Modern Indian · ££ · Southwark
Start with
Raan Utthapam
Universally hailed as 'transcendent' by critics, this dish features kid lamb simmered for 12 hours and served on a fermented rice pancake.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Cuisine Guide
Discover handpicked Indian restaurants in London, with what to order first at each place.
Every place here is handpicked. Signal score shows how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.
75 restaurants
Modern Indian · ££ · Southwark
Start with
Raan Utthapam
Universally hailed as 'transcendent' by critics, this dish features kid lamb simmered for 12 hours and served on a fermented rice pancake.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Modern Indian · £££ · South Kensington
Start with
Lamb Galouti Kebab
A "melt-in-the-mouth masterpiece" and the "star of the starters," these kebabs are marinated in saffron and secret aromatic spices and served with a delightful flaky bread.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian · ££ · Sheen
Start with
Tandoori Lamb Chops
Described as 'chunky beasts' and praised by local reviewers as the 'best I've ever tasted', these are a high-quality staple of the restaurant's tandoor menu.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Modern North Indian · ££ · Southwark
Start with
Guinea Fowl Tikka
Described by critics as 'melt-in-your-mouth' and 'spice-infused', this dish is praised for its 'spot-on' spicing and unique accompaniment of tempered curd rice.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
South Indian · ££ · Islington
Start with
Channa Bhatura
Described as a 'giant's pillow of deep-fried dough,' this is the standout dish that Hot Dinners claims you 'won't be able to stop yourself from ordering' when you see it served to everyone else.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian BBQ · ££££ · City of London
Start with
BBQ Butter Chicken Wings
These wings are 'blackened in a furious spice crust and then doused in a thick butter sauce.' Reviewers describe them as so addictive they've imagined 'popping back alone and having two bowls.'
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
South Indian · ££ · Kilburn
Start with
Masala Dosai
Critics rave about this dish, describing it as 'light and crispy with a lovely buttery flavour' that outperforms versions at other highly-regarded South Indian establishments.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian Gastropub · ££ · Archway
Start with
Lamb Roti Tacos
Regarded as the 'undisputed star' of the menu by Jay Rayner and 'one-bite umami wonders' by Kentishtowner, these consist of flaky, buttery roti filled with a hot, dry lamb curry and topped with crispy fried curry leaves.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Modern Indian · £££ · Mayfair
Start with
Ghati Masala Prawns
Regarded as a highlight of the menu, these prawns are described as 'delicate but fiercely flavoured' and are a go-to recommendation for those new to Rohit Ghai's cooking.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian · £££ · Hammersmith
Start with
Samosa Chana
This standout starter uses traditional, thick flaky pastry rather than filo, served with tender chickpeas and a tamarind chutney that provides a pleasant kick of spice.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Modern Indian · ££££ · Mayfair
Start with
Sharmaji’s Lahori Chicken
Critics describe this succulent dish as 'tender grilled' chicken served in a 'rich cashew and yoghurt whey sauce' that diners 'rave about for days.'
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Sri Lankan & South Indian · ££ · Soho
Start with
Mutton Rolls
Universally praised across all reviews as the perfect crunchy, spicy starter; described as 'a thick but crisp spring roll heavily filled with grown-up spiced sheep'.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Regional Indian · £££ · Fitzrovia
Start with
Mangalore Bun & Scottish Crab Sukkha
Described as a 'harmonious' combination of delicate, slightly sweet buns and tender crab flavored with fennel and ginger.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
South Indian · ££ · Peckham
Start with
Paratha
Described as a dish of 'flaky, buttery moreishness' so good it prompted a critic to quote the M&S ads: 'This isn’t just a paratha. This is a Ganapati paratha.'
