Savour the authentic taste of Pakistan in the heart of London with our curated guide to the city's finest Pakistani restaurants
In London's culinary landscape, the diversity of flavors is boundless, and among its many treasures, Pakistani cuisine shines with brilliance. Imagine being transported to Pakistan, where centuries-old recipes blend East, West, and Central Asian influences under the opulent Mughal legacy. London's Pakistani and Punjabi restaurants are hubs for bold flavors, from slow-cooked delicacies to aromatic spices. With our guide, you'll explore the top Pakistani restaurants across the city, ensuring that authentic and diverse culinary experiences are always within reach...
Tayyabs
83-89 Fieldgate St, London E1 1JU
Renowned for its blend of Punjabi flavors with a splash of Pakistan and India, this BYOB haven draws Londoners for the iconic sizzling lamb chops, sparking cheers and tales of gastronomic joy. Beyond the dishes, Tayyabs is a multi-room, perpetual celebration of timeless tradition, making it a fixture in London's dining scene.
With a bustling atmosphere and multiple dining rooms, Tayyabs stands tall as one of London's finest Pakistani restaurants. The BYOB policy adds to the excitement, making it a beloved favorite for those seeking exquisite Pakistani fare. From tantalizing dry curries to the famous lamb chops, this iconic restaurant in East London doesn't just serve food; it's a piece of culinary history.
Dawat
256-258 Upper Tooting Rd, London SW17 0DN
Established in 2008, Dawat Group embarked on a quest to redefine South Asian dining in the South West, and it's safe to say they've nailed it. Set in a grand Georgian cellar that marries Mughal inspiration with contemporary Indian culture, Dawat isn't just another restaurant; it's a journey back in time. As for the ongoing rivalry among Tooting locals, debating the supremacy of Lahore Karahi (which we will get onto next) versus Dawat, the Dawat special mixed grill settles the score. This is where family divides and passionate foodies converge, from casual weekend outings to spirited Tuesday nights.
Lahore Karahi
1 Tooting High St, London SW17 0SN
At Lahore Karahi, authenticity is the key ingredient in their culinary masterpiece. This family-run establishment, founded in 1995 by Zahid Iqbal and currently owned and operated by his son Numan Iqbal, serves up genuine Pakistani and Indian cuisine that's the life of the Tooting dining scene. Despite the complexity of their dishes, Lahore Karahi's recipe for a great evening is disarmingly simple: tantalizing food, a lively atmosphere, and cherished friends. They believe in more than just crafting exceptional curry; their mission is to bring people together through food. So, whether you're in for a quick, flavor-packed sit-down meal or a convenient takeaway, they've got your cravings covered.
Spice Village
121 Upper Tooting Rd, London SW17 7TJ
Spice Village in Tooting is where culinary theatrics and sumptuous flavors converge. From samosa chaat served in a cauldron of smoke to mocktails presented in top hats amid a smoky flourish, the restaurant offers a delightful blend of spectacle and flavors. Whether it's the fiery prawn karahi or impeccably charred naans, Spice Village delivers a dining experience perfect for date nights and celebrations. Founded by immigrant brothers Nasir and Suleman, Spice Village is a story of taste, passion, and excellence, celebrating the magic of spices with award-winning chefs and a dedication to open-flame cooking. It's a culinary journey to an era where natural flames infused every dish with smoky perfection.
Karachi Cuisine
1113-1115 London Rd, London SW16 4XD
Karachi Cuisine, true to its name, unveils a treasure trove of cherished Pakistani recipes. The welcoming dining room, bathed in purple lighting and decked out with red booths, offers a plethora of delectable choices. But the star of the show is the famous bun kebab – a soft and spiced delight featuring a mouthwatering patty, an omelette, and fresh salad within a bun. This restaurant's journey began in 2007 when the need for quality, affordable Mughlai Pakistani cuisine in London became evident. Over the years, they've expanded their menu based on customer suggestions and created a beautiful, spacious dining destination on London Road.
Lahore Kebab House
2-10 Umberston St, London, E1 1PY
Lahore Kebab House is the original BYOB institution in Whitechapel that ignited a fiery reputation, making it one of the celeb-fav spots in London for a hearty curry and kebab fix. With sizzling lamb chops coated in a mouthwatering curried marinade and the softly spiced mutton tikka, it's no wonder this place has earned its share of national food awards and international acclaim, firmly establishing itself as one of the best Pakistani restaurants in London. While the exterior might be stark and unassuming, the food is anything but. Lahore Kebab House is all about unpretentious, vibrant, and authentic flavors, with a rich menu that offers plenty of choices, spicy aromas, and ingredients that are always as fresh as they come.
Naan Staap
256 Hoe St, London E17 3AX
At Naan Staap, ordering is a delightful adventure in itself, mirroring the essence of this Pakistani gem in Walthamstow. While it primarily caters to takeaways, you'll find a cozy spot in one of their lime green booths, and you might just decide to stay a while, lured in by the promise of their carrot and butter-glazed specialties. The culinary journey here is a mix of hits and misses, but when you find the hits, you'll keep coming back for more. The dam qeema naan, brimming with spicy, juicy lamb mince, and the decadent Ferrero Rocher naan, generously drenched in chocolate sauce and adorned with hazelnuts, are a testament to the flavors that await. With a menu brimming with mouthwatering dishes like these, Naan Staap effortlessly claims its spot as one of the best Pakistani restaurants in London.
Lahori Nihaari
50 Plashet Grove, London E6 1AE
Situated in East London near Green Street, Lahori Nihaari offers high-quality, affordable food. While it may not be your top choice for a leisurely dining experience, it's a fantastic option for a takeout treat. For an authentic taste of Pakistan, Lahori Nihaari should be your first stop. They take pride in serving the best naan and kulcha in the city, and their chicken or mutton karahi bursts with flavor. Don't miss their chicken kebabs and chicken tikka masala, which are equally outstanding. So, if you're seeking an unadulterated Pakistani culinary experience, Lahori Nihaari is the place to be.
Punjab
80 Neal St, London WC2H 9PA
Punjab's, established in 1946, proudly wears the crown of the UK's oldest Punjabi restaurant. With a menu that spans the classics, including tikka masala, korma, and madras, all prepared in the cherished Punjabi tradition, it also offers a taste of authenticity with specials like gosht, puri, and amritsari fish. Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden and boasting stellar reviews, this is undeniably one of the capital's favorite Punjabi hotspots. And if you prefer a cozy night in, don't fret; they offer takeaways within an 8-mile radius.
Zayna
25 New Quebec St, London W1H 7SF
Marble Arch, often a bustling battleground for shoppers, becomes an oasis of calm when you discover Zayna, a hidden gem in the heart of London. The warm, inviting ambiance is set aglow by the gentle flicker of tea lights on each table, and the moment you savor the sizzling tandoori jheenga arriving in a hot skillet, you'll understand why it's worth the detour. With its moody dim lighting, intimate booths, and a downstairs bar, Zayna is the ultimate destination for a romantic date night. Whether you're craving the succulent chicken karahi or our personal favorite, jheenga bhaati, featuring meaty king prawns in a rich tomato sauce, Zayna is where you go to treat your taste buds to the finest Pakistani and North Indian cuisine.