London is not only the British capital. For centuries it was the seed of power of the British Empire and as such, it boasts one of the world’s most diverse population living in the city. The cosmopolitan spirit extends to its amazing culinary offer. It is arguable that some of the best Indian restaurants outside of India are located in London. Our favorites are Benares Restaurant & Bar, Dishoom, and Trishna. Enjoy our review and if you are in London town, do not miss these spectacular establishments.
Benares Restaurant & Bar
Benares Restaurant & Bar / 12 Berkeley Square House, Mayfair
Benares Restaurant & Bar
The unique talent of chef Atul Kotchar, winner of two Michelin stars, has changed the way people perceive and experience Indian cuisine in London. Kotchar is known for combining the heritage of his country of origin with purely British ingredients. The famed chef prepares modern and innovative Indian cuisine in the city’s hectic Mayfair district. Benares Restaurant & Bar stands out for the excellent quality of the ingredients used and the elegance of its interior. After the success of Benares, Chef Kotchar opened Ananda restaurant in Dublin, Ireland, in 2008, and later became a regular guest chef for the luxurious P&O Cruises as well as chef consultant to many restaurants and hotel chains worldwide. Besides these projects, Atul has written several bestseller cookbooks. Benares is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in the city and one you cannot miss.
Dishoom
Dishoom / 7 Boundary Street, Shoreditch
Dishoom
This popular restaurant, located in the increasingly fashionable neighborhood of Shoreditch, has an elegant decor that reminds us of Mumbai’s authentic Persian cafes, which have now sadly almost disappeared in India’s largest city. Dishoom brings the heritage and tradition of these traditional cafes to menus that celebrate the extraordinary food of Mumbai. At Dishoom, the early evening is the perfect time to take a delicious Indian tea, perhaps accompanied by one or two small dishes or the delicious freshly baked cookies with Indian spices, made in-house. The restaurant resonates with Indian expats, but it is also a great place to experience the sophisticated and cosmopolitan dining scene in the city.
Trishna
Trishna / 15-17 Blandford Street, Marylebone Village
Trishna
Trishna, with one Michelin star, is located in Marylebone Village, in the center of the British capital. This exclusive restaurant serves the finest fish and seafood with authentic recipes from southwest India. The menu is vast and attractive, covering both traditional cuisines, the latest evolution in the field of Indian gastronomy as well as new trends and culinary innovations that come out of the diverse population of the city. The food is prepared and served in a refined, elegant setting paying special attention to presentation and using authentic ingredients. We recommend their tasting menu consisting of seven dishes representative the coast of India’s Kerala region. And don’t forget to take a look at their exciting wine list.
If you like exotic spices and intense flavors that remind you of India while still being in Europe, these restaurants will satisfy your every desire. ■
