Leicester is, without a doubt, one of the United Kingdom’s most exciting food destinations. Some even say that the city might be giving Bradford a run for its money when it comes to its curries and Indian dishes. The city is famed for hosting the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, so it’s no surprise that the city boasts some of Britain’s finest curry houses. But what many visitors don’t realise until they arrive is just how broad and diverse its South Asian food scene really is.
From aromatic Indian vegetarian feasts to fresh seafood inspired by Kerala’s coastline and classic curries, the city serves up a menu that is as diverse as its communities. Alongside the classic ‘British Indian Restaurant’, a distinct kind of cuisine was born from the ingenuity of first-generation migrants, who adapted traditional recipes to local tastes to regional traditions from across the subcontinent. Its famous Golden Mile is just the beginning.
Best Indian Restaurants in Leicester
1. Bobby’s Restaurant
2. Chutney Ivy
3. Paddy’s Marten Inn
4. Spice Bazaar Restaurant
5. Kayal
5 Best Indian Restaurants in Leicester
Here are the best indian restaurants in leicester.
1. Bobby’s Restaurant
Bobby’s is a true trailblazer on Leicester’s famous Golden Mile. The restaurant has been serving bona fide vegetarian Gujarati cuisine since 1976, when it was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Lakhani. Bobby rose from the real need for Indian food by part of the Ugandan Asian community who settled in Leicester after being expelled by Idi Amin. It quickly became a culinary and cultural anchor for the city’s Indian community, and nearly five decades later, the Lakhani family is still at the helm, keeping the tradition alive.
Bobby’s is unapologetic about its meal, casually blending traditional Indian dishes with British ingredients into modern reimaginings. You won’t find the usual vindaloo or jalfrezi here; instead, the menu focuses on the flavourful vegetarian dishes of Gujarat, like the traditional Gujarati thali that has a little of everything, from fragrant lentil dals to spiced vegetable curries, fresh chapatis, and tangy chutneys. Other standouts include chilli paneer, tarka daal, and dahi puri; crispy shells filled with spiced potatoes, yoghurt, and chutneys, that are a triple burst of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours in every bite. Pair them up with lassis; fresh mango lassi or coconut with dates, milkshakes or beers, or a masala chai or coffee.
Unlike a typical Indian restaurant, Bobby’s also serves afternoon tea, very British-like but Indian. Instead of the usual sandwich and scones, they serve potli samosa, pani puri shots, chili paneer wrap, bhindi fries, chili jam sandwich paired with masala tea or coffee.
The atmosphere inside the restaurant is as vibrant as the food. Bright sunlit interiors, cafe-style seating, and a tempting display of Indian sweets at the entrance make it as welcoming for a quick dosa and masala chai as for a leisurely family meal. For locals, it is a taste of home, while for visitors, it is a step into the city’s Indian heritage. Either way, it is a must-stop on any Golden Mile food trails
Location: 154 – 156 Belgrave Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £8 – £20
2. Chutney Ivy Indian Restaurant
Just a couple of steps from the Curve theatre, in the Cultural Quarter, Chutney Ivy offers a gorgeous setting for a refined Indian dining experience. The interior is a stylish, classy room with an open kitchen that adds energy to the minimalist dining room. Inside Chutney, the colours, aromas, and flavours of the food take centre stage.
The menu at Chutney Ivy is filled with dishes from many parts of the Indian subcontinent, from the coconut-rich seafood of Goa to the fragrant Mughlai dishes of North India. There is also a lineup of classic favourites like lamb rogan josh and chicken jalfrezi that sits side-by-side with modern creations such as crispy duck samosas, tandoori monkfish, and salmon tikka masala. If you are not a fan of meat, vegetarians and vegans are equally well catered for, with options like Bengali shingara pastries filled with spiced potatoes, or okra dusted in mango powder.
Now, for those new to Indian cuisine or simply indecisive, the Executive and Banquet feasts offer a well-thought-out selection of set meals to share. From muragh tikka to lamb bhuna, and tarka daal, while the adjoining Chic & Unique Lounge & Bar provides a stylish spot for private parties and celebrations
Location: 41, Halford Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £25 – £40
3. Paddy’s Marten Inn
Tucked away on a quiet side street, Paddy’s Marten Inn has been a Leicester hit restaurant for more than 20 years. Its foundation story is almost as good as the food, too. What began in 1996 as a modest backstreet pub run by Amita and Pradip “Paddy” Mashru has evolved into an Indian restaurant culinary landmark, thanks to their decision to serve a few homemade Indian snacks to hungry regulars. Today, under the care of their son Raj, the restaurant is a beloved “curry pub” with a reputation that stretches all across Leicester.
