Chettinad Restaurant offers an authentic South Indian dining experience in the heart of Fitzrovia, London. The menu features traditional Tamil dishes, including Masala Dosa, Chettinad Kolli Curry, and Thengai Aadu Kullambu, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Chettinad region. The restaurant's interior combines contemporary design with traditional elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Vegetarian options are abundant, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Conveniently situated near Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street stations, it is easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Authentic South Indian Cuisine The restaurant offers a culinary journey to South India, serving dishes with rich flavors and beautiful spicing, closely resembling food experienced in the region.
- Convenient Central London Location Located near Oxford Street, the restaurant is easily accessible for shoppers and those in central London.
- Delicious and Flavorful Food The food is consistently described as delicious, full of flavor, and well-prepared, making it a satisfying dining experience.
- Excellent and Friendly Service Many reviewers praise the staff for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Good Variety, including Vegetarian Options There is a wide array of choices including vegan and vegetarian options.
Criticised
- Can Get Very Noisy The restaurant can get loud, especially when crowded, which may detract from the dining experience.
- Compulsory Service Charge A 10% service charge is automatically added to the bill, which may surprise some customers.
- Inconsistent Food Quality Some dishes may not meet expectations in terms of authenticity or taste.
- May Require Reservation It's often packed, especially during peak hours, making a reservation highly recommended to avoid waiting.
- Small Portions Portions can be small relative to the price, particularly for certain dishes.
The longer read
Chettinad Restaurant is a popular South Indian restaurant near Oxford Street in London, known for its authentic Chettinad cuisine. Many reviewers recommend making reservations, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is often busy. The ambiance is described as simple yet reflective of Chettinad culture, with a lively and energetic atmosphere. However, some found the space small, leading to closely spaced tables. Service is generally praised as friendly, helpful, and attentive, with specific mentions of staff going the extra mile to explain dishes and accommodate preferences. However, a few reviewers noted occasional delays in service due to the restaurant's popularity.
The food receives mostly positive feedback, with many highlighting the rich flavors, authentic spices, and variety of options, including vegan and vegetarian choices. Dishes frequently mentioned and praised include the Chettinad platter (featuring a mix of chicken, prawns, mutton, and fish), lamb biryani, chicken curry, and various thalis. The use of fresh ingredients and traditional South Indian flavors is a recurring theme. Several reviewers who had traveled to South India noted the food's faithfulness to the cuisine they experienced there. Portion sizes are generally considered fair for the price, although a few reviewers found them small. Some found the spice levels to be high but manageable, while others appreciated the authentic level of spice. A few reviewers mentioned specific regional dishes like Meen pollichathu and Kottayam Duck Mappas, indicating the restaurant's commitment to showcasing diverse South Indian culinary offerings. A few reviewers noted that the restaurant charges extra for coconut chutney with dosa or poori, which they found unusual. While the majority of experiences were positive, a small number of reviewers found the food to be average or inconsistent, and some were disappointed with specific dishes. A few reviewers mentioned noise levels being high due to other diners, which negatively impacted their experience. Overall, Chettinad Restaurant appears to be a solid choice for those seeking authentic and flavorful South Indian cuisine in central London, with service and atmosphere generally receiving positive marks.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 3556 1229
- Website
- chettinadrestaurant.com
| Mon | 12:00 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 51 places to eat we hold for Fitzrovia, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What are the signature dishes at Chettinad Restaurant that visitors should try?
- Does Chettinad Restaurant offer a good variety of vegetarian options on their menu?
- What kind of dining atmosphere can guests expect at Chettinad Restaurant in London?
- Is it necessary to make a reservation before visiting Chettinad Restaurant?
- What is the typical price range at Chettinad Restaurant, and do diners feel it's good value for money?
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.