15 Best Indian Restaurants In London

If you google the national dishes of the UK, apart from the obvious fish and chips, the other dish that shows up is Chicken Tikka Masala. Yes, that's right, a very hardcore Indian recipe has found its way into the hearts of British culture and people. One can see the best Indian restaurants in London, making England their home. Naturally, a city like London, considered to be a melting pot of cultures, would be home to a wide variety of Indian restaurants. Some of the restaurants below are considered to be the top Indian restaurants in London, including Michelin starred. It is clear that apart from India, the top Indian restaurants in London offer the best Indian food in London you can find outside of the home country of the cuisine. With the list of the best Indian restaurants in London for each category, you will be sure to be left wanting more!  Here are some of our picks of the best Indian food in London.

1. Gymkhana

Ranking: 4.5
Price: £20 - £130

Opening hours: Mon - Sun, 12:00 pm - 02:45 pm and 05:30 pm - 10:45 pm

Address: Gymkhana, 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4JH
Telephone: +44 20 3011 5900
Website: gymkhanalondon.com, Gymkhana Insta handle

One of the first Indian restaurants in London, Gymkhana has reopened with its Michelin-starred Indian cuisine after being shut down for more than six months due to a fire. Despite a complete renovation, the atmosphere of the restaurant remains mostly unchanged, serving the best Indian food in London: it is sophisticated and takes its cues from the gentlemen's clubs that were common in British-colonial India. It was named the best Indian restaurant in London in 2014. You can enjoy char-grilled food, curries, and roasts from tandoor ovens at one of the top Indian restaurants in London.

Menu: Gymkhana menu

Recommended dish: Muntjac biryani, pomegranate and mint raita
Indian restaurant in London best for: Fine-dine Michelin star restaurant, this food joint is perfect for people who love sigri charcoal grills and tandoor oven food.

Transport options nearby: The Berkeley Street (Stop Z) bus stop is a 4-minute walk from Gymkhana, while the Green Park subway station is a 3-minute walk.

2. Gunpowder

Ranking: 4.4
Price: £5 - £40

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 12:00 pm - 03:00 pm and 05:30 pm - 10:00 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Sunday closed
Address: Gunpowder, 11 White's Row, Spitalfields, London E1 7NF; 4 Duchess Walk, London SE1 2SD
Telephone: +44 20 7426 0542 (Spitalfields); +44 20 3598 7946 (Tower Bridge)
Website: gunpowderlondon.com, Gunpowder Insta handle

Gunpowder makes the cut for almost every top Indian restaurant in London list. Nirmal Save, a former chef at Mayfair's Tamarind, is the owner of this little family-run eatery, which forgoes bloating bread and sauces in favour of a menu of roughly 20 dishes from all over India. Excellent vegetarian options include sweet spice-grilled mustard broccoli, along with the chargrilled tandoori chicken and Kashmiri lamb chops. There's also a branch on Tower Bridge. So, no wonder Gunpowder is considered one of the best Indian restaurants in London.

Menu: Gunpowder Spitalfields menu

Recommended dish:  Aloo chaat
Indian Restaurant in London best for: A laid-back evening ambience. Perfect for the best Indian food in London and those looking for the home-cooked food feeling!

Transport options nearby: The Brushfield subway station is a short 30-minute drive from Gunpowder.

3. Kutir

Ranking: 4.6
Price: £25 - £60

Opening hours: Tue - Sun 01:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Monday closed

Address: Kutir, 10 Lincoln Street, London SW3 2TS
Telephone: +44 20 7581 1144
Website: kutir.co.uk, KUTIR Insta handle

Former Trishna and Jamavar chef Rohit Ghai's first solo venture is a stylish townhouse restaurant with a lot of polish, hidden away on a small backstreet off the King's Road. Often called one of the best Indian restaurants in London, Kutir has always been a people’s favourite. Seafood is incredibly delicious, with upscale specialities including pan-fried sea bass with curry leaves and coconut, salmon tikka, and soft-shell crab with chickpeas and tellicherry pepper. Choose this restaurant for its cosy ambience, luxurious décor, and consistently excellent food.

Menu: KUTIR menu

Recommended dish: Signature expedition
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: A tasting menu for Indian cuisine and instagrammable restaurant. Perfect for those looking for an elevated dining experience.

Transportation options nearby: The Draycott Place bus stop is an extremely short 1-minute walk from arguably one of the best Indian restaurants in London. The Sloane Square subway station, too, is a short 5-minute walk away.

