The British Indian Good Food Guide has revealed its 2025 selections, confirming London's dominance in the UK's Indian dining scene with six establishments earning prestigious 'London Icon' status.
London Reigns Supreme in Indian Dining
Twenty-eight of Britain's top 100 Indian restaurants are located in London, according to the newly published guide, with six particularly distinguished venues receiving special recognition for their sustained excellence and contribution to establishing London as a global Indian dining capital. The guide's editors emphasized that Indian cuisine has become "one of Britain's most accomplished and beloved culinary traditions," deeply woven into the fabric of British life.
The 2025 guide celebrates one hundred restaurants that demonstrate excellence in craft, hospitality, and consistency, reflecting what editors describe as "a confident and contemporary interpretation of Indian cuisine — rooted in heritage, shaped by skill, and enriched by the diverse communities of the United Kingdom."
The Six London Icons of 2025
The Cinnamon Club - Westminster
Housed in a historic Grade II listed building that previously served as Westminster Library, The Cinnamon Club bills itself as "the original modern Indian restaurant in London." Chef Vivek Singh's menu features innovative dishes including Chicken Rezala and Koorgi-style double-cooked pork belly, served in what the guide calls "one of London's most iconic destinations for elevated Indian dining."
Gymkhana - Mayfair
This Michelin-starred establishment on Albemarle Street draws inspiration from the elite clubs of India's colonial era, specializing in northern Indian cuisine with bold, traditionally rooted flavours. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its game dishes, tandoori grills, and robust curries served in an opulent setting featuring dark wood and leather banquettes.
Quilon - Buckingham Gate
Another Michelin-starred venue, Quilon celebrates the coastal cuisine of India's Kerala region, emphasizing seafood dishes with lighter sauces and subtle spicing. Signature offerings include Fisherman's Catch and Baked Black Cod, served in elegant interiors that blend muted tones with modern touches.
Jamavar - Mayfair
Located on Mount Street near Berkeley Square, Jamavar offers Pan-Indian dishes combining British produce with classic Indian cooking techniques. Awarded a Michelin star in 2022, the restaurant is celebrated for refined curries, kebabs, and innovative tasting menus in polished interiors with attentive service.
Veeraswamy - Regent Street
Established in 1926, Veeraswamy holds the distinction of being the UK's oldest Indian restaurant and will celebrate its centenary next year. The Regent Street institution specializes in regal North Indian cuisine, featuring classics like slow-braised Shahi Patalia Raan Wraps and slow-cooked Kashmiri Rogan Josh in grand interiors that reflect its historic status.
Benares - Mayfair
Since opening in Berkeley Square in 2003, Benares has combined rich Indian flavours with premium British ingredients. Named after India's sacred city, the restaurant embodies what the guide describes as "the perfect balance of tradition and modernity," with signature dishes including lamb biryani and masala grilled prawns served in modern, refined interiors.
Additional London Highlights
Beyond the six iconic establishments, twenty-two other London restaurants secured places in the top 100 list, demonstrating the capital's exceptional depth of quality Indian dining options. Notable inclusions range from the ever-popular Dishoom in Covent Garden to Mayfair's Amaya and BiBi, Marylebone's Trishna, and Soho's Darjeeling Express and Hoppers.
The comprehensive selection showcases London's diverse Indian culinary landscape, from fine dining establishments to more casual neighbourhood favourites, all contributing to what the guide recognizes as Britain's accomplished and evolving Indian food tradition.
