Visit these London restaurants for deliciously authentic Indian food.
Tanqueray Rangpur Lime Distilled Gin is made with the rare Rangpur lime (an exotic citrus fruit originating from India), mandarin orange, ginger and bay leaves. With the zestiness of lime perfectly blended with the juiciness of mandarin orange, Tanqueray Rangpur is a glorious homage to Indian flavours.To honour the Indian-inspired notes of this sharp and zesty gin, we thought we’d ask Indian Londoners where they go to find a taste of authentic India in the Big Smoke.
We got a huge number of replies from Indian Londoners sharing their favourite authentic spots in the city. So, if you want to get your hands on some incredible Indian food, then book yourself a table at one of these restaurants and cafes now!
Kolkati
For a taste of Indian street food at its finest, you’ve got to try the kati rolls at Kolkati in Camden Market. These mouthwatering wraps are packed with flavour and make a terrifically tasty lunchtime treat.
Saravana Bhavan
We had loads of votes for Saravana Bhavan and we couldn’t agree more. This huge chain of vegetarian restaurants from Tamil Nadu in India has been bringing top tier South Indian food – masala dosas and more – to people all over the world. And with branches in Croydon, East Ham, Harrow, Ilford, Leicester Square, Southall, Tooting and Wembley, Londoners can eat their fill!
Tayyabs
This beloved family-owned restaurant was founded in 1972 and has been serving up some of the best, award-winning Punjabi food in London ever since. We recommend you give the famous Tayyabs lamb chops a try!
Dishoom
Unsurprisingly, Dishoom dominated in the votes and for good reason. You could enjoy a banging brunch with Bacon Naan Rolls, Kejriwal or a Big Bombay, elevate your afternoon with a chai and some small plates, or indulge in a delicious dinner and drinks!
The Regency Club
This Queensbury Bar & Grill fuses Indian and Kenyan flavours with absolutely incredible results. For tender, well-marinated meat, packed with spice and flavour, it’s got to be The Regency Club. Oh, and did we mention that it’s also a Certified Carbon Free Dining Restaurant; they plant a fruit tree for every bill they present. Amazing!
Taste of India
There’s both a vegetarian and non-veg branch to this East Ham restaurant, so whether you fancy some dal fry or chicken biryani – the choice is yours! They also offer home delivery if you’re in the mood for a takeaway.
Bombay Bustle
This gorgeous Mayfair restaurant serves brilliant food that will transport you to, you guessed it, the bustling streets of Bombay. The decor here is also truly exquisite – you’ll definitely get something for the ‘gram.
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
This hotel boasts a couple of great places to enjoy some 5* Indian food. You could try the Jasmine Indian Afternoon Tea at Kona. Or book at table at Quilon, the first South Indian restaurant in the world to win a Michelin star! There, you’ll enjoy Chef Sriram’s fine dining menu, perfect for sharing.
Brigadiers
Brigadiers, in Bloomberg Arcade, is inspired by the army mess bars of India, where military regiments go to eat, drink and socialise. Guests can enjoy tasty Indian barbecue while revelling in the camaraderie of this lively spot where you can watch live sport on demand in selected rooms, or play pool or a couple of card games while you sup!
Jamavar
Named after the beautiful 16th century shawls of Kashmir, Jamavar explores pan-Indian flavours from all across the North and South of the country. This glamorous Mayfair restaurant is perfect for a special occasion if you fancy a flavourful Indian feast from Chef Surender Mohan.
Tamarind
We received several votes for Michelin-starred Tamarind, the Mayfair restaurant that is dedicated to showcasing the sensory joys of Indian cuisine. Here, guests will enjoy a contemporary twist on the traditional flavours and textures of India, with delicious regional fare served amongst lovely floral surroundings.
Chai Thali
For finger-licking street food and a glass of perfectly spiced Kadak Chai, visit Chai Thali in either Camden or Fulham.
Gymkhana
If you’re feeling particularly fancy, pay a visit to Gymkhana for your Indian meal out. This Michelin-starred spot is inspired by the elite clubs and high society playgrounds of India; it looks absolutely stunning and serves incredible food. For a special occasion, the Gymkhana tasting menu will never disappoint.
Roti Chai
Roti Chai’s Street Kitchen serves tasty treats all-day Monday to Sunday, inspired by street hawkers, roadside and railway station cafes. While their Dining Room offers food inspired by Tandoor Grills and traditional regional specialties – with a twist!
Masala Zone
This colourful chain of restaurants offers up delicious curries in a lively atmosphere. They also do a brilliant bottomless brunch starring seven street food specials!
Bombay Brasserie
This swish restaurant in Kensington is famed for its eclectic yet authentic Indian cuisine, and its bright skylit conservatory! Visit Bombay Brasserie for a gourmet dining experience in sumptuous surroundings.
Trishna
Tucked away in the heart of Marylebone Village lies Trishna, a sociable neighbourhood restaurant delivering a contemporary taste of Indian coastal cuisine. The Kerala Prawn Curry, Aloo Tokri Chat and Chocolate Mousse Chikki all come highly recommended! And if you needed any more convincing, did we mention that Trishna was awarded a Michelin Star in 2012?
Gunpowder
For home-style Indian fare that offers modern twists on family recipes, visit one of Gunpowder’s two London restaurants (Spitalfields Market and Tower Bridge). This authentic Indian kitchen uses responsibly sourced ingredients to shine a spotlight on the banging flavours of the Indian subcontinent.
Amaya
Head to Michelin-starred Amaya, in the heart of Belgravia, if you’re after genuinely delicious food, cooked right before your eyes in a theatrical open kitchen. A visit to this dramatic, lively restaurant is an experience in itself!
Mint Leaf
The Mint Leaf Lounge is a great spot to enjoy contemporary Indian cuisine in the City. You can also enjoy a refreshing tasting cocktail up on the mezzanine level cocktail bar while you’re there.
Bombay Central
Reportedly the best Indian restaurant in Harrow, a visit to Bombay Central will transport you to one of those old Indian railways serving up mouthwatering street food favourites. Plus the auto-rickshaws parked outside are a cute touch!
Cinnamon Club
If you love an unusual interior, you’re sure to fall in love with the Cinnamon Club. This restaurant is set in the historic, majestic, Grade II listed former Westminster Library and books still line the walls! Oh, and the food is also excellent – you can enjoy innovative Indian dishes in a stunning menu developed by Chef Vivek Singh and Head Chef Sankar Chandrasekaran.
Farzi Cafe
Venture over to Haymarket, just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus, and you’ll find the Farzi Cafe. There, you can tuck into traditional Indian classics with a modern twist amongst the cool, industrial interiors.
Darjeeling Express
The food at the Darjeeling Express is an homage to its founder Asma’s royal Mughlai ancestry and to the vibrant city of Calcutta where she grew up. Tuck into traditional food platters encouraging you to share in the style of the traditional daawat or feast.
Want to take a taste of India home with you after your delicious meal out? Just whip up a tasty Tanqueray Rangpur Lime cocktail for a post-dinner treat!
Tanqueray Rangpur Lime is available to purchase here. 18+ only. Please drink responsibly, for the facts visit drinkaware.co.uk. Please do not forward to those under the legal purchase age for alcohol.