Looking for the best curry in the capital? Look no further than these fabulous Indian restaurants in London.
There are few cuisines quite as instantly recognizable and effortlessly tasty as Indian. The food boasts a staggering amount of flavours and cooking styles that never amount to anything less than a feast fit for royalty.
Luckily for us, London is swimming in great Indian food. From the white tablecloth and Michelin-star spots like Benares to the down-to-earth charm of Tayyabs, there’s an option to fit every mood. Choosing the right place for you is not always easy though.
That’s where we come in. We’ve been loosening up the belt and hitting the town in search of the finest Indian restaurants around. Here’s what we’ve discovered.
Brilliant Indian Restaurants London
Cinnamon Club
Westminster
Another great spot to experience Indian cooking taken to its highest elevation is the Cinnamon Club. You’ll be a party to exquisite tasting menus that use locally sourced ingredients and Indian techniques to create something truly unique.
We love the restaurant for its curries, of course, but the thing that gets us every time is the setting. The dining room is located in an old library and they’ve left much of it, including rows of shelved books, in place.
On top of that the design boasts flares of the art deco, subtle design choices that you can’t help but marvel at and a sprawling parquet floor you wish you had in your front room. For atmosphere, you just can’t beat it.
Tayyabs
Whitechapel
What better Indian restaurant to kick off with than Tayyabs? It’s one of our top restaurants in London. It’s got a very large menu which boasts a spread of good curry. You’ll want to order the milder karahi chicken and spicy lamb biryani.
Regardless of how good the curry is, Tayyabs is particularly famous for its excellent barbecue, so make sure you get something off the grill – the tikka fish is a great shout. Oh, and the lamb chops are a must.
The spacious rooms and long tables make this a great spot if you’re eating as a large (or very large) group. It’s also worth noting that they don’t serve booze, but you can bring your own.
Kahani
Chelsea
Fancy something a little more towards the high end? You can’t beat Kahani for that. It’s set into the spacious basement of a Chelsea townhouse and boasts a dining room that glitzed up to the nines.
The menu is thick. You’ll probably have a tough time choosing between some of the dishes but make sure you order the smoked Malabar prawns. They’re chunky and come in this tamarind sauce that’s nothing like anything we’ve tasted outside of this restaurant.
Special mention should go to the cocktails too. The Sweet Modhu was our tipple of choice and it pretty much convinced us that Kahani could make a fine living just running this place as a bar.
Gunpowder
Multiple locations
Gunpowder opened in 2015 and quickly gobbled up most of London’s attention. Usually in this city, where new restaurants open at an almost alarming rate, that attention can be pretty fickle, but Gunpowder has managed to hold it long enough to carve out a reputation as one of the best curry houses in the city.
They’ve now have several locations around London, all turning out delicious Indian food that gently pushes the limits of what the food can be without completely doing away with tradition. The result is food that strikes a fine balance and won’t fail to impress.
Gunpowder opened in 2015 and quickly gobbled up most of London’s attention. Usually in this city, where new restaurants open at an almost alarming rate, that attention can be pretty fickle, but Gunpowder has managed to hold it long enough to carve out a near cult-level following.
They’ve now got several locations around London, all turning out delicious Indian food that gently pushes the limits of what the cuisine can be without completely doing away with tradition.
The result is food that strikes a fine balance between modern and traditional and won’t fail to impress.
Apollo Banana Leaf
Tooting
Apollo Banana Leaf looks toward Sri Lanka for inspiration – it’s not India we know, but the culinary traditions are similar and the food here is great so we thought we’d shoehorn it in.
It’s a homely spot for dinner. The restaurant is super down-to-earth and the portions are hearty. We defy you to leave anything but totally stuffed.
Planning to visit? Try out the devilled mutton if you dare. But be warned: it’s very spicy, though the meat practically melts away in your mouth. It is such a delicious dish that is, in our humble opinion, worth visiting the restaurant for alone.
Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
Soho
Govinda’s has quite the accolade: it was London’s first fully vegetarian restaurant. It opened in 1979 and is still going strong. They specialise in Thali, a traditional Indian way of dining that offers a series of small portions of curry – lentil soups, chilli paneer, pakora, chapati and more – all on one large plate.
It’s a really nice way of eating as you get to try a bit of everything – and let us tell you, you do want to try everything at Govinda’s. They do them in varying sizes so you can cater for groups if you need.
The single portion will also do just fine if you’re not the sharing type, and best of all it’ll only set you back £9.95.
Dishoom
Multiple locations
Dishoom has a number of branches throughout the capital, though we feel that the Covent Garden branch is one of the best – that’s if we discount King’s Cross’ bar, The Permit Room. It’s not a bad spot to wait out the queues that you’ll almost definitely have to endure for a table.
