How to Find the Best Indian London Restaurants
But there are some of the best Indian restaurants in the world in London, serving everything from traditional curries to modern fusion fare. City has something for everyone — whether seeking authentic North Indian biryanis, South Indian dosas or Michelin-starred fine dining.
This guide covers the top Indian London restaurants, their specialties, their signature dishes, and what makes them unique.
The Cinnamon Club – For Fine Dining Indian Küche – Best Indian London
📍 Location: Westminster
⭐ Why Visit? Historic site, new Indian fare, Michelin Guide citation
Possibly the most famous Indian fine dining restaurant in London, The Cinnamon Club occupies a Grade II-listed former Westminster Library, for a real luxury experience. Chef Vivek Singh combines traditional Indian spices with contemporary European influences to make sophisticated, flavorful dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
🔥 Tandoori Spencer Gulf King Prawns – Grilled prawns marinated in Indian spices.
The crown jewel 🎖: Lucknowi-Style Duck Breast (Royal-inspired; rich);
🔥 Butter Chicken — Old Delhi style — an elegant version of a standard.
The Cinnamon Club is easily one of the best Indian Restaurants in London and is a must-visit when searching for a high-end Indian restaurant.
Dishoom — Best for Bombay Inspired Indian Food – Best Indian London
📍 Where: Covent Garden, Shoreditch, King’s Cross & more
⭐ Why Visit? Come for the irresistible street food flavors, stay for the nostalgic Bombay café vibes
Inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom serves up tasty small plates, fragrant curries and interesting Indian drinks in a casual yet smart environment.
Must-Try Dishes:
🍛 House Black Daal — Slow cooked for 24 hours for a rich, creamy consistency.
🍛 Chicken Ruby Curry – A comforting dish with lots of flavor.
Bacon Naan Roll – A popular fusion breakfast item.
A great option for casual diners and food lovers alike. Dishoom is one of the best Indian London restaurants with a warm ambiance and consistently excellent food.
Gymkhana – For the Best Michelin-Starred Indian Cuisine – Best Indian London
📍 Location: Mayfair
⭐ Why Visit? Michelin-star restaurant, posh antiques, exquisite Indian food
Gymkhana A Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in London, Gymkhana is a go-to for thick, silky curries and flawless tandoori seasoned to perfection. Inspired by the elite Indian social clubs of the colonial days, the restaurant’s elegant setting and sophisticated menu have made it one of London’s most coveted Indian tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
🔥 Kid Goat Methi Keema – You will see the flavors bursting when you serve this dish with pao (soft buns).
🔥 Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops – Chared and smoky to the next level.
🔥 Butter Chicken Masala – A buttery, rich curry made with fresh tomatoes and cream.
Gymkhana is a fine dining Indian restaurant between Mayfair and Belgravia, perfect if you’re seeking one of the best Indian fine dining restaurants in London.
Benares – Best Indian Fusion with an Innovative Twist – Best Indian London
📍 Location: Mayfair
⭐ Why Visit? Michelin-starred restaurant, modern Indian-European fusion
Benares — Another one of the Michelin-starred Indian fine-dining establishments in London, Benares specializes in combining traditional Indian textures and tastes with European influences. In terms of fine dining, the tasteful ambience and meticulously planned tasting menus place it in the top tier of Indian London restaurants.
Must-Try Dishes:
🍛 Tandoori Monkfish — Lightly spiced and expertly cooked.
🍛 Lamb Rogan Josh Shepherd’s Pie — A fusion take on two classics.
🍛 Saffron and Cardamom Cheesecake — An Indian-inspired dessert.
For fine Indian dining, Benares is a top spot.
Trishna – The Best (But Not Only) Coastal Indian Cuisine – Best Indian London
📍 Location: Marylebone
⭐ Why Visit? Michelin-star South Indian seafood specialties
Trishna is a coastal Indian, with dishes from Goan, Keralan and Mumbai on the menus in London. The restaurant’s sleek, minimalist decor is a fitting complement to its seafood dishes, fresh and fragrant.
Must-Try Dishes:
🐟 Hariyali Bream – Marinated with fresh herbs and grilled to perfection.
🔥 Tandoori Lobster – A dish fit for a king.
🍛 Crab & Curry Leaf Fried Rice — A coastal-inspired twist on a classic.
Trishna is a great option if you’re looking for Indian restaurants in London and you love seafood.
Best Indian BBQ & Drinks – Brigadiers – Best Indian London
📍 Location: Bank
⭐ Why Visit? Barbecue, Indian, sports bar, lively atmosphere
Brigadiers (London)A boisterous, high-energy Indian restaurant in London inspired by the army mess halls of India. The emphasis is on Indian barbecue, beer and big flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
🔥 Butter Chicken Wings – A tasty twist on a classic.
🔥 Lamb Biryani – Cooked in layers with the most in-depth spices.
🔥 Achari Beef Short Ribs – Smoky, tender and spicy.
If you are on the hunt for a laid back but thrilling Indian restaurant in London, Brigadiers is an ideal venue for all your food, drinks and feel-good fun.
Hoppers – The Best in Sri Lankan & South Indian Cuisine – Best Indian London
📍 Where: Soho, Marylebone, King’s Cross
⭐ Why Visit? Sri Lankan and South Indian flavors, laid-back vibe
For something slightly different, Hoppers serves a Sri Lankan-inspired menu featuring big spices and intriguing textures. The restaurant is known for hoppers (fermented rice pancakes), incendiary curries and coconut-powdered dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
🍛 Egg Hopper with Pol Sambol – A signature dish that is bursting with flavour.
🍛 Black Pork Kari (Curry) — A must-try for spice lovers.
🔥 பாகுபாடா – A South Indian rich, indulgent delicacy in a South Indian style.
If you’re after something a little more unique when it comes to Indian dining, Hoppers is one of the finest Indian London restaurants to consider.
Tayyabs – Best Authentic Punjabi Restaurant – Best Indian London
📍 Location: Whitechapel
⭐ Why Visit? Legendary Punjabi flavors in a no-frills, familyrun way
A London institution: Tayyabs has been dishing up authentic Punjabi food since 1972. This casual restaurant is known for its grilled meats and howling curries, not to mention its electric atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
🔥 Lamb Chops – Marinated and grilled to perfection.
🔥 Karahi Chicken — A daring and spicy North Indian dish.
🍛 Daal Tarka – A flavorful lentil dish that is so comforting.
If you want an authentic Indian meal on a budget, try Tayyabs.
Closing Thoughts: The Best Indian Restaurants in London – Best Indian London
From Michelin-starred fine dining and casual street food to home-style cooking, the London Indian restaurant scene is incredible.
Best For Different Occasions:
✔️ Best Fine Dining: The Cinnamon Club, Gymkhana, Benares
✔️ Top Casual Dining: Dishoom, Hoppers, Tayyabs
✔️ Best Indian Grill & Cocktails: Brigadiers
✔️ Best South Indian & Seafood: Trishna
Whatever you’re in the mood for, these top Indian London restaurants guarantee flavor and excitement. 🍛🔥
