The 5 Best Indian Restaurants in London for a Proper Spice Fix
London has a fantastic food scene, and you can easily find amazing places to eat. But if you want authentic curries and fresh naan, you might wonder where to go.
So, we’ve spent the last few weeks eating our way through the city to find the best Indian restaurants in London. From cheap lunch spots to modern cocktail lounges, we looked at places that offer great value and huge flavours.
This list covers affordable thali joints, completely vegetarian menus, and trendy fusions. Now, read on to meet the top spots for your next dinner date, quick lunch break, or late-night craving!
How much does dining at an Indian restaurant cost in London?
Dining at an Indian restaurant in London typically ranges from £5 to over £125 per person, depending on whether you choose a casual street-food bite or an upscale tasting menu.
| Dining Experience | Price Range | What to Expect |
| Budget & Canteen | £5 – £20 | Street food bites, thali platters, or quick lunch specials. |
| Casual & Mid-Range | £35 – £60 | Estimated total for two sharing mains, sides, and appetisers. |
| Upscale & Fine Dining | £21 – £125+ | Set pre-theatre menus, à la carte, or multi-course tasting menus. |
1. Colonel Saab High Holborn
Website: colonelsaab.co.uk
Address: Holborn Town Hall, 193 – 197, High Holborn
Contact: 020 8016 6800; [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Saturday: Lunch 12:00 PM–2:30 PM; Afternoon Tea 2:30 PM–4:00 PM; Dinner 5:30 PM–10:00 PM; Bar 12:00 PM–11:30 PM. Sunday: Dinner 5:00 PM–9:00 PM.
Colonel Saab High Holborn blends contemporary Indian cuisine with a stunning interior filled with Indian art collected by the owners’ family. The restaurant has an eclectic atmosphere that makes dinner feel like more than just a meal.
When we interviewed a client who celebrated a small birthday dinner here, they said the atmosphere created the perfect backdrop for the occasion.
The à la carte menu keeps that experience going with rich dishes like Old Delhi’s Famous Lamb Curry and the Anglo Indian Chicken Chop. You can even try their Indian Afternoon Tea, which puts a fun twist on the classic British tradition.
However, the restaurant has two London locations, which can sometimes confuse guests looking for the right venue.
Sunday service is also limited to dinner, so weekend lunch plans may need some adjusting.
Customer Reviews
The restaurant exudes an authentic atmosphere and serves delicious food
The restaurant exudes an authentic atmosphere and serves delicious food. I particularly appreciate the booklet placed on each table, which provides history overview of the restaurant and its owners. The interior itself is adorned with beautiful, authentic art.
I ordered the lamb curry, which was quite enjoyable. However, I would recommend it only to those who are particularly fond of lamb. For my next visit, I’ll likely opt for the classic chicken curry.
- Yoni Budovsky | Google Review
Last but not least, the service was outstanding
We chose Colonel Sahab for my husband’s birthday celebration, based on my sister’s recommendation and some online research — and it didn’t disappoint. Every dish was delicious, the cocktails were a great addition, and the ambiance was lovely, with our 5-month-old baby along. Last but not least, the service was outstanding.
- Ritika Gupta | Google Review
2. Dishoom Covent Garden
Website: dishoom.com
Address: 12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane
Contact: 020 7420 9320
Hours: Mon–Thurs, Sun 8:00 AM–11:00 PM | Fri–Sat 8:00 AM–12:00 AM
Dishoom Covent Garden offers all-day dining that recreates the food and lively atmosphere of classic Bombay cafés. Here, you can stop by for a hearty Breakfast Feast or visit later for favourites like House Black Daal and Pau Bhaji.
The menu also has plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, making it easy for groups with different dietary needs to find something they’ll enjoy.
Of course, finding some of the best restaurants in London often means dealing with crowds, and this restaurant is no exception. During busy periods, you could face queues of up to an hour.
Additionally, the restaurant only accepts bookings for groups of six or more after 6 PM, which can make earlier reservations tricky.
Still, the lively atmosphere and famous bacon naan rolls make the wait worthwhile.
Customer Reviews
Dishoom has a very special place in my heart
Dishoom has a very special place in my heart and this restaurant in Covent Garden is possibly one of the best in London.
It’s huge!! In the region of 200 staff employed here and every single member of staff that we dealt with was just fantastic!
We were on the ground floor which is light, airy high ceilings and has a great buzz. The lower ground floor has what appears to be booth style seating in sections , sight of the open plan kitchens and a huge bar too
- Bebe | Google Review
Recommended to try at least once on your trip!
Recommended to try at least once on your trip! Tasty and flavourful indian cuisine – different from the usual. We were on a vegetarian diet that evening and there’s a great selection of vegetarian options available. Although it may lean towards the saltier side. For people who prefer less sodium in your diets, yoy may wish to try requesting for less salt and see if it could be accommodated.
