London has quietly become one of the better cities in Southwestern Ontario for Indian food. You can get a proper dosa on Dundas Street, a slow-cooked Hyderabadi biryani on Wellington, or a hearty goat curry from a one-woman stall inside Covent Garden Market – and that’s barely scratching the surface. We looked at ten places worth knowing about, including one that closed its doors but still comes up in conversation whenever locals talk about the restaurants that shaped this city’s palate.
Know Before You Dine
# | Restaurant | Cuisine | Address | Phone | Price | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Massey’s Fine Indian Cuisine | North Indian, tandoori, curry | 2130 Kains Rd, Unit 19 | (519) 672-2989 | $$ | 4.2 | Halal · Gluten-free sauces |
02 | Udupi Krishna | South Indian vegetarian, dosa | 198 Dundas St | (519) 601-9749 | $ | 4.9 | 100% Vegetarian · Nut-free |
03 | My Roti Place / My Dosa Place | Build-your-own roti, dosa, biryani | 849 Wellington Rd, Unit A2 | (519) 686-2912 | $-$$ | 4.9 | Vegan · GF options |
04 | Aroma of India | Indian, Indo-Hakka, Nepalese | 590 Dundas St | (519) 601-5353 | $$ | 4.2 | Catering available |
05 | Nawab’s Indian Cuisine | Hyderabadi biryani, curry | 222 Wellington St | (548) 866-6549 | $$ | 4.3 | 100% Halal |
06 | Kothur Indian Cuisine | South Indian, biryani, tandoori | 778 Hamilton Rd | (519) 601-9292 | $$ | 4.7 | Robot server · Accessible |
07 | New Delhi Deli | South Indian & Caribbean, home-style | 130 King St (Covent Garden Market) | (519) 679-0518 | $ | 4.5 | Vegan · GF · Cash-friendly |
08 | Mint Leaves Indian Kitchen | Indian, Mandi rice, dosa | 1080 Adelaide St N | (519) 601-9494 | $$ | 4.1 | Halal |
09 | India Paradise | North & South Indian, buffet | 825 Southdale Rd W, Unit 2 | (519) 652-6677 | $$ | 4.0 | Weekend buffet (25+ dishes) |
10 | Jewel of India Restaurant Inc. | Tandoori, curry, clay oven | Formerly 390 Richmond St | – | – | – | CLOSED · Golden Plate Award · 35+ yrs |
Read on for a closer look at each restaurant – what they do best, what to order, and what to know before you visit.
01
Massey’s Fine Indian Cuisine
Massey’s has been a cornerstone of London’s Indian dining scene since 2005. Head chef and owner Patson Massey trained at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi and brings over 35 years of professional culinary experience to the kitchen. Spices are hand-selected and blended fresh daily, and the sauces – all gluten-free – are made from scratch with locally sourced meats and vegetables. For anyone searching for a top-tier Indian restaurant London Ontario, Massey’s is a natural starting point.
The menu leans North Indian, with standout dishes including the rogan josh, lamb korma, and tandoori fish combo platter. The lunch buffet on weekdays offers solid value for a sampling of the full range. The dining room has a warm, understated elegance that suits both date nights and family gatherings, and the staff are consistently praised for knowledgeable, attentive service. If you’re looking for halal restaurants London Ontario, Massey’s serves halal-certified meats alongside vegan options.
Worth knowing: Ask about the beef roganjosh – it’s a regional speciality that doesn’t appear on every Indian menu and is one of the chef’s signatures. Vegan and gluten-free options are clearly marked.
02
Udupi Krishna
100% VEGETARIAN
London’s only fully vegetarian Indian restaurant, Udupi Krishna draws its culinary inspiration from the coastal Udupi region of Karnataka. The menu is entirely nut-free and offers clearly labelled Jain, vegan, and gluten-free options – a rare find in the city. The restaurant holds a remarkable 4.9 rating on Google from over 5,000 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated eateries in the city across any cuisine. It’s a standout choice among vegetarian restaurants London Ontario.
The dosas are the star attraction – thin, crispy rice-and-lentil crepes served with sambar and an assortment of fresh chutneys. The Mysore masala dosa adds a pleasant spicy kick, while the idli (steamed rice cakes) are soft and perfectly executed. North Indian curries like chana masala and aloo gobi round out the menu for those craving something heartier. Situated on Dundas Street, it’s also one of the best restaurants downtown London Ontario for a quick, affordable lunch.
Worth knowing: Don’t leave without trying the signature filter coffee or masala chai – regulars consider them the best in London. Prices are very reasonable, with most mains under $15.
