London is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, and Indian food is a favorite part of its dining landscape. From fine dining Michelin-starred restaurants to local area curry shops, the city has a multitude of Indian restaurants to suit all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy North Indian curries, delicate South Indian flavors, or innovative Indian fusion, London has it all. If you’re searching for the Top 5 Indian Restaurants in London, this guide will help you discover the must-visit spots for an unforgettable dining experience.
In this blog, we discover the top 5 Indian restaurants in London that provide an unforgettable experience. These restaurants are famous for their genuine flavors, high-quality ingredients, innovative menus, and outstanding service.
1. Dishoom – A Bombay-Inspired Experience
Location: Several locations including Covent Garden, Shoreditch, and King’s Cross
Cuisine: Bombay-style café with a combination of street food and classic dishes
Dishoom is now a household name among London foodies. A nostalgic and romantic interpretation of Indian dining, Dishoom draws inspiration from the classic Irani cafés of Mumbai (Bombay). The atmosphere is retro and lively, with décor evoking 1940s Bombay.
Why it’s a top pick:
- Their famous Black Daal is slow-cooked for more than 24 hours and has a cult following.
- The House Chai is comforting and served with unlimited refills.
- Vegetarian and vegan choices are lovingly crafted and scrumptious.
- Must-haves: Chicken Ruby, Pau Bhaji, House Black Daal, Bacon Naan Roll (breakfast)
2. Gymkhana – Michelin-Starred Luxury Dining
Address: 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair
Cuisine: Modern Indian with a colonial club vibe
Gymkhana is a high-end Indian restaurant in Mayfair that has been awarded a Michelin star for its outstanding food and service. It captures the essence of colonial India’s upscale clubs with elegant sophistication infused with rich, bold flavors.
What makes it special:
- Upscale ingredients and skillful presentation elevate it to fine dining.
- Traditional dishes with a twist.
- The restaurant serves the best game dishes and creative cocktails.
- Must-haves: Wild Muntjac, Biryani, Tandoori Chicken Chops, Kid Goat Methi Keema with Salli
3. Darjeeling Express – Homestyle Cooking with Heart
Address: Kingly Court, Soho
Food: Home-cooked Indian from all over India, headed by an all-female kitchen
Founded by celebrity-chef-turned-home-cook Asma Khan, Darjeeling Express serves food that tastes like it was plucked directly from the kitchen of an Indian family home. What began as a supper club has evolved into one of London’s favorite Indian restaurants.
Why it’s worth visiting:
- Asma’s all-female staff recreates recipes passed down through generations.
- Menus rotate with the seasons to keep things new.
- The authenticity and warmth of the food and service are second to none.
- Must-try dishes: Bengali Prawn Curry, Biryani Feast, Tangra Chilli Garlic Prawns
4. Trishna – Coastal Indian Delights
Address: 15-17 Blandford Street, Marylebone
Cuisine: Coastal Indian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood
Trishna, another Michelin-starred restaurant, is a specialist in the coastal cuisine of South West India, specifically the Konkan region. It’s an elegant setting with a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for seafood enthusiasts and those who enjoy lighter, fragrant dishes.
Why it’s a top contender:
- Fresh seafood is flown in daily to provide top-notch quality.
- Wine pairs are selected carefully for pairing with spices and dishes.
- Service is warm but professional, further adding to the dining experience.
- Dishes one cannot miss out on: Koliwada Prawns, Hariyali Bream, Lobster Neeruli
5. Brigadiers – Where Indian Food Meets Sports Bar Vibes?
Location: 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, Bank
Cuisine: Indian BBQ and street food with a fun ambiance
Brigadiers provides a confident combination of Indian tastes with the atmosphere of a social club. Modelled after army mess bars in India, the restaurant blends barbecue skills, regional Indian spices, and a great drinks selection.
Highlights:
Ideal for groups, workday lunches, or sporting events in style.
Whisky tastings, live sports on TV, and a cigar lounge add an exciting atmosphere.
An excellent menu ranging from kebabs to curries to Indian fried chicken.
Must-try dishes: BBQ Butter Chicken Wings, Amritsari Fish Tikka, Goat Belly Vindaloo Samosas
Bonus Mentions: Honorable Mentions Worth Trying
While these five restaurants top the list, London is full of hidden gems and rising stars. If you’re hungry for more, don’t miss:
- Kricket – Modern Indian small plates with British ingredients (Soho & White City)
- Cinnamon Club – Innovative Indian dining in a former Victorian library (Westminster)
- Hoppers – Sri Lankan-inspired food with a South Indian flair (Soho & Marylebone)
- Benares – A posh Mayfair restaurant serving modern Indian cuisine
What to Expect from Indian Dining in London?
Indian restaurants in London are no longer relegated to the clichéd curry house. Most chefs are combining Indian methods with international influences, and the result is something truly unique.
When you eat at Indian restaurants in London, you can look forward to:
- Regional diversity – From coconut curries in Kerala to Punjabi tandoori meats
- Vegetarian-friendly menus – Indian food is heaven for vegetarians
- Fusion menus – British-Indian creations such as the bacon naan roll or Indian-themed cocktails
- Hospitality – Indian hospitality generally comes through and makes you feel like you’re home
Conclusion
London’s Indian restaurant culture is more vibrant than ever. From top-end luxury to hearty home-style cooking, to creative Indian fusion, there’s something for every appetite.
If you’re in London or visiting soon, the top 5 Indian restaurants in the city should be first on your list. From the classic charm of Dishoom to the sophistication of Gymkhana and the home-cooked meals at Darjeeling Express, these eateries guarantee something more than a meal—something more like an experience.
Therefore, take a pal, book a table, and go experience the amazing realm of Indian food in London.