Advertisement

Indian Restaurants in London

London’s Indian food scene is huge, but not every place feels authentic or worth your time. If you’re after something classic, Brick Lane still draws crowds for its no-frills curry houses, though be ready for the tourist buzz. For a more genuine vibe, try Tooting in South London , it’s where locals go for affordable, no-nonsense Indian meals: think flaky parathas and spicy chaats that pack a punch.

If you want to step it up a notch, places like Gymkhana near Mayfair offer a refined take on Indian cuisine, with flavors that remain true but presented beautifully. One tip? Order the duck samosas or the black dal,they’re London legends. Also, don’t overlook smaller family-run spots in Soho or Whitechapel for dishes that fly under the radar but hit the spot brilliantly.

London winters can be grim, but there’s something about a hot thali or a piping bowl of chicken tikka masala that feels just right in those months. So, bring a hungry appetite and a bit of flexibility,the best meals often come from unexpected places.
🌍 Part of the My Guide Network 180+ destinations worldwide
Search by Map

Book Top Experiences and Tours in London:

If you're booking your trip to London last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

View All Experiences

What locals know about Indian food in London

If you’re after something a bit different from the usual curry house, give Tooting a try. It’s where lots of Londoners order takeout and meet friends for genuinely good Indian, from buttery naan to fiery chaat stalls. Also, don’t sleep on Dishoom,they made Bombay canteen-style food cool in London, and they do a mean chai to go with their bacon naan roll. For a posher experience, Gymkhana mixes high-end with traditional recipes, but you’ll spend more. Pro tip: If you want to avoid the crowds at Brick Lane, go midweek early evening when the rush eases but the kitchens are still buzzing.

And if your trip falls in winter or early spring, look for restaurants offering warming regional specials like lamb rogan josh or rich lentil dal. That kind of comfort food hits different when it’s cold outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Indian food in London? Here are some answers from a local’s point of view.

For something that actually tastes like India’s street stalls, head to Tooting Market on a weekend. There's always someone selling freshly charred kebabs and masala dosas. It’s busy but worth the wait, trust me.

Absolutely. Many places cater really well to vegetarians, especially in Southall and Brick Lane. Also, Gymkhana and Dishoom have great veggie options that don’t feel like second best.

It’s definitely more touristy than it used to be, with some spots playing it safe. But if you pick the right places,like Aladin or Tayyabs just around the corner,it’s still a solid choice, especially late at night.

The variety is growing fast. You’ll find Punjabi and Bengali staples easily, but places like Hoppers offer Sri Lankan-inspired menus, and Gymkhana taps into Mughlai. It’s not just the usual tikka masala anymore.

Weekday lunches are usually quieter and less hurried, especially if you want a relaxed meal. Evenings, especially weekends, can get packed, so book ahead if you want to avoid waiting.

Yes, many places have started offering outdoor spots since the pandemic, especially in warmer months. Dishoom’s Carnaby location has a decent courtyard. Just check before going, since it depends on the season and weather.

Definitely! Markets like Camden and Borough often have Indian street food stalls, and events pop up around Southbank or Tooting with street food vendors. It’s a different vibe than a sit-down restaurant but well worth trying.

Explore Restaurants Categories

Pub (118 places) London’s pubs hold a special kind of charm that never goes out of style. Some have been around for centuries, like the Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden, with its snug little rooms and dark wood. Others Explore
Italian (67 places) London’s Italian scene isn’t just about fancy restaurants in pricey neighborhoods. You’ll find everything from buzzing little pizzerias in Soho to quiet osterias tucked away in Clerkenwell where Explore
Fine Dining (49 places) Finding fine dining in London isn’t just about booking a place with a Michelin star sticker on the door. It’s about the whole vibe , the setting, the people, and yes, the food that makes you pause Explore
Seafood (48 places) London’s seafood restaurants offer everything from punchy fish and chips to slick oyster bars by the river. If you’re after really fresh fish, I always recommend hitting spots near Borough Market Explore
Breakfast (41 places) Explore
Mediterranean (40 places) If you’re craving fresh, vibrant Mediterranean flavours in London, you’re in luck. The city’s neighbourhoods offer all sorts, from casual mezze bars in Soho to seaside-inspired dishes tucked awa Explore
Brunch (38) • French (28) • Steakhouse (27) • Burgers (20) •

Explore More Restaurants Guides

15 Rooftop Restaurants in London

The best rooftop restaurants in London, handpicked by our Local Expert, plus experiences to book. Plan your visit.

View guide →
9 Michelin-Starred Restaurants in London

The best michelin restaurants in London, handpicked by our Local Expert, plus experiences to book. Plan your visit.

View guide →
The 15 Most Romantic Restaurants in London

The best romantic restaurants in London, handpicked by our Local Expert, plus experiences to book. Plan your visit.

View guide →

Top Things To Do in London

See All →

Top Things To Do in London

Click to See All

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide London is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides. We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing.

Nearby Destinations

My Guide Network Locations
Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
{[{slotLabel(slot)}]}

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel