Located in Mayfair’s Berkeley Square, Benares, a Michelin starred Indian restaurant in London is celebrated for its modern interpretation of Indian cuisine. Led by Executive Chef Sameer Taneja, using his classical training in French and Indian cuisine and 20 years’ experience working alongside some of the world’s best chefs, Sameer’s culinary style pairs high quality British ingredients with authentic Indian spices and techniques, changing the way people perceive and experience Indian cuisine.

As one of the best Indian restaurants in London, the eclectic menu at Benares showcases a diverse range of creative dishes, drawing on influences and spices from all corners of the subcontinent, to enhance rather than overwhelm the top-quality ingredients sourced from UK’s finest producers. With refined cooking and perfectly presented dishes at the heart, the menu changes seasonally. 

  Named after India’s holy city, Benares marries tradition with daring modernity. Upon arrival, you step into a refined lounge adorned with meticulously designed furniture reflecting Indian inspiration, enhanced further by a stunning pond adorned with vibrant, freshly arranged flowers, evoking a sense of luxury and elegance.

Jamavar takes its name after the intricate and vibrant 16th century shawls of Kashmir and first opened at The Leela Palace Bengaluru in 2001. The restaurant was born from a love of the regional dishes of the Northern and Southern states and explores pan-Indian flavours from across the majestic sub-continent using a range of authentic cooking techniques.

There are unique flavours and secret recipes from all over India to enjoy; from the Royal kitchens of the north to the succulent dishes of the country’s southern shores for perfect Indian fine dining in London. Co-founded by Samyukta Nair with her father, Dinesh, as the first international outpost of Jamavar in London, the restaurant has brought the essence of palatial Indian dining to Mayfair with Executive Chef Surender Mohan leading the kitchen team.

Gymkhana is inspired by the elite clubs of India where members of high society socialise, eat, drink, and play sport. As one of the best Indian restaurants in London, Gymkhana has held a Michelin star since 2014 for its classic and contemporary Indian cuisine. Split over two floors offering two distinctive looks and feels, with the restaurant’s ground floor and bar resplendent in tones of jade green, polished dark timber and rich printed fabrics. Inspired by the residential mansions of Kolkata and Pondicherry. Down a mirrored staircase, the lower ground floor references subtle elements of north-Indian architecture and a vivid colour palette of peach and Kashmiri chill red.

Throughout the restaurant, the interiors are elevated by an array of original Gymkhana features including hunting trophies from the Maharaja of Jodhpur and Grandmother Sethi’s barometer. The food which focuses on chatpatta and boldly priced sharing dishes. A variety of options are available on menus with Northern Indian influences, including delicately flavoured kebabs and tikkas and biryani with a flaky pastry dome. 

Just a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus, Chourangi is bringing 300 year old Calcutta cuisine to the heart of London. As one of the best Indian restaurants in London, Chourangi harmonious blend of European, Mogul and Chinese cultures and food that has evolved in Calcutta, a place known as ‘the city of joy’ in India. The menu features contemporary takes on dishes eaten in Calcutta. Chef turned restauranteur Anjan Chatterjee partners with his dear friend Aditya Ghosh to bring Chourangi the unexplored flavours of Calcutta to the city of London.

Chourangi features street food inspired dishes and sharing plates. Every plate is embellished with tantalisingly fresh, seasonal ingredients. Some of the standout dishes include the Jackfruit Biryani, Tangra Chilly Chicken; a stir-fried chicken with the ultimate kick of “bhut-jholakia’s”; fierce Scoville chilies, garlic, coriander and herb-soy and an elevated take on the simple curry bowl in the form of Prawn Pardanashi, featuring tiger prawns, creamy coconut milk and crushed coriander stem. The decor captures the essence of architecture of Calcutta, inspired with natural rattan-stained furniture and cream walls.

Tamarind of Mayfair was one of the first Indian restaurants in London to be awarded a Michelin Star, which it holds to this day. While Tamarind embraces the foundations of Indian cuisine, it also incorporates contemporary elements into its menu. The restaurant’s innovative approach brings a modern twist to traditional dishes, resulting in a captivating fusion of flavors and textures. As one of the best Indian restaurants in London, it combines and celebrates diverse regional methods of cooking, with the tandoor at the heart of the kitchen.

