Our Shortlist for Indian Restaurants in London: Gymkhana, Jamavar, Dishoom
London’s Indian dining scene is world-class and ranges from Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy to buzzing cafés serving comfort classics. We’ve tried just about every major spot, and while we love so many of them, but there were three that truly stood out. Depending on your mood (and budget), here are the best of the best.
🌟 Two Stars: Gymkhana
Concept: Step into colonial-era elegance at Gymkhana, London’s only Indian restaurant with two Michelin stars. Inspired by the elite clubs of British-ruled India, Gymkhana blends vintage sophistication with bold, contemporary Indian flavors.
Vibe: Think dark wood paneling, plush leather banquettes, and soft lighting. It feels exclusive yet very comfortable and welcoming. It’s so welcoming, that you wouldn’t realize you were at a two star establishment walking in and looking at the clientele. The downstairs bar is one of the best in the city for a pre-dinner martini or a spiced Old Fashioned.
Menu: Expect refined interpretations of Indian classics like game kebabs, biryanis, and curries elevated with Michelin-level technique. Highlights include the tandoori masala lamb chops, wild muntjac biryani, and the duck dosa with coconut chutney. The tasting menu is the way to go if it’s your first visit but, if you’re familiar with Indian food, you can’t go wrong just picking your favorites. Bonus tip: get the spiked Chai for dessert.
Price Point: Around £150 - £300 per person, with extra variation based on drinks. It’s pricey, but every detail from service to plating is polished to perfection. Gymkhana is a destination restaurant and absolutely worth the splurge. And honestly, this is less than many other two stars that we’ve been to.
⭐ One Star: Jamavar
Concept: Located in Mayfair, Jamavar celebrates the diversity of Indian regional cuisine, from coastal Kerala seafood to North Indian tandoori dishes. With one Michelin star, it’s refined without being fussy, and offers one of the most balanced Indian tasting menus in the city.
Vibe: Elegant and modern with a hint of royal opulence. The dining room feels serene, accented with carved wood, rich fabrics, and soft lighting. Service is warm, genuine, and attentive without being overbearing.
Menu: Jamavar is known for its vibrant flavors and precise execution. Signature dishes include lobster neeruli with coconut milk, lamb rogan josh, and a truffle naan that’s pure luxury. If you like soft shell crab, definitely go for it if you can. Their cocktails are also excellent and the spice-infused options pair beautifully with the food.
Price Point: Expect to spend £100 - £150 per person depending on drinks and courses. For a Michelin-starred experience that feels intimate and refined but not too stuffy, Jamavar is the perfect pick.
🥘 Casual: Dishoom
Concept: Dishoom brings the charm of a classic Bombay Irani café to London, and it’s beloved for good reason. It’s not fine dining. It’s feel-good dining. The menu celebrates street food and homestyle favorites that are approachable, comforting, and consistently delicious.
Vibe: Lively and atmospheric, with retro photos, vintage ceiling fans, and the hum of happy diners. It’s perfect for brunch, a casual dinner, or a spontaneous group meal.
Menu: The Dishoom classics are essential, like the bacon naan roll for breakfast, the house black daal, chicken ruby, and garlic naan for dinner. Every dish bursts with flavor, and the quality is incredible given the price. We were also consistently delighted by their cocktails!
Price Point: Around £25 - £70 per person, depending on how much you order. For the quality, it’s one of the best values in the city. Pro tip: book ahead or go early since there’s always a line, and it’s always worth it.
The Final Word
We’ve tried a range of Indian restaurants across London, from trendy newcomers to high-end experiments, but (for now) if we had to narrow it down to three, we’d go with these.
For luxury and precision: Gymkhana.
For balance and warmth: Jamavar.
For comfort and joy: Dishoom.
No matter your budget or craving, one of these will deliver an unforgettable Indian meal and remind you why London remains the ultimate global destination for Indian cuisine outside of India.
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