Top 10 Best Indian Restaurants in London for an Unforgettable Meal

If you are searching for the best Indian restaurant in London, you are genuinely spoilt for choice. The city is home to everything from Michelin-starred fine dining rooms and elegant tasting menus to cosy curry houses, South Indian cafés and lively modern grills.

Whether you want a romantic meal, a memorable family dinner or simply the best butter chicken and biryani in town, London has an Indian restaurant to match the occasion. Some restaurants focus on traditional regional dishes, while others reinvent Indian cooking with a contemporary twist.

That can make choosing where to book feel surprisingly difficult. To make things easier, this guide brings together ten of the best Indian restaurants in London, including famous favourites and hidden gems, so you can find the perfect place for an unforgettable meal.

Are You Looking for the Best Indian Restaurant in London?

Finding the best Indian restaurant in London can feel difficult because the city offers such a wide variety of dining experiences.

Some restaurants focus on elegant fine dining with tasting menus, carefully selected wines and beautifully presented dishes, while others are more casual and suited to quick lunches, family meals or relaxed dinners with friends.

You may be looking for a traditional curry house, a modern Indian restaurant, or somewhere that specialises in a particular region of India.

London’s Indian food scene is broad enough to suit every taste and occasion. You can find everything from rich North Indian curries and fragrant biryanis to South Indian dosas, vegetarian dishes and contemporary small plates.

There are also restaurants designed for romantic evenings, group celebrations and affordable everyday dining. With so many different styles available across the city, the best choice depends on the atmosphere, cuisine and experience you are hoping to enjoy.

Why Is London Famous for Its Indian Restaurants?

London is famous for its Indian restaurants because it has one of the largest and most varied Indian food scenes outside India. Over many years, people from different parts of India brought their own traditions, recipes and cooking styles to the city.

This has created a dining scene where you can experience food from many regions rather than just one type of Indian cuisine.

Today, London is known for offering:

• Traditional restaurants serving classic Indian recipes
• Fine dining restaurants with modern tasting menus
• Casual cafés and family-friendly curry houses
• Regional cooking from different parts of India
• Vegetarian, vegan and seafood-focused menus
• Contemporary restaurants that combine Indian and British influences

Another reason London is so well known for Indian food is the balance between tradition and innovation. Some restaurants preserve recipes that have been passed down for generations, while others experiment with new techniques and modern presentation.

This combination allows you to enjoy both authentic Indian cooking and fresh new ideas, making London one of the best places in the UK to explore Indian cuisine.

Which Indian Restaurant in London Is Best for Fine Dining?

If you are looking for the best Indian restaurant in London, the right choice depends on the type of experience you want. Some restaurants are perfect for fine dining and special occasions, while others are ideal for casual meals, family dinners or affordable comfort food.

1. Quilon

Quilon is one of the best Indian restaurants in London if you want a refined fine-dining experience with a strong focus on seafood.

Located near Westminster, the Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in coastal South-West Indian cuisine inspired by Kerala and the Malabar Coast.

The dining room feels elegant and calm, making it particularly suitable for anniversaries, birthdays and special evenings in central London.

The menu is centred around seafood and includes dishes such as the Quilon Fish Curry, Seafood Moilee, Lobster Butter Pepper and the restaurant’s popular seafood tasting menu.

There are also excellent meat and vegetarian options, including Malabar Lamb Biryani and Mangalorean Chicken. Quilon stands out because it keeps traditional Indian flavours at the heart of the meal while presenting them in a polished and modern way.

Feature	Details
Best For	Michelin-starred fine dining and seafood lovers
Atmosphere	Elegant, calm and polished
Area	Westminster
Cuisine Style	Coastal South-West Indian cuisine
Price	£33–£62 for main dishes, or £125 per person for the seafood tasting menu
Standout Dish	Quilon Fish Curry or Lobster Butter Pepper
Menu Highlights	Seafood Moilee, Malabar Lamb Biryani, Mangalorean Chicken, Seafood Tasting Menu
Ideal If	You want a luxurious Indian dinner for a special occasion or romantic evening

Quilon is an excellent choice if you want one of the most elegant Indian dining experiences in London. It works especially well for a special occasion, romantic dinner or memorable seafood-focused meal.

2. BiBi

BiBi is one of the most modern and creative Indian restaurants in London, offering a completely different experience from a traditional curry house.

