London experiences,
August 02 2024
If your bucket list of fine dining must-tries is starting to look a little samey, introducing Indian fine dining options is a great way to spice it up. Take a tour of the best Indian fine dining in London with our recommendations for an unforgettable experience of leading Indian gastronomy right in the capital.
A hot topic on the London food scene, after receiving their first Michelin star in 2014 Gymkhana was recently awarded their second star. This fine fining Indian restaurant in London’s Mayfair is inspired by old India - think elite private clubs adorned in tones of rich jade green and regal red leather with polished dark wood accents. The stunning building is split over two floors, the ground floor hosts the restaurant while the lower ground floor basement has been converted into a restaurant bar with subtle nods to north-Indian architecture.
The menus on offer cover lunch, a la carte, dessert, and drinks as well as an optional tasting menu and specialised private dining menus for those celebrating an occasion as a group. The dishes are traditionally Indian, fragrant, and layered with a variety of kebabs, tikkas, curries and condiments as well as an extensive cocktail menu that showcases nostalgic Indian flavours.
Jamavar is a truly fancy Indian restaurant in London. The first location opened its doors in 2001 in India’s Bangalore, the London branch was then opened in 2016 and won a Michelin star in 2022. Located in Mayfair’s Mount Street, Jamavar is renowned for gracious hospitality in a stunning restaurant inspired by the Viceroy’s House in New Delhi.
The restaurant is made up of the dining room, private rooms and a game room which are split over two floors. The striking décor at this restaurant features intricate pattern work, dark timber, brass accents, and stunning marble. The food is intended to evoke a sensory journey across India featuring spices and flavours used across the country from Northern kitchens to Southern shores.
Michelin starred Trishna in Marylebone is one of the best fine fining Indian restaurants in London. Their unique menu offers a modern exploration of Indian coastal cuisine, with a celebration of seafood and vegetables at the heart of the menu. The informal setting is more pared back than some other fine dining restaurants in London, with a semi-alfresco ambience created by terrace doors that help converge the inside and outside environment. The décor combines clean marble tabletops with regal antique mirrors and more modern wooden panelling, echoing the restaurant’s ethos of a social dining experience.
The dishes at Trishna feature street-food staples as well as more creative takes on Indian classics, you can also browse an extensive wine list boasting bottles from all over the globe, paired perfectly by in-house sommeliers.
Famed for light, grilled dishes layered with carefully selected spices; the food at Kahani is the fine work of chef and owner, Peter Joseph. Peter’s menu is rooted in his Indian heritage and influenced by his travels to Spain which bring a more unique tapas-style sharing concept to London’s Indian fine dining scene.
Using the best of British produce the varied menus aim to tell a story, in a nod to the restaurant’s name – Kahani – which means ‘story’ in Hindi. A series of small plates, chargrilled options, curries and biryanis are available, with no shortage of classic Indian accompaniments like breads, rice and chutneys. Chef Peter has developed tasting menus too, which have also been adapted for vegetarian and vegan guests – the food here is perfect for those of you looking to explore traditional Indian cuisine outside of the north, where the food is often made with heavier sauces. We’ve dubbed this one of the best fine dining Indian restaurants in London.
Proclaimed as the first Indian restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in London, Mayfair’s Tamarind is located on Queen Street with sister restaurants Tamarind Kitchen in Soho and Zaika in Kensington. This upscale Indian restaurant in London has earned its seat at the table as one of the greats, offering a lighter take on traditional Indian cooking.
The focus of the menu leans towards lighter tandoor grills and small plates with a selection of sharing mains. The bright and open setting creates a relaxed and casual atmosphere serving a variety of menus, an eclectic wine list and a suite of cocktails with an eastern twist, try a ghee-washed Old Fashioned or a Masala-spiced Negroni.
We know fine dining is often reserved for a special occasion, if you’re looking to book from our recommendation of the best Indian fine dining restaurants in London, we’d also love to invite you to end your evening with a good night’s sleep at Thistle Hotels. Join us at Trafalgar Square, Marble Arch or The Tower and finish the evening with a nightcap in one of our stunning restaurants or bars.
