IF YOU’RE AFTER FRAGRANT, GENEROUSLY SPICED, UTTERLY DELICIOUS INDIAN FOOD, YOU NEEDN’T TRAVEL FAR: AFTER ALL, LONDON IS SIMPLY BRIMMING WITH INCREDIBLE CURRY HOUSES. AND FOR SOUTH INDIAN STAPLES – INCLUDING AIRY DOSAS, BRIGHTLY FLAVOURED FISH CURRIES, PLATES WITH LASHINGS OF COCONUT AND TAMARIND, AND HEAPS OF RICE – THERE ARE MORE THAN A FAIR FEW PLACES TO SATE YOUR APPETITE. THESE EIGHT SOUTH INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN LONDON RANGE FROM HOLE-IN-THE-WALL HIDEAWAYS TO GLITTERING, MICHELIN-STARRED ADDRESSES, BUT NO MATTER THE AMBIANCE, ALL ARE CERTAIN TO LEAVE YOU CONTENTEDLY WELL-FED.

APOLLO BANANA LEAF

Apollo Banana Leaf serves up South Indian and Sri Lankan specialties

Though its unassuming exterior and its Tooting location put this eatery off the prime tourist track, Apollo Banana Leaf certainly ranks among the best South Indian restaurants in London. Focusing broadly on Tamil fare with some Sri Lankan dishes alongside, the restaurant’s richly flavored cooking is complemented by its wonderfully kitsch interior. The croquette-like mutton roll and chili-laced crab masala both come highly recommended. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

CHETTINAD

Centrally located Chettinad keeps things authentic with dosas and banana leaves

Named for a region in Tamil Nadu that’s renowned for its rich culinary tradition, the centrally located Chettinad is a perfectly accessible place to settle in for a South Indian feast. The dosas here are said to be some of the best in the city, while many dishes come served on banana leaves, as they would be in the original Chettinad. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

CINNAMON CLUB

A number of South Indian dishes are served at Cinnamon Club Cinnamon Club

While the acclaimed Cinnamon Club isn’t strictly a South Indian restaurant, its menu includes plenty of fish and seafood curries, as well as other plates featuring southern flavors. To begin your culinary tour of the region, start with Malabari mussel and date pickle on toasted brioche before opting for spice-crusted halibut with tomato tamarind sauce and ginger jaggery pickle. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

DOSA N CHUTNY

Dosa n Chutny’s specialty is right there on the tin

Dosa n Chutny‘s specialty is right there on the tin: the unfussy South London eatery has mastered the art of the dosa and its accompanying chutneys. The restaurants serve the flaky, crêpe-style savory pancakes in the same way that they do in Chennai: that is, with sambhar and coconut chutney on the side. For most diners, one should suffice, though the ravenous can challenge themselves to finish two. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

GANAPATI

Cosy Ganapati is a favorite among South Londoners

Nestled in an enclave in Peckham, Ganapati‘s cozy atmosphere makes it a favorite of neighborhood denizens – the restaurant recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Ganapati also has artistic credentials: every few months, the restaurant hosts gallery shows by local artists. A bit of color, then, serves as an excellent complement to the authentic cooking. Try seafood dishes like chemmeen manga and kattanam prawn curry – South Indian favorites that are rarely found on other menus. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

QUILON

Michelin-starred Quilon serves up Haute interpretations of South Indian flavors

When it comes to the best South Indian restaurants in London, it’s hard to do better than Quilon. The Michelin-starred restaurant is overseen by acclaimed Chef Sriram Aylur and is a favorite for those seeking a fine dining experience. Dishes feature Haute twists, though the menu stays true to its coastal, southwestern flavors. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

SAGAR

Sagar celebrates the art of delectable, meat-free South Indian cooking

Indian cooking has mastered the art of the delectable, meat-free dish, and Sagar, which has several locations in London, celebrates that vegetarian bounty. Here, the South Indian credentials are highly localized: the restaurant’s chefs hail from the small, coastal town of Udupi in Karnataka, and hone in on its flavors and local dishes. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

