Dishoom Kensington is inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay, offering a menu that pays homage to the city's rich culinary heritage. The restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic décor, which transports diners to the bustling streets of Bombay. The menu features a variety of dishes, including small plates, grills, and biryanis, with a focus on authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. Dishoom is also famous for its breakfast offerings, such as the bacon naan roll. The restaurant's location in Kensington makes it a convenient spot for both locals and tourists exploring the area.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Accommodating to Dietary Needs The restaurant is accommodating with food allergies, ensuring meals are safe and delicious for all customers.
- Charming Ambiance The restaurant boasts a vibrant, Bombay-inspired atmosphere with stylish decor, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
- Excellent Service The staff is attentive, friendly, and efficient, making guests feel welcome and ensuring a smooth dining experience from start to finish.
- Flavorful and Delicious Food Dishoom Kensington offers authentic Indian cuisine with dishes packed with flavor and cooked to perfection, providing a memorable dining experience.
- Great Drinks The bar area offers amazing drinks, making the wait for a table more enjoyable and adding to the overall experience.
Criticised
- Can Be Loud The lively atmosphere can make the restaurant quite loud, which may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet dining experience.
- Long Wait Times Due to its popularity, expect long wait times, especially during peak hours, which can be a deterrent for some diners.
- Small Portions for the Price Some reviewers find the portions to be small relative to the price, which may not satisfy those with larger appetites.
- Spice Levels Can Vary Spice levels may be intense for some, and despite requests, dishes may still be spicier than expected, making it unsuitable for those sensitive to spice.
- Ventilation Issues The restaurant can get hot and stuffy, lacking adequate ventilation, especially when crowded.
The longer read
Dishoom Kensington is a popular Indian restaurant known for its lively atmosphere, attentive service, and flavorful food, though be prepared for potential spice and a possible wait. Many reviewers highlight the restaurant's vibrant and stylish ambiance, describing it as a mix of retro and modern with a unique, Bombay-inspired design. Several mention live jazz music on certain evenings, enhancing the overall dining experience. However, some find the main room quite loud. Service is frequently praised, with staff described as friendly, helpful, and attentive. Several reviewers specifically mentioned exceptional service from staff members like Amanda, Ruth, Beth and Ermal, who went the extra mile to provide recommendations and create a welcoming atmosphere. The food receives generally positive feedback, with common comments noting authentic flavors and thoughtful preparation. Dishes like the Chicken Ruby, black lentil dahl, gunpowder potatoes, and lamb chops are frequently recommended. Some reviewers found certain dishes to be spicy, so spice preference is something to note. A few reviewers mention smaller portion sizes compared to previous visits or other restaurants. Some reviewers also felt the restaurant was expensive for what it was. Waiting times are a common concern, with many reviewers mentioning waits of 30 minutes to an hour, especially during peak hours. However, the restaurant manages the wait by offering a separate bar area where patrons can enjoy drinks. While most find the experience worth the wait, some suggest making a reservation in advance to avoid long queues. A few reviewers felt the food was overhyped or not as exceptional as they had anticipated, especially compared to other Indian restaurants. One reviewer noted inconsistent curry quality. However, the majority express satisfaction with the food and overall experience, with many stating they would return. The restaurant's ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as food allergies, is also noted as a positive. Overall, Dishoom Kensington appears to offer a unique and enjoyable dining experience, but potential diners should be aware of the possibility of spice, crowds, and waiting times.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7420 9325
- Website
- dishoom.com/kensington/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Yext&utm_content=D6-Kensington&y_source=1_MjMwNDkyMDctNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
| Mon | 8:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 8:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 8:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 8:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.8 against a median of 4.5 across the 1,957 places to eat we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is The O2.
Still deciding?
- What are some must-try dishes at Dishoom Kensington?
- Is it necessary to book in advance at Dishoom Kensington and what is the best way to reserve a table?
- What is the atmosphere like at Dishoom Kensington and how does it compare to other Dishoom locations?
- Does Dishoom Kensington offer good vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?
- What attractions or landmarks are close to Dishoom Kensington for planning a day out?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.