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4. Kahani

Ranking: 4.5
Price: £20 - £80

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 05:00 pm - 10:30 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm - 02:30 pm and 05:00 pm - 10:30 pm, Sunday 12:30 pm - 08:00 pm
Address: Kahani, 1 Wilbraham Place, Belgravia, London SW1X 9AE
Telephone: +44 20 7730 7634
Website: kahinilondon.com, Kahani Instagram handle

Kahani, a solo project from Peter Joseph, the former head chef of Mayfair's Tamarind, gives the option of tiny quantities for most dishes, allowing you to joyfully maraud about the menu and try a bit of everything.
Try one of the smaller dishes, such as the soft-shell crab with smoked tomato chutney seasoned with Mangalorean, or move up to something larger, like the slow-cooked lamb shank with Kashmiri spices. It's a knockout when it comes to contemporary Indian cuisine. With such a reputation, no wonder it's considered one of the top Indian restaurants in London.

Menu: Kahani Menu

Recommended dish: Nigella seeds and wheat crisps with marinated tandoori broccoli
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: Small Indian plates. Perfect place for those looking for a sophisticated and elevated dining experience.

Transportation options nearby: The Sloane Square (stop C) bus stop is a mere 2-minute walk away from Kahani, while the Sloane Square subway station too is a short 4-minute walk.

5. Bibi

Ranking:4.6
Price: £30 - £75

Opening hours: Mon-  Sunday, 11:00 pm - 06:00 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays closed
Address: 42 N Audley St, London W1K 6ZP
Telephone: +44 20 3780 7310
Website: bibirestaurants.com, Bibi Insta handle 

Bibi is amongst some of the famous Indian restaurants in London. BiBi, located in Mayfair, takes its cues from traditional Indian cooking as well as renowned chef Chet Sharma's own experiences and ancestry. The location is a suitable rival to the glitzy hangouts around thanks to its opulent decor, which includes red-tiled kitchens, dark hardwood counters, checkerboard flooring, and paisley-patterned chairs. Three portions make up the menu, which is meant to be shared. Seven or eight small plates are the perfect amount to sample the restaurant's food fully. The restaurant rightfully takes its place among the top Indian restaurants in London. 

Menu: Bibi menu

Recommended dish: Buffalo milk paneer
Best Indian Restaurant in London for:  Fine-dine. The perfect spot for those looking for a modern twist to some Indian dishes we know and love.

Transportation options nearby: The nearest bus stop, Selfridges (stop BX), is a short 4-minute walk from Bibi, while the Marble Arch subway station, too, is a 4-minute walk.

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6. Trishna

Ranking:4.4
Price: £50 - £70

Opening hours: Wed - Sun 12:00 - 02:30 pm and 05:00 pm - 10:15 pm, Mon - Tue 05:00 pm - 10:15 pm
Address: Trishna, 15-17 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DG
Telephone: +44 20 7935 5624
Website: trishnalondon.com, Trishna London

Trishna has wonderful doors that open onto sidewalk tables for outside dining, giving off a neighbourhood vibe. The interior is bright and open, with white brick walls decorated with old Indian travel and movie posters and charming pastel china dinnerware. Trishna, a seafood restaurant with a Michelin star, is similarly fairly priced, particularly for lunch, with a four-course tasting menu costing just $35. Undoubtedly one of the top Indian restaurants in London. Cherry on the top? It is just a few minutes walk from our Marylebone student housing.

Menu: Trishna menu

Recommended dish: Makai saag and Aloo tokri chaat
Best Indian Restaurant in London for : coastal cuisine. Perfect for those who like premium wines with their food!

Transportation options nearby: The George Street (stop J) is located just a 3-minute walk away from Trishna, while the Bond Street subway station is a sort 6-minute walk.

7. Tamarind Kitchen

Ranking:4.3
Price: £40 - £70

Opening hours: Mon - Thur 05:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Fri - Sun 12:00 pm - 02:30 pm and 05:00 - 10:30 pm
Address: Tamarind Kitchen, 167-169 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WR
Telephone: +44 20 7287 4243
Website: tamarindkitchen.co.uk, Tamarind Kitchen Insta handle

The décor of Soho's Tamarind Kitchen, with its pomegranate-red walls hanging with shining brass plates, dark wood panels, and blue-striped banquettes, has a pleasingly jewel-box feel to it. The tandoor, hot griddle, and charcoal grills, along with all the delightful things you can flame on them, are the emphasis of a new menu, making it one of the most famous restaurants in London.

It is one of the best Indian restaurants in London. Order small dishes of the hearty (yet meat-free) lotus-root kebab, tangerine-bright Kerala prawn curry, watercress seekh stuffed with onion raita, and super-tasty chargrilled sea bass with coconut and chilli. Believe it or not, you get the best curry in London.

