Indian restaurants in London are my happy place — they whisk me straight to the lively streets of Delhi, no passport required. After a year of hunting down the city’s best curry joints — from cosy, family-run gems to dazzling Michelin-starred venues — I’ve uncovered 9 that truly stand out. Packed with flavour and personality, these restaurants are ready to wow your taste buds — don’t keep them waiting!
Walking into Dishoom feels like getting a warm hug from Bombay itself. The vintage charm, the chatter, and that divine aroma of spices — it’s a whole vibe. Let me tell you, their house black daal is worth the hype. Slow-cooked for 24 hours, it’s rich, creamy, and downright comforting. Scoop it up with some garlic naan, and you’re in heaven. The chai latte is a must, but if you’re feeling fancy, try the viceroy's old-fashioned. It’s always bustling here, but somehow, the wait just builds up the excitement.
Average bill: Around £30 per person
Now, Gymkhana is where you go when you want to feel like royalty. This Michelin-starred spot oozes sophistication with its hunting-lodge-meets-posh-dining vibe. Their kid goat keema is spicy, aromatic, and oh-so-satisfying — I fell in love with it from the first bite. Tandoori masala lamb chops are a smoky masterpiece, too, especially when paired with the Gymkhana punch that’s as fancy as the setting. The crowd is stylish, so you’ll want to dress up a bit.
Average bill: Expect to spend about £70 per person
Hoppers is tiny, chaotic, and absolutely brilliant. It’s like a burst of South India and Sri Lanka packed into a cozy little spot. I recommend trying bone marrow varuval with roti — it’s an umami explosion. Their signature egg hopper is Instagram gold and tastes even better. The vibe is electric, with an open kitchen and people squeezing in wherever they can. Grab a toddy tapper and join the party. Queuing is part of the deal, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Average bill: Roughly £25 per person
Tamarind is my go-to for elegance on a plate — refined yet comforting in every bite. Their signature butter chicken is creamy, indulgent, and spiced to perfection, while grilled sea bass with coconut and tamarind is seafood at its finest, beautifully balanced and unforgettable. The wine list is impressive enough to make me feel like a sommelier, even though I can barely pronounce half the names. The service is polished and seamless, leaving you feeling effortlessly cared for, and the atmosphere is serene and chic, providing the perfect escape from Mayfair's hustle.
Average bill: Around £80 per person
Brigadiers is like an Indian barbecue joint met a sports bar, and they decided to have fun. Their smoked butter chicken wings and BBQ lamb chops are smoky, juicy, and downright addictive. Don’t miss the craft beers — they’ve got some great Indian pale ales. The leather seats, wood panels, and cricket on the screens make it feel like a home away from home for sports fans. It’s lively, loud, and perfect for a group hangout.
Average bill: Approximately £45 per person
Kricket is all about modern vibes and small plates with big flavors. Keralan fried chicken with curry leaf mayo is so good you’ll want seconds. Samphire pakora is crispy, light, and addictive. The interiors are edgy, with exposed brick and communal tables that make it feel trendy but unpretentious. Sip on a curry leaf margarita while you soak it all in. It’s hip, it’s fun, and it’s delicious.
Average bill: Around £35 per person
Trishna is a taste-packed journey through India’s coastal cuisine. Kick things off with Nariyal scallops full of zing, and go on with Hyderabadi biryani which is the kind of dish you’ll dream about later. The space is bright and breezy, and the vibe is relaxed yet refined. The sommelier knows their stuff, so let them pick a wine to go with your meal. It’s the kind of place where you take your time and savour every bite.
Average bill: Expect to spend £60 per person
Chai Ki stands out as the perfect example of how Indian cuisine meets a modern bar vibe. Whether you’re here for the cocktails or the curry, it’s a win-win. Their coconut & kaffir lime martini is a game-changer: smooth, tangy, and tropical enough to make you forget the grey London skies. For a little heat, gunpowder chicken tikka is the perfect partner to your cocktail, bold and spicy in all the right ways. What I love about Chai Ki is its versatility: it’s the kind of place where you can grab drinks after work, settle in for a feast, or even just pop by for a quick bite.
Average bill: Roughly £40 per person
The Cinnamon Club is housed in a stunning Victorian library, and it’s as grand as it sounds. Their roast saddle of lamb with saffron sauce is indulgence personified, and tandoori prawns are smoky, succulent perfection, with the masala martini as the cherry on top. The atmosphere is elegant, a touch dramatic, and just right for a special night out. You’ll leave feeling a little more sophisticated than when you walked in.
Average bill: Around £65 per person