The restaurant serves up a fantastic selection of Indian cuisine and is known for the variety of dishes on offer, as well as a wide array of vegetarian options. It’s all served tapas style, so order plenty and share between the group.
Don’t know what to go for? The staff are always happy to help you find exactly what you need. Our top picks include the chicken tikka rolls and the chicken biryani, though we cannot resist the gunpowder potatoes.
Gymkhana
Gymkhana managed to earn itself a Michelin star in 2014 after many years of stellar service and fantastic food across the board. It has to be said we reckon if you can afford it, this is one of the best Indians you can find in the capital.
The food is delectable and packed with flavours and spices across the board. They do a Venison Keema Naan which must not be overlooked, and if you can manage the spice the Pork Cheek Vindaloo is absolutely divine.
Being holders of a Michelin star you can expect top-quality service to match the amazing food, and a wine list that’s been curated to stand up to the bold flavours and spices of the Indian menu – they really don’t put a foot out of place here.
Hoppers
A fusion of Indian and Sri Lankan is what’s on offer at Hoppers. They have a really extensive menu with chefs working magic that’ll make you want to come back and try what you missed the first time around. .
If you do visit, make sure to try the egg hopper (the dish that gives the restaurant its name) with masala dosa. These two dishes go together perfectly, something that you should definitely not miss.
Be warned, this restaurant is a touch on the pricier side and you’ll be tempted to over-order (believe us) but it is well worth it for the amazing service and food.
Madhu’s
Situated inside The Dilly Hotel, just off Piccadilly Circus, Madhu’s might just have perfected fine dining. Opulent and indulgent, this restaurant is the place to come for a special celebration.
The menu states it’s Punjabi with a Kenyan twist – an unusual but flavourful pairing. Our top picks from the menu include the Seekh Kebabs, Murgh Malai (a delicious tikka-esque affair), and the Karahi Paneer – a bowl of spicy yet creamy goodness.
Cocktail-wise, Madhu’s boasts an array of innovative tipples. From a perfectly balanced Berry Bramble to the ultra-boozy Aviation (vodka, gin, rum, and Cointreau mixed with Olmeca Altos and orange), there’s something to suit all palettes.
Plus, there’s an excellent selection of wines and beers, if that’s more your style.
Brilliant
Southall
We love a confident restaurant. Brilliant by name, brilliant by nature – this spot was first opened up in the 1970s as a small 30-seat restaurant and has ever since then expanded further to accommodate more customers.
When you’ve tasted the kebabs and tandoori grill work here, it will make sense why this spot is extremely popular. The seekh kebabs and tandoori lamb chops should not be missed out on.
If you want to bulk out your meal with some curry, try the chilli paneer – a fiery yet creamy dish that will amaze with just how much flavour is packed into just a couple of bites.
Tamarind Kitchen
Soho is well known for its eclectic and vibrant culture with hundreds of awesome, hip eateries inspired by cultures across the world, and Tamarind Kitchen is easily one of the best restaurants in the neighbourhood.
The restaurant is all about quality and taste. The chefs have created a wonderful menu full of exciting dishes that will keep you coming back for more. Their Old Dehli Butter Chicken is absolutely divine, seasoned with a delightful mix of mild spices.
There are plenty of other dishes you don’t want to miss at Tamarind Kitchen. If you want something a bit different, try the seabass in yoghurt or Plum Chicken Do Piyaza (yes it’s actually cooked in plums), but don’t be afraid to branch out on your own. You never know what wonderful surprises you may find.
Is it up there with the best of the best? We think so. Visit to find out for yourself.
Trishna
The menu at Trishna is specifically inspired by the flavours of coastal India, all of which have their own unique taste, found nowhere but there.
The dishes here are made from scratch using fresh ingredients and are cooked to perfection. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Indian dishes and curries, and they are easily some of the best we’ve tasted.
To make the deal even sweeter, Trishna also serves a massive number of wines, each of which is specifically chosen to pair with the amazing dishes on offer. If you are planning a special occasion or just fancy treating yourself, then this is the place to go.
The Tamil Prince
Islington
One of our favourite spots in the city for Indian food also happens to be one of our favourite gastropubs. The only thing is, we’re not alone. Half of London raves about how good the cooking is at The Tamil Prince which means it’s not easy to get a seat.
If you manage, you’ll find a concise menu of small and large plates that are best put together into a feast to share. Tawa grilled seabream is not one to miss. The chef has a way with seafood, though he also has a way with red meat judging by the quality of his lamb chops.
Raunka Punjab Diyan
Southall
If you want to try curries that are totally against the grain but also clearly inspired by years of fantastic tradition, then make sure to try out Raunka Punjab Diyan.
Each dish here is prepared with care and attention to detail and is guaranteed to impress. If you want to experience this for yourself, make sure to taste the dal makhani, it is incredibly creamy and full of warming savoury flavours.