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian Sweets · £ · Arnos Grove
Start with
Barfi
Dense, fudge-like squares made from milk, milk powder, and sugar syrup. The chocolate, pistachio, and almond flavors are legendary but sell out fast.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
South Indian Pub · £££ · Angel
Start with
Robata Lamb Chops
A signature staple brought over from the original sister restaurant; they are widely considered the menu's masterpiece for being blackened, crusty, and tender.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Modern Indian · £££ · Forest Hill
Start with
Steamed Shoulder of Lamb
A signature dish marinated for 100 hours in Punjabi masala; consistently praised for its tenderness and depth of flavor.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Modern Indian · £££ · Chelsea
Start with
Tandoori Lamb Chops
Consistently cited as a standout; Andy Hayler rated them 17/20, calling them succulent with 'none better'.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Anglo-Indian Gastropub · ££ · Southwark
Start with
Chicken Tikka Masala Pie
Regarded as the definitive dish of the 'desi pub' genre, this pie is widely praised for its flaky pastry and authentic Anglo-Indian filling.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian-Italian Pizza · ££ · Tufnell Park
Start with
C.T.M
Winner of 'Britain’s Top Takeaways', this reimagined classic is a 'perfectly balanced' mix of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors that manages to feel 'both familiar and exciting'.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian · £££ · Soho
Start with
Tangra Chilli Garlic Prawns
Drawing influence from Kolkata’s Chinatown, these are described by critics as accurately cooked with 'punchy' spicing and 'plenty of garlic'.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian (Kolkata) · £££ · Marylebone
Start with
Banana Flower Croquettes
Critics highlight their "delightful crunch" and "real meatiness," noting the clever blend of banana florets, coconut, and cinnamon served with a delicate mint-kasundi dip.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian Vegetarian Buffet · £ · Islington
Start with
Chana Masala
The quintessential and comforting staple that anchors the all-you-can-eat spread.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian · £££ · Covent Garden
Start with
Seekh Kebab Roll
A favorite of critics and diners alike, this 'robustly spiced' minced lamb kebab is served on a well-blistered naan with pomegranate seeds and a mint sauce that helps 'tame the dish'.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian · ££££ · Mayfair
Start with
Kid Goat Methi Keema, Salli, Pao
A must-order signature dish that is lusciously rich in flavour and oozing umami; it's served with buttery pao and topped with crunchy salli for a deeply comforting experience.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian · £££ · Camden
Start with
Tandoori Portobello Mushroom
Regarded as a signature dish, this 'unusual and successful medley' is stuffed with figs, cashew nuts, and raisins, setting the tone for the restaurant's creative approach.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian · ££ · West Hampstead
Start with
Yellow Dal
Eater London describes this dish, made from split moong beans and bengal gram, as 'much superior' to the black dal, praising its 'austere, stripped-down flavours of onions, browned garlic, and cumin seeds.'
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
Indian (Punjabi) · £££ · Notting Hill
Start with
Old Delhi Butter Chicken
Described as a "gloriously lively, but light and zesty" plate, critics appreciate that it delivers classic richness without the heavy, weighted-down feeling typical of the dish.
Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.
South Indian · ££ · King's Cross
Start with
Thanjavur Chicken Curry
Consistently praised as a knockout dish, it is described as being laced with turmeric, coriander, and coconut with 'just the right amount of heat.'
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian · ££ · Spitalfields
Start with
Kashmiri Lamb Chops
Acclaimed by Andy Hayler as 'one of the best versions' he has tasted, these chops are so popular that CN Traveler notes guests often end up 'fighting over them and ordering more.'
