As we are aware, the history of the United Kingdom is connected to the history of India ever since the emergence of the British Empire. One of the primary factors that has influenced this connection has been the Indian gastronomy, which has resulted in the creation of Anglo-Indian and modern fusion cuisines.
The impact of Indian cuisine on the British culinary scene is also evident through the presence of numerous restaurants in the UK that serve delectable Indian food, with some of them even being awarded Michelin stars as a recognition for their exceptional cuisine and service.
12 Finest Indian Restaurants in the United Kingdom
For Indian travelers on their holidays in the United Kingdom, the quest for high-quality Indian food can last for the majority of their vacation. To simplify this for you, we present a list of the top restaurants in the UK that serve some of the most mouth-watering and flavorsome Indian dishes.
1. Quilon, Buckingham Gate, London
The Quilon holds two distinctive records – it is the sole Indian restaurant to maintain its Michelin Star since 2008, and its head chef imports a greater quantity of spices from the subcontinent compared to any other restaurant in the UK.
Visitors flock to this place to savor the delectable delicacies from the Konkan and Malabar regions of India, which have become the restaurant’s Unique Selling Point.
Initially, the cost might appear daunting, but the ambiance and the delightful food will convince you that every penny spent is worthwhile.
Location: 41 Buckingham Gate, Victoria, London, England SW1E 6AFContact: 020 78211899Cuisine: Indian, South IndianMust Try: Crab Cake, Malabari Paratha, Mango CurryCost for Two: Rs. 7000Zomato Rating: 4.⅗
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2. Benares, Mayfair, London
This eatery is renowned for its cuisine as well as its owner-cum-chef, Atul Kochhar. It was one of the pioneering restaurants in the UK to introduce contemporary Indian gastronomy to the world.
The dishes served here are truly fit for royalty, with Darjeeling Smoked Trout and Tandoori Ratan being the favorites among the customers. The main course follows the expected path, but the tantalizing taste makes the overall experience worth every penny spent.
Place: 12A Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BSCommunication: 020 76298886Food Style: Classic IndianRecommend: Tandoori Chicken, King Prawn, Crème BruleeExpense for Two: Rs. 8000Zomato Rating: 4.4/5
3. Trishna, Marylebone Village, London
Even though the name signifies thirst, Trishna actively strives to fulfill its guests’ desire for genuine Indian cuisine. The most famous here are the starters, particularly the Potato Bhel Puri which has the potential to surpass any street seller.
Combination dishes like the Paneer Dosa and Aubergine curry with Lemon rice are also considered as the favorites amongst visitors. The atmosphere and amicable service provided here promise to take you on an adventurous journey through Indian cuisine.
Place: 15-17 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 3DGCommunication: 020 79355624Food Style: North Indian, South IndianRecommend: Tandoori Lamb Chops, Seafood BiryaniExpense for Two: Rs. 9000Zomato Rating: 4.⅗
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4. Tamarind, Mayfair, London
Another Indian-themed restaurants to get a Michelin star, Tamarind takes liberty with the mixture of ingredients used in traditional dishes. However, the dishes have a unique twist, which reflects the subcontinental influence. Thereby, taking you on a culinary journey.
The professional service here has been praised in various forms over the years, to the point that Gordon Ramsay once sought the assistance of their chef patron to revive another Indian Restaurant’s fortunes in Southall as a part of his Kitchen Nightmares.
Place: 20 Queen Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5PRCommunication: 020 76293561Food Style: Indian, Classic, Curry-basedRecommend: Lamb Cutlets, BiryaniExpense for Two: Rs. 9000Zomato Rating: 4.3/5
5. Amaya, Great Cumberland Place, London
One of the restaurants that concentrate on the non-vegetarian dishes, this establishment attracts the unwavering devotion of the meat-loving public. Traditional dishes such as Chicken Tikka and Peshawari Murgh vie equally for the title of favorites with fusion dishes like Pepper Chicken.
In line with their appellation, they also possess a tamarind-inspired mini menu that encompasses dishes that will satisfy your taste buds. For a glimpse of contemporary Indian cuisine, make sure to pay a visit to this establishment on your next trip to London.
Location: Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 8JTContact: 020 78231166Cuisine: Indian, North IndianMust Try: Chicken Tikka, Tamarind RiceCost for Two: Rs. 6500Zomato Rating: 4.4/
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6. The Ambrette, Margate, Kent
For a restaurant in England to be classified as one of the most affordable along with one of the finest in serving Indian cuisine is no small accomplishment. However, this is precisely what The Ambrette has achieved for several consecutive years.
The eatery specializes in Indian dishes that incorporate a twist of contemporary influences in them brought from various culinary traditions, including South American. The authentic Mutton Gravy prepared at this restaurant is a beloved choice not only amongst the tourists but also amongst the locals.
