Discover all the spices and bursts of flavors in Soho London’s Indian restaurant scene.

England ruled over India between 1858 and 1947, which explains the plethora of Indian restaurants especially in its capital city. The Soho neighborhood is where most of the famous Indian eateries can be found. With a robust mix of herbs and spices to taste, here are the top eight Indian restaurants in the Soho district of London.

Dishoom pays tribute to the Irani cafés of Bombay that are slowly disappearing and were known for bringing together people of all religions, races, and backgrounds over delectable dishes. It was one of the first places in Bombay where folks from all walks of life could relax by drinking chai and enjoying a hearty meal. Dishoom donates a meal for every meal ordered to a child in need. Make sure to try the chicken berry britannia, pau bhaji, and its signature house black daal. For a sweet treat, don’t miss the mawa cake with yuzu ice cream and hot house chai.

Gymkhana is a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its contemporary take on Indian fare. This establishment was inspired by the elite clubs of India, where members of the high class chat, eat, and drink. Divided among two floors, each one offers a distinct ambiance. Order the Kasoori Chicken Tikka with Moong Sprouts and Kasundi Kachumber. The ground floor is adorned with jade green walls, dark wooden tables, as well as printed fabric on chairs that are inspired from the mansions of Kolkata and Pondicherry. Guests can go downstairs using a mirrored staircase, decorated with North-Indian influence using bright peach and deep red tones.

Tamarind is recognized for creating a convivial dinner experience through creative yet soulful courses. The award-winning cuisine is prepared with close attention to detail and tradition in mind. Food lovers can indulge in creamy curries, zesty tandoor meat and seafood, tender kebabs, and much more. Make sure to try the delectable plum chicken do piyaza, Awadhi chicken biryani, and the dungar chicken chops. For those with a sweet tooth, order a mango kulfi, which contains a lighter kulfi rippled with mango lime purée, topped with caramel pistachio.

Trishna offers contemporary Indian food with an extensive wine list from international artisanal wineries. Don’t miss the iconic Kashmiri morel, Dorset brown crab, seafood pilau, or beef short rib coconut fry. To end the night on a sweet note, try the anjeer makhane ki kheer, a caramelized fig with coconut brittle, pistachio kulfi, and toasted lotus seeds. The cozy interior is decorated with antique mirrors, marble table tops, and wood paneling to create an ambiance perfect for deep conversations. For those who love to dine outside, guests can take a seat on the terrace with views of Blandford Street.

Founded in 2016, Jamavar is a Michelin-starred fine-dining culinary institution recognized for its welcoming hospitality. Here, extraordinary pan-Indian plates are created by Executive Chef Surender Mohan with a holistic approach using fresh local ingredients with conventional techniques. Jamavar has two dining rooms, both feature delicate colonial touches and the patterned Jamavar shawls in India. The dark wooden floors balance nicely with brass accents and hand-cut marquetry. Downstairs, guests can find a game room decorated with navy leather upholstery, oak accents, and brown marble tiles. Here, Chaturanga dining tables, artwork inspired by Ganjifa playing cards, and a gilded Paschisi mirror in celebration of the national game of India can be found.

Benares is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving up contemporary fine-dining dishes. This institution seamlessly mixes tradition with bold modern techniques to showcase the country’s vast culinary flavors. Open for over 20 years, Benares has captured the hearts of travelers and locals alike for its innovation and succulent creations. Executive chef Sameer Taneja produces new menus using experimental combinations with fresh local ingredients. Its signature dish is batak nihari, a pan roasted gressingham duck filet, griddled delicia squash, endive salad, and nihari curry.

A bit further down in Westminster, Cinnamon Club redefines fine-dining by throwing standards out the window to integrate Indian flavor profiles with western customs. Tantalize your taste buds with the spiced lamb mille-feuille or clove-smoked anjou squab pigeon with pumpkin and peanut. Head sommelier Giovanni Deluca created a wine to pair with each dish to elevate the dining experience. For travelers who love a little bit of everything, check out one of the many seasonal tasting menus. Those in search of an unforgettable dessert should check out these 8 delicious bakeries in London.

Established in 2001, Masala Zone has multiple locations across London and is famed for being one of the most authentic restaurants in the city. Every dish is prepared using traditional techniques with a modern touch. All spices and seasonings used are carefully selected at the best spice farms in India prior to being shipped over to the United Kingdom. A unique feature of this establishment is its street food, such as Delhi Jalebi Chaat, Jaipur Gol Guppa Pops, and Calcutta Potato Keema Chop. For more of the best restaurants in London, click here.