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Modern Indian · ££
Start with
Samphire Pakoras
A 'world away from stodgy' versions found elsewhere, these are 'super-crunchy' spears with a 'top-notch' level of crispiness, served with a tangy date and tamarind chutney.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Sattvic Indian Vegetarian · £ · Soho
Start with
Thali
Described as the 'headline acts' of the restaurant, these 'pure' meat-free platters offer a regularly changing selection of curries, soups, and breads.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Punjabi Indian · ££££ · Mayfair
Start with
BBQ Butter Chicken Chops
A signature dish so rich it 'incapacitated' critics, serving as a defining example of the restaurant's lavish, butter-sauced Punjabi style.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian · ££ · Hatch End
Start with
Tandoori King Prawns
A highly praised standout dish known for being exceptionally tender with an almost chicken-like texture.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
North Indian · ££ · Willesden
Start with
Chicken Biryani
A staple at this biryani institution, traditionally cooked with fragrant saffron-laced rice and layers of flavor.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Coastal Indian · ££££ · Marylebone
Start with
Hariyali Bream
Cited as a signature 'Trish dish', these jade-like slices of fish are cooked with expert precision in the tandoor.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
South Indian · ££ · East Ham
Start with
Kerala Chicken Fry
Cited by Eater as potentially the best in London; crisp, light, tender, and fried with sweet onion slivers.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian Street Food · £
Start with
Vada Pav
The namesake 'star attraction' of the menu. Reviewers describe it as a 'notoriously famous street food' featuring a deep-fried potato dumpling inside a bread bun that captures the authentic taste of Mumbai.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian · ££ · Soho
Start with
Chicken Ruby
Consistently cited as a 'hit' that should be on your table; a rich and reliable curry option.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian Street Food · ££ · Kentish Town
Start with
Vada Pau
Regarded by critics as the 'best dish' on the menu, this Mumbai street food classic is described as 'divine' with a soft yet crunchy texture and an 'electrifying bolt of complex spicing.'
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian · ££ · Wembley
Start with
Minty Lamb Chops
A highly recommended, consistent crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a pint.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian · ££ · Southall
Start with
Mixed Grill
The ultimate benchmark pub-grub dish packed with flavorful tandoori meats, frequently praised by regulars.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
North Indian / Pakistani · £ · North Harrow
Start with
Deigi Methi Chicken
Highlighted as one of the best dishes on the menu that truly sings with spices.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Contemporary Indian · ££££ · St James's / Piccadilly
Start with
Tikka Monkfish
Lightly but convincingly seasoned and perfectly cooked, entirely avoiding the tough texture often found with monkfish.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian & Indo-Chinese · ££ · Stanmore
Start with
Saag Aloo
A perfectly executed, comforting classic that keeps locals coming back repeatedly.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Pub Food / Indian · ££ · Stoke Newington
Start with
Paneer Kathi Roll
Grilled cottage cheese and mango mint chutney wrapped in a warm, fluffy naan.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian · £ · Fitzrovia
Start with
Meat curries cooked on the bone
Regarded as "authentic home-style" fare, these dishes capture the essence of traditional Indian canteen dining.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian · ££ · Battersea
Start with
House Black Daal
The restaurant's signature dish that people come specifically to eat; it is described as mild, rich, and incredibly warming.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Pakistani and Indian · ££ · Southall
Start with
Lamb Chops Karahi
This 'no nonsense' dish hits all the right notes with a flavor profile of chilli, ginger, and garlic, featuring meat so soft it 'demands to be had with either rice or naan'.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
South Indian Vegetarian · £ · Tooting
Start with
Hot Idly
Described as a 'favourite' with a 'spongy texture' that acts as the perfect vehicle for a 'range of chutnies and lentil and chili sambar'.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian Street Food · £ · Soho
Start with
Unda Roll
The benchmark egg paratha; crispy, comforting, and consistently praised as a breakfast staple or base layer.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Sri Lankan / South Indian · £ · East Ham
Start with
Nethali Kothu Roti
Highlighted by critics as the 'winner' over the chicken version, featuring crispy anchovies and a green chilli kick.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
South Indian Vegetarian · £ · East Ham
Start with
Masala Dosa
Consistently praised for being crispy and authentic; the benchmark dish here.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Fast Food / Indian · £ · Bow
Start with
Grilled Chicken
Praised for its remarkable consistency and a flavor profile that remains reliable no matter the day you visit.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian Street Food · £ · Wembley
Start with
Vada Pav
This signature dish is described as a "testament to their passion," offering a "perfect balance of spicy potato filling and crisp outer coating" served inside soft pav bread.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
Indian Street Food · £ · Kingsbury
Start with
Toasted Dabeli
Famous for being the restaurant's signature dish, it is described as the 'most authentic and best dabeli' with a 'perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.'
