Restaurants celebrating Diwali in London

(Updated: 16 October 2018)

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, has truly kicked the festive season off in London. Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolised by Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after vanquishing King Ravana.

Aside from the religious significance, Diwali is a time for fun, family, fireworks and, most importantly, food. There are Diwali feasts and festivals happening all over town to celebrate the occasion.

You can head to Neasden Mandir (Europe’s largest Hindu temple) to catch a glimpse of traditional Diwali the London way on 7 November. Alternatively you can attend the Trafalgar Square Diwali in London Festival on 28 October for some music, dance, arts & crafts and, of course, food.

If you enjoy more of a party scene at Diwali, you should check out Deepak Yadav’s Bollywood Night @ Embankment – one not to miss if you enjoy a good night of Bollywood beats for sure.

However, if you’re looking for something more intimate, here’s a list of selected restaurants offering vegetarian menus that cannot be missed.

Dishoom

Dishoom will be jazzing all its restaurants up to reflect the colours and vibrancy of India during Diwali. They are also teaming up with Dinerama on 30 October for a night of vegetarian street food ranging from Indian classics like Pau Bhaji, Jackfruit Biryani, through to Mexican cuisine and pizzas, alongside poetry and live classical music. Tickets can be purchased in advance on their website.

Price per person: £8 inc. Chai & Mithai
Contact: Dinerama, 19 Great Eastern St, London, EC2A 3EJ

Chokhi Dhani

Team Chokhi Dhani is running a vegetarian Diwali menu from 1-10 November. It covers the different regions of India, accompanied by a view of the Thames riverside at Vauxhall as a backdrop. The famous South Indian temple prasad (offering), Puliyodharai as part of the menu. Their Mithai Platter is one not to be missed.

Price per person (avg): £20
Alcohol (avg): £10
Contact: 2 Riverlight Quay, Nine Elms Lane, London, SW8 5AW; 020 3795 9000

Trishna

Based in Marylebone, Trishna is providing a 6-course Taste of Trishna Diwali Menu from 5-11 November. The entire menu sounds mouth-watering, with standout dishes like the Artichoke & Squash Samosa, Paneer Matar Makhane and Gulabi Chenna Payesh on the list. There will be a candlelit Diwali dinner on 10 November.

Price per person: £65
Alcohol pairing: £10-35
Contact: 15-17 Blandford Street, Marylebone Village, London W1U 3DG; +44 (0)20 7935 5624

Cinnamon Club

If you’re looking to go all out, the Cinnamon Club is running a special Diwali feast from 29 October-11 November. The restaurant has combined their contemporary cuisine with an historic ambience in the grade II listed former Westminster Library to give a contrasted yet majestic experience. The Morel Malai Kofta sounds divine.

Price per person: £90
Alcohol (avg): £30
Contact: The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU; +44 (0)20 7222 2555