The best Indian restaurants in Shoreditch

Since its debut in 2014, Dishoom has been serving up the vibrant flavours of Bombay to Londoners and visitors alike at its branches across the city. With its lively atmosphere, Bombay-themed decor, and a menu filled with Indian classics reimagined with a street food flair, the Shoreditch restaurant is undoubtedly a local favourite. The must-try dish is their signature black daal, slow-cooked for 24 hours and best enjoyed with a cheesy naan on the side.

This newsagent's on Great Eastern Street doesn't look like it serves hot food from the outside, but come lunchtime, and it becomes one of the most popular pitstops for a quick Indian meal in the area. You can pick up a takeaway box filled with three curries, served alongside rice and poppadums, throwing in a giant onion bhaji for good measure. Don't be surprised if there's a queue – there's never any shortage of demand for homemade curries at an affordable price in these parts.

Gunpowder in the busy heart of Spitalfields provides a refined Indian dining experience, complete with group feasting options. The menu features small and sharing plates, showcasing contemporary takes on beloved Indian dishes from various regions, like Kerala beef pepper fry, Gunpowder chaat, and Goan-inspired grilled prawns, along with plenty of vegetarian selections. With just 20 seats, the restaurant creates a cosy, intimate vibe with a touch of exclusivity.

City Spice, an award-winning restaurant on Brick Lane, is renowned for its Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine,. With a spacious red-hued dining area and a private room accommodating around 100 people, it provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for groups of all sizes. The extensive menu features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, complemented by a well-stocked bar, making it a top choice for diners in London's curry hotspot.

If you're after a hit of Indian flavours but don't have the time for a proper sit-down meal, stop by the Kati Roll Company in Spitalfields. This New York export specialises in hot wraps made with Indian parathas, filled with tasty things like mashed potato, veggie patties, or chicken tikka, perfect for eating on the go. Pair your wrap with a traditional lassi or masala chai to complete the authentic experience.

Pick and choose from a diverse menu featuring both Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine at this family-run curry house in Shoreditch. Local flavours are in the spotlight here, with the menu organised into sections—medium-spicy, mild and creamy, and fairly hot—catering to various tastes. Alongside traditional Indian favourites, you'll also find a selection of Sylheti dishes from Bangladesh.

Just a few steps down the road from the Old Street roundabout you'll find Bengal Tiger, an award-winning Indian restaurant. This stylish venue presents a broad menu that caters to all palates, paired with an extensive array of beers, wines, cocktails, and mocktails. Known for its high-quality dishes and inviting ambience, the Bengal Tiger Restaurant also takes pride in its warm and attentive staff.

Sheba, a family-run institution on Brick Lane since 1974, is renowned for its Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisine. Over the years, it has garnered numerous accolades, including the titles of Best Indian Restaurant in Brick Lane and Best Curry in London. Known for its high-quality ingredients, the menu offers traditional favourites like chicken tikka masala and prawn vindaloo, with set menus available and a BYOB policy for drinks.

Muhib is a long-standing Brick Lane favourite, offering traditional curries and speciality dishes in a charming candlelit atmosphere. The menu is packed with aromatic options, including the likes of barbecued chicken with yoghurt, ground almonds, and a rich butter sauce. With its cosy, romantic vibe, the restaurant makes an ideal spot for a date, featuring white tablecloths and plush velvet seating for a touch of elegance. Outdoor seating is available too.

Head to Taste of Jaipur for a genuine taste of India right in the heart of Brick Lane. Specialising in traditional Rajasthani fare, this Indian restaurant offers a refined dining experience with warm, attentive service. The extensive menu features dishes like chicken lollipops, korma, biryani, along with plentiful options for plant-based diners. Freshly baked breads are on-hand too, of course, as is a range of Indian beers to complete the experience.

The India 2 in Shoreditch is a sleek Indian restaurant featuring striking black-and-white decor, crisp white linens, and soft lighting that creates a cosy, inviting ambience. The dining area is perfect for both larger gatherings and more intimate dinners, with attentive staff on hand to serve a variety of authentic Indian dishes. Fine wines and other drinks complete the experience.

Aladin has earned its reputation as one of the world's top curry spots and has even been paid a visit by King Charles. Since opening in 1979, this Brick Lane fixture has delighted patrons alike with its quality Indian cuisine. The menu highlights authentic dishes from the subcontinent, with options for vegans and a variety of gluten-free choices as well. To top it off, the restaurant operates on a BYOB policy.