Located in Mayfair, the restaurant focuses on tasting menus and small plates that combine Indian flavours with seasonal British ingredients.

The atmosphere is intimate and stylish, making it especially popular for date nights, celebrations and food lovers looking for something more inventive.

The menu changes regularly and is designed to be experienced through several smaller dishes rather than one large main course.

Guests can choose between the lunch and dinner tasting menus, which often include beautifully presented plates with bold spices, unusual flavour combinations and modern cooking techniques.

BiBi stands out because it reimagines Indian food in a way that feels elegant, contemporary and genuinely exciting.

Feature	Details
Best For	Modern Indian fine dining and tasting menus
Atmosphere	Intimate, stylish and contemporary
Area	Mayfair
Cuisine Style	Creative modern Indian cuisine
Price	£65 per person for lunch tasting menu, £145 per person for dinner tasting menu
Standout Dish	Chef’s signature small plate tasting menu
Menu Highlights	Seasonal tasting plates, British ingredients with Indian flavours
Ideal If	You want a fashionable and unusual Indian dining experience

BiBi is ideal if you enjoy modern restaurants and want something more creative than a traditional curry house. It is especially suited to special occasions and food lovers who enjoy tasting menus.

3. Veeraswamy

Veeraswamy is one of the oldest and most famous Indian restaurants in London, having welcomed guests since 1926. Located on Regent Street, it combines luxurious surroundings with traditional North Indian cooking, making it particularly popular for anniversaries, birthdays and elegant evenings in central London.

The restaurant feels grand and historic, with beautiful interiors that make every meal feel more special. The menu is inspired by royal Indian cuisine and includes classic dishes such as rich curries, fragrant biryanis and tandoori meats.

Signature choices include the famous house biryani, Lobster Malabar Curry and several traditional meat dishes served with refined presentation. Veeraswamy stands out because it offers both history and luxury while keeping the flavours rooted in authentic Indian cooking.

Feature	Details
Best For	Historic dining and special occasions
Atmosphere	Grand, luxurious and traditional
Area	Regent Street
Cuisine Style	Royal North Indian cuisine
Price	£24–£68 for main dishes, £50 for signature menu, £95 for tasting menu
Standout Dish	Royal-style biryani
Menu Highlights	Lobster Malabar Curry, tandoori meats, signature biryani
Ideal If	You want a classic Indian restaurant with history and elegance

Veeraswamy is perfect if you want a traditional Indian meal in one of London’s most iconic dining rooms. It feels especially memorable for birthdays, anniversaries and special evenings out.

4. Chourangi

Chourangi is one of the most distinctive Indian restaurants in London because it focuses on Bengali and Kolkata-inspired cooking.

Located in Marylebone, it offers a stylish but relaxed atmosphere that feels ideal for date nights, dinners with friends or anyone wanting to try something beyond the usual curry house menu.

The restaurant introduces diners to the flavours of eastern India in a way that feels authentic but still easy to enjoy. The menu includes Kolkata street food, Bengali fish dishes and flavourful meat curries inspired by the food of Kolkata.

Popular choices include kati rolls, Railway Lamb Curry and Mustard Hilsa, alongside snacks and sharing plates that are difficult to find elsewhere in London.

Chourangi stands out because it offers a different side of Indian cuisine while still feeling welcoming and approachable.

Feature	Details
Best For	Bengali food and Kolkata-inspired dishes
Atmosphere	Stylish, relaxed and contemporary
Area	Marylebone
Cuisine Style	Bengali and Kolkata regional cuisine
Price	£5–£31 for dishes, £19 lunch menu, £59 tasting menu
Standout Dish	Kolkata-style kati roll
Menu Highlights	Railway Lamb Curry, Mustard Hilsa, Bengali street food
Ideal If	You want to try a different side of Indian cuisine

Chourangi is a great choice if you want something more unusual than a standard Indian restaurant. It is especially worth visiting if you enjoy regional cooking and Bengali flavours.

5. Brigadiers

Brigadiers is one of the liveliest Indian restaurants in London and is especially popular with groups, work colleagues and friends meeting for dinner. Inspired by Indian army mess bars, the restaurant has a busy and energetic atmosphere with music, cocktails and a menu built around sharing.