TRISHNA

Michelin-starred Trishna’s focus rests on coastal South Indian flavors

Against the backdrop of an elegant, airy white dining room, the vivid colors – and equally vivid flavors ­- of Trishna‘s dishes sing. The Michelin-starred eatery focuses on coastal South Indian dishes, combined with freshly sourced British ingredients and seasonal produce. Sommelier Sunaina Sethi has a knack for pairing these complex dishes with partner vintages – order a tasting menu to try the best of both. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

Kolamba

With five stars all round from our readers, this restaurant in Soho is a must-visit for anyone looking to sample authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Run by two native Sri Lankans, the menu here harks back to the childhood dishes that once filled the kitchens in their home, so diners can expect everything from traditional snacks to full-flavored curries. Vegetarian and vegan diners do well at Kolamba, though there are plenty of meat and fish dishes to get stuck into as well. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London
Where: Kolamba, 21 Kingly Street, Soho

Hoppers

Whether you choose to visit the intimate Soho original or its spacious Marylebone sibling, we guarantee you’ll be blown away by the selection on offer here. You’ll want to order the whole menu, but we’d suggest starting with a few ‘short eats’ followed by one of the eponymous and exceptionally good hoppers. Prices are also wonderfully reasonable, especially considering Hoppers’ perennial popularity. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London
Where: Hoppers Soho, King’s Cross + St Christopher’s Place

Papaya Restaurant

This neighborhood restaurant in Ealing is a little-known gem that merits a stint on the Piccadilly line. The kitchen pays lip service to the Indian subcontinent (especially Kerala), but its main geographical focus is further south in Sri Lanka, with specialties from all parts of the island, including mutton rolls and lumprais – a Dutch-influenced dish involving rice boiled in stock served on a banana leaf alongside an assortment of curries, fish cutlets, and sambal. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London
Where: Papaya, 161 Northfield Avenue, Ealing

Virundhu Street Kitchen

Vibrant curries served on colorful crockery are what diners can look forward to at this family-run Sri Lankan restaurant on the outskirts of northwest London. The extensive menu includes an array of traditional Sri Lankan fare, so you might need more than one visit to try everything that catches your eye. Unusually, there’s also a selection of desserts on offer at Virundhu, including a traditional Sri Lankan dessert called watalappan, made using coconut milk, kithul (a type of syrup), eggs, nutmeg, and cardamom. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London
Where: Virundhu, 113 Field End Road, Pinner

Dammika’s

It might not look all that inviting from the outside (or the inside, for that matter), but if you can get past the neon sign and bland décor, you’re in for a good meal. Located just a short walk from Victoria station, Dammika’s is a destination for anyone in search of authentic Sri Lankan food cooked well. The menu is a blend of south Indian and Sri Lankan classics, but you’ll find all the staples on there, including hoppers, kottu rotis, and dosa. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London
Where: 3 Lower Grosvenor Place, Westminster

Paradise Soho

Inspired by the chic bistros of Sri Lanka’s capital and the fortified old city of Galle, Paradise brings the essence of the country to the heart of Soho with this brand new restaurant. Sleek interiors are a good indication of what you can expect food-wise: pared-back ingredient-focused cooking with fiery island overtones. Spiced cocktails complement the seasonal fusion menu nicely and a meal here won’t break the bank. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London
Where: 61 Rupert Street, Soho

Karapincha

We understand why you might be skeptical about this one since it’s located within Canary Wharf’s bustling shopping center, but this Sri Lankan kitchen is a gem of a find. Hidden away in The Limehouse pub, Karapincha serves up short eats and sharing platters such as stuffed roti and devilled seafood, while main dishes include a range of hoppers and curries to suit every taste. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London
Where: Canary Wharf Shopping Centre, 10 Fishermans Walk

