30 Popular Indian Restaurants In London, Ranked

Due to a considerable population of exceptionally talented South Asian-origin chefs, the United Kingdom is one of the primary hotspots for exceptional Indian food outside the subcontinent. In particular, London boasts countless explorative concepts worth visiting.

If you prefer a casual hidden gem, the city has you covered. If you require luxury, drama, and exclusivity — there's an Indian restaurant in London for that, too. From creamy, fragrant, and buttery north Indian curries to the umami-flavored delicacies of the northeast, coconut-cooked seafood of the south, or fiery street food of the west, the vast culinary landscape of the capital encapsulates everything. Succulent grilled meats to fresh, vibrant vegetables elevated in ways you never knew was possible — London has it all.

The dishes on offer at the below restaurants are a far cry from overpoweringly honey-sweet takeaways or cloying local curry houses. Both critics and the general public alike consistently vote for these establishments as the best of the best, and we can confirm there's a reason why. Ambiance, affordability, presentation, reputation — and, of course, flavor — all play a role in our judgment of an exceptional dining experience. In the article below, we've delved into all these points (and more) by endeavoring to rank the eateries. The only question you'll leave with is: "Where should we eat first?"

Hoppers is the brainchild of Karan Gokani and Karam Sethi, the latter of whom is the founder of the JKS Restaurant Group, also connected to prestigious names such as Trishna and Brigadiers. It stands to reason then that this Sri Lankan/South Indian cuisine-focused spot is top-quality. You'll find staples such as egg hoppers (perfect for scooping sauces), dosa plates with sambol and coconut chutney, street-food style kothu, and fiery kari (curry).

Expect queues, and head to the original Soho branch for the best experience. Although the food here is delicious, customer service can be hit or miss.

Notable for its unique take on Indian food — Tandoor Chop House is best described as a cross between a tandoori restaurant and a British chop house — you'll find a selection of small plates, tandoor-roasted meats, and tempting side dishes. The specialty which separates this restaurant from others of its ilk is its jaw-dropping Sunday "Mighty Thali," available from 12-4 p.m. Featuring starters, tandoors, bread, dips, and desserts, its undoubtedly the best way to explore the menus delicacies. One downside: If you're a fan of saucy Indian food and traditional curries, head elsewhere.

Behind the vivid-pink facade of Rasa in North-East London lies a small, unassuming restaurant with twee decor and a friendly ambiance. The menu is authentically Keralan and completely vegetarian, with copious vegan options. The dosa is everything you'd expect; crispy, with delicately spiced soft potato stuffing — while crunchy, sweet banana chips are a must-try starter. You'll find flavorful rice dishes, fried snacks, and heartily-spiced vegetables aplenty, so the best way to sample a wide variety is through a very reasonably-priced authentic feast served on a banana leaf. It's worth reporting that some reviews mention slow service.

Although the food has plenty to say for itself, Bombay Bustle is perhaps best known for its stylish interior. This is the place to get those Instagram shots. The main dining room is decked out like a train carriage, while the basement harks back to the art deco architecture of old Mumbai. The food, although nothing revolutionary, shines when it focuses on the treats from its namesake, Mumbai; seek out either crispy dosas or succulent keema with fluffy pav for starters, perfectly-spiced Kolhapuri prawns, and for dessert, a creamy jalebi cheesecake with saffron "caviar."

Launched by the famed Atul Kochhar in 2019 and situated in the heart of Mayfair, Kanishka is one of London's most upscale destinations. The menu offers a selection of dishes that are equally as inspired by modern British dining as they are the oft-neglected culinary treasures of North Eastern India; standouts are fusion chicken tikka pie, steamed beetroot momos, and the creamy signature black dal served alongside both tasting menus.

Although the vision is exceptional, according to some reviews, the execution is hit-and-miss. Be prepared to spend upwards of £60 for a Michelin-listed experience.

Here at The Cinnamon Club, the name suggests exclusivity and coziness — an evocation echoed in its location, the elegant yet homely Old Westminster Library. You'll soon realize this dining experience is unlike anything you've done before. On the downside, the plates are far less intricately spiced than one may expect, and the presentation is underwhelming compared to other similarly priced eateries.

Nonetheless, The Cinnamon Club has a strong fanbase, particularly those who enjoy subtle Indian flavors combined with European touches. Lamb mille-feuille is a leading example of where this works as intended, as is the kedgeree with smoked haddock.