Menu: Tamarind Kitchen Menu

Recommended dish: Chargrilled lamb chops
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: A lighter and more upscale version of traditional Indian cuisine. Perfect for those who enjoy simple and small-servings of traditional Indian food.

Transportation options nearby: The Wardour Street (stop OM) is located at a 17-minute walk from Tamarind Kitchen, while the Tottenham Court Road subway station is a short 12-minute walk. 

8. Benares

Ranking:4.3
Price: £40 - £140

Opening hours: Mon - Sat 12:00 pm - 02:30 pm and 05:30 pm - 10:30 pm, Sunday 06:00 pm - 09:30 pm
Address: Benares, 12a Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BS
Telephone: +44 20 7629 8886
Website: benaresrestaurant.com, Benares Insta handle

Benares is often termed one of the best Indian restaurants in London by critics and the general public. It received its first star under renowned chef Atul Kochhar in 2007 and has since impressed diners with its opulent portions of classic and innovative meals.

Menu: Benares menu

Recommended dish: Baked Malabar Scallop
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: A Michelin Star feast. Perfect for the adventurous crowd looking for a British-Indian food fusion.

Transportation options nearby: The Berkeley Square (stop X) is located at a short 1-minute walk away from Benares, while the Green Park subway station is at a short 5-minute walk away.

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9. Tandoor Chop House

Ranking:4.4
Price: £15 - £25

Opening Hours: Sun- Thur 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Fri - Sat 12:00 pm - 11:30 pm

Address: Tandoor Chop House, 8 Adelaide Street, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4HZ
Telephone: +44 20 3096 0359
Website: tandoorchophouse.com, Tandoor Chop House Insta handle 

A good name for a slasher film. You haven't been to a chophouse like this, so trust us. The tandoor-smoked and spice-infused meats here are to die for, and the industrial-style decor is more reminiscent of Bombay (via Dishoom) than Berni Inn.

Part of some of the famous Indian restaurants in London, Tandoor Chop serves everything, from the kebab rolls, nimbu masala fries, chicken chops, and excellent naan to the exotically adorned kulfi served as a cooling finish, almost every dish will have you drooling. Tandoor Chop House often ranks highly in the best Indian restaurants in London lists of food magazines.

Menu: Tandoor Chop House menu
Recommended dish: Dexter “dripping” keema naan
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: North Indian communal eatery. Perfect for those looking to save up on eating outside while not compromising on the taste and experience.

Transportation options nearby: The Trafalgar Square (stop G) is located at a convenient 1-minute walk away from Tandoor Chop House, while the Charing Cross subway station is a short 2-minute walk away.

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10. Dishoom

Ranking: 4.5
Price:£15 - £35

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 08:00 am - 11:00 pm, Sat - Sun 09:00 am - 12:00 am
Address: Dishoom, 2 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5QB
Telephone: + 44 20 7420 9320
Website: dishoom.com, Dishoom Insta handle

Dishoom ranks among the top Indian restaurants in London. A posh brasserie called Dishoom is decorated in the manner of Bombay's former post-colonial Irani cafés. The food is the major draw, featuring pav bhaji, bhel (crunchy puffed rice with sour tamarind chutney), and biryanis (toasted white-bread rolls with a spicy vegetable stew as a filling). There are lines for tables because the black dhal and bacon naan are so well-known. It has branches in Shoreditch, King's Cross, Kensington, and Carnaby Street branches, although the Dishoom narrative actually started at the Covent Garden location.

Menu: Dishoom menu

Recommended dish: The Big Bombay
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: A fulfilling breakfast. Perfect for those craving a bite from home.

Transportation options nearby: 

11. The Cinnamon Club

Ranking: 4.3
Price: £20 - £50

Opening hours: Mon - Sat 12:00 pm - 03:00 pm and 05:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Address: The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7222 2555 ‍

The Cinnamon Club was one of the first eateries in London to provide contemporary Indian cuisine, and it is housed in the historic Grade II listed former Westminster Library. The eatery is well-known for its beautifully seasoned seafood dishes and traditional game meals. best Indian restaurants in London

Menu: The Cinnamon Club menu

Recommended dish: Butter chicken and Garlic naan
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: European design and Indian cooking. Perfect for those looking to have the most unique ambience while they feast.

Transportation options nearby: The Westminster Abbey (stop W) is located just 2 minutes away from Cinnamon Club, while the St. James’ Park subway station is located just a 6-minute walk away.