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
South Indian Vegetarian · £ · Harrow
Start with
Maharaja Pesarattu
Highlighted by critics as a standout: paper-thin green moong bean dosa stuffed with snow-white upma.
Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.
South Indian · £ · Rayners Lane
Start with
Benne Masala Dosa
MTR's most popular dish, made with generous amounts of fresh butter. It is smaller and thicker than a typical dosa and is described as being in a league of its own.
Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.
North Indian · £ · Queensbury
Start with
Naan Bread
Described as soft, supple, and particularly impressive.
Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.
Indian (Bombay Café) · ££ · Covent Garden
Start with
House Black Daal
Commonly regarded as the restaurant's signature, it represents what fans call an 'outstanding' and 'fresher take' on Indian classics that lives up to the hype.
Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.
Indian Street Food · £ · Rayners Lane
Start with
Vada Pav
The namesake dish is a benchmark specialty here, offering an 'authentic street food experience' with flavors 'reminiscent of Mumbai itself.'
Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.
Contemporary Indian · ££ · Southall
Start with
Jeera Chicken
A classic dish from the original Brilliant that maintains its quality here, featuring tender chicken on the bone with a 'punchy cumin flavor' and served on a sizzling iron tray.
Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.
Indian · ££ · Bayswater
Start with
Jeera Chicken
This award-winning signature dish was specifically judged as a triumph for chef Shamin Syed when he was named International Indian Chef of the Year.
Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.
Vegetarian Indian · ££ · Wembley
Start with
Chilli Paneer
A crowd-pleasing signature Indo-Chinese dish tossed in green chillies, peppers, and spring onions.
Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.
South Indian · £ · East Dulwich
Start with
Fish curry (sea bass fillets)
Described as "so yummy" and "absolutely fantastic," this dish is a standout that one reviewer ordered multiple times, calling it "stratospheres above" other local options.
Less written about, but enough signal to surface it.
Indian · ££ · East Ham
Start with
Dum-Style Biryani
The fragrant and expertly spiced rice dish is king, cooked sealed with a pastry lid, though some recent diners have found it inconsistent.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.
Indian · ££ · Shoreditch
Start with
Sabzi Nan
Described as a 'hallelujah!' moment in an otherwise dismal review, this nan is noted for being large, hot, and well-made.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.
Indian (Kenyan-Gujarati) · £ · Wembley
Start with
Maru Bhajia
The namesake dish: thin, crispy potato slices served with a legendary spicy tomato chutney.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.
Indian · £ · Wembley
Start with
Egg Ghotala
Endorsed by critics as a 'beast of a dish'—a muddle of omelette, curry, and cheese that rivals iconic London dishes.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.
Indo-Chinese / Indian Vegetarian · £ · North Harrow
Start with
Chilli Paneer
Cited by Eater London as potentially the best in the city; the undisputed star of the menu.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.
Indian Sandwich Bar · £ · Edgware
Start with
Paneer Tikka Sandwich
A highly-rated customer favorite that defines the shop's fusion style, featuring spiced paneer, onions, cheese, and chutney.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.
South Indian (Tamil) · £ · East Ham
Start with
Pottalam Parotta
A frequently mentioned signature dish wrapping flaky parotta and curry in a banana leaf bundle.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.
South Indian Vegetarian · £
Start with
Rava Idli
MTR's legendary invention from WWII made from semolina, now a global favorite.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.
South Indian / Kerala · £ · Upton Park
Start with
Vizhinjam Chicken Fry
A spicy, regional signature that perfectly captures the essence of Kerala cooking.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.
Modern Indian · ££ · Camden
Start with
Delhi-style Butter Chicken
A signature dish that perfectly showcases their healthy, dairy-free twist on an absolute classic.
Light coverage. Worth knowing, but not heavily written about.