Top 10 Best Indian Restaurants in London

The Shoreditch branch of Dishoom attracts an even younger, hipper crowd than its Covent Garden predecessor, with weekend brunches that require military-level planning to secure. The menu mirrors the other locations—that same legendary bacon naan, those same rich curries—but the industrial-chic space and East London energy give it its own distinct character. Come early or late to avoid the inevitable wait, because this place never stops buzzing.

Hidden in the City's financial district, The India has become the go-to for business lunches and after-work gatherings with its modern take on North Indian classics. The tandoori selection is exemplary, the biryanis arrive fragrant and perfectly layered, and the slick dining room manages to feel sophisticated without being intimidating. It's proof that the Square Mile can do serious Indian food when it puts its mind to it.

Chettinad Restaurant has been serving the fiery, aromatic cuisine of Tamil Nadu since 1985, earning a devoted following for its uncompromising authenticity. The pepper chicken and spice-crusted lamb chops showcase the region's love affair with black pepper, curry leaves, and bold flavors that leave your palate tingling. It's refreshingly unpretentious—wooden tables, efficient service, and cooking that speaks for itself.

The Trafalgar Square sibling to the High Holborn original delivers the same art-adorned opulence and ambitious Indian cooking in the heart of tourist central. Despite its prime location, the food doesn't coast on convenience—the tandoor-grilled items and rich curries show genuine skill and respect for traditional techniques. Pre-theatre diners and West End visitors will find a menu that's both accessible and exciting.

This South London gem specializes in the street food of Rajasthan, with kachoris—fried pastries stuffed with spiced lentils—that are nothing short of addictive. The casual setting and wallet-friendly prices belie the authenticity and care in every dish, from the tangy pani puri to the warming dal bati churma. It's the kind of neighborhood spot that locals guard jealously, offering genuine flavors that transport you straight to Jaipur.

Kricket brings a modern British sensibility to Indian small plates, with seasonal ingredients and a constantly evolving menu that keeps regulars coming back. The signature Keralan fried chicken and samphire pakoras demonstrate how contemporary Indian cooking can feel both familiar and thrillingly new. The compact Soho space fills with a lively after-work crowd who come for the inventive cooking and stay for the natural wine list.

Saffron Soho proves that vegetarian Indian food deserves its own spotlight, serving up a meat-free menu that even carnivores won't complain about. The paneer tikka is impossibly tender, the dosas are expertly crisp, and the South Indian specialties show real regional authenticity. Tucked on Old Compton Street, it's a calm refuge from Soho's chaos with food that punches well above its mid-range price point.

Colonel Saab transforms Indian dining into a theatrical experience, with interiors that resemble an art collector's mansion filled with family heirlooms and curated antiques. The menu takes you on a nostalgic journey through regional Indian cooking, with standouts like butter chicken spring rolls and Rajasthani laal maas that pack serious depth. It's opulent without being stuffy, making it ideal for both celebrations and impressive dates.

Tucked into a Mayfair townhouse, Gymkhana brings the elegance of colonial Indian clubs to London with a Michelin star to its name. The game meats and regional preparations—think wild muntjac biryani and Rajasthani kid goat—showcase chef-patron Karam Sethi's dedication to lesser-known Indian techniques. This is special-occasion dining at its finest, where impeccable service meets genuinely thrilling flavors.

This Bombay café homage has captured London's heart with its all-day menu of bacon naan rolls, black daal, and impossibly creamy house chai. The interiors channel 1920s Irani cafés with their vintage fans, marble tables, and old Bollywood posters, while the queues outside confirm that Dishoom isn't just a restaurant—it's a full-blown phenomenon. Come for breakfast, stay for the vibe, and don't even think about skipping the pau bhaji.