Which are the best Indian restaurants in London in 2022?
Being from Delhi, I am always on the hunt for an authentic Biryani as well as Dal Makhani experience and having lived in London for six years now, it is safe to say that I have tried my fair share of the best Indian restaurants in London.
Certainly, this wonderful place is known to be one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and rightly so as a picky bird like me was in no mood to compromise on my authentic Delhi taste buds when it comes to these two most popular dishes in any Indian menu.
Before we continue, also check our article on the top 20 best Vietnamese restaurants in London, surely it will be a great read!
Now, here’s my list of top picks that will get you as close as you can get to a real Indian Biryani and Dal Makhani experience whilst sitting here in London:
Table of Contents
1. Dishoom
Starting with basics, your first go-to place that everyone in London commonly recommends is Dishoom and rightly so! With 5 sites in London to venture from each restaurant gives a very retro laid-back vibe.
The restaurant ambience takes you back to a setting of a café in the city of Bombay with a carefully crafted interior taking elements from India, giving you a unique experience, a typical slow Indian fan running in the ceiling whilst sitting in the comfort of rattan chairs.
The food itself is hearty and when it comes to the Biryani and ‘House Black Daal’ (Dal Makhani). Whether it is the ‘Chicken Berry Britannia’ or the ‘Jackfruit Biryani’ both are layered in the aromatic richness of spices and flavours along with their House Daal as described in the menu is rich and creamy, as well as deeply flavoured.
Website: www.dishoom.com
IG: @dishoom
The restaurant ambience takes you back to a setting of a café in the city of Bombay.
2. Bombay Bustle
If you’re looking for a perfect blend of casual yet fine dining, then I would recommend trying my all-time favourite Bombay Bustle located in Mayfair with a rich variety in menu and taste and might I say “they got the assignment right” when it comes to their Dum Tarkari Biryani with crisp onions sprinkled on top or whether it is the Madras Chicken Curry or even the Dabba Dal, all are mouth-watering!
Furthermore, the restaurant ambience is great with great service but if you’re someone who is still not ready to venture out to busy restaurants, Bombay Bustle offers a great delivery menu that is equally divine in taste! We also have included Bombay Bustle as one of the best restaurants in London Bridge.
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Website: www.bombaybustle.com
IG: @bombaybustle
Bombay Bustle offers a great delivery menu that is equally divine in taste!
3. Soho Wala
Nestled in Soho adjacent to the Courthouse hotel, you almost miss this hidden gem due to the pubs and Carnaby Street, but eat here for all the energy you need to explore Soho. I loved the texture of the Chicken Murgh Biryani, which was appropriately spiced for someone like me who can’t tolerate much spice.
The Dal comes with Chur Chur Naan, just like my mum makes it, making it a real home-cooked dinner. The restaurant’s atmosphere is basic and calm, and you may eat their delicious Mango Ferni while overlooking Soho.
Website: www.sohowala.com
IG: @soho_wala
Nestled in Soho next to the Courthouse hotel, you almost end up not noticing this hidden gem due to the hustle-bustle of Soho pubs.
4. Jamavar
I’m delighted about the expansion of Indian fine dining alternatives in London, but Jamavar is my favourite spot to celebrate anything big or small or to treat myself to wonderful Indian food and exquisite ambience.
Jamavar in Mayfair’s Mount Street offers an exquisite atmosphere and wonderful food in a royal Indian setting. Kandhari Murgh Tikka and Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Jamavar Dal are mouthwatering.
The food never fails to surprise me with its authenticity in taste and wonderful combination of spices.
Jamavar’s blend of North and South Indian food is my favourite, so I can only imagine how magnificent Samyukta Nair’s new restaurant MiMi Fair will be.
Website: www.jamavarrestaurants.com
IG: @jamavarlondon
Jamavar offers an elegant ambience with a combination of delicious food.
5. The Connoisseur
Moving away from hectic London, if you’re ready to venture out of Central London to the cosy environment of this restaurant nestled in the gorgeous surroundings of Harrow on the Hill then you would be in for a treat!
Describing themselves as “expert judge in matters of taste” might I say rightly so! Not only is there Dum ki Biryani both Chicken and Lamb heavenly, but I also particularly enjoyed eating their Keema Naan (naan bread with stuffed minced lamb). I love their Makhani Dal paired with their Murgh ka Tikka which slipped me into a food coma!
Website: www.tripadvisor.co.uk/The Connoisseur
Venture out of Central London to the cosy environment of this restaurant nestled in the gorgeous surroundings of Harrow on the Hill.
6. Coffee 2 Cocktails
Another hidden gem and my new favourite situated within the charming area of Harrow on the Hill this restaurant is to relax, enjoy and socialise! Their Chicken Dum Biryani comes with an option of raita or Dal Makhani making it a perfect combo!
I enjoyed trying their Black Bean Burger along with their Murg Malai Seekh Kebab and Paneer Achari Tikka. As the name of the restaurant suggests they offer a great selection of cocktails with my favourite mocktail being the Coconut Lychee Cooler.
The ambience of the restaurant is great and tends to get busy during dinner time. They also offer a small area of outdoor seating with heaters installed outside to keep you warm and cosy!
Website: www.coffee2cocktails.co.uk
The ambience of the restaurant is great and tends to get busy during dinner time.
7. The Kati Roll Company
Speaking about Biryani and Dal Makhani, I can’t say enough about this great small place I recently discovered. Soho’s Poland Street is where I found The Kati Roll Company.
This restaurant doesn’t serve Biryani and Dal Makhani, but it does serve Kati Rolls.
Kati rolls are skewer-grilled foods filled in buttery paratha flatbread and topped with chutneys and spices.
Payal Saha created this business out of homesickness when she moved from Kolkata to New York. My favourite ‘Shammi Kabab Roll’ transports me to India. This restaurant is great for a mid-shopping or bar-hopping supper in Soho.
Website: www.thekatirollcompany.com
IG: @thekatirollcompany
This place is a perfect pit stop for your mid-shopping meal or even the perfect meal while bar-hopping in Soho.
8. Tamarind Tiger
London’s first grab-and-go Indian restaurant is Tamarind Tiger. Baker Street restaurant offers eat-in or takeout dishes inspired by India’s rich cuisine.
Tamarind Tiger mixes superb local produce with traditional flavours in its wide and flexible cuisine.
Signature dishes include vegan chickpea curry with quinoa and cumin yoghurt, mango chicken curry bowl, Burger Paos, and a new veggie corn chaat.
Unique flavour combinations and perfect for eating in, taking out, al desko, or al fresco – unleash your inner Tiger and try this new restaurant.
If you enjoyed your meal here, you will definitely enjoy your meals at these new Brazilian restaurants. These are also listed as some of the best Brazilian restaurants in London.
Website: www.tamarindtiger.com
IG: @tamarindtoger.uk
Packed full of unique flavour combinations and ideal for enjoying in any guise from eating in, to taking away.
I hope you love these top London Indian eateries as much as I did! Also, if you are looking for the best British restaurants in London you can check our article about it.
Our Expert: Palakh Dutta
Food Writer