Watch Me

We’re not sure where the slightly odd, voyeuristic name comes from, but we are sure that this family-run restaurant is a stickler for high-quality ingredients and excellent customer service. The menu at Watch Me covers the spectrum of Asian flavors, so whether you’re in the mood for traditional Sri Lankan specialties such as hoppers kottu, sambar or mutton biryani, or South Indian classics, you’ll be spoilt for choice. It’s quite far south, but the Northern line will take you straight there. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London
Where: 108 Morden Road, Merton

Jaffna House

Another Tooting stalwart, Jaffna House has been going strong since the nineties. The homely interior is instantly inviting, as are the staff who go out of their way to treat everyone as an honored guest. The menu aims to bring the authentic flavors of Sri Lanka to life through fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, so whether you choose to sample a vadai (a spicy doughnut), devilled mutton, seafood kotthu, or any of Jaffna House’s other dishes, you can be sure of the fullest flavors. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London
Where: 90 Tooting High Street

Gymkhana

Gymkhana is posh, sophisticated, and Michelin star-rated—and it earns its distinction. You’ll want to come here twice to try as many of the dishes as possible, it’s really that good. The tasting menus are all a great choice, making curry and spices to an extraordinary new level; the drinks are heavenly (sometimes too heavenly), and the service is attentive and friendly. Bring anyone—coworker, lover, mother—and they will be impressed. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

Akash Tandoori

A restaurant that’s been around for over 30 years in the same place, as Akash Tandoori has, is clearly doing something right. Here, that means both full-flavored food and amazingly friendly service. Order a bunch of starters (you won’t taste better onion bhajis anywhere else in London), and, for mains, go for the Tandoor dishes. Come for a Sunday night family meal, as the regulars do. It’s a perfect way to round off a long week. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

Kricket

Kricket is quite stunning, with lighting that glows as if to complement the warmth of the food, and its patrons are a mix of cool cats, Instagram food hunters, and out-of-towners. Cocktails are done very well, and the wine list offers enough variety to please most palates. The menu is Indian fusion—more artfully designed plates than lamb curries dripping in a thick sauce—and will win over even those who don’t usually like Indian food. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

Roti Chai

Roti Chai is a two-tiered modern Indian joint with a bright, uncomplicated vibe: casual up top and more serious down below. Waiters are keen to describe what Roti Chai offers as modern Indian soul food, and the small plates, in particular, based on street food recipes from across India’s many regions, are indeed delightfully comforting. Your best bet is to come with a crew of mates and order a sharing menu to try all the little bites and plates together. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

Delhi Grill

Delhi Grill is a little burst of color in the otherwise dreary street that is Chapel Market in Islington, north London. It’s the sort of place where beer should be drunk, cold and strong. The food, from the relishes and chutneys to the samosas and lamb chops, is good, cheap, and a joy. Come for lunch or dinner with a few mates; it’s a vibrant pocket-sized stomper of a restaurant and great fun. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

Indian Accent

Despite decidedly unassuming appearances – it really just looks like another faintly dull spot for bored Mayfair types – an Indian Accent is an extraordinary place, turning out gorgeous, intensely flavored plates of food. The first signs of genius come early on, with the tiny bites of naan stuffed with blue cheese, which are remarkably memorable and impossible to over-recommend. The place is full of food that manages to be both earthy and elegant, at times dazzlingly inventive, other moments reliably comfortable. Portions are small, service is friendly if fussy, but by God the food is delicious. Even puddings are exceptional and brunch is likely the most interesting in London. Neither of these things is usual for an Indian restaurant – but then Indian Accent isn’t usual; it goes beyond that. A delight. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

16 Albemarle Street, W1S 4HW, indianaccent.com

Brigadiers

Inspired by the army mess bars of India, this up-market Indian barbecue joint draws a crowd with its range of entertainment, beers on tap, sports screenings and, most importantly, its small plates. Once you’ve finished playing pool in its art-deco “social hub”, or downed your last pint in the Tap Room tavern, sit down in Brigadiers’ dining room to pour over its extensive menu – there are 16 sides alone.