03
My Roti Place / My Dosa Place
My Roti Place brings a modern, build-your-own concept to Indian dining. The idea is simple: pick your protein (or go plant-based), choose a sauce from their selection of house-made curries, and let the kitchen assemble your roti or rice bowl to order. It’s a format that works well for groups with different spice tolerances or dietary needs, and the quality doesn’t suffer for the convenience – gluten-free and vegan options are available. Available on all major platforms, it’s a reliable option for food delivery London Ontario.
The restaurant has earned a 4.9 rating on Restaurant Guru and a loyal following. Beyond the rotis, the dosa menu (under the My Dosa Place banner) offers excellent South Indian options. The biryani is also highly regarded – slow-cooked dum style with salan curry, raita, and papad. If you’re browsing Indian food London Ontario options for a group, the customisable format here makes everyone happy.
Worth knowing: The samosas are enormous and come with generous chutneys. The space is family-friendly, clean, and staff members like Kunal and Simran are frequently mentioned by name in reviews for outstanding service.
04
Aroma of India
Aroma of India offers one of the broadest menus in the city, covering Indian, Indo-Hakka Chinese, and Nepalese cuisines under one roof. Located opposite the London Police station on Dundas Street, the restaurant has nearly 1,900 Google reviews and maintains a solid 4.2 rating. It’s a popular choice for both dine-in and Indian delivery London, available on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes.
The butter chicken is frequently cited as one of the best in the city, and the dum-style biryanis – particularly the boneless chicken and lamb versions – are aromatic and generously portioned. The Nepalese Jhol Momos (steamed dumplings in spiced broth) are a unique offering you won’t find at most other Indian food London establishments. Indo-Hakka dishes like Manchurian chicken and hakka noodles round out the menu for those wanting something different.
Worth knowing: If you’re vegetarian, reviewers consistently praise the Shahi Paneer and Paneer Butter Masala as standouts. Catering and banquet services are available for events.
05
Nawab’s Indian Cuisine
100% HALAL
Nawab’s is part of a growing Canadian chain with locations in Scarborough, Mississauga, Kitchener, Windsor, and beyond. The London location on Wellington Street has quickly built a following for its Hyderabadi-style biryani – slow-cooked in the traditional dum method with fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and generous portions of tender meat. For those specifically seeking halal Indian restaurants near me, Nawab’s is fully certified and one of the most popular options in the city.
Beyond biryani, the menu features a full range of curries, tandoori grills, and South Indian items like masala dosa and uttapam. The colourful, well-maintained interior creates a vibrant atmosphere, and the portions are notably generous for the price. The Dum ka Chicken Masala Curry and Guntur Subhani Biryani are newer additions that have received positive reviews. It’s also a solid pick among restaurants downtown London thanks to its central Wellington Street address.
Worth knowing: Don’t skip the Peshawar Sweet Naan – it’s a customer favourite. The restaurant passed its most recent health inspection with a green score.
06
Kothur Indian Cuisine
Kothur has earned a loyal following in the Hamilton Road neighbourhood for its authentic South Indian cooking, hearty portions, and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant holds a 4.7 rating on Google from over 1,000 reviews. The space is modest and unpretentious – think neighbourhood gem rather than fine dining – but the food speaks for itself. It’s a top result when locals search for Indian restaurants near me on the east side of the city.
The dosa menu is extensive, and the biryani options (particularly the shrimp and vegetable biryanis) are fragrant and well-spiced. The tandoori sizzlers, including the Kothur Mixed Grill, make for a satisfying shared plate. A fun novelty: the restaurant uses a small robot server to help deliver dishes to tables, which kids especially love. Indian takeout London Ontario is available through their own ordering system as well as major delivery apps.
Worth knowing: Parking is available in a small lot behind the building. The butter chicken with garlic naan is a consistently recommended combination for first-time visitors. Wheelchair accessible.
07
New Delhi Deli
Tucked inside the Covent Garden Market in downtown London, New Delhi Deli is one of the city’s best-kept culinary secrets. Owner-operator Bhan runs a one-woman operation – she’s the chef, server, and cashier – and prepares everything from scratch daily. The menu rotates and blends South Indian and Caribbean influences: think chicken curry, goat curry, oxtail, jerk chicken, and a rotating selection of vegan dishes, all served alongside fragrant basmati rice and beans. It’s a perfect take out London stop if you’re passing through the market.
Don’t expect a formal restaurant setting. This is a market food stall with counter seating for about five, plus shared seating in the Covent Garden Market hall. What it lacks in ambiance, it more than makes up for in authenticity, flavour, and value. Portions are generous, prices are modest, and the food is made with genuine care. Bhan has a devoted following of regulars who have been eating here for years – some daily. The deli holds a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor and is ranked in the top 100 restaurants in London. If you’re looking for an Indian takeaway near me with real character, this is it.
