The Best Indian Restaurants in London You Need to Try

The Best Indian Restaurants in London You Need to Try

London’s food scene is as vibrant and diverse as its population, and when it comes to Indian cuisine, the options are endless. From Michelin-starred fine dining to street-food-inspired cafes, this city has something to satisfy every craving for spices and flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for tandoor grills or a cozy curry, here are some of the best Indian restaurants in London you don’t want to miss.

Bibi, Mayfair

Located in the chic neighborhood of Mayfair, BiBi brings a taste of tradition with a modern twist. Chef Chet Sharma’s inspiration comes straight from family recipes and memories, so expect authentic flavors in a seriously glam setting. Picture this: red-tiled kitchens, dark wooden countertops, and paisley-patterned chairs that match the Mayfair vibe perfectly.

The menu is all about sharing, so gather your crew and start with their famous oysters—poached in lime, coconut, and fermented chili. It’s a zingy bite to kick things off. And for the mains? Don’t miss the creamy, nutty buffalo-milk braised paneer. The khatti meethi cod will melt in your mouth with its sweet-and-sour perfection. Who’s ready for a Mayfair feast?

Pali Hill, Fitzrovia

Named after one of the oldest neighborhoods in Mumbai, Pali Hill transports you straight to the streets of India—but with a twist. Settle into their colorful, cushion-filled space (or opt for the street-side terrace), and let the Art Deco-inspired decor take you back in time. You might want to start with their boozy lassi—it’s a refreshing cocktail with yogurt, honey, mango, and a cheeky shot of rum. What’s better than a cocktail that doubles as dessert?

For the mains, the sea bass steamed in banana leaf is the star, but don’t sleep on the grilled asparagus with a hempseed chutney. And of course, finish strong with a mango cheesecake or a passionfruit gola (fancy shaved ice!). It's a sweet ending that’ll leave you craving more.

Trishna, Marylebone

Ever tried aloo tokri chaat? Trishna serves this iconic Indian street snack, and trust me, it’s the perfect start to your meal. Deep-fried potato baskets filled with spices, yogurt, tamarind, and pomegranate—basically, a party of flavors in your mouth. Trishna’s menu takes you on a culinary tour from Mumbai to Tamil Nadu, so expect some serious flavor diversity.

The soft-shell crab and coconut-based curries are the showstoppers here, with vegetarian options that even the meat-lovers will be eyeing. The Makai Saag (creamed spinach and sweetcorn) paired with a truffled mushroom pilau? You’ll want to write home about it! And don't forget to sip on a Gujarat Cosmo—it’s like a traditional Cosmo but with a delightful Indian twist. Ready for a foodie adventure?

Tamarind, Mayfair

If you’re into Michelin-starred dining, Tamarind is your place. This old-school gem has been around for 24 years and remains one of the most beloved Indian restaurants in London. The menu is perfect for sharing small plates—so load up on the scallops in a red lentil curry sauce or go big with their lamb cutlets in a pistachio crumb. Oh, and their chicken biryani? It’s served with a pastry lid that’s cracked open right at your table—talk about a showstopper!

Even if you're just popping in for lunch, Tamarind’s fresh and colorful vegetarian options are worth it. Their caramelized Brussels sprouts in a mustard-seed sauce will change your mind about sprouts forever. Are you a sprout convert yet?

Dishoom, Soho

Now, let’s talk about the legendary Dishoom. Yes, there’s always a queue, but hey, good things come to those who wait, right? The buzzing Bombay café vibe, complete with spinning ceiling fans and vintage magazine prints, is totally worth it. Start with the black dal and bhel—puffed rice mixed with tamarind chutney for a tangy snack. But the real treat? Dishoom’s famous bacon naan for breakfast. Yup, you read that right—char-striped streaky bacon wrapped in a warm naan. It’s the stuff of breakfast dreams.

Dishoom has a few locations across London, but the Soho one is our favorite. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, and if you find yourself in Shoreditch, their courtyard setting is just as magical. Have you braved the Dishoom queue yet?

Bombay Bustle, Mayfair

If you’re craving something a bit more lively, Bombay Bustle is the place to be. Inspired by Mumbai’s railway system, this Maddox Street hotspot has cozy booths that make you feel like you’re traveling first-class. Their gin cocktail collection alone is worth the visit, but the small plates will keep you coming back.

Try the green chili and red onion bahji fritters or the spicy duck dosas—they’re the perfect little bites before diving into their tandoor dishes. Feeling fancy? The Keralan fish curry with coconut milk and tamarind is divine, and for vegetarians, the paneer butter masala with charred cottage cheese is comfort food at its finest. Who’s hopping aboard this flavor train?

Whether you’re an Indian food connoisseur or just craving a good curry, these spots won’t disappoint. Have you tried any of these, or do you have a hidden gem we should add to the list? Let’s chat in the comments!