The 30 best Indian restaurants in London
Indian restaurants in London are stealing the culinary spotlight like never before, with delectable restaurants highlighting Indian cuisine sprawling the capital. The spice route is hotter than ever, thanks to new openings introducing regional variations and fresh takes on traditional recipes. From Michelin-starred celeb favourites to no-frills restaurants ideal for midweek comfort food, these are the most delicious Indian restaurants in London to tuck in for lunch or supper.
What area of London has the best Indian food?
It might seem surprising, but our expert food editors have coined Mayfair and Soho as the hottest locations for London's best Indian restaurants. These two neighbourhoods boast everything from Gymkhana, a Michelin-starred fine dining experience, to Kricket, a creative take on Indian cooking combining Mumbai and London's flavours. So whether you're in town for a few days or a local Londoner looking for Indian food, you can't go wrong with exploring Mayfair and Soho's offerings.
1. The Tamil Prince, Islington
Best Indian Restaurant for: Cosy pub aesthetics
Dish to order: Channa bhatura with Raita
The Tamil Prince took its Islington neighbours by surprise when it launched as a pub-slash-restaurant in June 2022. But the intrigue only fuelled interest, as influencers and discerning foodies have been seeking out the establishment – among a grid of manicured parks and lavish townhouses – ever since. Food is served tapas style as it's ready, fresh from the small kitchen which is visible through a large glass window from the dining room. Okra fries and onion bhajis kick things off, dipped in the fiery mint chutney – hold off if spice doesn’t agree with you. Paneer masala is an explosion in the mouth, with tender chunks of Indian cheese smothered in the rich sauce. Pile it on heaps of sweet coconut pilau rice and you may wonder if you’ve moved straight onto pudding (no complaints here). Second helpings of buttery goodness come courtesy of dhal makhani, an indulgent lentil dish new to my palate that was so good I’ve since been on the hunt for a recipe to replicate it from the comfort of my kitchen. Prioritise the Channa bhatura, a melty chickpea dish accompanied by an Insta-worthy raita ideal for soaking up all of the sauce that hasn’t landed on the table or down your front. While there may not be much room left for pudding, the hefty cocktail list does a good job of extending sittings. Drinks are the domain of Bar Termini alumni Simone Pugi, so it’s little surprise that more than one of the prince cocktails was consumed (a cardamom rum, rose water and lime concoction topped with a branded, edible rice paper circle). While it may come with a wildcard location, few Indian restaurants are as characterful as this. Connor Sturges
Address: The Tamil Prince, 115 Hemingford Road, London N1 1BZ
Website: thetamilprince.com
2. Bibi, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: Character-packed fine-dining
Dish to order: Buffalo-milk paneerIn the heart of Mayfair, BiBi’s ethos is inspired by traditional Indian cuisine and the personal memories and family history of esteemed chef, Chet Sharma. Opulent decor – think red-tiled kitchens, dark wooden countertops, chequerboard flooring and paisley-patterned chairs – make the space a worthy opponent of the glamorous haunts nearby. The menu – designed for sharing – consists of three sections, with seven or eight small plates the ideal number for getting a real flavour of the food here. Order the oysters – lightly poached in lime, coconut and fermented chilli – for a zingy start, or the Orkney scallops for a creamier, more textured take on ceviche. From the main courses, go for the creamy, nutty buffalo-milk braised paneer, and the khatti meethi cod for sweet-and-sour style, melt-in-your-mouth fish. Olivia Morelli
Address: 42 N Audley Street, London W1K 6ZP
Website: bibirestaurants.com
3. Gymkhana, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: Michelin-starred fine dining
Dish to order: Muntjac biryani, pomegranate and mint raitaGymkhana has an excellent reputation for fancy fare that leaves you feeling truly satisfied. Taking inspiration from the old gymkhana clubs of India, the polished dark timber and rich printed fabric transports you away from central London in an instant. The tasting menu is a gorgeous treat but will require an empty stomach; portions are generous and full of flavour, from the cull yaw mutton samosa to start, to the cardamom kheer, fresh mango and mango sorbet pudding. As with many memorable restaurants, it’s the service that really sets Gymkhana apart from its competitors, so don’t be shy when it comes to asking for advice on what to order. Abigail Malbon
Address: Gymkhana, 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4JH
Website: gymkhanalondon.com
4. Pali Hill, Fitzrovia
Best Indian restaurant for: Seasonal regional dishes
Dish to order: Alphonso mango cheesecakeNamed after one of Mumbai’s oldest neighbourhoods, Pali Hill delves into some of the finest flavour-packed regional dishes from every corner of the country. Sit on the side-street terrace or cosy up among colourful cushions in the art deco-inspired interior, admiring the specially commissioned artworks from India adorning the walls. Kick things off with a boozy lassi, a smooth, refreshing drink of yogurt, honey and fresh mango blended with a shot of rum. Or perhaps the special Champagne lassi, a mix of lychee and apricot sorbet with sparkling 15 Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut and Glenfiddich Grand Cru. Accompany your tipple with papadi chat – crispy and crunchy and topped with spiced yogurt, red and yellow tomato, pomegranate, mint and tamarind chutney, it’s a sophisticated upgrade on the classic poppadom with chutneys and pickles, deep in flavour and dangerously moreish. Another small plate to try is the hara kebab, a falafel-style combination of spring peas and spinach with a tamarind chutney for dipping.
