Sagar Covent Garden

In Covent Garden, Sagar is quietly flying the flag for South Indian vegan food in London. It takes its cues from Udupi, a coastal town in Karnataka known for its temples, pilgrims, and the legendary masala dosa. That influence shows up in everything, from the food to the easygoing atmosphere and decor. Back home, Udupi's cooking has long travelled far beyond India, thanks to its inventive vegetarian dishes, and Sagar keeps that same spirit alive in every dosa, curry, and bowl of sambar it serves.

The menu leans heavily on South Indian classics, like idlis (rice cakes made from a steamed batter of fermented black lentils and rice), crisp dosas, tangy rasam (a spicy South Indian soup), and spiced vegetable curries, all served with coconut chutney and sambar that taste straight out of a kitchen in coastal Karnataka. There's plenty for vegans too, and the team make it easy with clearly marked options across the board.

Sagar's chefs hail from Udupi itself, so it doesn't get much more authentic than this. The influence is even evident in the art and atmosphere, with nods to Karnataka's Mysore painting, a classical South Indian painting, known for its earthy colours and delicate brushwork.

Whether you're already into South Indian food or just fancy mixing it up from your usual curry order, Sagar's a great place to start. It's a solid shout for vegan and vegetarian diners, as well as for anyone curious about how comforting, temple-inspired cooking translates to London's dining scene.

Sagar isn't just serving food; it's serving a story that's been refined over generations on India's west coast.

Jessica Dellow