- KJ L | Google Review
3. Saffron Soho
Website: saffronsoho.co.uk
Address: 63 Old Compton Street, Soho
Contact: 020 3941 9935; WhatsApp: +44 7477 107546
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12:00 PM–12:00 AM
Saffron Soho stands out by serving their full, authentic Indian menu right up until midnight every single day. This makes them an absolute lifesaver for late-night dining in the West End.
They skip the trendy concepts and focus purely on warm, generous Indian cooking. You’ll find comforting classics like Butter Chicken and Iranian Lamb.
They also offer a great selection of drinks, including Prosecco and Sauvignon Blanc. Best of all, their menu clearly marks plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
Unfortunately, since service starts at noon, you can’t grab an early-morning breakfast here. And for private dining, your party must have at least ten people.
Despite these minor limitations, the reliable late-night hours and hearty portions make it a consistent favourite.
Customer Reviews
I can’t recommend saffron enough
I can’t recommend saffron enough. The most friendly staff and dishes that feel like they welcomed you into their home. The railroad lamb especially sings. It’s nice to walk out of the show and have a great meal. 10/10
- Cheyenne Jordan | Google Review
100% will be back the next time we’re in London
Sometimes you worry about restaurants near some tourist locations, but there’s no need to worry here. Saffron Soho is FANTASTIC. The chicken curry is one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. We got the deluxe meal for 2, and it was all exceptional. I felt it was a good value for money spent, especially considering how much food you get (it’s a LOT). The staff is super friendly and willing to explain anything-Halim was very attentive, friendly, and quick to get anything we asked for. 100% will be back the next time we’re in London.
- D HB | Google Review
4. Gymkhana
Website: gymkhanalondon.com
Address: 42 Albemarle Street
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12:00 PM–2:30 PM and 5:30 PM–10:30 PM
Gymkhana takes inspiration from India’s elite high-society clubs, creating a sophisticated setting for both dining and socialising. The menu follows that theme with tandoori-grilled specialities, rich regional curries, and chaat-style sharing plates.
When we interviewed a client who recently visited with friends, they said the nostalgic Indian cocktails paired perfectly with the intensely flavourful biryani.
The interior also adds to the experience, with hunting trophies and vintage barometers that give the restaurant a fascinating, old-world feel.
However, the restaurant has a dinner minimum spend that can push up your budget.
To add, they can’t guarantee against cross-contamination, which could be a concern for guests with severe allergies.
Customer Reviews
Every appetizer, entree and dessert we had was delicious
Gymkhana OG has been on our bucket list for a while and we were elated when we managed to land a reservation during our last trip to London! And it lived up to our very high expectations. London is known for excellent, high end Indian cuisine and Gymkhana stands out even among that lot. Every appetizer, entree and dessert we had was delicious.
- Archana Kamath | Google Review
We had a wonderful lunch at Gymkhana for our anniversary and really enjoyed the whole experience
We had a wonderful lunch at Gymkhana for our anniversary and really enjoyed the whole experience. The food was excellent, with the Goan prawn curry being a real standout, it was absolutely amazing and full of flavour. A special mention must go to Lloyi, who served us. He was incredibly attentive, friendly and went out of his way to make sure we were well looked after throughout the meal.
- Mr Big Bad Wolf | Google Review
5. Govinda’s Soho Street
Website: govindas.london
Address: 9–10 Soho Street
Contact: 020 3687 0617; [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 7:30 AM–10:00 PM; Sunday: 7:30 AM–9:00 PM
Govinda’s Soho Street has been serving 100% vegetarian Indian food alongside the Radha Krishna Temple since 1979. The long-standing spot specialises in traditional prasadam, with hearty thalis packed with curries, dal, chapati, and fresh salads.
Since the team prepares everything fresh daily, the food has an authentic and wholesome feel.
For students, the 10% discount on food and drinks also makes this joint a budget-friendly choice in central London.
Unfortunately, the strictly meat-free menu could be a drawback for anyone craving traditional non-vegetarian dishes.
The restaurant also has multiple London locations, which can sometimes confuse friends trying to meet up.
Customer Reviews
Great food – especially like the paneer and love the dahi vada
It’s always great to dine here. Great food – especially like the paneer and love the dahi vada.
The seating is bit of an issue which can be improved. Sometimes it’s hard to find a place to sit. By the closing time the staff tries to push you to eat quickly as they want to clean up and go home, they can definitely be trained to be kinder to the customers in letting them finish the food in peace.
- Explorer | Google Review
Definitely a must-try if you’re visiting the temple! 🤍🍛
Govinda’s Soho street at ISKCON Temple, and it was absolutely divine! 🙏✨ Every item was full of flavour, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. The food felt wholesome and comforting, and the entire experience was beautiful. Definitely a must-try if you’re visiting the temple! 🤍🍛
- Supriya Sampath | Google Review