Move on to the main event of big plates, tandoor and grills, all cooked following house recipes that use traditional techniques. The menu changes every few months to guarantee the freshest, in-season plates. We loved the sea bass steamed in banana leaf with raw mango, mint, coriander and lime – it was the star of the show, paired perfectly with the seasonal grilled asparagus with pahadi bhaang jeera (hempseed) chutney and a glass of the Grüner Veltliner. Meat eaters shouldn’t miss the classic slow-cooked Suffolk lamb biryani, mopping it up with a soft but crispy ghee-striped sourdough roti. Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, finish with the mango cheesecake – the light mousse topping the crumbly biscuit base is simply delicious. Or go for the passionfruit gola – shaved ice with a sweet burst – which is perfect for cleansing the palate. Cordelia Aspinall
Address: Pali Hill, 79–81, Mortimer Street, London, England, W1W 7SJ
Website: palihill.co.uk
5. Trishna, Marylebone
Best Indian restaurant for: A taste of coastal cooking
Dish to order: Aloo tokri chaat and makai saagAloo tokri chaat is a well-known street-food staple in India: deep-fried potatoes are topped with spices, yogurt, tamarind sauce, mint and pomegranate, so it’s sweet, sour, tangy, crunchy and spicy all at the same time. The Sethi siblings, who own Michelin-starred Trishna in the heart of Marylebone, know a good thing when they taste it, which is why they start their menu off with this popular roadside snack. What follows is an exploration of the country’s coast – moving from Mumbai to Tamil Nadu – with a strong focus on vegetables and seafood that makes for a welcome change from the more common meat-heavy northern dishes found across London.
It’s all done with creativity, in a space that is simple and contemporary – whitewashed brick walls, wooden chairs and not a single tablecloth in sight. Waiters are attentive without being intrusive, recommending dishes and their favourite cocktails, while sommeliers guide guests through a wine list that showcases emerging regions and niche producers from England to the Czech Republic. Try the Gujarat Cosmo made with a home-brewed rose-petal tea or a gin and tonic garnished to perfection. Then embark on a voyage across southern India, opting for the Taste of Trishna’s Koliwada with intricately decorated small plates that blend smoke and spice in impressive dishes such as stuffed soft-shell crab. Delicious curries include the Iyengar Aubergine Varuval made with coconut, dry red chilli, shallots and curry leaf, and the Makai Saag, a creamed spinach and sweetcorn, which is served with lentil dal and truffled mushroom pilau. Emma Russell
Address: Trishna, 15-17 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DG
Website: trishnalondon.com
David Turner6. Paro, Covent Garden
Best Indian Restaurant for: A pre-theatre feast
Dish to order: Butter ChickenUnderneath bold yellow posters advertising the neighbouring Lyceum Theatre’s long-running production of The Lion King, you’ll find Paro – a lip-smacking love letter to Calcutta in the heart of the West End. Interiors, designed by Studio G, are supposedly inspired by a traditional Calcuttan home, but the result of vibrant murals and foliage cascading from the ceiling is pleasantly Edenic. Chef Niaz has been cooking professionally since the age of 14. Luckily for diners, he’s inherited the family’s secret spice mix used as a curry base and incorporates a heady blend of 48 spices into the menu. Order an array of starters while ensuring there’s enough room for a curry fix; crunch into samosas filled to the brim with a chunky vegetable jumble and sample Paro’s signature spice mix at work in the plump Toddy Shop tiger prawns. Hidden towards the bottom of the menu, the butter chicken is a winning dish on a winter’s night – tender chicken chunks in a lightly spiced tomato and cream blend. Visit as a group for the ultimate Paro experience, as surrounding tables did, and cover the table in small plates around a centrepiece of meat thali or tandoori grill, two larger plates that offer a taste of several dishes. There’s unlikely room for dessert, but if there is, savour the syrupy goodness of the Gulab Jamun. Connor Sturges
Address: Paro, 21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7DN
Website: paroindian.com
7. Gunpowder, various locations
Best Indian restaurant for: Casual evening ambience