In 2012, the name Asma Khan was unheard of in the culinary scene. After a series of private supper clubs run in her home, she attracted influential customers, and it wouldn't be long before the restaurateur opened her first restaurant, Darjeeling Express. The food here honors her childhood in Bengal, including a mouth-watering slow-cooked goat curry and prawns swimming in a coconut-rich spicy sauce.

Asma's dishes are principally homely and may lack the finesse of other restaurants; yet, her team of all-female, all-South-Asian chefs serve food just like you'd find in an Indian household, and that's a high compliment.

Ask any discerning South-Asian diner their top picks for a flavor-packed dinner, and you'll likely hear about The Regency Club. It's a well-kept secret, perhaps in part due to its past: Opened in 1991, in those days, it was a members-only institution before gradually evolving into a fully-fledged restaurant with over 70 dishes to choose from.

The menu might be too big — there's not enough direction. However, the hidden gem predominantly concentrates on the Kenyan influences of many Indian immigrants, serving quintessential dishes such as garlic and chili-spiced mogo and crispy bhajia fresh from the fryer.

Sometimes, simplicity is all you need. That's the case with Shree Krishna Vada Pav (SKVP), an iconic joint with locations across the Greater London area: Hounslow, Harrow, Slough, Ilford, Reading, Uxbridge, and Wembley. The cooking here showcases uncomplicated, no-frills classics. Imagine vada pav (dubbed the Indian "burger"), fiery sprouted lentil misal, steaming hot mixed vegetable pakora, warming matar paneer, or samosa dowsed in tangy chutneys, yogurt, and rich chickpea curry. Sounds delicious, right?

When you're in the mood for authentic Indian street-food style bites on a budget, head to SKVP. It won't win accolades, but it has secured public approval.

Owner and founder of Ritu, Anubhav Srivastava, has insight that few possess. Although he was born in London, the budding restauranteur moved to Chennai, established two acclaimed eateries, then took his newfound knowledge to form Ritu London.

The menu harks to the restaurant's moniker — meaning seasons in Hindi — with highlights such as a blue cheese and cream tandoor cooked broccoli, monkfish cooked with mango, and dangerously fiery ghost pepper prawns. In addition to the standard à la carte, there's a compact vegan menu, vegetarian and omnivore tasting menus, highly regarded cocktails, and a vast alcohol selection.

An old fire station may be the last place you'd expect to find a sophisticated restaurant, but it makes for an impressive backdrop to Yaatra. Opened in 2022, it's a relatively new endeavor, but with Amit Bagyal (of Benares and Kanishka fame) at the wheel, the restaurant has already garnered a distinguished reputation.

Food — across the set menus, à la carte, and tasting — is unlike mundane British Indian fare. Instead, you'll find Himalayan momos, herby poached chicken with creamy upma and robust Konkani sauce, and kulcha spread with truffled ghee. The presentation is upmarket, but portions are unduly small.

Perhaps the most unconventional of the restaurants listed, Jikoni brands itself as a "no borders kitchen," taking inspiration from the owner's homeland, Kenya; her ancestry, India; her childhood home, London; and the diverse flavors of the Middle East. This results in a surprisingly comprehensive yet eclectic menu featuring vibrant beetroot handvo with whipped feta, messy avocado chaat, and saffron sheermal served with Cornish lamb spiced with ras el hanout. Although inventive, the cookery here is above all homely with inventive flair, which was enough to earn Jikoni a listing on the Michelin guide.

There's one unmissable dish when visiting Chook Chook, an Indian railway-inspired restaurant in the heart of Putney, South London: rustic and hearty railway chicken with your choice of bread (we recommend charred tandoori roti, buttery layered lachha paratha, or the classic garlic naan). For starters, there's a selection of famous Indian street foods, including pav bhaji — piquant mashed vegetable curry with fluffy, buttery bread rolls.

Reviewers suggest that ordering food online is hit or miss. Instead, make a reservation and head to the restaraunt; the ambiance here is refined, moody, and romantic.

Another recent addition to the affluent area of Mayfair, BiBi is a striking addition to the dining scene. The decor and plating scream refinement; warm wooden ceilings are inviting, while modern art gracing the paisley-decorated walls echo the contemporary cooking style. Despite only being in operation for a few years, BiBi has already acquired a listing in the Michelin Guide.

