Govinda's is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant situated in the heart of Soho, London. Established in 1979, it is one of the city's oldest vegetarian eateries. The restaurant offers a variety of Indian-inspired dishes, including thali platters, curries, samosas, and desserts like halava and gulab jamun. The dining area is simple and straightforward, providing a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Govinda's is known for its wholesome and satisfying meals, generous portions, and reasonable pricing, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking authentic vegetarian Indian cuisine.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Affordable Prices The restaurant is known for its reasonable prices, especially considering its central London location, making it an accessible option for those seeking budget-friendly meals.
- Authentic Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Govinda's offers authentic Indian vegetarian and vegan cuisine, providing a flavorful and satisfying experience that many reviewers find reminiscent of food served in India.
- Convenient Location Situated near Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, Govinda's is easily accessible, making it a convenient dining option for locals and tourists alike.
- Generous Portions and Variety Govinda's provides generous portions and a wide variety of dishes, particularly with their Thali options, allowing diners to sample multiple items at once.
- Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere Many reviewers highlight the warm, friendly, and spiritual atmosphere, often attributed to the staff's kindness and the restaurant's connection to the ISKCON temple.
Criticised
- Can Get Crowded Due to its popularity, Govinda's can get very crowded, especially during peak hours, potentially leading to longer wait times and a less relaxed atmosphere.
- Food Quality Variance While many praise the food, some reviewers have found the flavors to be average or lacking richness, suggesting that the quality may not always meet expectations.
- Hygiene Concerns A few reviewers have mentioned concerns about hygiene standards, particularly regarding server cleanliness, which could be a deterrent for some diners.
- Inconsistent Service Some reviewers have reported inconsistent service, with staff occasionally appearing disengaged or impatient, which can detract from the overall dining experience.
- Pressure for Donations Some customers have felt pressured to make donations or purchase additional items, which they found off-putting and impacting the overall dining experience.
The longer read
Govinda's Soho Street is a vegetarian restaurant connected to the ISKCON temple, offering a unique dining experience with a spiritual ambiance. Many reviewers describe the atmosphere as warm, welcoming, and peaceful. The restaurant is praised for its authentic Indian cuisine, particularly its thalis, which offer a variety of dishes at affordable prices, with the basic thali costing around £7.95. Many reviewers consider the food delicious, flavorful, and nourishing, noting the use of fresh ingredients and rich spices. Several highlight the restaurant's commitment to vegetarian and vegan options, catering to diverse dietary preferences. The menu rotates, providing a reason for repeat visits.
The staff is frequently described as friendly, kind, and attentive, contributing to the overall positive dining experience. Some reviewers specifically mentioned individuals like Hardik and Phani, praising their exceptional service. The restaurant's location in central London, near Oxford Street and Tottenham Court underground station, makes it easily accessible.
Govinda's is a popular spot and can get crowded, especially during lunchtime. Some reviewers suggest visiting around 7pm during the week to avoid the busiest hours. While most reviewers praise the food's quality, a few found it average or inconsistent. Some reviewers have noted that the service can be slow when the restaurant is busy, and a few mentioned issues with cleanliness or hygiene. A small number of reviewers expressed concern about pressure to make donations. However, the majority of reviewers recommend Govinda's for its delicious food, reasonable prices, and unique atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and affordable vegetarian Indian meal in London. Many reviewers say they return whenever in London.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 3687 0617
- Website
- govindas.london
| Mon | 7:30 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 7:30 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 7:30 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 7:30 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 7:30 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 7:30 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 7:30 - 21:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.8 against a median of 4.5 across the 41 places to eat we hold for St Giles, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
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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.