck into Mangalorean masala clams, crab chilli fry and Rasam-styled shrimp broth.
If you're on the hunt for fine dining Indian restaurant in London, then Benares is an excellent shout. The Berkeley Square venue is known for combining British ingredients - think hand-dived scallops from Scotland, Portsmouth clams, and Porlock Bay oysters - with traditional Indian flavours and modern cooking techniques, which has earned them a Michelin star. Plus, the set menu offers two courses for a very reasonable £35. Otherwise, if you're really splashing out, then we'd recommend the £123 per person tasting menu for the ultimate experience.
Infusing traditional dishes with urban influences, Cinnamon Bazaar is a colourful spot and a top Indian restaurant in London that's found in both Covent Garden and Richmond. Inspired by historic trade routes that connect the empires of the Old World, these chaats, bazaar plates and delicious snacks draw inspiration from a range of regions - from Afghanistan to Punjab, Old Delhi or new Lahore - across a space with a fun market-inspired look.
Nestled in the heart of East London, The Bengal Tiger brings the vibrant flavours of India to life with a contemporary twist. Step inside and be welcomed by the restaurant's stylish and modern interiors, where sleek wooden floors, ambient lighting, and traditional Indian artwork set the perfect mood for a relaxed dining experience.
The menu is a feast for the senses, with mouthwatering dishes like the tender lamb rogan josh, fiery prawn Malabar, and fragrant chicken tikka masala. Pair these with fragrant basmati rice or freshly baked naan for a truly indulgent meal.
When you're after Michelin star Indian restaurants in Mayfair London, Gymkhana fits the bill - with not only one but two awarded. The deep red and dark wooden look here harks to the venue's inspiration: elite members clubs in India with a focus on tandoor and chatpatta dishes, which are designed to share. Enjoy game in quail seekh kebab or make your way through kid goat methi keema, pork cheek vindaloo and more, all washed down by masala margaritas.
Pravaas in South Kensington is a sophisticated Indian restaurant led by Chef Patron Shilpa Dandekar, known for her creative use of seasonal British ingredients and traditional Indian techniques. The menu features standout dishes like lamb galouti kebabs, patra chaat and seared scallops, each designed to showcase the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine.
For private occasions, the elegant dining room offers a warm, intimate setting with views into the kitchen and a bespoke menu tailored to impress.
One of the finest Indian establishments and a looker too - thanks to its Aldgate location in a Grade II listed, converted tea warehouse - Anokha is a great choice when you want the best of both worlds. Think the signature shahi gosht biryani and your choice of twist on classic dishes, alongside a vegan menu recreating national favourites like chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh as plant-based dishes.
Step into Chatora City, where luxury meets tradition in every bite. Nestled in the heart of London, this award-winning restaurant offers an exquisite selection of authentic Indian dishes made with care and the finest ingredients.
From the real charcoal tandoor that delivers smoky perfection to the freshly prepared hand-made bread, every dish tells a story. Feast on the likes of Southern spiced grilled prawn, gunpowder squid and more.
Indian restaurants in London City? Furnished with leather sofas for a sleek and modern restaurant-cum-cocktail-bar look, Mint Leaf Lounge is a stylish eatery found in Angel Court near Bank. The halal food menu combines ancient Indian traditions and authentic flavours, all of which can be perfectly paired with cocktails at the 16-metre bar. Plus, those lunchtime meetings at work are covered with two courses for just £19.95 here.
Roti Chai is an acclaimed Indian restaurant offering authentic flavours and innovative cooking techniques. No matter what your occasion may be, this stunning spot has something for you; whether you choose delicious small plates from the more casual canteen-style street kitchen space or head to the more formal dining area below for tandoori dishes and regional specialities.
If you're on the hunt for Michelin star Indian restaurants in London, then Trishna should be on your list, as the Marylebone venue has one of these coveted accolades to its name. Dishing up contemporary coastal cuisine like coconut curry leaf scallops and Kashmiri morel on a menu that includes fine wine pairings to match - all from niche producers and independent wineries - this stunning dining destination offers an experience unlike any other you've tried before. Plus, when the team behind two Michelin-starred Gymkhana are at the helm, you know you're in good hands.
The Curry Room is easily one of the greatest restaurants for Indian fine dining, providing a stunning setting for its guests thanks to its rich Rajasthani tapestries and mahogany furnishings - complementing its royal location within Rubens at The Palace Hotel just shy of Buckingham Palace. Opulent? You bet. As for the menu, expect a delicious selection of traditional curry spanning Bengali fish, Chef Kumar's Thali (which includes three curries of your choice if you really can't pick just one), Kerala prawn and lamb Punjabi.