Dish to order: Gunpowder Aloo ChaatThe tiny, homey restaurant run by Harneet and Devina Baweja has been serving Indian small plates in Spitalfields since 2015. New this year is their second spot, a much bigger restaurant, in a development that has views of Tower Bridge. The best bit? The new space means you can finally book for large groups. Other than the size, the two joints are satisfyingly similar – though this one swaps the original’s brick-and-wood aesthetic with polished concrete interiors, zinc surfaces and terracotta tones. Plus, they both dish up the very popular spice-encrusted Kashmiri lamb chops and spicy venison with a vermicelli doughnut. Also delicious is the succulent Chettinad pulled duck. But it's one of the simplest plates on the menu that is our favourite: the signature aloo chaat, a mound of potatoes piled with yogurt and spiced-tamarind-and-date chutney – a perfect complement to the rest of the sharing plates. You won’t find naan on the menu at Gunpowder, and you might not even need to order rice, but we find it hard to believe there's anyone that won't be won over by this inventive and flavour-packed menu. Tabitha Joyce
Address: Gunpowder, 11 White's Row, Spitalfields, London E1 7NF; 4 Duchess Walk, London SE1 2SD; 20 Greek Street, London W1D 4DU
Website: gunpowderlondon.com
8. Kutir, Chelsea
Best Indian restaurant for: an Indian tasting menu
Dish to order: Signature ExpeditionKutir is the first solo venture by chef Rohit Ghai and front-of-house Abhishake Sangwan, both previously at Gymkhana and Jamavar, so expectations were pretty high when it opened at the end of 2018. The name means 'small cottage in the middle of nowhere' in Sanskrit – in this case a very exclusive one, and certainly not off-the-map remote.
Set in a townhouse across the road from the Saatchi Gallery, it takes its theme from hunting expeditions in the Indian countryside. You ring the bell before being guided into a dining space of pistachio-green walls with mirrors and prints of elephants and tigers – the nature theme extends to vibrant bird-print panels on the bar, and flower-branch lights and hypnotic tree wallpaper elsewhere. For the full showcase of Ghai's skills, the Signature Expedition (one of three tasting menus) is packed with satisfyingly rich meat dishes and just-right spicy seafood – standouts among them were the crunchy prawn masala and velvety coconut sea bass with mussels. There's also stone bass with squid, hot and cold partridge with beetroot, and lamb with cumin, all expertly paired with wines from a globe-spanning list, and when you feel certain you cannot fit in pudding, a tempting Valrhona-chocolate and banana square appears. Katharina Hahn
Address: Kutir, 10 Lincoln Street, London SW3 2TS
Website: kutir.co.uk
9. Tamarind, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: lighter and more sophisticated take on traditional Indian cooking
Dish to order: Chargrilled lamb chopsTamarind’s been a steadfast fixture on London’s Indian fine-dining scene for 24 years: old-school, elegant and the first restaurant of its kind to win a Michelin star. And after an eight-month, multi-million-pound overhaul, it’s just thrown open the doors again, relaunched, box-fresh, and with not a starchy white tablecloth in sight. The space has doubled in size and the team behind Dover Street’s The Arts Club sent in; interiors have been pared-back, adding long squishy sofas, stripped wooden tables and two all-action open kitchens. There’s top talent in the kitchen too: Karunesh Khanna, swiped from Belgravia’s Amaya and Manav Tuli from Chutney Mary. The new menu focuses on small plates and light tandoor grills; start with huge plump scallops swimming in a red lentil and curry sauce, meaty coconut and chili sea bass, or sensational lamb cutlets sealed with a gently spiced pistachio crumb. Mains are designed for sharing: chicken biryani with a pastry lid that’s ceremoniously cracked open at the table, tender lamb osso bucco, and a Keralan prawn curry mopped up with slithers of fluffy garlic naan and dollops of hot-pink raita. There’s plenty for vegetarians too, or those who fancy something a bit healthier and fresher (making this a popular lunchtime spot) – brightly coloured kale and papaya salads, and – a must-order – caramelised Brussels sprouts in a chestnut and mustard-seed sauce. Come for a special occasion – the Michelin star may have been rescinded during the closure, but we’ve no doubt it’ll be won back in no time. Teddy Wolstenholme
Address: Tamarind Mayfair, 20 Queen Street, London W1J 5PR
Website: tamarindrestaurant.com
10. Soho Wala, Soho
Best Indian restaurant for: a taste of India’s off-beat charm
Dish to order: Bhelpuri with pomegranate and sevBefore you’ve even had time to order a gin and tonic at Soho Wala, fresh, miniature poppadoms with parmesan appear on your table alongside a bus-shaped napkin holder with the rather unexpected – but charming – message ‘For use in any kind of crisis’ printed along the side. The only crisis is how quickly the poppadoms vanish, but you’ll soon forget when fragrant plates start to arrive. Head chef Rajesh Parmar produces good, easy-to-order food that is comforting to its core and confidently fuss-free. The kali daal has an earthy texture with a good kick of heat that will bring a flush to your cheeks, and comes with discs of light, buttery choor choor naan to scoop it up (those napkins come in handy). The bhelpuri, meanwhile – puffed rice and vegetables topped with pomegranate seeds, crunchy gram flour sev and tamarind sauce – displays Parmar’s aptitude at balancing flavours and textures from Northern India (bhelpuri is often associated with Mumbai). Despite its location opposite one of London’s landmarks on Great Marlborough Street (grand dame department store, Liberty), Soho Wala’s quiet, unassuming presence makes you feel like you’re not in London at all; perhaps not quite India, either, but somewhere peaceful suspended in between the two, and happily away from the manic shoppers of Soho. Anna Prendergast