Located in the City, it is a particularly good choice if you want somewhere exciting rather than formal. The menu focuses on Indian barbecue and grilled dishes cooked over open flames. Signature favourites include butter chicken wings, lamb chops, kebabs and large mixed grills designed for sharing across the table.

Brigadiers stands out because it combines bold Indian flavours with a sociable atmosphere that makes the whole experience feel more relaxed and enjoyable.

Feature	Details
Best For	Group dinners, grilled food and sharing plates
Atmosphere	Busy, lively and sociable
Area	City of London
Cuisine Style	Indian barbecue and grill
Price	£9–£37 for most dishes, £75 sharing grill, £90 feast menu
Standout Dish	Butter chicken wings
Menu Highlights	Lamb chops, kebabs, mixed grill platter
Ideal If	You want a fun and energetic Indian meal with friends

Brigadiers is best if you are looking for a lively night out rather than a quiet dinner. It works especially well for celebrations, group meals and weekend evenings.

6. Dishoom

Dishoom is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in London because it offers excellent food in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, the restaurant feels stylish without being too formal, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Dishoom Carnaby is particularly well known, although there are several locations across London. The menu includes some of the restaurant’s most famous dishes, including the bacon naan roll, black daal, chicken ruby and house chai.

The food is comforting, flavourful and easy to enjoy, which makes Dishoom a reliable choice whether you are dining with family, friends or visitors to London. Dishoom stands out because it manages to feel both fashionable and approachable at the same time.

Feature	Details
Best For	Casual meals, breakfast and family-friendly dining
Atmosphere	Lively, warm and relaxed
Area	Carnaby and other London locations
Cuisine Style	Bombay café-inspired Indian food
Price	£7.20–£21.50 for most dishes
Standout Dish	Black daal
Menu Highlights	Bacon naan roll, Chicken Ruby, house chai
Ideal If	You want a reliable Indian restaurant for any time of day

Dishoom is one of the easiest Indian restaurants in London to recommend because it suits so many occasions. It is especially good if you want excellent food without the formality of fine dining.

7. Saravanaa Bhavan

Saravanaa Bhavan is one of the best South Indian restaurants in London and is especially popular with vegetarian diners. Located in East Ham, the restaurant has a simple and family-friendly atmosphere that focuses much more on flavour than luxury. It is particularly well known for serving authentic South Indian food at affordable prices.

The menu includes classic dishes such as dosas, idlis, vadas and South Indian meals served with sambar and chutneys. The masala dosa is one of the most popular choices, although the restaurant is equally well known for its thalis and vegetarian curries.

Saravanaa Bhavan stands out because it delivers authentic South Indian cooking in a relaxed setting without feeling expensive or formal.

Feature	Details
Best For	South Indian vegetarian food
Atmosphere	Casual, family-friendly and simple
Area	East Ham
Cuisine Style	Traditional South Indian vegetarian cuisine
Price	£3.25–£10.45 for most dishes
Standout Dish	Masala dosa
Menu Highlights	South Indian Meals, Mysore Masala Dosa, Idli and Sambar
Ideal If	You want authentic South Indian food at an affordable price

Saravanaa Bhavan is perfect if you want comforting and authentic Indian food without spending a large amount. It is especially popular with families and vegetarian diners.

8. The Tamil Prince

The Tamil Prince is one of the most interesting Indian restaurants in London because it combines South Indian cooking with the atmosphere of a traditional British pub.

Located in Islington, it feels modern, informal and slightly different from most other Indian restaurants in the city. The relaxed setting makes it particularly popular with younger diners and groups of friends.

The menu includes curries, dosas, grilled meats and sharing plates that work perfectly in a pub environment. Popular choices include the Prince’s Special Masala Dosa, Tamil-style curries and robata lamb chops, all served with strong South Indian flavours.

The Tamil Prince stands out because it brings Indian food into a setting that feels unmistakably British.

Feature	Details
Best For	Relaxed pub dining with South Indian flavours
Atmosphere	Informal, friendly and modern
Area	Islington
Cuisine Style	Tamil and South Indian-inspired pub food
Price	£7.50–£35 for dishes
Standout Dish	Prince’s Special Masala Dosa
Menu Highlights	Tamil-style curry, robata lamb chops, sharing plates
Ideal If	You want Indian food in a casual pub-style setting

The Tamil Prince is an excellent choice if you want something less formal and more modern. It works especially well for a relaxed dinner with friends.

