Looking for the best Indian restaurants London boasts? Look no further than these fabulous curry houses across the city.
There are few dishes quite as instantly recognizable and effortlessly tasty as a curry – perhaps that’s why there is a massive number of curry houses in central London alone.
Ready to explore the best Indian spots in London? Let’s dive in.
Brilliant Indian Restaurants London
Gunpowder
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Gunpowder opened in 2015 and quickly gobbled up most of London’s attention. Usually in this city, where new restaurants open at an almost alarming rate, that attention can be pretty fickle, but Gunpowder has managed to hold it long enough to carve out a reputation as one of the best curry houses in the city.
They’ve now have several locations around London, all turning out delicious Indian food that gently pushes the limits of what the food can be without completely doing away with tradition. The result is food that strikes a fine balance and won’t fail to impress.
Apollo Banana Leaf
Tooting
Just like its name, the food on the menu at this restaurant is truly fun and full of life – Apollo Banana Leaf will easily give you a great sense of some of the amazing dishes that India has to offer.
Planning to visit? Try out the devilled mutton if you dare. But be warned: it’s very spicy, though the meat practically melts away in your mouth. It is such a delicious dish that is worth visiting the restaurant for alone.
Dishoom
Dishoom has a number of branches throughout the capital, though we feel that the Covent Garden branch is one of the best. Dishoom is known for having a wide variety of dishes on offer, including an array of vegetarian options.
The restaurant serves up a fantastic selection of Indian cuisine, and the staff are always happy to help you find exactly what you need. The dishes are served tapas style, so order plenty and share between the group.
Our top picks include the chicken tikka rolls and the chicken biryani, though we cannot resist the gunpowder potatoes. This is one of the best Indian restaurants in Central London.
Gymkhana
Gymkhana managed to earn itself a Michelin star in 2014 after many years of stellar service and fantastic food across the board. It has to be said that this is one of the top Indian restaurants London has to offer.
If you want to experience the best Indian food in London, then Gymkhana is the place to be. There is no better way to spend your time than enjoying the amazing food here. The curries here are delectable and packed with flavours and spices across the board.
Tayyabs
Whitechapel
What better Indian restaurant to kick off with than Tayyabs? It’s one of our top restaurants in London. In fact, this is a particularly famous spot as it offers excellent service to all customers.
It’s also got a very large menu which includes everything from a milder chicken tikka masala to spicy lamb biryani. The food here is delicious and they have a lovely atmosphere too in which you can enjoy the food comfortably.
Madhu’s
Situated inside The Dilly Hotel, just off Piccadilly Circus, Madhu’s has perfected Punjabi fine-dining. Opulent and indulgent, this Indian restaurant in London is the place to come for a special celebration.
The menu states it’s Punjabi with a Kenyan twist – an unusual but flavourful pairing. Our top picks include the Seekh Kebabs, Murgh Malai (a delicious tikka-esque affair), and the Karahi Paneer – a bowl of spicy yet creamy goodness.
Cocktail-wise, Madhu’s boasts an array of innovative tipples. From a perfectly balanced Berry Bramble to the ultra-boozy Aviation (vodka, gin, rum, and contreau mixed with Olmeca Altos and orange), there’s something to suit all palettes.
Plus, there’s an excellent selection of wines and beers, if that’s more your style.
Hoppers
Indian and Sri Lankan fusion food is on offer at Hoppers. They have a really extensive menu that you can peruse when you visit their restaurant, and some of the delicious dishes on there will really delight you.
If you do visit, make sure to try the egg hopper with masala dosa. These two dishes go together perfectly, and this is something that you should definitely not miss if you are visiting Hoppers.
This restaurant is on the pricier side, but it is well worth it for the amazing service and food.
Brilliant
Southall
We love a confident restaurant. Brilliant by name, brilliant by nature – this spot was first opened up in the 1970s as a small 30-seat restaurant and has ever since then expanded further to accommodate more customers.
It makes sense why, as this London curry house is extremely popular, and this is mostly thanks to the incredible food that they serve.
Try out the chilli paneer, it’s fiery yet creamy. If you’re looking for a little bit of spice, then this is the dish for you. You’ll be amazed how much flavour is packed into just a couple of bites.
Tamarind Kitchen
Soho is well known for its eclectic and vibrant culture with hundreds of awesome and hip eateries inspired by cultures across the world. Tamarind Kitchen is easily one of the best restaurants in Soho. It has a very great menu full of authentic Indian dishes that will leave you wanting more.
This restaurant is all about quality and taste. The chefs have created a wonderful menu full of exciting dishes that will keep you coming back for more. Their chicken tikka masala is absolutely divine, as it is filled with a lovely mix of herbs and spices.
