Guide to Indian restaurants in Soho

Gymkhana is one to bookmark for a special occasion. The restaurant is inspired by the elite members' club of colonial India, featuring several luxurious dining spaces, two private vaults and elaborate deco, like the patterned carpet. The food has nabbed two Michelin stars and ranges from vegetarian tasting menus to contemporary and classic Indian dishes, think Tandoori kebabs, curries and biriyanis. The wine list features vintages from around the world, and there's also champagne and Japanese sake also available alongside a selection of spirits. Word on the street is that they often have a more affordable lunch option, so that's worth checking out if you're trying to save the pennies.

There's a reason this restaurant almost always has a queue. It's located on the buzzy Carnaby Street, amongst other big-name restaurants, and is an ode to the Irani cafés and food of Bombay. The menu is chock-full of signature dishes, like their creamy black daal and ruby butter chicken. The restaurant is a vibe inside, decked out like a Bombay café, with a head-bopping playlist and general buzz in the air.

This street-food venture started in the US and now has multiple locations dotted around Manhattan and one in London. It's all about the authentic street Kati rolls here; spiced meat, veg and potato mixtures wrapped in a flaky paratha wrap best washed down with a sweet mango lassi. The restaurant is a casual grab-and-go place with a handful of seats for those who want to devour their roll as soon as it's in their hands.

Gopal’s of Soho opened in 1988 and has been serving hungry Londoners authentic Indian dishes ever since. Enjoy all of the classics, like tandoori lamb chops and lamb tikka, alongside a handful of more inventive dishes, like the Mangalorean crab served with coconut and several rare spices. The restaurant is relaxed and casual, with white tablecloths, wicker chairs and Indian artwork on the walls.

Keralan chicken, venison keema and samphire pakoras are just a few things you can expect to see taking centre stage on Kricket’s Britished-up Indian-style menu. This contemporary Indian restaurant started as a pop-up but proved so popular that it didn’t take long before it became permanent with three locations around London. It’s stylish, kitted out with tasteful furniture, raw brickwork and plenty of potted plants scattered around the space.

Bombay Bustle is inspired by India’s first-class railway coaches, decked out with curved ceilings, leather banquettes and contemporary decor. You can enjoy all of the classics here, like biriyanis, curries, tandoor dishes and more, but opt for the set-sharing menu for two if you want to get a taste of the menu highlights.

Ok, so if we're strictly speaking, this one technically isn't in Soho, but you can walk there from Soho in about 5 minutes, so we're going to include it anyway. Mayfair’s Bibi is a venture by Michelin-trained chef Chet Sharma, having been inspired by his grandmother’s (bibis) cooking over the years. The menu is crafted using conscientiously sourced ingredients from the UK and India, comprising streetfood dishes, like charcoal-grilled plates and scallops, alongside things like turbot and lobster. The drinks include wines and liquors from all over the world. Inside the restaurant is decorated in darker hues, complemented by abstract paintings, potted plants and leather booths.

Veeraswamy is London’s oldest Indian restaurant, which is quite an achievement given how many are scattered around the city. It opened in 1926 and serves a menu of one Michelin star-level food via the à la carte menu or a lighter business lunch menu. Enjoy aromatic plates of classic Indian fare, like tandoori wild tiger prawns with coriander and mint. It’s decorated in a Maharajah style and is definitely one of the more high-end Indian spots in the city.

Acclaimed chef Asma Khan of Netflix fame, among other accolades, was forced to relocated her beloved Darjeeling Express. Thankfully, she was able to return where it had all begun in 2017 – Kingly Court. On the top floor, surrounded by natural colours and textures, the all-female open kitchen serves traditional Indian delicacies. The street-food-style dishes on the à la carte and set dinner menus are perfect for combining, sharing and feasting.

Masala Zone in Soho is a great spot for casual, family-friendly Indian dining. It has striking lighting and an overall theatrical vibe, with dangling crystal chandeliers and lots of plush red seating. The menu boasts a mix of traditional street food, curries, grills, and thalis, all made with top-quality ingredients and spices from across India. There's also a private dining area available, complete with its own special menus.

Tamarind Kitchen is the more laid-back and budget-friendly sibling of Mayfair's renowned Tamarind. Here you can enjoy a unique spin on the dishes that made its sister famous. The menu features plenty of options fresh off the grill, like chargrilled seabass and black pepper chicken tikka, alongside curries and biryanis. You can also enjoy pre-theatre, lunch, and tasting menus here.

Gunpowder's Soho branch boasts its own private dining space, delicious signature martinis, and a menu full of modern Indian dishes. There are loads of options here, like group feasts, pre-theatre menus, and express lunches. The small and sharing plates showcase modern Indian favourites from across the country, including Bengali beetroot croquettes, Karwari soft-shell crab, and Goan-style grilled prawns, although the menu does change from time to time. 

The Delhi Brasserie has been a Soho staple for over 30 years, serving indulgent Indian cuisine in a sleek, sophisticated setting. It's located on the iconic Frith Street,  just a stone's throw from Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and Bar Italia. When it opened in 1985, Ronnie Scott himself was the guest of honour, and over the years, it has hosted notable visitors like Twiggy, Lenny Henry, and Elaine Page. It's a stylish spot, with high ceilings, tall windows overlooking Frith Street, and carefully placed plants for added privacy.

Govinda's has been around since 1979, making it one of the city's oldest vegetarian restaurants. The menu is fully vegetarian, with loads of vegan options to choose from, too. It's all about wholesome, cruelty-free food tied to the Hare Krishna movement. You can opt for one of their popular traditional thali or pick from à la carte dishes, including both Indian and European choices.