Worth knowing: The menu changes daily – check the chalkboard when you arrive. Oxtail (often available Fridays) and goat curry are the cult favourites. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are always available. The market offers free 30-minute parking on weekdays and 2 hours free on weekends.
08
Mint Leaves Indian Kitchen
HALAL
Mint Leaves Indian Kitchen occupies a spot in the 1080 Adelaide centre in the north end of the city. The restaurant has built its reputation on halal-certified Indian cooking using spices imported directly from the Indian subcontinent, combined with locally sourced ingredients where possible. The menu covers a broad range of Indian staples – from biryanis and curries to dosas and Mandi-style rice dishes. It’s a strong contender for anyone looking for quality Indian food London on the north side.
The Mandi chicken and beef options (traditional Yemeni-influenced slow-cooked rice dishes) are distinctive offerings that set Mint Leaves apart from many competitors. The masala dosa and mutton biryani are popular choices among regulars. The atmosphere is casual and no-frills, with a focus on the food itself. Weekday lunch deals offer good value, making it one of the more affordable Indian restaurant London choices for a midday meal.
Worth knowing: Portions can vary between dine-in and delivery orders, so dine-in is recommended for the best experience. Reservations accepted, and free Wi-Fi is available.
09
India Paradise
India Paradise operates locations in both London and Windsor, and the London branch on Southdale Road West has become a go-to for large-format Indian dining. The weekend Grand Lunch Buffet is the flagship offering – featuring over 25 dishes for $21.99 per adult (kids $11.99), it’s one of the most extensive Indian buffet near me options in the region, with everything from biryani and naan to a dedicated dosa and chaat counter. For fans of all you can eat London Ontario dining, this is hard to beat.
Beyond the buffet, the à la carte menu covers standard Indian fare with a good mix of North and South Indian dishes. The restaurant also provides catering for weddings and events, with tandoor, dosa, and chaat corners available for on-site catering setups. The space is large enough to accommodate group bookings comfortably. India Paradise consistently appears among the top buffet restaurants in London Ontario and also ranks well for Indian buffet restaurants near me searches across Southwestern Ontario.
Worth knowing: The weekend buffet is extremely popular – arrive early for the freshest selection. The restaurant also runs special menus during Ramadan and Diwali.
10
Jewel of India Restaurant Inc.
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
No directory to Indian cuisine in London would be complete without mentioning Jewel of India, which served the community for more than three decades at its Richmond Street location in the heart of downtown. Known locally as the original jewel of India London destination, the restaurant is now permanently closed, but its legacy in the city’s dining history is significant – it was, for many years, the go-to destination for tandoori and curry dishes in London.
Jewel of India London Ontario was known for its traditional clay-oven (tandoor) cooking, which gave its meats a distinctive smoky char and depth of flavour. The lunch buffet, available Monday through Saturday, was a longstanding local tradition – a popular buffet London Ontario fixture that introduced many Londoners to Indian cuisine for the first time. The restaurant was a recipient of the Golden Plate Award and offered certified halal options. At the time, the jewel restaurant menu featured a wide range of tandoori specialities, curries, and rice dishes at accessible prices. City-wide delivery made it a pioneer among delivery restaurants London long before app-based platforms existed.
While the restaurant is no longer operating, its more than 35-year run is a testament to the quality of food and service it provided. Older residents sometimes still search for India house London Ontario or the Jewel name when recommending Indian food to newcomers. For those looking for similar fare, several of the restaurants listed above carry on the tradition of tandoori and curry cooking in London.
DISCLAIMER
This document is an independently produced informational rundown to Indian restaurants in London, Ontario. The author and publisher of this document is not the owner, successor, legal representative, or affiliate of Jewel of India Restaurant Inc., nor of any other restaurant or business mentioned herein. This publication has no affiliation, association, endorsement, or connection – past or present – with any of the establishments listed on this page. All restaurant names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Information about Jewel of India Restaurant Inc. is provided solely in a historical and informational context. All details regarding currently operating restaurants were gathered from publicly available sources and are believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Hours, menus, and pricing are subject to change – we recommend contacting restaurants directly before visiting.
This content does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement, or ranking of any business. Listings are presented in no particular order of preference or quality.
