Every corner of London bursts with Indian food locales that leave you craving at odd hours and get you coming back for more. But look beyond the curry houses and pop-ups and you’ll find a number of restaurants that offer high-end spin on the luscious cuisine.
These establishments pair luxurious interiors with inventive menus that expand the definition of Indian food. A meal at one of these restaurants is a gastronomical experience that will please not just Indian food enthusiasts but also any lover of good food.
Chutney Mary
Chutney Mary is perfect if you’re looking to splurge
With its sumptuous interior and glamorous ambience, Chutney Mary is favoured by London’s professional crowd and those looking to splurge. The restaurant serves contemporary Indian cuisine with delightful surprises like herb chutney sandwiches for afternoon tea, Cornish crab in garlic butter and lobster chili fry for heavier fare, and zippy nimbu tart to complete the meal.
The stylish Pukka Bar inside Chutney Mary deserves all the rave reviews for the excellent cocktails; it’s great for a casual meet up or hanging out with friends. For more intimate gatherings, the tasteful private dining areas are your best bet.
Where: 535 King’s Road, London SW10 0SW
Opening Hours: Lunch- 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm (Saturday and Sunday), Dinner- 6:30 pm to 11:15 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 6:30 pm to 10:15 pm on Sundays.
Tamarind by Mayfair
Gold accents give touch of exclusivity in Tamarind
Tamarind by Mayfair has the distinction of being the first Indian restaurant to receive a Michelin star and it still holds the accolade today. The first-rate dining experience attracts high-end clienteles who dine on items like papdi chaat, chicken curry, pudhina chops and indulge their sweet tooth on the succulent gulab jamun and pistachio kulfi.
The restaurant makes good use of the expansive basement, adding an air of sophistication and exclusivity with gilded tones that complement the white table linen.
Where: 20 Queen Street, London W1J 5PR
Opening Hours: Lunch- 12 noon to 2:45 pm, Dinner- 5:30 pm to 11 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 6 pm to 10:30 pm on Sundays.
Amaya
Grilled prawn by Amaya
Amaya features an open kitchen in the heart of a room with accents of dark granite stone and wood, but its sleek décor is not the only reason stylish professionals flock to this restaurant.
The seasonal menu guarantees freshness and creative dishes, but Amaya is generally famous for its contemporary take on Indian appetisers and grilled offerings. Highlights are chargrilled aubergine, tandoori black pepper chicken, and venison kebab. Curries and biryanis are also available for a complete traditional kebab meal. The wine list is curated by connoisseur Matthew Jukes, so rest assured that your glass will pair well with your meal.
Where: Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JT
Opening Hours: 12:30 pm to 2:15 pm and 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 12:45 pm to 10:30 pm on Sunday.
The Cinnamon Club
Fish special by The Cinnamon Club
Set in an elegant former library, The Cinnamon Club oozes quiet opulence. From the arched ceiling to walls lined with a collection of antique books, once you enter The Cinnamon Club, you’ll see that it’s a great setting for the memorable meal to come.
The Cinnamon Club offers Indian touches on fine dining fares. Excellent starters like tandoori octopus with chutney aloo and okra filled with peanuts and jaggery make way for classic game and fish dishes. Prices are steep, but for celebrating special occasions with friends or family, you can’t go wrong with this fine dining spot.
Where: The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU
Opening Hours: Breakfast- 7:30 am to 10 am (Monday to Friday), Lunch- 12 noon to 2:45 pm and Dinner- 6 pm to 10:45 pm (Monday to Saturday).
Veeraswamy
One of the oldest India fine dining restaurants in London
Established in 1926, Veeraswamy is one of the oldest Indian restaurants in London. Despite having been in the business for several decades, it still retains a regal atmosphere and its place as one of the best in town. The interior feels timeless, with photographs from the bygone age of the Raj and classical elements in the furniture.
The menu, however, is constantly evolving and aims to delight. Some of the most popular dishes to try include crab cakes, duck vindaloo, biryani, prawn curry, and naans. Round up your meal with gulab jamun or kulfi ice cream.
Where: Mezzanine Floor, Victoria House, 99-101 Regent Street, London W1B 4RS
Opening Hours: 12 noon to 2:15 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm (Monday to Friday) and 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm (Saturday and Sunday).
Trishna
Trishna offers inventive menu
The charmingly informal air in Trishna makes for a lively meal in this casual chic spot. It even spills onto sidewalk tables for alfresco dining. The ambience is matched by the delicacies on offer, with an array of seasonal ingredients and simple, clean presentation. Drawing inspiration from coastal Indian cuisine, the food at Trishna blooms with diverse and bold flavour.
A specialist selection of both wine and Indian beers is available to complement your choice of dish from the restaurant’s inventive menu.
Where: 15-17 Blandford Street, London W1U 3DG
Opening Hours: Lunch- 12 noon to 2:30 pm, Dinner- 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm (Monday to Friday), 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm on Saturdays, and 5:30 PM – 9:45 PM on Sundays.
Zaika
Elegant interior of Zaika
The building that houses Zaika is a former banking hall, lending the restaurant a dignified elegance. Overlooking Kensington Gardens, this luxurious Indian fine dining space provides a lovely view inside the room as well, with more than 100 pieces of artwork adorning the walls.
The menu in Zaika features refined Indian appetisers and dishes from the grill as well as tasting menu. Star items include trio of fish, kebabs in different styles, allepy fish curry, grilled lobster and mango in spiced tomato sauce, and all sorts of naans.
Where: 1 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5NP
Opening Hours: Lunch- 12 noon to 2:45 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), Dinner- 5:30 pm – 10:45 pm (Monday to Saturday), and 5:40 pm – 10:00 pm on Sundays.
