Fitzrovia, Indian Restaurant Guide

“The rather cramped interior isn’t great but Keralan food is exceptional” at this “really good local independent Indian”, near the Telecom Tower, which has delivered “very decent value for money” for four decades. (“More than a quarter of a century after my first visit, the dosas are still worth the trip. I think it’s been redecorated as well!”)

2022 Review: Chef Krishna Negi (who first made his name when he launched Tangawizi in Richmond in 2004) opened this Fitzrovian basement spot in October 2019, with a menu featuring ‘nano plates’ (small plates and sharing bowls) inspired by 1947’s partition of India. Some initial reviews on its cuisine have been very upbeat.

The “absolutely delicious” South Indian vegan and vegetarian food at this quintet of low-key cafés – stretching from Harrow to Covent Garden – is “good enough to keep carnivores quiet”: in particular “the dosas, which are just what you want from a dosa: crispy, tender, flavourful”. The formula is “simple but it works, even if the menu is always the same”; and it helps that the experience comes at “very reasonable prices”.

2021 Review: “Simply delicious south Indian cuisine” from the state of Tamil Nadu – including “the best dosas ever” – means this “justly popular independent” in Fitzrovia “is very different from your usual curry house”. “I’m slowly working my way through the menu and have yet to find something I don’t like”.

“Authentic high-quality Indian food”, including some “inventive and interesting dishes”, are on the menu at the first London venture from New Delhi’s Azure Hospitality, on the former site of veteran curry house Gaylord (RIP) near Selfridges. Named after a smart Mumbai district and with the ‘Bandra Bhai’ cocktail bar downstairs, it’s definitely “worth remembering”. A chef’s counter – launched in summer 2023 – is a new addition.

“A stalwart on London’s cheap-eats itinerary for decades” – this canteen in the ‘Little India’ enclave behind Euston station “has moved a smidgen upmarket since the pandemic”. Top Tip – the “lovely fixed-price vegetarian buffet” – a “longstanding favourite” – remains in place at lunchtime.

“Terrific dosas” and other South Indian vegetarian fare have been on the menu for 60-odd years at this stalwart of the ‘Little India’ array of cheap ’n’ cheerful canteens near Euston station.

“Very well-priced vegetarian Indian thalis” have brought a steady ants’ trail of diners to this fixture of the ‘Little India’ dining enclave behind Euston station for more than 40 years. “The buffets offer real value and choice”.

A kati roll is made of skewer-roasted fillings wrapped in a paratha – tasty Indian street food that hits the spot for a small but enthusiastic fan club amongst our reporters. With branches in Soho and Bethnal Green, they are imports from a four-strong Manhattan-based chain.

“Delicious small plates that are unusual, interesting and at times rather spicy” distinguish this Soho and Covent Garden duo presenting the Indo-Chinese cuisine developed by Kolkata’s historic Hakka community.