Fetcham, Indian Restaurant Guide

There’s “always a cheery welcome and super-courteous service at this distinctive and cut-above restaurant” from ex-Oberoi/Cinnamon Club chef-patron Awanish Roy – the first in a now two-strong chain, with a younger spin-off in Reigate. Its “sophisticated and delicate culinary style” is “superior to any other Indian restaurants in the area”, showcased in everything from the “tiny” and “delicious” poppadoms to “tender and flavoursome” chef’s specials, which feature on a menu spanning street food, British favourites and far more exotic fare (grilled guinea fowl, say, or wild boar vindaloo).

“Breathtakingly outstanding dishes” have put this “top-notch Indian” in the outer southwestern ’burbs firmly on every curry-hound’s map over the past nine years – it justifies a “long drive”, or “makes a bumpy ride on the 406 bus worthwhile”. Ignore the modest Ewell shop front off the A3 Tolworth turn-off, you’ll find cooking of “the highest standard” that rivals the best in the West End – and “at a truly affordable price”.

“Not your typical Indian restaurant” – this inviting colonial-style villa is a beacon of the outer southwest ’burbs sitting just back from the Thames. The “lovely food” from a menu offering a “good range of choices” wins a very positive thumbs-up in this year’s survey. It was founded by owner Bhanu Pratap 16 years ago.

“A clear cut above your standard Curry House (without attempting anything Michelin-chasing)” – this first UK outpost of a family-owned Indian group occupies the simple Putney premises that were, for years, Ma Goa (RIP). It aims for a “delicious, healthy take on Indian cuisine”. Everyone agrees the food is yummy. But while some reports say “their claims to be ‘healthy’ appear to play out with lovely dishes lacking an oily, ghee-laden feel to them”; others “totally don’t understand its billing – it all tasted good-to-very good, but was not remotely advisable for my waistline or blood pressure!”

“Very popular locally” for its “well-priced, high-quality food”, this old-school family-run curry house near Wandsworth Common has stood the test of time.

“The food is different and good” – inspired by the street food sold on Indian railways – at these funkily decorated canteens, in a nondescript Ealing parade of shops and a somewhat cuter one on Hammersmith Grove. Top Menu Tip – “sharing Thalis are a must, with great flavour combinations and excellent value”.

“The food, from all corners of India, is packed with so much flavour” at this popular restaurant on the strip of eateries near the entrance to Ravenscourt Park. Welcoming service and a cosy, comfy and colourful interior rounds off an experience that remains well-rated all-round.

“A great local Indian” in leafy Teddington “where the cooking has a modern twist” – Mayur Nagarale opened this contemporary spot enlivened by a large, colourful mural in mid 2023 and it quickly won a more-than-local reputation, with fans crossing numerous postcodes for a meal.

“In the lost part of Richmond” (on the way to Kew) – “a very good curry house” spread over three levels, whose staff are “always really friendly”. Head Chef Sunil produces a menu that intersperses less familiar dishes and ingredients with tandoori classics: “it’s much much better than so much of what’s available locally, and well worth the extra short walk from the town centre”.

“Top-class cooking” has earned a strong reputation for this three-year-old Indian in East Sheen – a spinoff from the brilliant Dastaan in Ewell, and similarly belying its “pedestrian” interior. A few reports this year, though, suggest success risks going to their heads a little (“a return visit and still worth the trip, but bills have risen – please don’t price yourself out of the game!”). Top Tip – “the pork cheek vindaloo and the soft-shell crab remain things of beauty”.

“A non-typical local Indian restaurant serving Putney with high-quality, authentic Indian food” – in “huge, freshly cooked, super-tasty portions and with interesting sundries”. The “railway carriage theme is a bit of a stretch” for some, but “the food quality and quick service make it worth a detour”.

“A heady mix of cocktails and curry, with friendly and informative staff” – this contemporary Indian on the site of former Balham favourite Lamberts (RIP) operates as a café by day but is “noisily popular in the evening”, when it serves for “very good dishes with a modern and innovative twist on Indian favourites” in “an attractively decorated setting”.

This smart little “neighbourhood Indian” with “better-than-average cooking” opened three years ago on the main drag in Barnes, from a trio of friends who grew up together in the Punjab – one of whom runs the nearby Barnes Pantry. (‘Ela & Dhani’ mean cardamom and coriander in Sanskrit).