28 of Britain’s top 100 Indian restaurants are in London, according to the guide
The British Indian Good Food Guide is out, and London’s curry lovers can breathe a sigh of relief that the capital is still the best place to sample spicy dishes. The guide lists 100 restaurants marked for distinction across the country, and 28 of those were located in London itself – with six of them specially earmarked as “London icons”.
The guide’s editors stated: “Indian cuisine has become one of Britain’s most accomplished and beloved culinary traditions. From elegant dining rooms in the capital to family-run kitchens across the regions, these restaurants represent a culture deeply woven into British life.
“The British Indian Good Food Guide 2025 recognises one hundred restaurants that exemplify excellence in craft, hospitality and consistency. They reflect a confident and contemporary interpretation of Indian cuisine — rooted in heritage, shaped by skill, and enriched by the diverse communities of the United Kingdom.”
Six London restaurants in particular were named the “London Icons 2025”, recognised for “sustained excellence [that] has helped shape London as a global Indian dining capital… Each holds a distinctive place in the evolution of Indian cuisine in Britain.” The six London icons are:
The Cinnamon Club – Westminster
Situated in a historic Grade II listed building that once housed Westminster Library, The Cinnamon Club is a benchmark of Indian fine dining and bills itself as “the original modern Indian restaurant in London” in a “majestic” setting. Chef Vivek Singh menu features the likes of Chicken Rezala (tandoori chicken breast, poppy and screwpine sauce) and Koorgi style double cooked pork belly (with masala mash, raw mango and chilli sambal pilau rice), plus sides such as Rajasthani sangri beans (with fenugreek and raisin) and The Bombay Burner (spicy lamb mince with ghost chilli, peas and fenugreek leaf).
The Cinnamon Club has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, with one reviewer stating: “A lovely library type setting in an old style building. Good food and service within a different setting for an Indian restaurant which has been well established for many years. Well worth a visit.”
The British Indian Good Food Guide stated of the Cinnamon Club: “Diners can expect inventive tasting menus featuring seasonal British produce transformed with spice, technique, and creativity. It remains one of London’s most iconic destinations for elevated Indian dining.”
Gymkhana – Mayfair
Gymkhana restaurant on Albemarle Street in Mayfair takes its inspiration from the days of the Raj in Northern India, with “hints” of the south and west, serving “classic Indian cuisine… the flavours are bold, rooted in tradition and richly layered with spices”. The opulent settings serve as a reminder of the “elite clubs of India where members of high society socialise, eat, drink, celebrate and play sport”.
Gymkhana is rated 4.2 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, with one reviewer stating: “The Pappadum selection had a delicious assortment of dipping sauces (Raita and Sorpotel). What is SPECIAL is their Venison Keema Naan and their Tandoori Lamb Chops… I’d recommend you take advantage of the waiter’s recommendations as that’s the best way to try some of their more under-appreciated but killer dishes.”
The British Indian Good Food Guide states: “this Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for traditional Indian flavours presented with luxurious finesse. Game dishes, tandoori grills, and robust curries are served in an opulent setting with dark wood and leather banquettes.”
Quilon – Buckingham Gate
Another Michelin-starred venue, Quilon restaurant at Buckingham Gate celebrates the cuisine of India’s Kerala region on the south west coast, serving the likes of Fisherman’s Catch (pepper shrimp, crab cake, baked halibut and lentil crusted scallop), Baked Black Cod (tamarind, jaggery and dry fenugreek) and Quilon Fish Curry (halibut simmered in coconut, chilli and raw mango).
TripAdvisor gives Quilon a score of 4.4 out of 5, with a recent reviewer stating: “The moment you enter Quilon, the fine dining atmosphere can be easily felt . Bags or jacket are to be kept in a safety deposit area. Ambiance felt luxurious all throughout, even at the washroom. Elaborate food and drink menu choices. The head waiter made suggestions for us that we agreed upon . The fish, meat, vegetables, it was such a nice experience.”