Location: 44 King St, Margate, UK CT9 1QEContact: 00 0184323150Cuisine: Indian, International, FusionMust Try: Crab Raita, Kentish MuttonCost for Two: Rs. 2000Zomato Rating: 4.0/5
7. Dishoom, Kingly Street, Soho
If you possess a predilection for sampling the finest fare offered by Indian cuisine in a traditional setting, then this high-end eatery is suitable for you. The restaurant takes the Indian theme to the utmost extent – to the point of serving guests beverages with an Indian twist.
The main course dishes served at this establishment are highly favored by the masses and sell rapidly, so it would be prudent for you to make reservations well in advance.
Location: 22 Kingly Street, Soho, London W1B 5QBContact: 020 74209322Cuisine: Indian, TraditionalMust Try: Lamb Chops, Matar PaneerCost for Two: Rs. 3000Zomato Rating: 4.9/5
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8. Lasan, St. Paul’s Square, Birmingham
Renowned for being honored as the supreme Indian eatery by Gordon Ramsay in his show, The F Word, the restaurant offers all the customary Indian dishes crafted by families residing in the Himalayan ranges!
The culinary experience here distinguishes itself from other dining establishments in the area – the entire affair is a multi-course, refined dining experience deserving of being relished repeatedly. The traditional dishes derive their flavors from the authentic spice blends and customary cooking techniques. لعبة الكوتشينة البصرة
Location: 3-4 Dakota Buildings, James Street, Saint Paul’s Square, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B3 1SDContact: 0121 2123664Cuisine: Indian, Traditional, Anglo-IndianMust Try: Nilgiri Paneer, Pahadi Dal, Dahi KebabCost for Two: Rs.7000Zomato Rating: 4.2/5
9. Gymkhana, Albemarle Street, London
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This eatery came to fruition due to the inspiration derived from the head chef’s vacations in rural France and his mother’s inclination for preparing delectable meals.
The head chef, Karam Sethi combined his understanding of traditional Indian and Pakistani cuisine from his family with the subtleties of French techniques to recreate some of the most well-known classics of the Indian subcontinent.
The experiment struck a chord with the locals, who flock to the establishment to sample some of the finest chicken tikka masalas in a captivating atmosphere. It has also been honored with the National Restaurant of the Year Award in 2014.
Location: 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4JHContact: 020 30115900Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani, PunjabiMust Try: Butter Chicken, Dal Maharani, Sour Sweet Baby EggplantCost for Two: Rs. 6000Zomato Rating: 4.8/5
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10. The Cinnamon Club, Great Smith Street, London
In contrast to traditional Indian restaurants, The Cinnamon Club takes its customers on a flavorful journey of Indian cuisine with their exclusive menus. The offerings include a wide range of options, from meat to fish, while respecting the religious sensitivities associated with Indian cuisine.
The true essence of India is reflected in the spiciness of the dishes. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try their desserts and observe the intriguing twist that they have incorporated.
Location: 30-32 Great Smith Street, The Old Westminster Library, Westminster, London SW1P 3BUContact: 020 72222555Cuisine: Indian, PunjabiMust Try: Lamb Bhuna, Cinnamon Ice CreamCost for Two: Rs. 7000Zomato Rating: 4.4/5
11. Prashad, Whitehall Road, Drighlington
As one of the very few Indian restaurants in the UK that exclusively serves vegetarian food, Prashad has mastered the art of blending authentic Gujarati cuisine with the modern trend of fusion catering to international tastes.
Their customer approach and culinary profession have garnered praise throughout the UK, to the extent that Gordon Ramsay included them on his list of Best Indian Restaurants, ranking them in second place, narrowly missing the top spot to Lasan.
Location: 137 Whitehall Road Drighlington, BD11 1ATContact: 44 (0) 113 285 2037Cuisine: Indian, Traditional, Gujarati, VegetarianTop Recommendation: Poori Masala, Samosa ChaatPrice for Two: Rs. 2000Zomato Rating: 3.⅕
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12. Veeraswamy, Regent Street, Mayfair, London
A conversation about Indian cuisine in the land of Fish & Chips is always incomplete without an honorable mention of this high-end gourmet restaurant. Veeraswamy was the first restaurant to be established in the UK to serve Indian food to the local population apart from inventing what came to be known as the Anglo-Indian cuisine.
The restaurant is most renowned for serving dishes influenced by the North Indian cuisine, although it also offers some delectable South Indian classics for those who delight in indulging in dishes from the South. ,k ;hv]
If you desire insight into the culinary history of the British Indian Empire, this restaurant must be at the top of the list you have prepared for the places to dine at.
Location: Mezzanine Floor, Victory House, 99 Regent Street, Mayfair, London W1B 4RSContact: 020 77341401Cuisine: Indian, Traditional, Anglo-IndianTop Recommendation: Lamb Biryani, Grilled Prawns, Raj KachoriPrice for Two: Rs. 10000Zomato Rating: 4.5/5
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UK is a center for fine dining restaurants. Indian restaurants in United Kingdom elevate the dining experience. The next time you or your acquaintances plan a journey to the United Kingdom, be sure to explore some of these restaurants to feel at home in this foreign land.