Address: Soho Wala, 21 Great Marlborough Street, Soho, London W1F 7HL
Website: sohowala.com
11. Kahani, Chelsea
Best Indian restaurant for: Indian small plates
Dish to order: marinated tandoori broccoli with nigella seeds and wheat crispsKahani, which means 'story' in Urdu, is the first restaurant from chef Peter Joseph, who had been at Michelin-starred Tamarind for 14 years. Its elegant location, just off Sloane Street, has been reflected in the interiors: velvet chairs, low lighting and marble tables. And the menu is refined too. Joseph serves up traditional Indian dishes using seasonal, British ingredients with a little influence, he says, from Spanish tapas culture. Menu highlights include the soft-shell crab with Mangalorean spices, smoked Malabar prawns with turmeric and coconut and – the chef’s personal favourite – marinated tandoori broccoli, served on an artistic splatter of honey and crumbled poppadoms. The venison bhuna (black cardamom, peppers and shallots) on paratha is delicately spiced, but with a chilli kick. For those who have a sweet tooth, the medley of kulfis is a must – an Indian take on ice cream, in which eggs are replaced with evaporated milk to get a softer, creamier taste. And do try the special JCB No. 47 Brut from Mahārāshtra, an Indian sparkling wine named in honour of the country’s independence from Britain in 1947. Luzrezia Worthington
Address: Kahani, 1 Wilbraham Place, Belgravia, London SW1X 9AE
Website: kahinilondon.com
12. Tamarind Kitchen, Soho
Best Indian restaurant for: sharing small plates
Dish to order: lotus-root kebab with dates and plum chutneyThere’s something pleasingly jewel-box about the interior of Soho’s Tamarind Kitchen (the little sister to Michelin-starred Tamarind) with its dark wood panels, blue-striped banquettes and pomegranate-red walls hung with shiny brass plates. A new menu focuses on three grills – the tandoor, hot griddle and charcoal – and all the wonderful things you can flame on them (ask the brilliant manager Arvind Chavhan for his recommendations). Order small plates of smoked spicy chicken tikka, watercress seekh filed with onion raita, super-tasty chargrilled seabass with coconut and chilli, meaty (and yet meat-free) lotus-root kebab and tangerine-bright Kerala prawn curry as good as any you’ll taste in Fort Cochin. Accompanying it all are rotis hot off the heat with a trio of chutneys: tomato, fiery aubergine and peach. And to finish, go for a rich and sticky gulab jamun with ginger kulfi and a colourful tropical trifle with pistachio sponge and mango jelly. Gráinne McBride
Address: Tamarind Kitchen, 167-169 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WR
Website: tamarindkitchen.co.uk
13. Dishoom, Soho
Best Indian restaurant for: Breakfast
Dish to order: The Big BombayFirst things first: expect a queue. And if you can stick it out, you'll be met with a bustling space styled on a Bombay café complete with spinning ceiling fans and vintage magazine prints on the walls. From the menu we like the lamb biriani, the bhel (puffed rice with a tangy tamarind chutney) and the black dal. But, best of all, we like Dishoom at breakfast, not only because you can book – but also because the sticky char-striped streaky bacon naan is excellent. If you're really hungry, go for The Big Bombay which comes with peppery Shropshire pork sausages, masala baked beans, grilled field mushrooms and buttered, home-made buns. Dishoom has multiplied since it arrived in Covent Garden in 2010, but it's doing so at a steady rate – with five restaurants in London and one in Edinburgh. While this joint, off Soho's Carnaby Street is our favourite, the Shoreditch courtyard is particularly lovely too, while one of the latest Indian restaurants in London to open its doors is Dishoom's latest outpost in Canary Wharf. Tabitha Joyce
Address: Dishoom, 2 Kingly Street, Carnaby, London W1B 5QB
Website: dishoom.com
14. Brigadiers, The City
Best Indian restaurant for: Dining in the city
