The Best Indian Restaurants Near Southbank, London. Tandoori, Spices and More!

What’s good about stumbling into Southbank, is their quality of Indian cuisine! There are a bunch of spots to explore in London’s south bank that almost transports you to India. All their food are priced reasonably and are absolutely packed with flavour that will have you coming back for more! Read on to find our review of the best Indian Restaurants, you should check out!

What makes Southbank a Good Area for Indian Food?

1. Convenient location along the Thames near major attractions like the London Eye and Tate Modern
2. Street food options like dosas and Indian snacks available during festivals
3. Authentic regional cuisines represented, including North Indian, South Indian, Indo-Chinese fusion
4. Several excellent Indian restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual to upscale dining

My Picks of the Best Indian Restaurants Close to Southbank

Cafe Ishaq

As an Indian food lover visiting London, I was thrilled to discover Cafe Ishaq located right on the South Bank. As soon as I walked in, the contemporary decor and upbeat Indian music created an energetic vibe. The friendly staff greeted me warmly and helped explain the extensive menu featuring delicious authentic dishes like tandoori chicken, saag paneer, and lamb vindaloo.

The chicken was so tender it practically melted in my mouth! Every bite of the garlic naan was was also incredibly tasty. You can tell the ingredients are incredibly fresh, with vibrant flavors in every dish. Cafe Ishaq prides itself on making meals from scratch using family recipes and time-honored techniques.

I’ll definitely be coming back here anytime I’m craving flavorful curries near Southbank!

Great For: Couples, Catching up with Friends

📍48 Kennington Rd, London SE1 7BL, United Kingdom

Chillies Tandoori

Chillies Tandoori located right on bustling St George’s Circus in London’s vibrant Southbank area. The contemporary decor with colorful Indian accents and upbeat Bollywood music created a super energetic atmosphere. The friendly staff warmly greeted me and helped explain the extensive menu featuring mouthwatering regional specialties like tandoori chicken, saag paneer, and lamb vindaloo.

The food is reasonably priced and portions are generous. The central Southbank location is ideal for enjoying views of the bustling area before or after your meal. If you’re looking for authentic, high-quality Indian food in a lively setting near the heart of London’s cultural center, this is a tandoori restaurant that I highly recommend!

Great For: Groups of Friends, Catching up with Friends

📍7B, 7C St George’s Circus, London SE1 6HS, United Kingdom

Shaheen Tandoori

Shaheen Tandoori is a delightful family-run Indian restaurant located in the heart of Southbank, London, just a short walk from the Thames and popular attractions like the National Theatre and London Eye. The cozy dining room is tastefully decorated with colorful fabrics and paintings, making you feel like you have been transported to India.

Shaheen Tandoori specializes in authentic North Indian cuisine, with an extensive menu featuring aromatic curries, flavorful biryanis, sizzling tandoori dishes, and more. This unpretentious family restaurant truly captures the spirit of Indian cuisine and culture, and quickly became one of my go-to favourites!

Great For: Groups of Friends, Close Friends

📍215 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8XH, United Kingdom

Zabardast The Indian Wrap Company, Bankside

 

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As one of London’s most popular Indian eateries, Zabardast brings a fresh take on traditional Indian cuisine with its homemade wraps stuffed with the freshest ingredients. sing the spices and techniques of Northern Indian home cooking, Zabardast’s curries burst with complex flavors yet remain healthy and light. 

Whether you opt for one of their ready-made wraps or build your own from an array of meats, veggies, chutneys and breads, you’ll find Zabardast’s affordable prices and hearty portions make it a top spot for Indian food in London. I also love how this place is nearby the station, making it a quick and easy solution to scratch that itch for a spicy vegetarian lunch. 

Great For: Groups of Friends, Close Friends, Couples

📍1 Robinson Rd, London SE1 8BU, United Kingdom

Rockit Pub Kitchen at the Camel & Artichoke

Using the freshest ingredients and spices, the chefs prepare delicious dishes like tandoori chicken, lamb rogan josh, and baigan bharta. Diners can enjoy classics like chicken tikka masala and saag paneer, as well as innovative options that put a modern spin on Indian cuisine.

This spot provides an authentic Indian dining experience incorporating tandoori dishes and curries with a contemporary twist. It’s a great spot for lunch, dinner, or takeaway, whether you want delivery, a leisurely meal, or to pick up food to enjoy at home. The restaurant takes pride in serving high-quality Indian food in a vibrant setting.

Remember this is also a pub! The spice of India being obvious in their chili and other food is especially amazing when paired with a classic drink!

Great For: Groups of Friends

📍121 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE, United Kingdom

Est. India

 

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Tucked away in bustling Flat Iron Square near the Southbank, Est India brings a contemporary twist to classic Indian cuisine.Est India specializes in dosas, offering both traditional and inventive fillings like tangy chaat and fish tikka in the thin, crispy rice crepes. Other standouts on the menu include rich curries like chicken tikka masala, warming biryanis, and succulent lamb chops marinated in aromatic spice.

This contemporary Indian restaurant puts a creative spin on classics while retaining the spirit of true Indian cooking. Right now, my partner and I are thinking of booking a reservation for tonight! 

Great For: Groups of Friends, Couples, Business Meetings

📍FLAT IRON SQUARE, 73-75 Union St, London SE1 1SG, United Kingdom

Indian Gourmet

It’s really cool to me how this place is designed to look like a modern Indian home, and a second after you open their doors, the staff are immediately there to accommodate you! Their food vary from classic delicious Indian cuisine to the more unique dishes they serve.

For the adventurous, be sure to try some of their more unique dishes like the Kanartaka seafood specialty, kori gassi. The extensive vegetarian menu is also excellent, with highlights like the potato and chickpea curry aloo kala chana soya. And you can’t forget the wonderful tandoori offerings, with succulent chicken tikka and smoky paneer shashlik grilled to perfection in the tandoor oven.

Great For: Groups of Friends, Couples, Business Meetings

📍64 Borough High St, London SE1 1XF, United Kingdom

Mango Indian

Mango Indian incorporates local British ingredients into traditional recipes to put a creative twist on Indian favorites. The extensive menu features vegetarian, meat, and seafood options to satisfy every palate. Friendly staff provide exceptional service, guiding first-timers through the menu and offering pairing suggestions from the wine and beer list. 

You know that feeling of wanting to order food at home but you’re absolutely terrified that the food might arrive bland and soggy from travelling? Well, you could order from this restaurant directly and still have fine Indian food arrive at your doorstep!

Great For: Catching up with Friends

📍Cromwell Building, 6 Redcross Way, London SE1 9HR, United Kingdom

Cafe Nawaz

Cafe Nawaz is definitely a local favourite. Their interior design practically sets the mood for rest and relaxation. The bring-your-own-beer policy also makes it a fun and casual dining option in the neighborhood.

Their diverse menu of flaky onion bhajis, smoky tandoori chicken fresh from the clay oven, and the creamy korma curries make sure that you alongside your friends have a satisfied appetite while their staff make sure all of you have an unforgettable time!

Great For: Groups of Friends

📍92 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SS, United Kingdom

Looking for More Guides?

Finished with our 10 Indian Restaurants near South Bank? Then check out some of our guides! Discover a bunch more of other Indian restaurants near other parts of London like in Waterloo road, or Covent Garden!

We’ve also got you covered if you’re not craving Indian food, as we have guides we regularly update, on the best italian restaurants, cafes, bars, and bunch more, not just in South bank, but all throughout the city!