There are plenty of other dishes to try out at Tamarind Kitchen, so make sure to explore the menu when you visit, you never know what wonderful surprises you may find.
Is it the best curry house in London? We think so. Visit to find out for yourself.
Trishna
The menu at Trishna is specifically inspired by the flavours of Coastal India which have their own unique sense of taste that can only be found there.
The dishes here are made from scratch using fresh ingredients and are cooked to perfection. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Indian dishes and curries, and they are easily some of the best we have ever tasted.
To make the deal even sweeter, Trishna also serves a massive number of wines, each of which is specifically chosen to pair with the amazing dishes on offer. If you are planning a special occasion or just fancy treating yourself, then Trishna is the place to go.
Raunka Punjab Diyan
Southall
If you want to try curries that are totally against the grain but also clearly inspired by years of fantastic tradition, then make sure to try out Raunka Punjab Diyan. The dishes on the menu here are not only delicious and creative, but they are also completely different to anything else you’ve tried before.
Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail and is guaranteed to impress. If you want to experience this for yourself, make sure to taste the dal makhani, it is incredibly creamy and full of warming savoury flavours.
Needoo Grill
Whitechapel
Are you looking for food that is both healthy and tasty? Then Needoo Grill is definitely the place for you.
The items on their menu are designed to give your body exactly what it needs while still leaving you feeling satisfied. They use organic produce whenever possible and serve up dishes that are packed with flavour and nutrients.
Try out the delicious and nutritious fish masala which is a great curry to spring for if you want to treat yourself. It is bursting with flavour and has been carefully crafted to provide you with everything you need.
Sakonis
Wembley
Are you on a vegetarian diet but still want to chow down on some fantastic Indian cuisine? Then Sakonis is the place that you are looking for. Sakonis create truly wonderful twists on the ordinary curry, making them something that everyone will enjoy.
If you visit this curry house London, you will definitely want to make a point of trying out the Mysore Masala Dosa, as it’s absolutely stunning. The ingredients used in the dish are fresh and vibrant and it is clear that the chefs know how to make full use of them.
Vijay
Maida Vale
Established in 1964, Vijay has long been serving the British public some of the best curry dishes, and thus it has managed to build up a truly solid menu made up of amazing classics and house specialities, as well as numerous more experimental dishes.
Vijay only hires the absolute best chefs that have a clear passion for the food they serve, which helps to make adding them to this list seriously a no-brainer.
If you’re heading there, make sure to taste the Chicken Korma. It’s a classic dish, but it’s clear that Vijay knows how to make it taste simply perfect.
Potli
Hammersmith
Potli focuses entirely on the highly specific world of Indian street food to create dishes that have a very rustic flavour throughout and that you can taste the passion of the chefs through.
The menu at Potli offers an array of mouthwatering dishes that are all beautifully presented and cooked to perfection. You’ll find plenty of traditional favourites such as chicken tikka masala and balti rice, and they are made with a sense of flair that makes them taste uniquely “Potli”.
We think this might just be the best curry house London boasts.
Mirch Masala
Tooting
The second you step foot into Mirch Masala you’ll find yourself surprised at the wonderfully modern interior decor that gives it a unique sense of character.
And this also applies to the modern food that marries modern sensibilities and classic culinary techniques. Try out the Chicken Tikka Masala, especially with a side of naan bread to dip in them. The naans are freshly made, very soft, and very wholesome.
Amaya
Belgravia
Amaya really manages to stand out thanks to its incredibly stylish interior design. But it’s not just about looks; Amaya serves up some of the most delicious and innovative Indian food around.
They offer a wide range of dishes, from classic curries like Chicken Tikka Masalas and Butter Chicken to more signature options including their excellent Lamb Rogan Josh. You’ve got to try one of these dishes out for yourself, as you are sure to find a new favourite.
The Quilon Restaurant
Quilon’s driving motivation is very simple, as they are dedicated to bringing the greatest flavours from India to the people of London, and they do so with absolute aplomb.
If you want a menu that includes everything you could ever expect or want, then this is a perfect place for you to try out.
We recommend tasting the Malabar lamb biryani, as it is cooked with a series of traditional spices from Malabar and left to slowly cook in a sealed pot, which causes the lamb to become incredibly tender and packed full of flavour and juices that burst out with every bite.
Indian Restaurants London: Practical Tips
- You’ll find plenty of Indian restaurants across the capital, though the top hotspots are Tooting, Whitechapel, and Brick Lane. Head to these spots for deliciously authentic curry houses.