The dishes are curated to be enjoyed any time of day, served in delicately floral surroundings in Mayfair. Set across two floors, with the spectacle of the open kitchen on the lower ground floor and views of Queen Street and private gardens from the upper level. The restaurant’s elegant setting exudes sophistication and charm. With its  light and airy dining area, tasteful decor, soft lighting, and plush furnishings.

Situated in the heart of Mayfair, Manthan serves innovative Indian food and cocktails in a beautiful, buzzy townhouse setting on Maddox Street. Chef Rohit Ghai has drawn on his culinary experiences in kitchens all over the world, as well as his childhood in Madhya Pradesh, to create a menu that fuses home-style cooking with expertly honed techniques in dishes that are bursting with flavour and personality.

Manthan’s menu represents home-style cooking and professional techniques. Flavour-packed street food-style bar snacks and sharing plates sit alongside mouth-watering grills, curries, and a selection of Ghai’s mother’s signature dishes and family recipes. Cocktails that complement the dishes are also available. With sleek interiors, a central statement bar, and beautiful dining room, Manthan provides the perfect backdrop for convivial dining, drinking, and snacking, making it one of the best Indian restaurants in London.

Chutney Mary is a hidden gem Indian restaurant in St James’s. Showcases an eclectic mix of authentic Indian design and contemporary style in a glamorous yet timeless setting. The unique cuisine on offer is based on a complete Indian culinary experience reflecting the country’s regional tastes, styles and nuances, using only the finest ingredients which are carefully selected on a daily basis as well as selecting only the finest, freshest seasonal ingredients. 

8Amaya

Amaya which opened in 2004 to immediate acclaim and awards including Michelin Star remains revolutionary and one of the best Indian restaurants in London to this day. Situated in the heart of exclusive Belgravia, Amaya stands as a culinary oasis, where traditional Indian flavors intertwine with contemporary culinary techniques and presentations. Amaya embraces the concept of small plates, offering a diverse selection of tapas-style dishes. This allows you to explore a variety of flavors and textures in one meal, creating a dynamic and interactive dining experience. 

Specialising in tandoor cooking, infusing dishes with smoky flavors and succulent textures, the sophisticated grilled and baked dishes that have been marinade or coated with creative blends of complex seasoning, from perfectly charred kebabs to sizzling tandoori prawns, the tandoor grill is the centerpiece of Amaya’s culinary prowess. Convention has been swept aside and there are no first or main courses, but a memorable journey of eclectic Indian taste sensations.

Visit : Amaya.biz

 

 

9Trishna 

Awarded a Michelin Star in 2012, Trishna deserves a mention on the list of the best Indian restaurants in London. Located in the heart of London’s Marylebone Village, Trishna delivers a contemporary taste of Indian coastal cuisine, and an extensive wine list that focuses on emerging regions and fine wines from niche producers and boutique wineries from all over the world. The informal and pared back aesthetic of the interiors, offset with antique mirrors, marble table tops and original wooden panelling offer a sociable neighbourhood dining atmosphere, with terrace doors that open onto Blandford Street, creating a semi-alfresco ambience throughout the restaurant.

Visit : Trishnalondon.com

 

10Brigadiers

Inspired by the army mess bars of India, where military regiments go to eat, drink and socialise, Brigadiers is a must-visit Indian restaurant in London. Encouraging socialising and camaraderie, live sport is shown on demand in selected rooms, whilst pool and classic card games are offered for those who wish to play while they eat and drink.

The food focuses on different methods of Indian barbecue, utilising tandoors, charcoal grills, rotisseries, wood ovens and classic Indian smokers. Designed by Brady Williams Studio, Brigadiers references Indian art deco design, conveying the opulence and familiarity reflective of quintessential Indian Club Culture. Brigadiers features a collection of rooms, each with its own identity, experience, and atmosphere – all perfect for relaxed, informal and playful socialising.

BiBi is known for its innovative cuisine that showcases ingredients and memories from the Indian subcontinent. Lead by chef-patron Chet Sharma, BiBi draws on the years Chet has spent cooking and sourcing ingredients for some of the most esteemed Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, whilst also embracing the full multicultural span of Indian cuisine.

The menu is an exceptional combination of modern culinary techniques and authentic Indian flavors, drawing inspiration from various regions in India, including the northern state of Punjab and the southern state of Kerala, with a focus on the cuisine found in roadside cafes. Featuring traditional comfort food dishes that are reminiscent of childhood memories, alongside modern culinary techniques.

