ideal for diners seeking both exquisite food and entertainment.
Diwali is the festival of lights, and no celebration is complete without food.
Across London, restaurants are turning up the heat this October, offering specially curated Diwali menus that promise to delight every sense.
From traditional Indian classics to modern twists using seasonal British ingredients, the city is brimming with culinary experiences designed to mark the occasion in style.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant fine dining evening, a lively neighbourhood party, or an intimate dinner with friends, there’s a menu to suit every mood.
With Diwali arriving on October 20, here are 10 London restaurants where the festival comes alive through food, drinks, music, and atmosphere.
Cinnamon Kitchen
Cinnamon Kitchen is a staple of London’s high-end Indian dining scene.
Led by Vivek Singh, the restaurant is known for its colourful presentation, bold flavours, and subtle British influences.
This October, Cinnamon Kitchen is running a special Diwali menu all month, offering dishes that celebrate the vibrant tastes of the season.
Available across both London sites, the menu blends tradition with contemporary flair, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a festive, upscale experience.
Early bookings are recommended to secure a table during the month-long celebration.
Vatavaran
For those looking to combine sophistication with a lively atmosphere, Vatavaran in Knightsbridge delivers.
Chef Rohit Ghai, an award-winning talent, has prepared two tasting menus for Diwali.
The ‘Brook’ menu showcases signature dishes, while the vegetarian-focused ‘Meadow’ menu offers seven refined courses, including lobster vermicelli, harissa chicken, and gobhi truffle.
The multi-level venue also boasts a cocktail bar, vibrant social area, and occasional DJ sets, making it ideal for diners seeking both exquisite food and entertainment.
These menus are available from October 17 to 19, offering a compact yet unforgettable Diwali experience.
Gymkhana
Gymkhana, a two Michelin-starred gem, is perfect for a show-stopping Diwali dinner.
Its five-course tasting menu returns in 2025, complete with expertly chosen wine pairings.
Start the evening with pappadums and gol gappas, move on to dishes like Goan salmon tikka, and indulge in mains such as prawn pepper masala or wild venison biryani.
The feast concludes with a decadent dessert, all priced at £180 per person, with wine pairings available for an additional £105.
For a luxurious, celebratory evening, Gymkhana remains unmatched in both flavour and experience.
Brigadiers
Inspired by Indian army mess bars, Brigadiers is all about hearty feasting this Diwali.
Executive chef Shanti Bhushan has crafted a menu starting with achari duck or oxtail and sweet potato samosa, followed by mains like tandoori guinea fowl, dum venison biryani, or cod kalimirch.
Diners can add a tandoori lamb chop for the table and finish with a luscious kala jamun brûlée.
The feasting menu runs from October 17 to 26, with à la carte options also available.
Brigadiers offers a festive, communal vibe perfect for sharing the spirit of Diwali with friends and family.
Trishna
Marylebone’s Michelin-starred Trishna is known for its contemporary spin on Indian classics.
For Diwali, the ‘Taste of Trishna’ menu was launched on October 13 and runs until October 22, costing £130 per person (£120 for vegetarians).
Expect dishes like tandoori lamb chops and coconut and corn tikki, served alongside optional sommelier-selected wine pairings for £90 per person.
Trishna’s private dining room provides an intimate setting, while collaborations with Anatome for a limited edition Diwali reed diffuser and a large-format cocktail add a unique, celebratory touch.
Babur
Babur, a South East London favourite, combines fine dining with festive flair.
From October 20 to 26, it offers a five-course Diwali tasting menu, and on October 20, a candlelit party brings the celebration to life.
Head chef Jiwan Lal has designed dishes to reflect the warmth and joy of Diwali, including tandoori salmon dill tikka, confit duck pie, and kale and paneer kofta.
Live performances accompany the menu, creating a festive and memorable experience for diners.
Reservations are open, and this celebration promises a truly immersive Diwali evening.
Ambassadors Clubhouse
For a glamorous Diwali, Ambassadors Clubhouse delivers in style.
Its five-course feast runs from October 18 to 27, priced at £115 per person (£110 for vegetarians).
Highlights include achari duck chaat, BBQ butter chicken chop, guinea fowl changezi, and desserts like gur malai toast or dark chocolate and peanut kheer.
Private dining rooms are available for a more personal experience, combining festive elegance with impeccable service.
This venue is ideal for those seeking a stylish, high-end celebration in London.
Kahani
Kahani, meaning ‘story’ in Hindi, brings seasonal British ingredients together with traditional Indian spices.
Its four-course tasting menu, with optional wine pairings, is perfect for Diwali, while the à la carte menu offers small plates, grilled meats, seafood, and curries.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, making it a versatile choice.
Live jazz nights add a sophisticated backdrop, and private dining rooms allow for intimate gatherings, ensuring Diwali celebrations here feel both exclusive and immersive.
Kanishka
Mayfair’s Kanishka offers a refined Diwali experience with a six-course menu curated by chef Atul Kocchar.
Using British ingredients to highlight Indian culinary heritage, the menu includes pickle-stuffed cottage cheese, Rogan Josh Wellington, and finishes with a saffron brulée.
Available from October 14 to 21 at £95 per person, Kanishka blends elegance and creativity for a festive experience that honours both tradition and innovation.
Th@51
At St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, Diwali is being celebrated in truly regal fashion.
Its main restaurant, TH@51, is presenting a vibrant Diwali menu inspired by the diverse regions of India.
Divided into North, South, and West Indian dishes, the menu highlights the depth and variety of the country’s cuisine.
Diners can savour traditional favourites like stuffed brinjal, Malabari paratha, and dal makhani, each dish bursting with authentic flavour and colour.
To complement the feast, TH@51 has crafted exclusive Diwali cocktails such as the Rasa Royale, made with spiced rum and salted caramel, and the Tamarind Temptation, featuring mezcal and cranberry.
The special menu and drinks run until October 26, offering a luxurious yet comforting way to celebrate the Festival of Lights in the heart of London.
Diwali in London is a feast for the senses, and these restaurants prove that the city knows how to celebrate in style.
From Michelin-starred indulgence to vibrant dinners out, there’s something for everyone.
Specially curated menus, wine pairings, live music, and unique décor transform each venue into a celebration of light, flavour, and joy.
Whether you’re seeking an intimate dinner, a lavish night out, or a lively communal experience, London’s dining scene ensures your Diwali will be memorable, delicious, and unforgettable.
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