12. Pali Hill

Ranking: 4.5
Price: £16 - £40

Opening hours: Tue - Sat 12:00 pm - 03:00 pm and 05:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Mon 05:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Sunday closed
Address: Pali Hill, 79–81, Mortimer Street, London, England, W1W 7SJ
Telephone: +44 20 8130 0101
Website: palihill.co.uk, Pali Hill Insta handle

This restaurant is one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in London. Pali Hill specialises in some of the best, most flavorful regional foods from all across the country and is named after one of Mumbai's oldest neighbourhoods. Enjoy the specifically commissioned Indian artworks that are displayed on the walls while sitting on the side-street terrace or cuddling up among vibrant pillows in the art deco-inspired décor.

Menu: Pali Hill menu

Recommended dish: Lamb biryani
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: Vibrant Indian art. Perfect for those looking for Indian cuisine along with vintage cocktails.

Transportation options nearby: Margaret Street (stop RD) is a short 2-minute walk from Pali Hill, while the Oxford Circus subway station is a short 5-minute walk.

13. Soho Wala

Ranking: 3.4
Price:  £35 - £65

Opening hours: Mon - Sun 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Address: Soho Wala, 21 Great Marlborough Street, Soho, London W1F 7HL
Telephone: +44 20 7297 5568
Website: sohowala.com, Soho Wala Insta handle

You may not feel like you are in London at all, and you might not feel like you are in India either, but rather that you are peacefully poised between the two, far from the frantic shoppers of Soho. This is because of Soho Wala's serene, unassuming presence. No doubt it is termed as one of the famous Indian restaurants in London by Londoner's culinary enthusiasts

Menu: Soho Wala menu

Recommended dish: Bhel puri with pomegranate and sev
Best Indian Restaurant in London for:  A glimpse of Indian unique charm. Perfect for the dessert addicts with Soho Wala’s lip-smacking desserts.

Transportation options nearby: The Great Titchfield Street (stop OP) is located at a short 3-minute walk, while the Oxford Circus subway station is a 5-minute walk away.

14. Jikoni

Ranking: 4.5
Price: £20 - £45

Opening hours: Wed - Fri 12:00 pm - 03:00 pm and 05:30 - 10:00 pm, Tue 05:30 pm -10:00 pm, and Sun 11:00 am - 03:00 pm and 05:30 pm - 09:00 pm, Monday closed
Address: Jikoni, 19-21 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DH
Telephone: +44 20 7034 1988
Website: jikonilondon.com, Jikoni Insta handle

Jikoni is a cosy restaurant with a menu that incorporates flavours from both Asia and East Africa. With its combination of wicker chairs, mismatched dinnerware, and tablecloths with Indian prints, it has the appearance of an artistic aunt's home.

Enjoy reimagined brunch favourites like tamarind and pineapple glazed bacon with fennel slaw and fenugreek waffles or a poached egg and pickled chilli cauliflower over caramelised pineapple pia colada pancakes.

Menu: Jikoni menu

Recommended dish: Shrimp toast Scotch egg with pickled cucumbers and banana ketchup
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: A spicy meal. Perfect for those looking for Indian comfort food.

Transportation options nearby: The George Street (stop J) bus stop is located 3 minutes away from Jikoni, while the Bond Street subway station is a mere 7 minutes away.

15. The Tamil Prince

Ranking: 4.6
Price: £60 - £100

Opening hours: Tue- Fri 12:00 pm - 03:00 pm and 05:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Mon 05:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Sat 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am - 09:30 pm

Address: Jikoni, 19-21 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DH
Telephone: +44 20 7034 1988
Website: The Tamil Prince, Tamil Prince Insta handle

Unlike its position on this list, the quality at one of the best Indian restaurants in London is anything but last. The Tamil Prince is located at a small corner of Hemingford Road in London and has a terrace setting which can help you lay back and relax at its cocktail bar. This best restaurant in London, Tamil Prince, is famous for its chill vibes and, of course, the South Indian food on offer.

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Menu: The Tamil Prince menu

Recommended dish: their feathery light onion bhajis
Best Indian Restaurant in London for: A taste of South India. Perfect for those looking for a laid-back vibe and great South Indian options.

Transportation options nearby: The Ripplevale Grove (stop W) is located at a short 2-minute walk from Tamil Prince, while the Highbury & Islington subway station is 3 minutes away.

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Those were some of the best Indian restaurants in London that we think you should check out! Make sure to visit each of these eateries whenever you are in the area and sample a few of their specialities. We sincerely hope that this was helpful to you and wish you the best of luck as a student in London! If you wish to know more about things to do in London, head to our blog, 40 Things to do in London.