Grill-lovers should try the Sikandar kid goat shoulder and the BBQ chicken wings, while those looking for something lighter will enjoy the delicately spiced Indo-Chinese chicken lettuce cups. There are some well-crafted vegetarian options too, such as the gently charred wood-fired mushroom methi malai naan and the smoked aubergine missi rotis. If a restaurant can attract crowds to Bank on a weekend, it must be doing something right. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, EC4N 8AR​, brigadierslondon.com

Darjeeling Express

Asma Khan has come a long way since serving Indian food to twelve supper club guests in Wood Green. Seven years on, the location may have changed – Darjeeling Express now boasts a permanent site in Kingly Court – but the food is as good as ever. None of the team are trained chefs, but all amateurs-turned-professionals who learned to cook via long-standing family recipes. This eccentricity might just be why it all works as well as it does. Khan’s ever-changing menu has a homely feel to it but no means is lacking in finesse: the Calcutta-Hyderabad-Rajput cooking is all boldly spiced, vigorously flavored and served in generous portions. It is a bold, lively place where it’s fun to drink up and tuck in. There are stories here; fortunately, you can still book up to hear them. Recognize Khan? She’s the first British chef to be the subject of a Netflix Chef’s Table documentary. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

Kingly Court, W1B 5PW, darjeeling-express.com

Kutir

After star turns at the likes of Jamavar, Gymkhana and Trishna (all included in this list, you may note), you could probably have guessed that Rohit Ghai’s London solo debut would be quite the dazzler. Nestling into the homely, Georgian-inflected quarters of a Chelsea townhouse, Kutir takes inspiration from the decadent meals held in Indian hunting lodges of the same name, with tasting menus – described as “Expeditions” – leading diners through feast of meat, seafood or vegetables, and game when in season. Standout dishes include quail naan topped with scrambled masala eggs and truffle, as well as a punchy venison curry flavoured with green peppercorn and fennel.  this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

10 Lincoln Street, SW3 2TS, kutir.co.uk

Masala Zone

Sisters Camellia and Namita Panjabi have decades of research behind them, which rubs off on their authentic food. The menus boast a selection of Indian all-stars from grills, tandoors and curries to vibrant street food. The paneer tikka made with fresh fenugreek leaves and yellow chilli proves that veggie curries can be just as flavoursome and rich as their meaty counterparts. Likewise, the familiar korma gets an upgrade, with saffron infused into it. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

The thalis, however, are the stars of the show here — various small dishes are served on a circular tray, creating a colorful platter of vegetables, dal, chapati, rice, salad, and pickles. With seven different branches across the capital, each site has its own identity and brings something different to the table. The Covent Garden restaurant has puppets hanging from the ceiling while the Bayswater branch has eye-catching graphics plastered over the central dining room pillars. The decor may be quirky but upgraded classics truly deliver at this place. No wonder it’s one of Fay Maschler’s 50 favorite spots in London.

Various locations, masalazone.com

Dishoom

Dishoom is rightly regarded as a staple of London life, even though just eight years have passed since its first Bombay-style cafe opened in Covent Garden. The group’s monopoly of the casual, quality dining scene spans five London branches and another three in Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham. Be sure to try the Mahi tikka (grilled, marinated fish) and okra fries as part of a sharing-plate meal. Meanwhile, the chole poori (puffed, fried bread with chickpea curry) makes a cheap and hearty lunch for one. The real standouts are the black daal and the breakfast bacon naan, both of which have achieved legendary status – have the lamb chops too, which deserve to be similarly revered.

Be warned: queues often form at peak dining times are long – sometimes for hours on Friday nights. Fortunately, the friendly staff are always on hand to offer shivering guests a steaming cup of (free) chai. Or just head to the High Street Kensington branch which, while as good as the others, tends to be a little quieter. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

Various locations, dishoom.com.

