Veeraswamy

We’ve dined in several London’s top-rated Indian establishments, it takes something truly exceptional to stand out—and Veeraswamy comfortably proves why it remains an absolute institution for classical Indian cuisine. The meal set an ambitious standard right from the start. The king prawn starter was an immediate standout, perfectly executed and full of bold flavor. Moving on to the mains, the lamb shank and lamb curry were stellar; the meat was effortlessly fork-tender and steeped in a rich, deeply aromatic sauce that delivered just the right level of heat. As a biryani enthusiast, the dish was wonderfully moist and rich while keeping the rice light, fluffy, and deeply flavorful. Paired with a cocktail program where the drinks are equally delicious, every element of the menu felt thoughtfully crafted. What elevates Veeraswamy from a great meal to a memorable experience, however, is the hospitality. Restaurant Manager Joseph made our evening with his warmth and charm. Having spent time in both Hong Kong and Singapore, he shared wonderful banter with our table, adding a genuinely personal touch to world-class service.

Amazing give stars all around. This place has been open for over 100 years in the same location. Situated smack in the middle of London's premier shopping district, this place does not disappoint. We had the tasting menu and highly recommend it. The lobster was delicious as was the chicken, but the lamb took the show. So many different spices and curries all prepared to perfection. The drink menu was also stellar with a variety of beers and spirits as well as non alcoholic options. Very well appointed and decorated. There was a gentleman at the door who appeared to be dressed in some sort of classic British uniform. Great experience! Definitely deserves that Michelin Star.

Veeraswamy is one of the best and oldest surviving Indian restaurants in London, and indeed in the world. Founded in 1926, it is currently celebrating its centenary, which is an extraordinary achievement for any restaurant, let alone one with such a rich culinary legacy. Over the decades, it has welcomed prominent figures including Mahatma Gandhi, Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, and Jawaharlal Nehru, which only adds to its sense of history and prestige . The restaurant itself is beautiful. You enter through the narrow doorway on Swallow Street rather than Regent Street, and then take a lift up to the first floor, where the space opens into a lavishly adorned dining room. It feels elegant and atmospheric from the outset, and the setting immediately makes you understand why Veeraswamy has remained such a landmark for so long. The private dining rooms also looked majestic, and the overall decor pays fitting homage to its long and glamorous history. I was there for lunch and chose the three-course menu from the lunch options, which are either à la carte or a two- or three-course set menu. The food was delicious overall, with the lamb dish standing out as absolutely exceptional. The mango lassi was less memorable and could have been better, but the meal still delivered where it mattered most. The restrooms were extremely clean, which is always appreciated in a restaurant of this calibre. That said, the service was inconsistent in a few important areas. My waiter did not introduce himself, and I was not offered papadoms or water unless I specifically asked, even though those seemed to be offered to the adjoining table. That was disappointing, especially at a Michelin-starred restaurant where you expect a higher level of attentiveness and consistency. I cannot say exactly what went wrong that day, but it did not feel quite in line with what one expects from a restaurant of this reputation. Even with those shortcomings, the food was good and the setting was memorable. Veeraswamy remains a truly special place, and its history, centenary status, and enduring Michelin-starred standing make it worth visiting at least once. I would hope the service improves, because the underlying experience has all the ingredients of something exceptional.

Veeraswamy is considered England's oldest surviving Indian restaurant, having opened in 1926. At the outset I think it important to share that we spent over £100 per person. That's because we ate the tasting menu, which I’ve also posted. I think it’s possible to have a wonderful meal at Veeraswamy without exceeding £75 per person. Veeraswamy is a Michelin starred restaurant, and that’s the level of service we received from our server Drashti. She was personable, professional, and eager to make our meal memorable. We were brought a savory, delicious amuse bouche of mulligatawny lentil soup to start the meal. The meal began with a lovely thick, smoky, sweet chili prawn, which carried a little heat. That was followed by a moist, tender chicken breast, with edible silver leaf, stuffed with pistachios, cashews and golden raisins, served alongside a rose chutney, with a rosewater base. I don’t like rosewater. It may have virtues, but whenever I’ve encountered it, I’ve found it overly perfumed, lacking subtlety, and corrosive to the other tastes it was ostensibly meant to enhance. But mea culpa. This rosewater chutney was outstanding, a gentle sweetness coupled with a hint of spiciness. The four main dishes came next. They were all good, but the least interesting was the butter chicken, which tasted similar to other butter chickens I’ve had. The other three curries were superb. The Lobster Malabar Curry had sweet, delicious chunks of lobster; the Hyperabadi Lamb Salan Curry -- lamb, onions, garlic, green chillies -- melted in my mouth and finished with a nice jolt of heat that lingered on my upper palate; and the delightful Pineapple Curry, with coconut milk, turmeric and curry leaves was mildly sweet, but creamy and refreshing, cooling down my mouth from the curries that preceded. Dessert was a caramelized banana kulfi. I’ve never been a big fan of kulfi. It lacks the creaminess of western ice cream, and I’ve find it a little gritty and one-dimensional. But I must issue another mea culpa: Veeraswamy’s Caramelized Banana Kulfi was a home run — intense and delicious. The meal also came with lemon rice and naan.