Dish to order: Indo Chinese chilli chicken lettuce cupsBank has never been a dining destination. And then, all of a sudden, there are burgers from Bleecker Street, great coffee from Caravan, enormous pizzas at Homeslice and Koya's hard-to-beat noodles, all within one block. But the stand-out has to be Brigadiers. Unlike it's neighbours, it's not a chain, but it is from the same team behind Gymkhana in Mayfair so you know you're in excellent hands. Unlike Brigadiers' fine-dining sibling, their City spot is themed as an Indian gastropub. But ignore the fact they're promising to show the football and settle down in a booth (in a room without a screen) because their barbecue take on Indian is sizzling. Small-plate starters include skewers of Afghani lamb, smoked aubergine rotis and the must-order chilli chicken lettuce cups. Even the pappadums are amazing - with four different recipes on display. Mains include plates of perfectly-grilled meats – from guinea fowl reshmi kebabs to tandori lamb. Almost everything packs a fiery punch so order plenty of the sesame and cucumber raita to pile on everything. As well as the two main dining rooms there are a handful of private rooms making this a great spot for a party. Tabitha Joyce
Address: Brigadiers, 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
Website: brigadierslondon.com
lateef.photography15. Benares, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: A Michelin-star feast
Dish to order: Baked Malabar ScallopThis is one of the stalwarts of upscale Indian cooking in London. It first gained a star under Atul Kochhar in 2007 and it’s been impressing with its generous servings of traditional-meets-modern dishes ever since. Now under the leadership of Exec Chef Sameer Taneja, who successfully regained Benares’ Star in 2021, come here and make an evening of it, kicking off with a Passion Fruit Chutney Martini in the red-and-black bar. Mini poppadoms arrive at your table in the low-lit mirrored dining room to be slathered in apricot, gooseberry and pickled-carrot dips. Next up is a delicious Samosa Ragda Tartlet – crushed warm potato on Carom seed Tartlet. The scallops are a standout starter, baked in a coconut curry to keep in the flavour; balance it out with a minerally Joh Jos Riesling, all the while taking in the happy-making buzz of the room. For mains there’s smoked chilli marinated tandoori lamb cutlets with a spiced spinach purée and a hearty dish of roasted duck with crispy semolina bread. Keep it light (sort of) for pudding, with with tangy mango and raspberry kulfi and rose bhapa doi (baked yogurt) with hibiscus-tea jelly. Well, we did say to make an evening of it. Gráinne McBride
Address: Benares, 12a Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BS
Website: benaresrestaurant.com
16. Darjeeling Express, Soho
Best Indian restaurant for: Proper home-style cooking
Dish to order: Darjeeling steamed dumplingsOwner Asma Khan is a self-taught cook and previously a much-loved supper-club host. The open-plan kitchen inside Darjeeling Express, her first restaurant, is run by a team of ladies who, similarly, have no formal training - they cook from the heart, showcasing Khan's passion for traditional North Indian, Bengali and Hyderabadi dishes. Aromatic mutton kebabs are stuffed with hung yogurt and fresh mint; a slow-cooked Bengali-style goat curry is strewn with spice-soaked potatoes. The restaurant's steel-blue walls display a storyboard of pictures from Khan's childhood and the slatted wood benches, concrete tables and Victorian tile patches are inspired by her childhood home. This is a personal project from an exceptional chef.
Address: 2.1, 2.4 Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London, W1B 5PW
Website: darjeeling-express.com
17. Jikoni, Marylebone
Best Indian restaurant for: A spicy brunch
Dish to order: Prawn toast Scotch egg with banana ketchup and pickled cucumbersA homely spot with a menu that draws upon East Africa and the Middle East as well as Asia, Jikoni has the look of an arty aunt's house with its mix of Indian printed tablecloths, wicker chairs and mismatched china. Sit back, get cosy and enjoy reinvented brunch classics such as tamarind and pineapple glazed bacon with fenugreek waffles and fennel slaw, or poached egg and chilli pickled cauliflower on caramelised pineapple piña colada pancakes. Also worth ordering are the lobster khichdee with a spicy moolie broth and coconut chutney, a green bean and cashew nut thoran and the Pondicherry prawn puffs. To finish, indulge in childhood treats including peanut brittle and a light banana cake with miso butterscotch. Amandip Uppal
Address: Jikoni, 19-21 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DH
Website: jikonilondon.com
Hugh Johnson18. Kricket, Soho
Best Indian restaurant for: Cool, creative Indian cooking
Dish to order: Pumpkin, makhani sauce, fresh paneer, hazelnut crumble, puffed riceThis incredible restaurant began as a pop-up in a 20ft shipping container in Brixton. It wasn't long before all of London wanted a chair at chef Will Bowlby's mini kitchen table. Less than two years later, Kricket opened its first bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Soho. The design is a modern memoir to Mumbai, with bare walls and rough plastering and large communal tables in a dimly lit basement. The menu brings together the flavours of Mumbai and London, with British ingredients used to make the most of authentic flavours, aromas and spices, inspired by Bowlby's first-hand experience of working in India's largest city. Guests are smitten with moreish dishes such as crispy samphire pakoras, Keralan fried chicken, curry-leaf mayonnaise, pickled mouli and tandoori monkfish. But if you order just one thing, make it the roast pumpkin plopped in a sweet spicy makhani sauce. It's worth noting that parties of four can book - useful in Soho. Amandip Uppal