Just a short walk from Holborn Tube Station and located in Trafalgar Square, Colonel Saab is among some of the most Instagrammable of Indian restaurants thanks to its sea of decorative plates, sparkling chandeliers and other antiques. These artefacts were owned by Maharajas of the past, while the menu has been curated by bestselling food author Karen Anand. There are tasting menus, lunchtime tiffin boxes, Indian afternoon teas, and everything from paneer curries to Kerala-style beef pepper fry here.
When it comes to a traditional Indian restaurant in London with a modern twist, Darjeeling Express has to be up there. The food is a homage to Asma Khan's royal Mughlai ancestry, taking you on a journey from Calcutta in the east to Hyderabad in the south. Gather for this 'daawat' (feasts designed to share) of home-style meals over at Kingly Court in Soho.
Nirvana Lounge brings authentic Indian flavours to Harrow with a contemporary twist. The menu features classic favourites like paneer butter masala, butter chicken, and slow-cooked lamb masala, all prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients and carefully balanced spices.
The restaurant's elegant yet approachable setting makes it a great spot for both family dinners and intimate nights out. Paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list and creative cocktails, Nirvana Lounge elevates the traditional Indian dining experience outside central London.
Head to East Dulwich and discover the neighbourhood Indian restaurant Kokum. From Sanjay Gour, previous head chef at Gymkhana (the legendary two-star Michelin restaurant) and Simeron Lily Patel (both of whom also co-founded Black Salt, a Michelin-rated restaurant in North Sheen), this eatery showcases a range of creative and classic dishes served with culinary skill, flair and passion.
While in the minimalist interiors with an Indian nod, tuck into starters such as their delicate Amritsari fish, huge Kashmiri chilli-marinated lamb chops and tandoori roast cauliflower. As for mains, you can expect chicken tikka biryani, paneer makhani and lamb rogan josh, with a range of signature cocktails (hello, chocolate orange negroni) and sundries to pair.
Chef Peter Joseph has over a decade of experience working at Michelin star restaurant Tamarind Mayfair, which is valuable expertise he's now applying to his very own site, Kahani. Found close to Sloane Square station, this is a stunning space with a name that means 'story' in Hindi. Seasonal, British ingredients are at the forefront as much as great Indian flavours here, which is realised in a contemporary way across everything from char-grilled Scottish scallop in a red pepper, sesame and creamy ginger sauce to guinea fowl tikka or brunches with two hours of bottomless booze.
Farzi London is a modern, Pan-Indian restaurant bringing you sophisticated plates alongside a lineup of cocktails from the city's best mixologists. Tuck into dishes that showcase Akand Bharat (meaning 'undivided India', which covers modern day Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and northern Indian states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Kashmi and more). Think Kolkata fish chaap, saffron yoghurt-braised lamb boti biryani and butter chicken bao making up the diverse menu.
Author and food journalist Ravinder Bhogal is the brains behind this pretty-in-pink restaurant on Marylebone's Blandford Street. Jikoni, meaning 'kitchen' in Swahili, takes inspiration from a number of different countries and regions across a true 'melting pot' style menu - with plates on the Indian leaning including paneer and winter greens saag and crispy kale chaat.
For mouthwatering Indian food with a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, head to Kricket Brixton - brought to you by Rik Campbell and Will Bowlby. Once tucked away in a 20-seat shipping container, and now found in a gorgeous spot under the railway arches, this restaurant boasts pretty pink interiors, alongside a tasty menu with plates of pao bhaji, Keralan fried chicken with pickled mooli, and a grilled pork collar. Kricket also have a second venue for when you're in need of the best Indian restaurants in Soho London.
From the same team as Michelin-acclaimed Gymkhana and Trishna comes JKS Restaurants' City of London location: Brigadiers. This Indian restaurant has a twist - it's also a place for those with a penchant for watching sports live on the tele. Not only does Brigadiers have a pool table and a self-service whiskey machine, but its menu is too darn good to turn down. The barbecue butter chicken wings and Indian BBQ-inspired Sunday roasts here are fire, trust us.
BiBi is a refined Indian restaurant in Mayfair, offering a vibrant, modern take on the country's diverse culinary traditions. Helmed by Chef Chet Sharma and part of the renowned JKS Restaurants group, BiBi pairs inventive Indian cooking with a chic, welcoming space.
You can enjoy cocktails at the counter or settle into a cosy booth for a longer meal. The restaurant's creative menu and intimate vibe have earned it a Michelin star and rave reviews across London's dining scene. For contemporary Indian food in an elevated setting, BiBi is hard to beat.
If you find yourself in Fitzrovia with a craving for stunning Indian eats with a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand to match, then make a beeline for Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai. When you're not lapping up the beaut decor, fill your boots with regional plates plucked straight out of the kitchen in homes across Mumbai. You can even nab yourself a seat right in front of Chef Avi Shashidhara for the ultimate counter diner experience, with 1970s spot Bandra Bhai - a dimly lit, retro bar inspired smugglers' dens - waiting downstairs for post-meals drinks too.
