Choosing an Indian Restaurant in London

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Start with the type of dinner

An Indian restaurant might be a café serving shared dishes, a regional specialist or a fine-dining venue with a tasting menu. For an everyday meal, prioritise the food and convenient travel. For a celebration, also consider service length and atmosphere.

Two different examples are Dishoom ↗, inspired by Bombay cafés, and The Cinnamon Club ↗, a modern Indian restaurant in the former Westminster Library. Compare them against your occasion rather than treating them as interchangeable choices.

Read the menu before booking

Identify several dishes you actually want to try. Check whether rice, bread and sides cost extra, whether portions are designed for sharing and whether everyone can find a suitable option. Vegetarian does not mean vegan.

If heat matters, ask about the individual dish: spice descriptions are not standardised between restaurants. Tell staff about allergies and ask about ingredients, sauces and cross-contact. A dish name or photograph cannot replace allergen information.

Allow for waiting and service

Read the policy for your chosen branch. Dishoom accepts reservations while keeping many tables for walk-ins ↗. An unavailable online slot does not necessarily mean you cannot visit, but a short walk-in wait cannot be guaranteed.

Before a performance, choose a confirmed reservation and allow time to order and pay. For a group, ask whether a set menu or pre-order is required. Avoid putting a tasting dinner immediately before a fixed deadline.

Compare the complete spend

Include starters, main dishes, bread, sides, drinks and service charge. Lunch offers and evening menus can have different conditions. Obtain current prices from the official menu for the actual restaurant and date.

Use recent reviews to investigate recurring comments about service or queues. An overall star rating cannot tell you whether the spice level, access arrangements, noise or seating will suit your group. A convenient branch with suitable food may be a better fit for your evening than travelling across London for a highly rated name.