Address: Kricket, 12 Denman Street, Soho, London W1D 7HH
Website: kricket.co.uk
Chris Orange19. Bombay Bustle, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: Cocktails to match your curry
Dish to order: Duck Chettinad dosasFrom the brains behind Jamavar this is an exciting new Maddox Street opening. Interiors are styled on inspired by the bustling streets, and famed railways - with booth seating that mirrors an old first-class railway coach, and station-style signage to differentiate between the bar (the spot is so buzzy that you could happily just visit for drinks) and dining areas. Come for the collection of gin cocktails, but stay for the small plates - our favourites were the green chilli and red onion bahji fritters, and the trio of spicy duck dosas. Then, there’s a tandoor menu featuring chaat masala chicken, as well as a tasty Cornwall lamb chop. For those that prefer curry the Keralan fish is made with coconut milk and tamarind; and the paneer butter masala comes with charred cottage cheese, peppers, fresh tomatoes and fenugreek. Tabitha Joyce
Address: Bombay Bustle, 29 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2PA
Website: bombaybustle.com
20. Tandoor Chop House, Charing Cross
Best Indian restaurant for: Excellent meat cuts and naans
Dish to order: Dexter Beef Naan and House Tandoor ChickenThis is where a classic Brit chop house meets traditional smoky North Indian eatery. Interiors are stripped-back but offset by a stunning mosaic-tiled floor and three large brass tandoor ovens. Order from the select cuts of meat, including a moist masala-boti-rubbed rib-eye, Amritsari lamb chops and fiery black-pepper chicken tikka, as well as a classic British masala chicken, in a marinade of hung curd, fresh, garlic, ginger, chilli and smoky spices. As an alternative to meat there's also a whole tandoor-roasted cauliflower and delicious fish specials to choose from. The simple butter naans are pillowy soft, but the bone-marrow butter naan is the one to try. Be sure to end your meal with the sweet brûlée made from BBQ pineapple and chai. Amandip Uppal
Address: Tandoor Chop House, 8 Adelaide Street, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4HZ
Website: tandoorchophouse.com
21. Cinnamon Bazaar, Covent Garden
Best Indian restaurant for: A portable hand-painted chaat cart and bespoke cocktails
Dish to order: Grilled aubergine with sesame peanut crumble and labna-toasted buckwheatA familiar face in the national media, Vivek Singh is a master of top-end feasting and is constantly exposing us to new tastes. Cinnamon Bazaar is his fourth restaurant (The Cinnamon Club is probably his best-known), and draws inspiration and interpretation from the colours, food and energetic atmosphere of India's old spice markets. Interior doors are parrot-green and a statement ceiling is hung with baskets and panels of hot-pink silk draped to create an awning. While you're persuing the menu, order a Bazaar Old Fashioned cocktail made with Indian scotch, coconut sugar and burnt cinnamon. Main courses include Indo-Chinese chicken wings with burnt chillies, and double-cooked pork belly with curried yogurt, barley, pomegranate and a broccoli smoked raita. The best bit about the Cinnamon Bazaar is its roaming chaat cart, which allows guests a chance to pick ingredients and spices to create their own bespoke chaat, a crispy-crunchy-spicy-tangy Indian street food. Amandip Uppal
Address: Cinnamon Bazaar, 28 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7JS
Website: cinnamon-bazaar.com
PATRICIA TOBIN22. Chourangi, Marble Arch
Best Indian restaurant for: unexplored flavours of eastern India
Dish to order: Welsh lamb chopsNamed after a neighbourhood in the vibrant city of Calcutta, Chourangi is fairly new to the beating heart of London’s food scene. Situated in Marble Arch, the menu is a contemporary fusion of European, Mogul and Chinese flavours adapted from Bengal's rich 300-year-old history; drawing inspiration from the people, culture and traditional cuisine, starters include prawn cutlet, a dish commonly enjoyed in Kolkata by local children as an after school snack and lotus stem potato chaat, a palette cleanser of sweet potato, pomegranate seeds and crispy lotus stem on a bed of fresh yoghurt. Seated in a dark green, leather corner booth with views of the restaurant, groups and families file in, filling the rattan seats along the white shutter-style walls, while London locals park up at the art deco bar. The