Britain’s love of curry has grown from late-night takeaways into a full-blown culinary tradition, making it one of the nation’s favourite foods.
Across the country, chefs blend spices and heritage cooking techniques with local ingredients, creating dishes that reflect both authenticity and innovation.
From the Highlands to the South West, these curry houses have earned reputations as some of the finest in Britain.
This article is for general information only. Menus, opening hours, and availability may range by location and season. Always check with individual restaurants before visiting.
11. Chaskaa, Edinburgh
This family-run spot brings Punjabi flavours to the Scottish capital with recipes passed down through generations. The warm, colourful interior matches the fiery dishes on the menu.
Butter chicken comes rich with spiced tomato cream, while the lamb rogan josh melts apart with a fork. Vegetarians are drawn to the paneer tikka masala. No wonder queues stretch down the street most weekends – the name “Chaskaa” means “addiction” in Punjabi.
10. Cidsin Bistro, Pitlochry
Nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, Cidsin Bistro marries local Scottish ingredients with traditional Indian cooking techniques. The stone-walled restaurant, once a Victorian hunting lodge, offers stunning views across Loch Tummel.
Chef Amir creates extraordinary dishes like venison vindaloo and haggis samosas that sound unusual but taste incredible. His seafood curry uses scallops and langoustines caught that morning in nearby waters.
The restaurant grows many of its own herbs and spices in their hillside garden. Booking is essential as this 30-seat hidden gem fills quickly, especially during summer months when tourists discover this culinary treasure.
9. Da Mount Gurkha, Liverpool
Opened by a former Gurkha soldier, this dockside restaurant celebrates Nepalese cuisine rarely seen in Britain. Photos of Himalayan landscapes and military memorabilia set the scene.
Try the momo dumplings with tomato chutney or goat curry slow-cooked for eight hours with rare Nepalese spices. The restaurant also supports Gurkha veterans through fundraising events.
8. Darjeeling Express, London
Chef Asma Khan’s restaurant, famous from Netflix’s Chef’s Table, showcases Bengali and Rajasthani cooking. Her all-female team brings home-style dishes to the heart of Soho.
The biryani arrives sealed with pastry, releasing aromatic steam at the table. Other highlights include the prawn malaikari in coconut sauce. Popular with celebrities, tables are booked months ahead.
7. Kachori, London
Housed in a former pub in Tooting, Kachori turns Indian street food into refined small plates. Murals of Indian street scenes and lively music create a vibrant atmosphere.
The pani puri, filled with spiced potato and topped with tamarind water, is a favourite. Thali platters and brunch dishes like masala eggs and cardamom pancakes keep diners returning.
6. Namaste Punjab, Chichester
Located in a Tudor-era building, Namaste Punjab contrasts timber beams with bright Indian textiles. Chef Gurpreet Singh specialises in tandoor cooking, from marinated lamb chops to whole sea bass.
Their dal makhani, simmered overnight, is a standout. Paneer and yoghurt are made daily, and the bread basket – with naan, roti and paratha – is a must for soaking up sauces.
5. Punjabi Heaven, Leeds
Run by three generations of the Gill family, this restaurant feels like a home kitchen. Their butter chicken recipe has been unchanged since 1978, while vegetable dishes like okra bhindi and smoky aubergine bharta shine just as brightly.
Black-and-white photos trace the family’s journey from Punjab to Yorkshire. On Sundays, unlimited thali lunches draw crowds from across the city.
4. Rock Salt, Bristol
On Bristol’s harbourside, Rock Salt focuses on seafood curries inspired by India’s vast coastline. The Goan prawn curry brings tangy heat, while Kerala fish moilee pairs cod with coconut milk and curry leaves.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the harbour, while a cocktail list featuring mango and cardamom drinks adds to the appeal. Their masala brunches are a weekend hit.
3. Spices And Spirits, Basingstoke
This unassuming restaurant celebrates village recipes collected by owner Meena Sharma during annual trips to India. A wall map shows the origins of each dish.
Specialities include railway lamb curry served in a tiffin, parsi dhansak with lentils and meat, and lamb shank nalli nihari cooked overnight. The drinks list features rare Indian whiskies and gins.
2. The Kala Sheep, Newmarket
This converted stable near Newmarket racecourse blends British ingredients with Indian cooking. Chef Dev Biswal creates dishes such as Suffolk lamb samosas and sausage curry, alongside an inventive tasting menu.
The decor mixes racing memorabilia with Indian artwork. It’s a fusion restaurant that challenges tradition yet respects both culinary heritages.
1. Tiffin, Barnstaple
Overlooking the River Taw, Tiffin brings South Indian cooking to North Devon. Their dosas, stretching up to three feet long, are legendary.
Fish curries use day-boat catches from nearby Ilfracombe, and vegetables come from local farms. Each table has its own mini herb garden for diners to garnish their meals – a unique touch that reflects Devon’s farming culture.
