Reigate, Indian Restaurant Guide

“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”.

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).

“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.

“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 real winner” – “fine, inventive dishes” make it worth knowing about Dayashakar Sharmer’s Indian in the ’burbs of West Dulwich: a cut-above, both for its location and by the standards of modern local curry houses.

“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.

“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”.