Indian Zing

This longstanding favourite in Hammersmith offers modern, dynamic Indian food. It’s another fine-dining spot that’s popular with locals and celebs alike (even the late Michael Winner was a fan). A real knowledge of India’s regional cooking shines through at this place, thanks to Mumbai-born chef patron Manoj Vasaikar. The chicken shatkora lives up to the restaurant’s name with herbs and spices balanced by a punch of zesty citrus, and the lamb dhansak, a speciality of the Mumbai Parsi community, combines traditional flavours with seasonal produce. This restaurant packs out on a regular basis, but the service always remains calm and attentive — the sign of a true gem.

236 King Street, W6 9LR, indian-zing.co.uk

Dum Biryani

Dhruv Mittal is just 28 years old, but he’s already been running the socks off lively Soho spot Dum Biryani for more than three years. The restaurant is named for the variation of the dish that sees the meat and rice cooked together in a pot, which is sealed with a pastry crust. At Dum Biryani, the pastry is opened ceremoniously at the table – it’s a real steam-up-your-glasses moment as you gaze inside at lamb shank melting off the bone into perfectly cooked rice, fragrant with its juices. Snacks are not to be scrimped on – the Andhra prawn fry heats things up with whole red chilies, while the mutton fry calls for being piled high on a buttery brioche bun. For more Mittal, check out his second spot Lucknow 49 in Mayfair. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

187B Wardour Street, W1F 8ZB, dumlondon.com

Bombay Bustle

Step inside Bombay Bustle and you’ll be transported to a colonial-era railway carriage – first class, naturally. Inspired by the dabbawalas of Mumbai – men who traditionally traveled across the city by train to deliver home-cooked meals – Bombay Bustle captures the essence of a rich and vast culinary tradition. Follow the station-style signage to navigate between the bar and dining areas and take a seat in one of the coach-style booths. There you’ll tuck into some of Mumbai’s most celebrated dishes: opt for the small plates and share as many as you can. Top picks include the rarah keema pao, a richly spiced lamb mince served with a buttered bun, and the masala akuri – spiced scrambled eggs gleaming atop a truffled naan. Save room for the tandoor dishes: the cardamom-spiced murgh malai chicken is a triumph. The set menus offer a whistle-stop tour of different regions at affordable prices. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

29 Maddox Street, W1S 2PA, bombaybustle.com

Jamavar

Jamavar is another that proves that Indian fine dining in the capital is fiercely good. Much like its Mayfair contemporaries, the venue has a colonial gentlemen’s club feel to it and offers delicately-spiced plates that pack a punch. Highlights include the juicy scallops bhel with a tamarind and date chutney and the slow cooked Jamavar dal with black lentils. Familiar favourites can be found on the menu too, like the moreish old Delhi butter chicken curry. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

 8 Mount Street, W1K 3NF, jamavarrestaurants.com

Fatt Pundit 

Fatt Pundit is Indian, but probably not as you know it. The food here hails from Tangra, a region of Kolkata which became home to Hakka Chinese settlers who migrated there in the late 18th century. The culinary result has been an intriguing Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine that radiates out from Tangra, and serves as the inspiration for this Soho spot. Fragrant spices mix with the peppery heat and sweetness of Chinese food across the menu, as dishes include momo dumplings served with curry sauces, Hakka chilli paneer in lettuce cups, a creamy malabar coconut curry with monkfish, Sichuan chilli prawns and some absurdly succulent lamb chops with black bean dust. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

77 Berwick Street, W1F 8TH, fattpundit.co.uk

Chakra

This little known Kensington spot is all too often overlooked in lists like these. It’s a neighborhood place and appropriately upmarket for Kensington tucked away opposite the excellent Elephant & Castle pub. They’ve recently refurbished but the real draw is the terrace space; sit out and tuck into delicious little bites. It’s the sort of place to order a few glasses of wine while enjoying the likes of truffle kulcha (addictive bites of wild mushroom & black truffle naan) or monkfish marinated beautifully with kasundi mustard paste. The Lucknowi lamb kebab is a must too. Service is a quiet, friendly type. this is one of The Best Restaurants in London

33C Holland Street, W8 4LX, chakra.restaurant