An ever-evolving menu features Indian dishes infused with foraged English herbs and vegetables, with dinner service exclusively offering set menus. On the other hand, lunch is more flexible, with à la carte and affordable fixed menus.

The original Copper Chimney has a lengthy history, first opening in Mumbai (then Bombay) in the early 1970s. Since then, the brand has launched over 22 sites across metropolitan cities in India, as well as across the Middle East and Asia. However, the establishment in Westfield, London, is the only one in the U.K.

Perhaps because Copper Chimney started in India, the food here is exceptionally authentic, including delightfully crispy okra fries and traditional soft gulab jamun soaked in sweet floral syrup. The only thing holding the eatery back is the disappointing service on busy evenings.

Nestled amongst towering office buildings and marble edifices you'll find Brigadiers, otherwise known as one of the trendiest Indian destinations in the city. Across the restaurant's multiple rooms, you can play pool, watch live sports, or sip on alcoholic beverages while tucking into a tray of poppadoms. However hip the art deco interiors and sports bar vibe is, don't let it distract you from the main attraction: the food. Military mess canteens are the inspiration, with multiple Indian BBQ techniques on show — tandoor, smokers, grills, and rotisseries. It's earned a listing on the Michelin Guide, but could do with more vegan options.

Sometimes a menu is so tempting that you want to try every dish. If dining on a collection of small plates sounds like heaven, then head to Tamarind, a light and airy restaurant with a minimal approach to food, beautifully presented. In contrast to the breezy main dining room is the basement, where you can sit and watch the chefs work their magic in an open kitchen.

Tamarind was the first Indian restaurant in London to win a Michelin star — It has since been retracted, although they're still listed. This may suggest a decline in cookery, but it's still a cut above the rest.

There's always something promising about restaurants founded by chefs who previously worked on acclaimed projects. In this case, The Tamil Prince is the brainchild of ex-Roti King executive chef Prince Durairaj (Yes, the restaurant is his namesake), and just like its predecessor, has quickly accumulated fans.

The menu is concise, over half vegetarian, and highly focused on Tamil traditional plates, such as succulent chicken lollipops and pulled beef topped fluffy uttapam. The fare may lack the finesse of fine dining — it is housed in a pub, after all —but makes up for it in flavor.

Dishoom sits comfortably between casual, affordable dining and the more exclusive experience at higher-priced restaurants. It may not have the official accolades that others on this list boast, but it has won over public opinion; expect to see all six locations across London packed to the brim round-the-clock, every day.

With each location decked out in a distinctively Art Deco fashion, the food is a unique amalgamation of classic Maharashtrian delicacies — imagine vada pav or bhel — and Irani café classics such as bun maska, chili cheese toast with fried eggs, or the rose-scented gulkand mess for dessert.

Just a short walk from cultural icons like the Cadogan Hall and Saatchi Gallery, is Kahani, a Michelin listed and two AA Rosette tour de force. Meaning "story" in Hindi, Kahani hopes to revolutionize Indian cuisine with a light touch. Expect the unexpected — like lamb seekh kebabs with fruity ginger and black olive crumb or mushroom and cassava "cake" atop intricately seasoned chutneys. There's a menu for every occasion and dietary preference, but ultimately, although the restaurant has many high points, the ambiance is slightly lacking, and the cooking can be inconsistent.

Humble beginnings and a gradual rise to fame and acclaim define the story of Kricket. Now with three locations across London — Soho, White City, and Brixton — it's hard to imagine the contemporary spot was founded in 2015, operating out of a small shipping container. Now, its Soho site is the hippest place to be. As the evening progresses, it gets almost heinously noisy.

Get seated on the communal-style tables and watch chefs prepare small sharing plates of delectable treats made with the best British ingredients. Highlights include salty samphire pakoras and crunchy Keralan fried chicken with curry leaf mayonnaise.

At first glance, the plates at Fatt Pundit may not seem like typical Indian food. This is Indo-Chinese cuisine, which arose in Kolkata after the Hakka people migrated from China into India. It's the holy grail for anyone who loves both Chinese and Indian flavors.

Fatt Pundit may not have awards, but the cooking here is so infallible it deserves a place amongst the stars. There are the crowd-favorite szechuan noodles and burnt ginger fried rice, but we highly recommend tender vegetable-stuffed momos, sticky-spicy glazed manchurian chicken, and umami-rich chili paneer nestled in lettuce cups.