A contender for the best Indian restaurant in Central London, with a Michelin star under its belt, Jamavar is found just a stone's throw from Hyde Park and takes its name from the delicate shawls of Kashmir. Having already made its name as a restaurant across five Indian cities, Jamavar stakes its claim on Mayfair, with an iconic pan-Indian experience. The menu here spans from the idyllic plains of the Punjab to the sea-swaying shores in Kerala, where you'll find an a la carte experience with soft shell crab and a creamy paneer goolar.
Just a stone's throw from Oxford Circus is Chourangi, a restaurant renowned for reviving 300-year-old Calcutta cuisine in among the hustle and bustle of London. Chef turned restauranteur Anjan Chatterjee and his friend Aditya Ghosh are the brains behind this operation, with Chef Jolly supporting in the kitchen. The outcome is a blend of European, Mogul and Chinese flavours celebrating 'the city of joy' in all its glory across the likes of smoked arhar dal, cashew chicken curry, and nigella seeded naan stuffed with cheese to mop it all up.
One of the most opulent Indian restaurant sin the whole city, Ambassadors Clubhouse is a perfect pick for date nights and luxurious group meals. The sophisticated interiors feature dazzling gold decor and lots of mirrors along the walls, as well as bold, patterned flooring and twinkling chandeliers.
Tuck into the likes of Punjabi prawn curry, tandoori masala lamb chops and Achari duck chaat, with lots of vegetarian options available too. After your meal, head downstairs to boogie to live DJ sets in their late-night basement space.
South-East London gem Babur is a hot pick on our list, with a rich history of serving the Indian food to diners since 1985. For a fine dining feel without the really high pricetag, this is where to head. A list of unique twists on classic cocktails, such as the charcoal whiskey sour and pink onion daiquiri, accompanies dishes spanning Rajasthani khargosh (saddle of rabbit wrapped in pastry with kadhi sauce) and garam masala duck - with wine pairings for each dish named on the menu too.
Anyone who is anyone has taken to the streets for Dishoom, a famous Indian restaurant in London. Known for their queues around the block, their Shoreditch location is one of the most visited, with East Londoners flocking for famous breakfast naans or black daal alongside that indulgent chai. Celebrating the bustle of Bombay's Irani cafes, this brand has spread city-wide, with locations in Kings Cross and more.
From Spitalfields to Soho and Tower Bridge, Gunpowder have made their mark across London and show no signs of slowing down. Brimming with small and sharing plates that dose guests on family recipes, Indian heritage and traditional culture across many regions, all with a contemporary twist - and their Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide proves they're nailing it.
Looking for a brunch with serious spice? The Tamil Prince in Islington offers a South Indian twist on your weekend plans. Housed in a charming Victorian pub, this gastropub serves up bold brunch-friendly bites like Prince's special masala dosa, channa bhatura with raita, and crispy onion bhajis, all perfect for sharing.
Pair your feast with a craft beer or a cheeky cocktail, and soak in the warm, communal vibes of this Michelin-recommended gem. It's the kind of brunch that lingers in your memory, and on your taste buds.
Bringing traditional Mogul Indian cuisine to Soho, Tamarind Kitchen aims to bring much the same experience as its Michelin starred Mayfair sister, Tamarind. It's reimagining their award-winning cuisine at a Wardour Street setting, promising Awadhi kebabs, creamy south Indian curries, and meat or seafood fresh off the tandoor - all swilled down with a choice of Europeans wines or signature cocktails.
Looking for the best Indian restaurants in London? Two Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar's Maddox Street haunt, Kanishka, champions Pan-Indian cuisine, taking inspiration from across the continent.
That means you'll be heading to Mayfair to settle down in a space featuring blue accents and an opulent look, where you'll tuck into traditional Old Delhi-style biryani, Atul's famous butter chicken, and stir-fried prawns with peppers, ginger, tomatoes and Padron peppers. Tandoori pineapple rum punch to accompany, anyone?
Vowing for the top spot of best Indian restaurant in London thanks to its Michelin-starred chef, Kutir is a no-brainer when it comes to a delicious meal. This venue was the first solo venture for Rohit Ghai, formerly of Gymkhana and Jamava, and continues to serve traditional meals inspired by royal hunting expeditions in India. These dishes come to your table feasting-style, alongside having a focus on game and seafood, accompanied by a cocktail menu that uses wild and natural Indian ingredients. They were even named Restaurant of the Year at the British Restaurant Awards back in 2022.
Samyukta Nair and Rohit Ghai, co-founder and executive chef of Michelin-starred Jamavar, are the duo who came up with the concept at Bombay Bustle - an Indian restaurant in Mayfair. It's inspired by men who use the local railway in Mumbai to deliver home-cooked meals, paying homage to the city and its people. Kolhapuri-spiced spit-roasted chicken, seabass and scallop tawa pulao, and Bombay bottomless brunches make up just some of the menu - while the venue itself has stunning train carriage styling.
