Covent Garden, Indian Restaurant Guide

Asma Khan announced before COVID-19 struck that she was looking to move to a bigger space than her Soho site. In August 2020, it was announced that the new opening would be in Covent Garden in the former Carluccio's prominent site.

Many Londoners have tried this very traditional, north Indian veteran on the fringe of Covent Garden (founded in 1946, and now in the 4th generation of family ownership) at some time or another, but it lacks a regular local following due to its touristy location. It wins consistent praise, however – including for its support of the armed forces (10% discount to those who’ve served).

A “different take on Indian favourites, which you can watch being made in the open kitchen” combines with “retro glamour” styling to good effect at this three-year-old behind St Martin-in-the-Fields: an “excellent concept”, “almost like a copy-cat of Dishoom, but way more relaxed”. In July 2020, it acquired a Southwark spin-off, Tandoor Tacos – a Latino/Indian mashup – and some dishes may be imported to the Covent Garden menu in due course.

“Step back in time with shades of the 1950s” – “you could imagine Nehru walking through the door” – at this “atmospheric all-Indian” curry house on the Strand, close to the Indian High Commission, that was recently saved from redevelopment. “The food is decent value at a remarkably low price” – although it’s “not really the point”. “After lunch in the rather bleak dining room, coffee in the cocktail bar seems positively luxurious”. Top Tip – BYO from the hotel bar.