The best Indian restaurants in London
The idea of sharing lots of dishes between friends or family should be the sixth love language. Having a little bit of this and a little bit of that, it creates a harmonious plate of mixing and matching flavour combinations to a delicious degree.
And Indian cuisine does this so delightfully that it is often my go-to choice for an expansive dinner.
Even though the Dishoom black dal is the GOAT, and sometimes going to a chain restaurant hits the spot, I enjoy exploring the plentiful locations in our capital for amazing Indian food – and these are the best Indian restaurants in London for you to try.
Apollo Banana Leaf
If sharing dishes is the sixth love language, then bringing your own booze to restaurants should be the seventh, and Tooting’s Apollo Banana Leaf is the love child of the two.
This spot specialises in South Indian and Sri Lankan cooking, and it’s a place where you can go and stay all evening – make a real meal of it – diving into dishes and uncorking your home-brought beers. But it has to be a bottle of Cobra, right?
The aubergine bhaji is crunchy and full of flavour, and the chilli paneer is made for wrapping up in a dosa or parotta with dips for dunking. The rice isn’t a forgotten side dish at this establishment, there are several types to go on the side of the many curries and dishes – mushroom, coconut, lemon, or tomato, take your pick.
Tooting, SW17 | apollobananaleaf.com
Tamila
I wish I could go here for the first time again. Dishes spread over the table for two on the evening I visited the Clapham Junction branch. Born from The Tamil Prince (Islington, N1), Tamila opened a second location in King’s Cross speedily after the south of the river location. And I can see why it expanded so quickly.
The meal saw us breaking bread (roti) for a heavenly dining experience. The chicken lollipops were deep with flavour, smothered in sweet chilli chutney for extra spice and lovely sweetness. The Chettinad lamb curry made me rethink my regular order as it was filled with spices and meat that fell apart. Be sure to add a Tamil negroni to sip on.
I also recently discovered it does brunch – it serves Uttapam, which is a savoury Indian-style pancake topped with gunpowder beetroot, carrot and onion, and Poori Masala, puffed fried bread served with coconut chutney and potato masala on the side, among other dishes. Finish with masala tea or fresh OJ, and that’s a great start to the day.
King’s Cross, N1, and Clapham Junction, SW11 | tamila.uk
Veeraswamy
A shout-out to the oldest Indian restaurant in London: Veeraswamy opened in 1926, and it has gained a Michelin star over its nearly one hundred years of dining. If you’re looking for a meal steeped in history with a touch of boujee, then this central spot is the place to go.
The inside is awash in bright colours, inviting you into the warmth, much like eating a rich curry.
The menu sees a royal flush with the Patiala Shahi Raan Encroute dish, which is inspired by royal dishes of Patiala palaces and sees a lamb shank slow-cooked for six hours and then wrapped in delicate pastry and grilled in the tandoor.
You can keep it classic with Banjara Chicken Tikka or go “beyond the usual” with Veeraswamy’s Grilled Fish Exotica. Whatever your order, it will be a feast of the senses.
Regent Street, W1B | veeraswamy.com
Rasa
Rasa is all about family cooking, with owner Das Sreedharan being inspired by his mother when they managed the family vegetable plot in their village in Kerala.
Wanting to keep those food traditions alive, Das brings veggie dishes to Stoke Newington from its bright pink, cosy nook.
Putting vegetables front and centre, the menu features dishes like mushroom masala, creamy aubergine and spinach with paneer, absolutely bursting with flavour. With crispy cauli on the side and dosas bigger than your head, Rasa knows what it’s doing.
Stoke Newington, N16 | rasarestaurants.com
Empire Empire
This place celebrates art, music, and Indian food. Is there a better combo? It’s a nod back to our younger selves, a nostalgic tribute to carefree days when the world was your playground. There are jukeboxes and polaroids and, where the most fun happens, a comforting menu serving delicious plates of Indian food.
The menu features classic curries, nashtas, biryanis, kebabs, and tikkas – all rooted in the Punjabi region of India. My dream Empire Empire menu that no one asked for? Well, if you insist, it’s a starter kale patta chaat (crispy kale fritters lashed with yoghurt, tamarind and sev), the Empire butter chicken for main, with a tandoor roti on the side for mopping.
And let’s not forget the drinks, because a tipple is made to go alongside a slow evening of grazing tasty plates. Empire Empire champions winemakers of small-batch, biodynamic wines and serve top-notch sparkling wine and champagne.
You can keep the good vibes going long after the meal by listening to the restaurant playlist online. Next up: “I Am A Disco Dancer” by Vijay Benedict.
Notting Hill, W11 | empire-empire.restaurant
Brick Lane Brasserie
Home to a whole host of eateries serving Indian delicacies, East London’s Brick Lane is where you’ll find Brick Lane Brasserie, tucked in among the best.
The menu is as long as it is delicious. Whether you’re going for one dish in particular or making an order just for yourself like Smithy from Gavin and Stacey (chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan, and nine poppadom), this is the place to go.
It’s best to go with a group, going against Smithy’s views, so you can maximise your order and get a taste of everything. And if you somehow don’t find what you’re looking for on the menu, simply head down Brick Lane until a place draws you in with their aromatic scents and likely more BYO deals.
Brick Lane, E1 | bricklanebrasserie.com
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