Glossary of Indian Dishes
New to Indian cuisine? Here’s a quick reference to common dishes and terms you’ll encounter on menus across London’s Indian restaurants.
| DISH / TERM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Rice & Grain Dishes | |
| Biryani | A fragrant rice dish layered with spiced meat or vegetables, slow-cooked (dum style) so the flavours meld together. Hyderabadi biryani is one of the most popular regional styles. |
| Pulao (Pilaf) | A lighter rice preparation where rice is cooked with spices, vegetables, or meat in a single pot. Less layered and less intense than biryani. |
| Mandi | A Yemeni-influenced rice dish where meat is slow-cooked with a blend of spices. Found at Mint Leaves and a few other London restaurants. |
| Breads | |
| Naan | Leavened flatbread baked in a tandoor (clay oven). Common variations include garlic naan, butter naan, and Peshawari naan (stuffed with nuts and dried fruit). |
| Roti / Chapati | Unleavened whole-wheat flatbread cooked on a flat griddle. A staple at most Indian meals and the foundation of the build-your-own concept at My Roti Place. |
| Paratha | A flaky, layered flatbread, sometimes stuffed with potato (aloo paratha), paneer, or other fillings. Richer than roti due to the use of ghee or oil. |
| South Indian Specialities | |
| Dosa | A thin, crispy crepe made from a fermented rice-and-lentil batter. Masala dosa is filled with spiced potato; Mysore masala dosa adds a layer of spicy chutney. |
| Idli | Soft, steamed rice cakes made from the same fermented batter as dosa. Light, mild, and typically served with sambar and chutney for breakfast or as a snack. |
| Uttapam | A thicker, pancake-like version of dosa, topped with onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Sometimes compared to an Indian pizza. |
| Sambar | A tangy, spiced lentil soup with vegetables, flavoured with tamarind. Served as a side with dosa, idli, and other South Indian dishes. |
| Curries & Mains | |
| Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) | Tandoori chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce with butter and spices. One of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide and a reliable starting point for newcomers. |
| Tikka Masala | Pieces of marinated, grilled meat (usually chicken) served in a spiced, creamy tomato sauce. Similar to butter chicken but often with a bolder spice profile. |
| Korma | A mild, creamy curry made with yogurt, cream, or coconut milk and ground nuts. A good choice for those who prefer less heat. |
| Vindaloo | A fiery curry with Portuguese-Goan origins, known for its heat and tangy flavour from vinegar. Typically one of the spiciest options on the menu. |
| Rogan Josh | A Kashmiri-style curry with a deep red colour from dried chillies and aromatic spices. Rich and flavourful without being overwhelmingly hot. A speciality at Massey’s. |
| Dal (Daal) | A broad term for lentil-based dishes, ranging from simple dal tadka (tempered lentils) to rich dal makhani (black lentils with cream and butter). |
| Palak Paneer | Cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a smooth, spiced spinach sauce. A vegetarian classic. |
| Chana Masala | Chickpeas cooked in a tangy, spiced tomato-onion sauce. A hearty vegan staple found on virtually every Indian menu. |
| Tandoori & Grilled | |
| Tandoori | Refers to any dish cooked in a tandoor – a cylindrical clay oven that reaches extremely high temperatures. Meats are marinated in yogurt and spices, producing a distinctive smoky char. |
| Tikka | Boneless pieces of meat or paneer, marinated and grilled in a tandoor. Often served as a starter or used as the base for tikka masala. |
| Seekh Kebab | Minced meat (usually lamb or chicken) mixed with herbs and spices, shaped onto skewers and grilled in a tandoor. |
| Snacks & Starters | |
| Samosa | A deep-fried triangular pastry filled with spiced potato and peas. Served with tamarind and mint chutneys. A universal Indian starter. |
| Pakora / Bhaji | Vegetables (onion, potato, cauliflower) or paneer dipped in spiced chickpea batter and deep-fried. Onion bhaji is the most common variation. |
Behind the Research
This page was created as an independent, community-oriented resource for anyone looking to explore Indian cuisine in London, Ontario. It is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with any of the restaurants listed.
All information was gathered from publicly available sources, including Google Maps, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Restaurantji, DoorDash, Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, restaurant websites, and social media pages. We cross-referenced multiple platforms to verify addresses, hours, phone numbers, and menu details. Google ratings cited reflect the approximate scores at the time of research and may have changed since publication.
We aimed to represent the diversity of Indian dining in London – from fine dining to market stalls, North Indian to South Indian, vegetarian to halal, buffets to build-your-own concepts. The selection is not a ranking and does not imply that unlisted restaurants are inferior. London has over 50 Indian restaurants; this roundup highlights ten that offer distinct experiences worth knowing about.
Jewel of India Restaurant Inc. is included for its historical significance to London’s dining scene. The restaurant operated for over 35 years and played an important role in introducing Indian cuisine to the community. Its inclusion is purely informational. The author of this article has no connection to the former owners or operators of Jewel of India Restaurant Inc.
Restaurant details change frequently – hours shift, menus evolve, and businesses open or close. If you notice any inaccuracies, we welcome corrections. We strive to keep this breakdown as current and useful as possible for the London community.
Published: March 2026 · Last updated: March 2026