9. Trishna

Trishna is another Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in London and is widely regarded as one of the best places in the city for seafood.

Located in Marylebone, the restaurant specialises in coastal Indian cooking inspired by the western coast of India. The atmosphere is elegant and intimate, making it particularly suitable for romantic dinners and special occasions.

The menu includes delicately spiced crab, prawns, lobster and fish dishes served in a refined and modern way.

Many guests choose the restaurant’s popular Koliwada tasting menu, which allows you to try several signature seafood dishes in one meal. Trishna stands out because it balances sophisticated presentation with lighter coastal Indian flavours.

Feature	Details
Best For	Romantic dinners and seafood-focused fine dining
Atmosphere	Refined, elegant and intimate
Area	Marylebone
Cuisine Style	Coastal Indian seafood cuisine
Price	£35–£50 for set menus, £95 for tasting menu
Standout Dish	Seafood tasting menu
Menu Highlights	Lobster, crab dishes, Koliwada tasting menu
Ideal If	You want an elegant Indian restaurant with exceptional seafood

Trishna is one of the best choices in London if you enjoy seafood and want a more refined Indian dining experience. It feels especially suited to date nights and celebrations.

10. The Glad

The Glad offers a more relaxed and informal alternative to many of the other restaurants on this list. Located in Southwark, it combines the atmosphere of a neighbourhood pub with Indian-inspired comfort food, creating a dining experience that feels casual, friendly and easy to enjoy.

The menu includes Indian-inspired pies, curries, samosas and other pub-style dishes served in a laid-back setting. Popular options include the Chicken Tikka Masala Pie, Lamb Pot Curry and smaller sharing plates that work well with drinks. The Glad stands out because it feels more like a hidden local favourite than a formal restaurant.

Feature	Details
Best For	Hidden gem dining and laid-back pub atmosphere
Atmosphere	Relaxed, friendly and informal
Area	Southwark
Cuisine Style	Anglo-Indian pub food
Price	£7–£13.90 for most dishes
Standout Dish	Chicken Tikka Masala Pie
Menu Highlights	Lamb Pot Curry, Veggie Samosa, pub-style Indian dishes
Ideal If	You want a casual and affordable Indian-inspired meal

The Glad is worth trying if you prefer a local pub atmosphere over formal dining. It is a good option for an easy meal, drinks with friends or a more affordable night out.

How Do These Best Indian Restaurants in London Compare?

Although every restaurant on this list serves excellent Indian food, they all offer a very different experience. Quilon and Trishna are the strongest options if you are planning a special occasion and want Michelin-starred dining with exceptional seafood.

BiBi is ideal if you enjoy modern tasting menus and creative presentation, while Veeraswamy is perfect if you want a traditional Indian restaurant with history and elegance.

For something more casual, Dishoom remains one of the easiest and most reliable choices because it works equally well for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Brigadiers is better suited to lively evenings with friends, especially if you enjoy grilled meats and sharing plates.

Chourangi stands out if you want to try Bengali and Kolkata-inspired food, while Saravanaa Bhavan is the best choice for authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes.

If you are looking for something slightly different, The Tamil Prince combines Indian flavours with the atmosphere of a London pub, while The Glad offers a more relaxed and lesser-known dining experience.

Choosing the best Indian restaurant in London depends on the occasion, the style of food you enjoy and the atmosphere you want.

Restaurant	Best For	Area	Signature Dish	Price Range
Quilon	Michelin-star fine dining and seafood lovers	Westminster	Coastal seafood curry	£33–£62 for mains, £125 tasting menu
BiBi	Contemporary tasting menus and modern Indian cuisine	Mayfair	Chef’s small plate tasting menu	£65 lunch menu, £145 dinner tasting menu
Veeraswamy	Historic dining and special occasions	Regent Street	Royal-style biryani	£24–£68 for mains, £50 signature menu, £95 tasting menu
Chourangi	Bengali food and Kolkata-inspired dishes	Marylebone	Kolkata-style kati roll	£5–£31 for dishes, £19 lunch menu, £59 tasting menu
Brigadiers	Group dinners, grills and sharing plates	City of London	Butter chicken wings	£9–£37 for dishes, £75 sharing grill, £90 feast menu
Dishoom	Casual meals, breakfast and family-friendly dining	Carnaby and multiple London locations	Black daal	£7.20–£21.50 for most dishes
Saravanaa Bhavan	South Indian vegetarian food	East Ham	Masala dosa	£3.25–£10.45 for most dishes
The Tamil Prince	Relaxed pub dining with Tamil flavours	Islington	Tamil-style curry	£7.50–£35 for dishes
Trishna	Romantic dinners and coastal Indian seafood	Marylebone	Signature seafood tasting menu	£35–£50 set menu, £95 tasting menu
The Glad	Hidden gem dining and laid-back pub atmosphere	Southwark	Indian-inspired pub dishes	£7–£13.90 for most dishes

