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London arguably does Indian food better than any city outside the subcontinent, a legacy of deep community roots and a dining scene that runs from white-tablecloth tasting menus to no-frills grill houses buzzing past midnight. For the visitor it is one of the essential London meals. This guide covers where to eat the best, whichever end of the spectrum you are after.
Modern and fine-dining Indian
At the top end, a wave of ambitious kitchens has redrawn what Indian food can be in London. Gymkhana in Mayfair, with its colonial-club setting and game-heavy menu, is among the most celebrated, and its siblings Trishna and Brigadiers are equally assured. Dishoom, inspired by the old Irani cafes of Bombay, is a reliable crowd-pleaser across several branches, while Darjeeling Express, Kricket and BiBi each bring a distinctive modern voice. For history, Veeraswamy near Piccadilly has been serving since 1926 and claims to be the oldest Indian restaurant in the country.
The classic grill houses
For many Londoners the real thing is found in the East End. Tayyabs in Whitechapel and the nearby Lahore Kebab House are institutions for sizzling lamb chops and karahi, busy, bring-your-own and gloriously unpretentious. Gunpowder in Spitalfields offers a more refined take on home-style regional cooking. The old curry houses of Brick Lane are more of a tourist experience these days, but the surrounding streets still hide excellent, unshowy kitchens.
What is the best area for Indian food in London?
Whitechapel and the East End are the classic hunting ground for grill houses like Tayyabs and Lahore Kebab House, while Mayfair holds the fine-dining names such as Gymkhana. Southall, in the far west, is the city's great Punjabi neighbourhood and worth the trip for the most authentic, best-value cooking of all.
Where can I find the best curry in London?
For a classic curry-house experience, head to the East End or to Southall rather than the heavily marketed stretch of Brick Lane. For a refined version, the modern dining rooms of Mayfair and Marylebone reinterpret regional curries with top ingredients. Many are busy, so booking ahead is wise.
Where to go next
Compare notes with the best restaurants in London, and for meat-free options see our guide to vegan and vegetarian restaurants, a real London strength in the Indian tradition.
