Dishoom Carnaby is a Bombay-inspired restaurant situated in London's vibrant Carnaby district. The interior design pays homage to the Irani cafes of Bombay, featuring black-and-white checkered terrazzo floors, vintage Bollywood posters, and a jukebox playing 1960s rock 'n' roll classics. The menu offers a variety of Indian dishes, including signature items like the bacon naan roll, chilli cheese toast, and lamb biryani cooked 'dum' style. The drinks list features inventive cocktails, such as the Bollybellini spiked with cardamom and Edwina's Affair, a light julep of gin, mint, and candied rose petals. The restaurant also has a private rear courtyard, providing a pleasant outdoor dining experience.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Accommodating to Dietary Needs Staff demonstrates dedication to customer needs, with some reviewers noting the chef's detailed assistance in navigating allergy concerns, ensuring a safe and enjoyable meal.
- Delicious, High-Quality Food Many reviewers praise the rich, delightful flavors and high quality of the Indian cuisine, with dishes like Chicken Ruby and Okra Fries frequently highlighted.
- Exceptional Service The staff are consistently described as friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate, enhancing the dining experience with helpful recommendations and prompt service.
- Great Atmosphere and Decor The restaurant boasts a warm, inviting vibe and a unique ambiance that blends Indian and English styles, making it a memorable place to dine.
- Reasonable Prices The restaurant offers high-quality food and service at reasonable prices, providing great value for a delightful dining experience.
Criticised
- Inconsistent Flavor Some diners find the food lacking in depth of flavor or believe it's been adapted for local tastes, which might disappoint those seeking authentic Indian cuisine.
- Inflexible Regarding Dietary Intolerances Some staff members may be overly rigid or pedantic about dietary intolerances, potentially causing frustration for diners with mild sensitivities.
- Limited Gluten-Free Options Diners with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance may find limited choices, which can be disappointing despite prior notification.
- Long Wait Times Expect potentially long wait times for a table, especially during peak hours or without a reservation, which can be a significant drawback.
- Over Ordering is Easy It is easy to over order, especially when trusting recommendations to order multiple small plates per person.
The longer read
Dishoom Carnaby is a popular Indian restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and generally delicious food, though some find the flavors adapted to a broader palate. Expect a potential wait, especially during peak hours and the Christmas season, but many reviewers feel it's worth it. They sometimes offer drinks and small snacks while you queue. The restaurant blends Indian and English styles, creating a unique and inviting ambiance, often described as warm and welcoming. Staff are frequently mentioned as friendly, helpful, and passionate about the dining experience, with some servers even memorizing the extensive menu. Several reviewers specifically praised the attentiveness of the staff regarding allergies and dietary restrictions, with one noting the chef's dedication to identifying suitable menu items. The food is generally well-received, with the Chicken Ruby and Okra Fries frequently cited as must-try dishes. Other popular items include the Awadhi Jackfruit Biryani (vegetarian), Paav Bhaji, Dishoom House Chaat, and various naan rolls. While most reviewers find the food flavorful, a few mention that it might lack the depth of flavor expected from authentic Indian cuisine, suggesting it's tailored to a wider range of tastes. Prices are generally considered reasonable, making it a good value, though a few reviewers felt they were slightly high. Some reviewers recommend ordering a selection of small plates to share, similar to tapas, to experience a variety of flavors. A few reviewers cautioned against over-ordering, suggesting starting with fewer dishes and adding more if needed. The drinks menu is also a highlight, with reviewers recommending the Lime-Leaf Collins and Indian Gimlet. A few reviewers with coeliac family members found the gluten-free options limited compared to their expectations based on the ability to indicate dietary restrictions during the reservation process. Overall, Dishoom Carnaby is highly recommended for its atmosphere, service, and generally tasty, if somewhat Westernized, Indian cuisine. Be prepared for a potential wait, especially during peak times, and consider making a reservation in advance.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7420 9322
- Website
- dishoom.com/carnaby?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Yext&utm_content=D4-Carnaby&y_source=1_MjMwNDkyMDUtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
| Mon | 8:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 8:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 8:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 8:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 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 is the signature dish at Dishoom Carnaby and why is it recommended?
- How would you describe the atmosphere and decor at Dishoom Carnaby?
- Is it necessary to make a reservation in advance at Dishoom Carnaby?
- Does Dishoom Carnaby offer a good selection of vegetarian or vegan dishes?
- Are there any popular attractions or shops near Dishoom Carnaby to visit before or after dining?
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.