Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square
London
Reviews
Absolutely incredible food, stunning decoration & setting and a wonderful all round experience. Probably the best Indian meal I have had anywhere in London in my 11 years living here. I cannot wait to bring my father who grew up in India to this restaurant. It’s definitely on the high price side but very worth the money. 10/10. 100% recommend.
We visited as a pair having found Colonel Saab on TheFork, and we certainly weren't disappointed. The front of house staff were friendly and professional, and the decor certainly makes an impression (you'll see in the pics that it's all portraits, low lighting, and chandeliers). We ordered poppadoms and two starters to begin. Fair warning: the portions for the ones we had were generous (the paneer tikka and chicken 'lollipops'), so come hungry. The paneer was delicious, I loved the fruity element, the char was well done, and it was rich enough to hold up against the bright spice of the salsa. The chicken pieces were crispy on the outside and very flavoursome. I had the classic Delhi lamb curry for main; the meat was very tender, the sauce was very pleasingly spiced, and the sauce was a good level of rich. My partner had a coconut chicken curry that was redolent with curry leaves, with hints of mustard. Again, a very good choice. The dessert we shared was very nice and more elaborate than I'd expected, offering a nice array of flavours and textures. The 'rose' sauce was lovely and brought the whole thing to life. Service was good throughout, the staff polite and friendly. The only thing I'd say is that I'd appreciate a bit clearer explanation with a couple of the chutneys/dishes, as they're delivered to the table. There were a few times where it was hard to hear, or only a few words were offered. But for the most part, this was a really good visit with some impressive flavours and a wealth of strong options on the menu. Well worth it, if dining at a discount; we paid approx £45 a head in the end, and you could do far worse at that sort of price these days, especially in that area and given the level of quality here. Colonel Saab is a solid new addition to the local dining scene and we will definitely return.
Colonel Saab offers a wonderful dining experience that beautifully captures the grandeur of princely India. The restaurant is spacious, spread across two floors, with ample seating and a stunning chandelier that immediately catches your eye. The elegant décor and regal ambience make it a lovely place for a relaxed meal. We visited for lunch, and it was pleasantly quiet with no waiting. We booked through TheFork and received a discount, but it's worth noting that the offer comes with several terms and conditions, including a minimum order requirement. I'd strongly recommend reading the offer details carefully before booking, as it's easy to end up ordering more food than you actually need. The menu offers a great variety of dishes, and the food certainly lives up to expectations. We started with the Zimikand and Beetroot Tikki, both of which were beautifully prepared and full of flavour. The Gutti Vankaya was the standout dish of the meal, with excellent texture and rich, authentic flavours. The Amritsari Channa Masala, Malabar Coconut Rice, and Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani were all equally enjoyable and well executed. To finish, the Rasmalai Milk Cake was an excellent dessert and a perfect end to the meal. Service was good throughout, courteous and attentive without being intrusive. Overall, Colonel Saab combines an elegant setting with excellent Indian cuisine, and is expensive. Just be sure to understand TheFork offer conditions before you go.
Absolutely wonderful dining experience. The food was simply divine every dish was beautifully presented, full of flavour, and felt thoughtfully prepared. The balance of spices was exceptional, and you could really taste the quality of the ingredients. The most authentic Indian food in London. The ambience was elegant yet welcoming, making it the perfect place for a special evening. The service was attentive and friendly throughout. A memorable meal from start to finish. I can’t wait to come back and try more of the menu. Highly recommend!
I’ve lived in London for years and passed through Chinatown and Trafalgar Square countless times, yet somehow never stepped into this restaurant—until I was invited to try their new Sunday Brunch. Colonel Saab turned out to be a real hidden gem. From the outside, it looks relatively understated, but once you walk in, it feels like another world entirely. High ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and carefully curated art pieces give the space an unexpectedly luxurious, almost boutique hotel-like atmosphere. It’s far removed from the usual expectations of an Indian restaurant in central London. The Sunday Brunch is a great way to experience a wide range of classic Indian flavours in one sitting. The starters bring together a selection of Indian street food-style dishes, offering a mix of sour, sweet, crunchy, and spicy notes that keep every bite interesting. For mains, the traditional curries paired with naan and rice are rich and comforting without being overly heavy. Even for those who don’t usually eat Indian food often, the flavours feel very approachable and well balanced. One thing that genuinely surprised me was the portion size—everything from starters to dessert is generous, and you leave feeling properly satisfied. Beyond the food, what stands out most is the atmosphere. It’s hard to believe such a calm, story-rich space exists just steps away from the busy Trafalgar Square area. It feels like a place with real character and intention behind it. They also have another location in Holborn, and beyond the Sunday Brunch, they offer Sunday Roast and an à la carte menu, which gives a good reason to come back again. Overall, a great spot for a date, a gathering with friends, or anyone looking to experience something a little different in central London.