rattle of cocktail shakers fills the air, dancing on the waves of the fragrant aroma and dinner music. The dishes are large and best-enjoyed family-style. An order of steamed basmati rice and freshly made in-house Calcutta naan, alongside the tiger prawn malai curry, served in a coconut and the daak bungalow chicken curry was, if anything, too much for a table of two, but then again, we couldn’t help fill up on the fresh but fiery grill Welsh lamb chops coated in yoghurt and spices. For dessert, the saffron pistachio kulfi is a must - vaguely resembling marzipan, this creamy ice lolly is a fun way to wind down the evening. Drawing inspiration from the ‘city of joy’, the friendly and welcoming team here have created a transportive and authentic experience for the community through food and drink. Megan Wilkes
Address: 3 Old Quebec St, London W1H 7AF
Website: chourangi.co.uk
23. Jamavar, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for:: A romantic meal for two
Dish to order: Scallop bhelNamed after a type of intricate and vibrant 16th-century Kashmiri shawl, Jamavar is a stunning restaurant in the heart of Mayfair with a menu created by chef Surender Mohan that celebrates his love of authentic dishes from both the palatial north and coastal south. On the list are a wide range of specialties from all over India, but it's the exquisite seafood menu that really stands out. Try the wonderful soft scallops which are served with crispy puffed rice, or the delicate stone-bass tikka, which is soaked in milk and whole spices before being roasted in the tandoor, and served with avocado chutney. Amandip Uppal
Address: Jamavar, 8 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K 3NF
Website: jamavarrestaurants.com
Nitin Kapoor24. Café Spice Namasté, Whitechapel
Best Indian restaurant for: Persian recipes with an Indian twist
Dish to order: Parsi lamb and lentil dhaansakJovial TV chef Cyrus Todiwala is the godfather of contemporary Parsi cooking, famous for bringing his unique Persian-Indian style to the London food scene. A short stroll from the Tower of London, Café Spice Namasté is housed in a Grade II-listed former magistrates court, with large stained-glass windows providing a gentle grandeur. The menu is packed with knowledge and some seriously unusual ingredients: this is the place to try rare meat dishes such as ostrich bhuna. But also for the goat curry which is wonderfully deep and meaty, or the Goan prawns that come in a thick, rich sauce. Amandip Uppal
Address: Café Spice Namaste, 16 Prescot Street, Whitechapel, E1 8AZ
Website: cafespice.co.uk
Peter Cassidy25. Chutney Mary, St James's
Best Indian restaurant for: Elite dining with a kick
Dish to order: Griddled Scallops in Mangalorean SauceA stone’s throw from The Ritz, Chutney Mary offers its well-heeled clients the perfect venue for a Gourmet Indian dining experience. Originally founded in 1990, when it opened on the King's Road, it was among the first of its kind to offer a taste of contemporary Anglo-Indian cuisine, reinventing regional recipes with seasonal produce. Now located in St James’s and complete with resident doorman, diners can begin their evening sipping a ‘Chutney Bloody Mary’ with a side of perfectly placed poppadoms, sweet and spicy chutneys and deliciously crispy kale in the cocktail ‘Pukka Bar’. The main dining room, where Indian design meets old-school glamour, offers intricately presented dishes from every region. Small plates not to miss include the ‘Spicy Corn Ribs’, slivers of corn on the cob marinated in exquisitely zesty ‘Bombay street masala’ spices, Tandoori Artichokes and the melt-in-your-mouth Scallops in Mangalorean Sauce. Main courses include the Tandoori Wild Madagascan Prawns from the Indian Barbeque menu or the slow-cooked Tawa Beef Flank with Bone Marrow curry. And if you still have the space left, the Srikhand English Eton Mess will ensure the (very attentive) waiters will have to carry you out at the end of the night. Jessica Rach
Address: 73 St. James's Street, London, SW1A 1PH
Website: chutneymary.com
Richard Booth26. Veeraswamy, Regent Street
Best Indian restaurant for: Old-school royal recipes
Dish to order: Raja of Travencore prawn curryOnce frequented by Mahatma Gandhi and Charlie Chaplin, this atmospheric Michelin-starred gem is the UK's oldest Indian restaurant. It was founded 91 years ago by a retired Indian Army officer and his princess wife, and the menu features royal favourites from several regions of India. In keeping with its roaring Twenties history, the Maharajah-style interiors have a timeless sophistication - twinky chandeliers and candlesticks, fretwork screens, hand-woven carpets - as does the menu. Try the subtle sweet coconut and sour tamarind flavours of the Malabar lobster curry, or the intense lamb shanks slow-cooked in bone-marrow sauce. Other favourites include a rich chicken makhani in a caramelised onion and tomato Delhi sauce, and the signature prawn curry.
