The best Indian restaurants in Southwark

Gunpowder is elegant without being pretentious, and the food is creative while still rooted in tradition. The Goan grilled prawns are a hit, arriving perfectly smoky, alongside dishes like Bengali croquettes, and plenty of vegetable dishes that are just as good as the rest of the menu. Menus cover everything from pre-theatre deals to group feasts, so it works just as well for a quick catch-up as it does for something more celebratory. If you grab a table on the terrace and the temperature dips, they'll even hand you a hot water bottle.

Hidden in Borough Market, Silka is a calmer, more minimalist alternative to the chaos outside. Inside, the dining room is bright and laid-back, while the terrace gives you a place to watch the market roll by. Lunch can be a three-course set menu or a combination of à la carte dishes, featuring options such as chilli paneer, duck masala, and smoky meats straight from the tandoor. Veggie and vegan diners are just as well looked after.

Established in 1978, Tower Tandoori is one of those restaurants that takes pride in its history. The dining room feels timeless in a classic way, and the kitchen still uses a traditional charcoal tandoor, which keeps the food full of that proper smoky flavour. The menu is brimming with Anglo-Indian favourites that taste the way they should, and weekend thali banquets keep things fun.

Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai's Vatavaran is a journey through the Himalayas, with four floors each styled to reflect a different part of the landscape. It's premium and designed to impress, from the elegant dining rooms to the sleek cocktail bar on the top floor. The food is just as considered, with modern Indian dishes that feel luxurious taking centre stage. This isn't an everyday spot, but it makes a big impression for a special occasion.

At Chatora, the menu is an ode to India's regions, featuring a diverse selection of hearty curries and grills, as well as a tasting menu for when you don't feel like making choices. The dining room has that refined yet relaxed atmosphere on lockdown, and the attached wine bar is worth mentioning on its own. Instead of generic bottles, you'll find vintages that properly complement the food.

The team behind Kachori boasts serious pedigree from notable spots like Gymkhana and Benares. The menu features a range of small plates, including spiced corn ribs and ginger and lime calamari, as well as tandoor classics, burgers, and butter chicken. There's a large dining room that is filled with a lively vibe, plus an outdoor terrace when the sun decides to show up.