One of the best features of dinner at Paddy’s is its large menu with over 170 dishes drawing inspiration from across India, East Africa, and China. But somehow, every dish still manages to have its recipe rooted in Amita’s family traditions. Starters can include tasty lamb chops to masala prawns, while mains include rich paneer curries, classics like chicken tikka and seekh kebabs, dhaba-style vegetarian specials, and kathiawadi masala fish from Gujarat. There are also generous portions of naan, rice, and salad to accompany every meal.
The atmosphere at Paddy’s is always lively and unpretentious, with vintage Bollywood posters on the walls and a clientele as diverse as Leicester itself. Service is fast, friendly, and welcoming, making first-time visitors feel instantly at home. The four-time Leicester curry award winner is part pub, part restaurant, and all original.
Location: 98 Martin’s Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £20 – £35
4. Spice Bazaar Restaurant
A short stroll from Clarendon Park, Spice Bazaar is a delightful combination of the best of British Indian restaurant tradition with trendy modern touches. The family-run restaurant has over half a century of reputation in Leicester’s Indian dining scene. A reputation built on offering all the comfort of familiar classics alongside a few inventive specials that keep regulars coming back.
The menu is extensive too; rich, creamy butter chicken and slow-cooked lamb rogan josh sit alongside dishes like Joypur Chicken and Vegetable Tawali. Tawa platters, sizzling from the hotplate, add more drama to the table, and vegetarians are spoilt for choice with a range of hearty, spice-packed options like the vindaloo, korma and jalfrezi. Dishes can be customised to suit your preferred heat level, ensuring both spice lovers and milder palates leave satisfied.
The interior of Spice Bazaar is just like the atmosphere, warm and unfussy, with a friendly buzz that makes it just as suitable for a midweek dinner as a celebratory night out. Combine that with a fully stocked bar, air-conditioned comfort, and genuine attentiveness, and you see why it is a fan favorite. The restaurant is popular with locals, sports personalities, and musicians alike, and is known for serving generous portions that can literally feed an army.
Location: 326 Welford Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £20 – £30
5. Best Indian Restaurants in Leicester: Kayal
When it comes to authentic South Indian dining in Leicester, Kayal on Granby Street is very hard to beat. Founded in 2004 by Jaimon Thomas, the restaurant specialises predominantly in traditional dishes from Kerala, a coastal state known for its delicious curries, coconut sauces, and abundant seafood.
Fun fact, though, if not for a twist of fate, Kayal would have been an Italian restaurant. It was not until Jaimon’s mum convinced him to give his homeland food a shot. The shot paid off, and now Kayal has grown to three more locations, including Nottingham, and the popular sister restaurant, Herb, which focuses entirely on vegetarian and vegan Keralan dishes.
The star of Kayal is its seafood; from delicately spiced meen moilee (fish in coconut milk) to fiery prawn curries, and king fish curry to stuffed sea bass. But the menu is equally welcoming for vegetarians and vegans, with dishes like Kathrika Curry (aubergine in a tangy sauce) and the much-loved Nair Masala Dosa, a crisp rice-and-lentil pancake filled with spiced potatoes.
Almost every plate is infused with Kerala’s hallmark flavours, fresh curry leaves, mustard seeds, tamarind, and coconut. And for those with a sweet tooth, the banana roast, served warm and fragrant, makes a fitting finale. If not, the gulab jamun makes for a nice, delicious cold treat too.
Kayal’s interior décor is warm and lighthearted. That, in combination with its friendly service and dedication to regional authenticity, makes it a cultural experience to have. Whether you are discovering Keralan food for the first time or returning for your favourite dosa.
Location: 153 Granby Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £5 – £20
Conclusion
When it comes to Indian food, Leicester is a pro. The rich Indian migrant heritage and diversity of culture mean that the dishes are flavorful, tasty, and the real deal. From long-standing vegetarian institutions to bold seafood pacesetters, each restaurant here offers more than just a great meal, but Leicester’s history, culture, and community spirit, sprinkled with ancient Indian heritage.