Address: Veeraswamy, Victory House, 99-101 Regent Street, W1B 4RS
Website: veeraswamy.com
27. The Punjab, Covent Garden
Best Indian restaurant for: No-frills Punjabi dining
Dish to order: Grandad's Kali DaalThis fourth generation, family-owned restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden has its feet firmly on the ground. Specialising in standard, no-nonsense north Indian cuisine the menu is comfortingly old-school consisting of familiar favourites such as a tarka dhal bursting with smoky garlic, fried onions, cumin, red chilli and ghee. The vegetarian mattar paneer is creamy and fresh, while the distinct Achari lamb and chicken dishes are perfectly pickled in traditional Punjabi spices. The chicken tikka is particularly delicious with a soft, coconut-stuffed peshwari naan. But Grandad's Kali Daal, a take on a classic black daal, is the stand out dish. Amandip Uppal
Address: The Punjab, 80 Neal Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9PA
Website: punjab.co.uk
David Cotsworth28. Amaya, Knightsbridge
Best Indian restaurant for: fine-dining Goan plates
Dish to order: Punjabi Channa Cheat tart (a considered twist on a street food classic)Camellia Punjabi wrote the book on Goan dining. Literally; her 50 Great Curries of India sold over one million copies and has been described as “the definitive guide to Indian cooking” – her second book is out later this year. After opening the doors to uber-popular Chutney Mary in 1990, Punjabi along with Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi launched Amaya in 2004 in sleek Belgravia, winning a Michelin star and changing the Indian dining scene in London along the way.
If there are any preconceptions of a ‘curry house’, consider them banished at the door. This is a slick dining experience, with dimmed lighting illuminating hardwood tables and terracotta statues. At the back is its open kitchen – the first in London – a glowing, surprisingly small, streamlined operation, backlit with shelves of flavoured oils and broken into sections depending on whether a dish is flame-grilled, cooked in traditional tandoor clay oven pots, or freshly picked out of the fridge-cold herb garden. As a result, plates are small and unfussy, allowing the fresh ingredients and flavours to shine by themselves. Everything is cooked to order so don’t expect any heavy, mulled flavours; think more elegantly spiced Indian tapas. There's an emphasis on seafood – a reminder that India is a giant sea-facing peninsula, especially for beach-town Goa – so expect a healthy offering of dishes such as rock oyster bhajitas, griddled king scallops, and tandoori wild prawns, as well as chargrilled sea bass and ginger and lime crab. Waiters are on hand and all too happy to recommend the best dishes – some of the highlights are in the unexpected, such as the crispy cabbage and noodle salad. On top of all of that, there’s also a seriously considered wine list, and an inventive cocktail menu – the mirchi Martini goes down a treat.
Address: Amaya, Halkin Arcade, Belgravia, London SW1X 8JT
Website: amaya.biz
29. Motu Indian Kitchen
Best Indian restaurant for: Take away
Dish to order: Prawn masalaThis is not just any take away, this is indulgent Indian from the crew behind Hoppers and Gymkhana. And with shiny kitchens across London the take-out brand are using the same suppliers and spice mixes as the Michelin-starred Gymkhana. The name Motu comes from the affectionate Hindi term for 'Fat Man', and the menu includes feast boxes, as well as dishes like slow-cooked dal, chicken korma with rosewater and cashew, and a mixed platter of tandoor-grilled meats. Go for the mustard seed and curry leaf-laced prawn masala with an spicy potato-stuffed aloo kulcha naan. Based out of shiny kitchens across London, order via deliveroo.co.uk. Amandip Uppal
Website: motuindiankitchen.com
Jodi Hinds30. Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, Mayfair
Best Indian restaurant for: a home away from home
Dish to order: Crab bondaIn the heart of Mayfair, Kanishka captures the buzz of London, without the business – a place to lose track of time while you sample delights from an expansive menu served by attentive staff. The opulent, contemporary interiors are synonymous with the food that follows. Perfectly presented plates packed with colour and flavour capture the essence of the cuisine and culture across the seven sister states in the northeast of India.
The Crab Bonda is an exquisite example of fusion and balance. Sharp and spicy kimchi and chilli-tamarind chutney cut through the sweetness of the crab fritter – the lasting impression is that these opposites complement each other. For those wishing to be a little less adventurous but still wanting to explore the coalescence of flavours, Atul’s Chicken Tikka Pie will hit the spot, even more so when paired with a lightly spiced cocktail. Many of those who have grown up in Indian households will know that we often measure success in the kitchen by two factors: how perfectly round your rotlis are and an emptied bowl of daal. If you try anything at Kanishka, make it the daal. Rich, creamy buttery, simple, yet the star of the show… Nitish Mandalia
Address: Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, 17-19 Maddox St, London W1S 2QH
Website: kanishkarestaurant.co.uk