The best Indian restaurant in London ultimately depends on what kind of dining experience you want, whether that is Michelin-starred seafood, a lively grill house or comforting South Indian food.

By comparing the atmosphere, location and signature dishes of each restaurant, you can choose the one that feels perfect for your next meal out.

How to Choose the Best Indian Restaurant in London for Your Occasion?

The easiest way to choose the best Indian restaurant in London is to think about the kind of meal you want. Some restaurants are better for formal evenings, while others work best for casual visits.

If you are planning a special occasion, you may prefer:

• Quilon for Michelin-starred seafood
• Trishna for a romantic dinner
• Veeraswamy for a luxurious and historic atmosphere

For something more relaxed, these restaurants are often better:

• Dishoom for breakfast, lunch or a casual dinner
• Brigadiers for groups and sharing plates
• The Tamil Prince for a laid-back pub atmosphere

If budget matters, you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy excellent Indian food in London. Saravanaa Bhavan and The Glad offer much more affordable menus while still delivering plenty of flavour.

It is also worth thinking about what type of Indian cuisine you enjoy most. If you love South Indian food, choose Saravanaa Bhavan or The Tamil Prince.

If you prefer North Indian classics, Veeraswamy and Dishoom may be a better fit. By choosing based on the occasion, your budget and the style of food you enjoy, it becomes much easier to find the right restaurant.

Conclusion

The best Indian restaurant in London is not the same for everyone. Some people want Michelin-starred fine dining, while others are searching for the perfect dosa, curry or sharing plate.

Fortunately, London offers every type of Indian dining experience, from elegant restaurants such as Quilon and Trishna to lively favourites such as Dishoom and Brigadiers.

If you want something more traditional, Veeraswamy and Chourangi are excellent choices, while Saravanaa Bhavan and The Tamil Prince are ideal if you enjoy South Indian flavours.

The Glad is also worth considering if you want something more relaxed and less obvious. By thinking about the atmosphere, cuisine and occasion, you can choose the best Indian restaurant in London and enjoy a meal that feels truly unforgettable.

FAQs

Which is the oldest Indian restaurant in London?

Veeraswamy is widely regarded as the oldest Indian restaurant in London, having first opened in 1926. It remains one of the city’s most famous places for traditional Indian fine dining.

Which Indian restaurant in London has a Michelin star?

Quilon and Trishna are two of the best-known Michelin-starred Indian restaurants in London. Both are especially popular for elegant seafood dishes and special occasions.

Where can you find the best South Indian food in London?

Saravanaa Bhavan is one of the best places in London for authentic South Indian vegetarian food. If you want a more modern take on South Indian flavours, The Tamil Prince is also an excellent choice.

Is Dishoom worth visiting in London?

Yes, Dishoom Carnaby is worth visiting because it offers a lively atmosphere and consistently good food. It is especially famous for its bacon naan roll, black daal and house chai.

Which Indian restaurant in London is best for vegetarians?

Saravanaa Bhavan is one of the best vegetarian Indian restaurants in London because its entire menu is meat-free. The restaurant is particularly well known for its dosas, idlis and sambar.

What is the best Indian restaurant in London for a special occasion?

For a special occasion, many people choose Quilon, Trishna or Veeraswamy. These restaurants offer elegant surroundings, excellent service and memorable food.

Are there affordable Indian restaurants in central London?

Yes, Dishoom Carnaby offers reasonably priced meals in central London compared with many fine dining restaurants. You can also find good value at Saravanaa Bhavan if you do not mind travelling slightly further from the city centre.