As one of the best Indian restaurants in London, Bibi takes pride in working directly with farmers, as well as the abundant resources of the British coast and countryside. The ghee used in the restaurant comes from cows that graze on wild herbs and grasses, and all of the chaat and garam masalas used in the dishes are created from scratch. Discover a map of South Asia with pins indicating the source farms for each ingredient used in the dishes on the menu. The menu is printed daily on compostable paper, meaning the restaurant is led by only the best market produce.

Experience the pinnacle of regional Indian cuisine, directly sourced from the cherished home kitchens of Mumbai. Situated in the vibrant heart of Fitzrovia, on Mortimer Street, Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai captures the essence of India’s diverse regional flavors perfectly. Taking its name from a old city neighbourhood in Mumbai, Pahli Hill presents a curated selection of the most exquisite regional Indian small dishes, and made to share in an informal yet smart setting.

As one of the best Indian restaurants in London, Pahli hill celebrates an eclectic mix of flavours from every corner of the country and constantly add seasonal specials to the  menu. For a more upclose experience, take the best seat in the house, right by the kitchen pass, with Head Chef Avi as your personal host for the evening who will create a bespoke menu for you offering the opportunity to sample an array of Indian flavours across seven courses with the option of paired wines.

On the lower level, you’ll encounter Bandra Bhai bar, which is a tribute To The 70s Indian smugglers den. Full of spectacular trinkets, foreign liquor, gaudy art, and velvet upholstery, Bandra Bhai is a tribute to underground operations of years gone by and is now your delightfully tacky, dimly lit, groovy basement spot serving the best cocktails in London.

Yaatra, which translates to “journey,” beckons you to embark on a remarkable expedition through India within the prestigious Old Westminster Fire Station, a renowned Grade II Edwardian structure in the heart of London’s Victoria. Have your senses taken beyond the beaten track of Indian cuisine and into unexplored territory by the restaurant’s own travelling chef Amit Bagyal.

The menu is inspired by Chef Amit’s travels across the highways and byways of his home country and beyond, as an avid traveller he has seen more of India than most. The menu at Yaatra, gives long overdue recognition to the small pockets of lesser-known territories that rarely get the chance to shine. Yaatra’s presence in the 2023 Michelin guide comes as no surprise. The food boasts an impressive range of incredible flavours, captivating the palate and leaving a lasting impression, solidifying its well-deserved reputation. Read more about Yaatra here.

Overlooking Regent Street, this iconic restaurant has been serving fine Indian Cuisine since 1926 and is one of the oldest Indian restaurants in the capital. Classical Indian dishes have been finely tuned for the 21^st century. The décor is maharajah inspired and creates the perfect setting for Indian fine dining in London. The menu of classical dishes is served alongside contemporary creations, innovative and exotic seafood dishes, and is complemented with a fabulous selection of dishes from the Tandoor clay ovens of the North West frontier.

One of the highlights include, Raj Kachori, a regal wheat puri filled with goodies and splashed with chutneys. Veeraswamy is well known for its exotically presented cocktails that are made with colourful seasonal ingredients and include the Veerawarmy 1926 classic – no wonder it was frequented by well-known personalities, who in the past, have included Mahatma Gandhi and Charlie Chaplin.

Although technically Fatt Pundit offers ‘Indo-Chinese’ cuisine, it deserves a mention on the list of the best Indian restauarants in London. Fatt Pundit presents a unique culinary concept that celebrates the fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisines. With two locations in London ( Soho and Covent Garden), the menu showcases the harmonious blend of flavors, spices, and culinary techniques from these two vibrant culinary traditions. Originating from Kolkata, this unique cuisine was invented when the Hakka people migrated to India from the Chinese province of Canton, bringing with them their culinary treasures.

The eclectic menu, bold flavors, and culinary expertise, will take you on a gastronomic adventure that pushes boundaries. Playfully named Fatt Pundit it’s a combination of the common Chinese surname ‘Fatt’ with the Indian word ‘Pundit’ (a scholar). The flavours are bold, be prepare to be enchanted by the balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess. The menu features delectable momos which are flavoursome steamed dumplings that come straight from the Steel Steamers, served with a spicy chutney, with influences from Bhutan ,Nepal, Tibet and other parts of India. The cracking spinach, lollypop chicken and crunchy pepper crab are a must try. Each dish at Fatt Pundit is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a unique and memorable dining experience.