London’s Pakistani restaurants are among the most highly regarded in the world – these are our favourites in the capital.
Words by Sam Jean
Pakistani cuisine fuses East, West and Central Asian culinary tradition with flavours inspired by its Mughal legacy.
With spicy aromas, lively atmospheres and, of course, vibrant, mouth-watering dishes, London’s Pakistani and Punjabi restaurants represent some of the very best restaurants the capital has to offer – a bold statement for bold food.
Ready to discover where you need to dine?
Best Pakistani Restaurants in London
Tayyabs
Whitechapel
££
Among East London Pakistani restaurants, Tayyabs is definitely the most well-known – and the competition is pretty hot.
The famous menu is absolutely packed with flavours, from the sizzling lamb chops to melt-in-the-mouth roti, karahi curries and dhal. In fact, visiting Tayyabs and not ordering a portion of the lamb chops is criminal.
The venue is laid back and cosy with a BYOB policy, so you can bring your own drinks and save some money on booze in the process. Bookings and walk-ins are welcomed, but be prepared to wait during peak hours.
Punjab Indian Restaurant
££
Established in 1946, Punjab’s is almost certainly the UK’s oldest Punjabi restaurant.
The menu features all the classics, like tikka masala, korma and madras, all cooked in Punjabi tradition, but you’ll also find specials like gosht, puri and amritsari fish if you’re looking for something truly authentic.
With stunning reviews and an excellent location in Covent Garden, this has got to be one of the capital’s favourite Punjabi restaurants.
Don’t fancy leaving the house? Takeaways are available at distances of up to 8 miles.
Aladin
££
Aladin is a multi-award-winning curry house, and potentially one of the best in the world, having been both praised by King Charles and listed on BBC’s list of ‘World’s Best Curry Houses’. If you’re searching for a lively Pakistani restaurant, Central London’s Aladin is tough to beat.
The menu is undoubtedly a hybrid between Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine and offers a complete menu of favourites, mouth-watering specials on the Royale section of the menu, kebabs, bread, paneer – everything you could ask for, really.
It’s difficult to understate Aladin’s cult status among curry fanatics – visiting is non-negotiable if you’re looking for the best Pakistani restaurants in London.
Spice Village Tooting
Tooting
££
With a beautiful interior, stunning menu and 5-star-studded reviews, Spice Village has been a massive hit. It’s a true institution of Pakistani cuisine.
The cuisine here is elegant – you could even say a little high-end – but the prices are super-affordable.
With grilled meats and veg for starters, chicken, lamb and veggie dishes, authentic specials and even a generous selection of desserts, the menu is pretty much perfect. A bold claim, we know
A decadent interior and top-notch service only add to this excellent restaurant’s reputation.
Among London’s many excellent Pakistani restaurants, Tooting is spoilt for choice, and Spice Village is certainly one of its very best.
Salloos
£££
Salloos of Belgravia is classy, as you might expect from the area, with luxurious cream walls adorned with abstract art. The Mughal-Pakistani menu is authentic and delicious and the atmosphere is warm and sophisticated – just like the food.
Of course, you’re paying a little extra to eat in a high-end area, but the menu is a real treat and is about as elegant as Pakistani cuisine can get.
Unlike some curry houses, which get pretty rowdy and hectic on a Friday or Saturday night, Salloos is nice and laid back – perfect for couples, families and small groups.
Lahori
££
Tucked away in a quiet part of residential West London is Lahori, a Pakistani restaurant which is often frequented by Indian and Pakistani cricketers.
Lahori has established an incredible reputation for mouth-watering cuisine, with favourites like tandoori chicken wings, seekh kebabs and iconic lamb chops.
Check out the starters from the Lahori grill with delicious, robust meaty dishes to grab for the table (or, more likely, all for yourself).
The interior is modern-chic, homely and comfortable, and the service is excellent. Vegetarian dishes are represented by wonderful mattar and palak Paneer. One of the top Pakistani restaurants in London for authentic cuisine in a relaxed central London setting.
Namak Mandi
Tooting
££
Another of Tooting’s finest, Namak Mandi (which translates to salt market in Urdu), specialises in Pashtun cuisine from mountainous Northwest Pakistan bordering Afghanistan.
The meat-heavy menu reflects culinary tradition from that area, with superb grilled meats and kebabs (the mixed grill is incredible). Like much Punjabi cuisine, the flavours here are robust, rich, aromatic, but not drowned in spice – cuisine from this region is about letting the fundamental ingredients do the talking.
One thing we should mention: You have the option of sitting on the floor in private booths for a truly authentic Pakistani restaurant in London.
Lahore Kebab House
Whitechapel
££
A proper curry and kebab house with a stark exterior and decor but incredible food, Lahore Kebab House has a bustling atmosphere and stellar service. The food here is unpretentious, vivid and genuine, with strong flavours, plenty of choice, spicy aromas and super-fresh ingredients.
This award-winning kebab house has too many accolades and awards to list and has built a tremendous reputation with outrageously good kebabs, lamb chops, grilled meats and curry dishes.
You can BYOB, and the atmosphere is as laid back as it gets – the perfect stop for big groups after busy days and before even busier nights. For sure, some of the best Pakistani food in London.
For the best Pakistani restaurants, East London might just hold the aces courtesy of Lahore Kebab House and Tayyabs.
Lahore Local
Acton
£
Yes, this one is a little under the radar, but it’s quickly established a great reputation among locals and those further afield.
Situated way west in Acton Town, Lahore Local is warm and homely with a sublimely authentic menu. Portions are massive, flavours lively and prices very reasonable.
The kebabs from the grill are outstanding, and there are a few unique twists on the menu, like the Punjabi-inspired aloo and chapli burgers.
SHOLA Karachi Kitchen
White City
££
SHOLA – meaning “Spark” in Urdu – is a gorgeous venue with a modern, minimalist interior and an air of sophistication.
With a focus on proper home Pakistani cooking, SHOLA has an outstanding menu with boti, karahi, biryani and daal.
The lunch menu is excellent, too, with meat and veggie boxes, masala fries and chicken wraps. The karahi crunch burger is incredible.
Like Salloos, SHOLA is a little more laid back than some curry houses and is perfect for daytime visits, singles, couples, families and small groups who want to enjoy a slightly different angle on Pakistani cuisine that retains authenticity.
Practical Tips for Exploring the Best Pakistani Restaurants
- If you’re searching for the best Pakistani restaurant, London delivers tons of superb choices. Though Tayyabs would be our top recommendation.
- Expect plenty of classics at these Punjabi restaurants, but if you’re already a fan of Indian food, try something you don’t recognise the name of – or ask for staff recommendations.
- Curry houses tend to be pretty informal and don’t mind big groups, and some have a BYOB policy, so you can bring beer, wine, cider…whatever you like. Most don’t charge for it, either.