From the uncapitalized name to the royal blue walls and mismatched cushions, Pahli Hill is a casual eatery hiding exceptional food. Boasting a Michelin Bib Gourmand to its name, the restaurant separates its name into "small plates," "tandoor and grill," and "big plates," along with a scrumptious selection of sides. Unlike other high-brow establishments, sharing is encouraged to emulate the experience of the Mumbai community (The restaurant moniker originated from Mumbai locales). Cocktails from the moody downstairs bar, "Bhandra Bhai," are well worth trying, although some may appreciate a guide wine pairing, which is lacking.

Stepping into Gymkhana feels like traveling back in time to colonial India. The ground floor has pale green walls, lush jade green booths, and large antique-style palm-printed fabrics. Downstairs, you're met with warm jeweled red and gentle pink, lush timber details, and hunting trophies from the Maharaja of Jodhpur decorating the walls.

But let's talk about the food. With a Michelin star to its name since 2014, you'd expect exceptional bites. Luckily, the North Indian-focused fare is up to the mark; the pastry-encrusted celebratory lamb biryani is a must, as is the tangy, crispy, and delightfully complex aloo chaat.

Instead of focusing on one facet of Indian cuisine, Chutney Mary has hired chefs from all corners of India to bring the authentic tastes of India's diversity to the forefront. Illustrating this approach is a tasting platter of curries featuring favorites from each region, available for dinner service. If you're seeking a wow factor, the regal and opulent decor is just the beginning, while patrons rave about the celebratory lamb biryani and venison samosas. Lighter plates include lime butter-brushed, spice-sprinkled corn ribs and clove-smoked kebabs, all of which have earned the eatery three AA Rosettes and a Michelin guide listing.

Everyone knows Grandmother's cooking is best. At Jamavar, the grandmother in question is Leela Nair, wife of legendary businessman C. P. Krishnan Nair, founder of the Leela Group. He didn't simply preserve her name; Leela's recipes were passed down through the ages, resulting in a prestigious Michelin star for the London outpost. The best way to experience Jamavar is doubtlessly by sampling its six-course tasting menu. Gems included are sauteed drumstick leaves in spiced lentils, served with beetroot yogurt and crispy saffron-infused tuiles — among others. Attention to customer requests may be slightly inadequate, but this withstanding, expect a sensational meal.

The U.K. has had a love affair with Indian cuisine for decades — after all, the origins of chicken tikka masala lie in the country, where, if you can believe it, it's the national dish. Indian takeaways and restaurants are now a dime a dozen, but only one has the honor of being the oldest in the U.K.: Veeraswamy. Opened in 1926 by distant Indian royalty, it first served Anglo-Indian cuisine before switching to authentic fare in the modern age. After new management, Veeraswamy acquired a Michelin star in 2016. At times the service can border on bureaucratic, and be aware of a dress code and no young child policy.

Benares, named after India's holy city on the banks of the river Ganges, has been top of the restaurant hierarchy for quite some time. After gaining a Michelin star in 2021 in addition to two AA Rosettes, the cooking has only progressed further; portions may be small, but rich on the palate and beautifully presented. Reviewers laud a starter consisting of Scottish scallops baked on the shell with coconut curry and flaky parathas, while the wine list is extensive, and the sommelier is knowledgeable. However, despite the impressive gastronomy, it has to be said that the ambiance isn't as elegant as other contenders.

Trishna has held a Michelin star for an impressive 11 years (and counting), but it's less fussy than its counterparts. The dining room is minimalistic, mirror-bedecked, and airy — even including outdoor seating. Inspired by the spectacular coastal produce of India, it's evident that Trishna takes its food very seriously; the presentation is good, not outstanding, but the flavor exceeds that of almost any other. The chefs shine when cooking seafood-based dishes, such as Dorset crab with coconut oil, garlic, penetrating pepper, and aromatic curry leaves, which is the standout, as is prawns with tangy green mango.

Moodily lit and atmospheric, Amaya delivers food with theatre. Each plate is painstakingly constructed, often sitting on banana leaves or topped with micro herbs and edible flowers. It's a level of attention not commonly seen in Indian cuisine — nothing at the Michelin-starred Amaya is ordinary. Opposed to ordering plates by course, your table is encouraged to enjoy an array of bite-sized dishes, eating as they arrive. Across the 45-dish menu, there's a heavy focus on richly-marinated grills rather than typical rice dishes or curries; this is purposeful, to encourage you to broaden your palette. And boy, does it pay off.