The British Indian Good Food Guide states: “A pioneering Michelin-starred restaurant specialising in South Indian coastal cuisine. Quilon’s menu celebrates lighter sauces, subtle spicing, and exquisite seafood… The elegant interior blends muted tones with modern touches, while service remains refined yet welcoming.”
Jamavar – Mayfair
Perhaps the most classically fine dining joint to make the six London icons, Jamavar restaurant on Mount Street in Mayfair is within spitting distance of Berkeley Square and its elite clubs, offering a grand London feast of Indian cuisine, inspired by the Viceroy’s House in New Delhi. Its Pan-Indian dishes combining British produce with classic Indian cooking techniques led to it being awarded a Michelin star in 2022.
TripAdvisor gives Jamavar a healthy rating of 4.2, with one reviewer commenting: “Wow! Absolutely blown away by the food served at Jamavar! Had the mango tasting menu with cocktails and every dish was an experience! The passion that clearly goes into everything here is there to see and taste! I’m allergic to wheat so the team adjusted everything and couldn’t do enough.”
The British Indian Good Food Guide states: “Known for refined curries, kebabs, and innovative tasting menus, the restaurant celebrates both authenticity and modern technique. Its polished interiors and attentive service create an experience that resonates with diners seeking both tradition and sophistication.”
Veeraswamy – Regent Street
Another Michelin star holder, Veeraswamy restaurant on Regent Street was established in 1926 and carries the distinction of being the UK’s oldest Indian restaurant, celebrating its centenary next year. Its eccentric décor harks back to the days of the British Raj, and its menu features classics such as slow-braised Shahi Patalia Raan Wraps (lamb shank in golden puff pastry) and slow-cooked Kashmiri Rogan Josh.
Veeraswamy has a respectable rating of 4.2 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, with one reviewer quoted as saying: “The best thing we liked about the place was the warmth of the staff and atmosphere. The hospitality was superb and refreshing after the experience a couple of days ago at another Indian restaurant which is Michelin starred . Will surely come again.”
The British Indian Good Food Guide states: “Awarded a Michelin star, it specialises in regal North Indian cuisine with timeless appeal. Signature dishes include rich lamb curries and refined kebabs. The interiors exude grandeur, befitting its historic status.”
Benares – Mayfair
Benares Mayfair is the sixth restaurant listed in the British Indian Good Food Guide’s ‘London Icons’, set up in 2003 in Berkeley Square, it combines the rich flavours of Indian cuisine with the finest British ingredients. Named after India’s sacred city, Benares embodies “the perfect balance of tradition and modernity” with menu dishes such as Gosht Kalimirch (Welsh lamb shank, simmered and glazed in Sarawak black pepper and sweetcorn haleem) and Chukundar Kofta Korma (beetroot hash brown in fennel and cashew nut korma).
TripAdvisor gives Benares a rating of 4.3 and it received a Traveller’s Choice Award this year, with one reviewer saying: “Fantastic Food! Had an off menu chicken malai starter which was recommended by the waitress which was fantastic as was the Tandoori mixed starter… We ordered the lamb and chicken curry along with daal as a side dish – all the food was great. The Rasmalai dessert was excellent also.”
The British Indian Good Food Guide states: “Signature dishes include lamb biryani and masala grilled prawns, all plated with precision. The modern, refined interiors and world-class service cement Benares as one of London’s most prestigious dining destinations.”
22 other highlights
A whopping 22 other London restaurants also made it to the top 100 list in the British Indian Good Food Guide, including Dishoom Covent Garden, Amaya restaurant in Mayfair, Trishna restaurant in Marylebone, BiBi Mayfair, Babur restaurant in Catford, Brigadiers near Bank station, Kahani in Sloane Square, Kricket in Paccadilly Circus, Zaika in Kensington, Gunpower Spitalfields, Bombay Brasserie in Kensington, Hoppers Soho, Tamarind Mayfair, Kutir in Chelsea, Kanishka in Mayfair, Darjeeling Express in Soho, Cafe Spice Namaste in Kentish Town, Heritage in Dulwich, Tandoor Chop House in Covent Garden, Shiuli in Twickenham, Rasa in Stoke Newington, and Masalchi in Wembley Park.
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