Finding a decent curry in London isn't hard. Finding one that doesn't feel like a carbon copy of every other high-street "Indian" restaurant? Now, that’s where things get tricky. If you’ve been wandering around Fitzrovia lately, you’ve probably noticed the buzz surrounding the London curry house Laurel. It’s tucked away on Berners Street, sitting in that sweet spot between the chaos of Oxford Street and the polished quiet of Marylebone.
Most people just stumble in because they’re hungry. Others come because they heard it’s the "new" place to be. But what’s actually going on inside those doors? Honestly, Laurel isn't trying to be your standard neighborhood takeaway. It’s aiming for something a bit more sophisticated—think North Indian heritage meets modern London aesthetics. It’s basically what happens when you take traditional recipes and give them a sleek, slightly moody makeover.
What is London Curry House Laurel Doing Differently?
Most "posh" curry houses in London fall into two traps. They either become so experimental that you can’t recognize the food, or they’re just overpriced versions of a chicken tikka masala you could get for eight quid elsewhere. Laurel manages to avoid both.
The focus here is firmly on the North. We’re talking about the rich, aromatic flavors of the Punjab and Old Delhi, but executed with a level of precision that you usually only see in Michelin-starred kitchens. The interior reflects this too. It’s not covered in kitschy decor. Instead, you’ve got dark wood, low lighting, and an atmosphere that feels more like a private members' club than a curry house.
The Kitchen Philosophy
The chefs at Laurel aren't just throwing spices into a pot and hoping for the best. There is a genuine respect for the handi style of cooking—slow-cooking in deep vessels to let the fats and spices emulsify properly. It takes time. You can taste that time in the sauces. They have a depth that feels heavy without actually being greasy, which is a rare feat in London’s Indian dining scene.
The Menu Breakdown: What to Order (and What to Skip)
Let’s talk food. If you go to the London curry house Laurel and just order a korma, you’re doing it wrong. You're wasting your time.
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The star of the show, at least for the regulars, is the Black Dal. It’s cooked for 24 hours. Yes, an entire day. It’s creamy, smoky, and honestly, it’s probably one of the best versions of Dal Bukhara you’ll find in the UK.
Then there are the small plates.
- The Lamb Chops: These are marinated in a mix of ginger, garlic, and raw papaya to tenderize them before hitting the tandoor. They come out charred but pink in the middle.
- The Scallops: This is where the "modern" part comes in. They’re seared and served with a cauliflower puree and a hint of truffle. It sounds pretentious, but the earthiness of the cauliflower works surprisingly well with the spices.
One thing to watch out for is the spice level. Laurel tends to cater to a slightly more "refined" palate, meaning if you’re a vindaloo-only kind of person, you might find some of the dishes a bit mild. You have to ask them to kick it up a notch if you want that true heat.
The Atmosphere: Vibe Check
Fitzrovia is a weird neighborhood. It’s full of ad agencies, production houses, and people who spend way too much on shoes. Laurel fits right in. It’s a great spot for a "working lunch" that inevitably turns into a three-hour affair with too many cocktails.
The bar program is actually quite impressive. They do a lot of infusions. Think cardamom-infused gin or a chili-spiced old fashioned. It’s clever. It’s the kind of place where the music is just loud enough to feel energetic but not so loud that you have to scream at your date.
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Is it Overpriced?
Look, London is expensive. Eating out in W1 is never going to be cheap. But compared to some of the "big name" Indian restaurants in Mayfair—places where you’re paying for the name on the door as much as the food—Laurel feels like better value. You’re paying for the quality of the ingredients and the location. Is it a "cheap eat"? Absolutely not. Is it a fair price for a high-end experience? Yeah, pretty much.
Why Location Matters for the London Curry House Laurel
Berners Street has become a bit of a culinary destination in its own right. Being near the London Edition hotel means the restaurant gets a constant stream of international visitors, which keeps the energy high.
But it’s the locals who keep it going. You’ll see groups of friends sharing biryanis on a Tuesday night or couples tucked into the corner booths. It has a "hidden gem" feel despite being right in the middle of everything.
Navigating the Wine List and Pairings
Most people drink beer with curry. It’s a classic for a reason. The carbonation cuts through the fat. However, Laurel has put a lot of effort into their wine list.
Indian food is notoriously hard to pair with wine because the spices can kill the nuances of a delicate vintage. Laurel’s sommelier leans toward high-acid whites and low-tannin reds. A dry Riesling or a chilled Gamay works wonders here. If you’re unsure, just ask. They actually know their stuff and won't just point to the most expensive bottle on the list.
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Addressing the "Authenticity" Debate
Whenever a place like the London curry house Laurel opens, someone always starts talking about "authenticity."
Is it authentic to what you’d find in a roadside dhaba in India? No. But is it authentic to the evolution of Indian cuisine in a global city like London? Definitely. It’s a reflection of how the diaspora has grown and how our tastes have changed. It’s okay for a curry to be elegant. It doesn't have to be served in a metal bucket to be "real."
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning on heading down, keep a few things in mind.
- Book ahead. Especially on Thursday and Friday nights. The place isn't huge, and it fills up fast with the after-work crowd.
- Try the bread. Don't just get plain naan. Their truffle and pecorino naan is a bit of a gimmick, but the garlic and chive version is perfect for scooping up the dal.
- The Biryani is a commitment. It comes in a large pot sealed with dough (the parda style). It takes a bit longer to arrive at the table, so order some starters to keep you busy.
- Dress code? Smart-casual is the safe bet. You don't need a suit, but maybe leave the gym gear at home.
The Verdict on Laurel
The London food scene is brutal. New spots open and close every week. For the London curry house Laurel to stick around and keep drawing crowds, it has to be doing something right.
It’s the consistency that wins people over. The kitchen doesn't seem to have "off" nights. The service is attentive without being hovering. It’s a solid, dependable choice for when you want Indian food that feels like a treat.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Meal
- Request a booth: If you're more than two people, the booths offer a much better experience than the tables in the middle of the floor.
- Share everything: This isn't a place for "one main per person." The menu is designed for sharing. Get a mix of tandoori items, a couple of curries, and plenty of sides.
- Ask about the daily specials: They often have seasonal seafood or game dishes that aren't on the main printed menu. These are usually where the chefs get to show off their creativity.
- Check the lunch menu: If you're on a budget, their set lunch menu is a steal compared to the a la carte prices. It’s a great way to test the waters before committing to a full dinner.
Walking out of Laurel, you don't feel like you've just had a "heavy" meal. You feel like you've actually experienced something. It’s a reminder that London’s curry scene is still one of the most vibrant and evolving in the world. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Indian cuisine or just someone looking for a great night out in Fitzrovia, it's a spot that deserves a place on your list.