A Guide To The Best Pakistani Restaurants In London

Savour the authentic taste of Pakistan in the heart of London with our curated guide to the city's finest Pakistani restaurants

By Rex Adams | Updated Jul 19 2024

A plated meal features rice, naan bread, salad with dressing, and small stainless steel bowls containing dal (lentil soup), a curry dish, and yogurt. The table setting also includes a glass of water in the background.

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...

A neon blue sign displaying the name Tayyabs is mounted on a dark storefront. Reflections of buildings and tree branches are visible in the storefront windows below the sign. — TAYYABS.CO.UK

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.

A variety of colorful Indian dishes served in metal bowls, includes lentils, vegetables, paneer, and curry, garnished with green chilies and herbs. Several pieces of naan bread are placed on a white plate in the background. — Dawat via Facebook

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.

A white plate filled with chilaquiles, topped with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and drizzled with dark and creamy sauces. The background is slightly out of focus, with a hint of a green booth. — Lahore Karahi via Facebook

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.

A luxury restaurant interior with a modern design, featuring blue velvet chairs, gold accents, and a black-and-white zigzag patterned floor. The ceiling is adorned with floral arrangements and decorative lighting fixtures. Large windows provide natural light. — Spice Village via Facebook

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.

A plate of biryani with vibrant, fluffy rice and pieces of seasoned chicken garnished with fresh cilantro. A green chili pepper is visible on the plate. In the background, there are additional chilies on a wooden board. — https://www.karachicuisine.com/

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.

Skewers of various meats are being grilled over an open flame, with the fire providing a vibrant display of orange and yellow hues. The scene suggests a barbecue or cookout setting, capturing the intense heat and smoky atmosphere of the cooking process. — www.lahore-kebabhouse.com

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.

A brightly lit outdoor seating area features tables with orange chairs. A balloon arch in blue and yellow decorates the entrance to the adjacent building. String lights and greenery hang from the ceiling, and a neon sign on the left wall reads, Cool & Beauty. — Naan Staap via Facebook

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.

A spread of five dishes on a wooden table. The center features a metal pot with a meat curry garnished with julienned ginger and cilantro. Surrounding it are bowls of lentils, lamb curry, dal, and a rich, creamy mustard-based curry, all garnished similarly. — deliveroo.com

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.

A lively street scene features people walking past a blue storefront with an awning. The setting is a narrow, tree-lined pedestrian street with a relaxed atmosphere, where the soft evening light enhances the vibrant yet calm environment. — punjab.co.uk

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.

A table set with various Indian dishes, including a bowl of white rice, naan bread, lamb chops in sauce, chicken curry, spinach curry, and mixed vegetables. A glass of red wine and some crispy crackers are also on the table. The background features green chairs. — https://zaynarestaurant.co.uk/

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.