Bunker B.
Yelp
Dishoom is my wife's and my favorite restaurant in London. While there are many excellent options in the city, our connection to this place is personal and dates back nearly ten years to the start of our relationship. We were in London for the marathon and staying in Shoreditch. My wife suggested Dishoom, which she already loved, and I was immediately impressed.
I've visited several Dishoom locations, but Shoreditch remains my favorite. The atmosphere is exceptional, capturing the spirit of an old Irani café from Bombay's past. Even the wait feels thoughtful, with their clever queue system offering hot chai while you wait, setting the tone before you sit down.
Our Indian food preferences are pretty traditional, and Dishoom consistently delivers. The masala prawns, chicken tikka, garlic naan, and lamb samosas stand out, and everything feels carefully prepared. The food is rich, comforting, and satisfying without feeling heavy.
The Shoreditch interior is cozy, stylish, and lively, balancing energy without ever feeling tacky or overdone. The design features vintage artifacts, layered textures, distinctive furniture, and plenty of greenery, creating a space that feels authentic and transportive. The lighting shifts throughout the day, bright and energizing earlier on, then darker and more sultry in the evening, which adds a lot to the overall mood. Service has always been excellent, warm, and efficient. Prices aren't cheap, but they seem fair given the quality of food, service, and overall experience.
Dishoom's growth feels well-earned and reflects consistently high standards. They've expanded carefully across the UK, and it's exciting to see the brand heading to New York City. I recently heard about plans for a Soho, NY location opening in 2026, reportedly in the former Lucky Strike space on Grand Street. That restaurant was a longtime Soho fixture, making the pairing feel perfect. Dishoom's focus on atmosphere, history, and hospitality seems well-suited to such an iconic setting.
Some of the newer Dishoom locations may feel slightly more commercial, but the food remains excellent everywhere. Shoreditch sets an exceptionally high standard and remains our benchmark. Dishoom appeals to a broad audience, from devoted Indian food lovers to people newer to the cuisine. It combines excellent food, reliable service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer. We make sure to visit whenever we're in the UK and always leave happy. Jhakaas!