Raunka Punjab Diyan is really traditional and it shows in the flavours. It also shows in the decor. The place is kitted out to look like a rural Punjabi village. We’ll admit that the decor is a little naff, but wait till you try the curry before you question why this place made it into our guide.
Benares
Mayfair
Ok, so there’s high-class curry, and then there’s Benares. Before we get stuck in, know that this place has been awarded a Michelin star for the quality of its cooking, service and all-round charm. That means it’s not just competing with the other restaurants in this guide, but the best of the rest in the whole city.
The food is excellent. All sorts of magic is worked to get the most out of the ingredients and the curries have a certain depth to them that you can’t really find elsewhere. Even something as straightforward as a korma takes on a new life in the kitchen at Benares.
Portion sizes (as with most Michelin restaurants) aren’t massive, but that’s actually pretty good because you will want to eat a lot and you’ll have the totally novel experience of leaving a curry house without feeling like you need to airlifted back home.
Needoo Grill
Whitechapel
Are you looking for food that ticks both the healthy and tasty boxes? Then Needoo Grill is definitely the place for you.
They use organic produce to serve up dishes packed with flavour and nutrients to curate a meal designed to give your body exactly what it needs while still leaving you feeling satisfied that you’ve eaten like a king.
Try out the delicious and nutritious fish masala which is a great curry to spring for if you want to treat yourself.
Sakonis
Wembley
If you’re on a vegetarian diet but still want to chow down on some fantastic Indian cuisine then Sakonis is the place you’re looking for. They create truly wonderful twists on the ordinary curry, making them something that everyone will enjoy, even if they’re missing the meat.
If you visit you’ll definitely want to make a point of trying out the Mysore Masala Dosa – a wonderful take on the “Indian pancake” and packed full of spice. The ingredients used in the dish are fresh and vibrant and it is clear that the chefs know how to make full use of them.
That’s a notion that runs through pretty much everything you’ll eat here, in case you were wondering.
Vijay
Maida Vale
Established in 1964, Vijay has long been serving the British public some of the best curry dishes, and thus it has managed to build up a truly solid menu of amazing classics and house specialities, as well as numerous more experimental dishes.
Vijay only hires the absolute best chefs, people who have a clear passion for the food they serve and decades of experience in the restaurant’s South Indian cooking. For us, that means adding them to this guide is a serious no-brainer.
If you’re heading there, make sure to order the Chicken Korma (or at least steal a bite of someone else’s). It’s a classic dish, but it’s clear that Vijay knows how to make it taste simply perfect.
Potli
Hammersmith
Potli focuses entirely on the highly specific world of Indian street food to create dishes that have a very rustic flavour throughout and that you can taste the passion of the chefs through.
The menu offers an array of mouthwatering dishes that are all beautifully presented and cooked to perfection.
You’ll find plenty of traditional favourites such as chicken tikka masala and balti rice, made with a sense of flair that gives them a unique taste.
Don’t be afraid to branch out into some dishes that you wouldn’t normally try. The Sesame Chilli Paneer, for example, is a great shout to replace your regular saag paneer and the house special Odia Prawn Curry really packs a punch.
Mirch Masala
Tooting
The second you step foot into Mirch Masala you’ll find yourself surprised at the wonderfully modern interior decor that gives it a unique sense of character.
And this also applies to the food. The chefs do a great job of marrying modern sensibilities and classic culinary techniques.
Try out the Chicken Tikka Masala. We know it’s not very adventurous but they do a cracking job with the dish. The naans are freshly made here too, very soft, and very wholesome so you’ll want something saucy to dip them in.
Amaya
Belgravia
Amaya really manages to stand out. That’s mainly thanks to its incredibly stylish interior design, but the Michelin star hanging by the door doesn’t hurt either. It’s not just about looks though. Amaya serves up some of the most delicious and innovative Indian food around.
They offer a wide range of dishes, from classic curries like Chicken Tikka Masalas and Butter Chicken to more signature options like their Char-grilled Aubergine – a must-eat even for non-vegetarians.
All the food comes immaculately presented and hits some real high notes when it comes to flavour. Trust us when we say you’ve never tasted a chicken tikka masala like this.
The Quilon Restaurant
Quilon’s driving motivation is very simple, as they are dedicated to bringing the greatest flavours from India to the people of London, and they do so with absolute aplomb.
If you want a menu that includes everything you could ever expect or want, then this is a perfect place for you to try out.
We recommend tasting the Malabar lamb biryani. It’s cooked with a series of traditional spices from Malabar so you’ll get something true to form. It’s also left to slowly cook in a sealed pot, which causes the lamb to become incredibly tender, packed full of flavour and juices that melt out with every bite.
