Covent Garden, Indian Restaurant Guide

“Wow, every dish on the menu is a treat” at this year-old modern culinary mash-up, backed by Ennismore Capital, which combines the trad British chophouse with northern Indian techniques and spicing, in an atmospheric, wood-panelled space, just behind St Martin-in-the-Fields.

“Long-established, traditional Indian” north of Covent Garden that’s “always a pleasure”. Founded in 1946 and now in the fourth generation of ownership by the same family, part of their successful formula is “very competitive prices”.

“Delicious, well-spiced, memorable” – “and really cheap!” – South Indian vegetarian food (“with most dishes also available as vegan”) wins high ratings for this well-established small chain of low-key cafés, located in Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road and Hammersmith (plus an outpost in Harrow).

“The climb up the stairs never fails to get the taste buds revving” on arrival at this “1940s time-warp” curry house, close to the Indian High Commission in the Strand. Recently saved from redevelopment, this “iconic” venue with its “mismatched Formica-topped tables” is “still one of the best and cheapest Indians in London”. Top Tip: “BYO, or buy good-value beer at the hotel bar”.