Chettinad Restaurant — Restaurant in London

A South Indian Gem in London: Chettinad Delights with Spice and Warmth

Tucked away in the heart of London, Chettinad Restaurant offers a vibrant escape into the bold, aromatic world of South Indian cuisine. My recent visit with my wife was nothing short of exceptional, blending seamless convenience, heartfelt hospitality, and dishes that danced with authenticity.

Effortless Booking via The Fork App In a city where spontaneity often meets long wait times, securing a table at Chettinad was a breeze thanks to The Fork app. A few quick taps the same afternoon reserved us a cozy spot for lunch, bypassing the usual weekend rush. The app’s real-time availability and instant confirmation set the tone for an stress-free evening—a modern luxury for hungry diners.

Ambiance: Warmth Meets Tradition Stepping inside, we were greeted by warm lighting, earthy tones, and subtle hints of traditional Tamil decor. The hum of conversation and the occasional clink of steel thalis created an inviting backdrop, lively yet intimate enough for a relaxed meal.

The Culinary Stars: Masala Dosa & Vegetarian Thali

The masala dosa arrived as a golden, crispy crescent, its paper-thin edges shattering delightfully with each bite. The spiced potato filling struck a perfect balance—soft, fragrant, and gently fiery—while the accompanying coconut chutney and tangy sambar added layers of freshness and depth. A classic, executed flawlessly.

The vegetarian thali, however, was a symphony of flavors. Presented on a gleaming platter, it featured velvety dal tadka, aromatic lemon rice, and a robust chickpea curry, alongside crisp papadums, cooling raita, and a sweet surprise of kesari bhath . Each component sang in harmony, showcasing the kitchen’s mastery of spice balance and texture. Portions were generous, yet we couldn’t resist savoring every morsel.

Service with a Smile: Sagar’s Hospitality The true highlight of the evening was Sagar, our server, whose attentiveness and warmth elevated the experience. Just as we thought the meal couldn’t get better, he surprised us with a complimentary pineapple kesari bhath—a semolina pudding infused with juicy pineapple chunks and saffron. The dessert was a revelation: subtly sweet, fragrant, and the perfect finale to our feast.

Final Thoughts Chettinad isn’t just a meal; it’s an immersion into South India’s culinary soul. From the frictionless booking process to Sagar’s standout service and dishes that linger in memory, this restaurant is a must-visit. Whether you’re a dosa devotee or a thali newbie, Chettinad promises a feast for the senses—and perhaps a sweet surprise, if you’re lucky.

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5) Perfect for: family gatherings, or anyone craving a spirited escape to South India. Don’t skip the...

I’ve been a regular customer at this restaurant and have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere, but after my most recent visit, I feel compelled to share a disappointing experience that left me and my guests completely disillusioned with the service. Unfortunately, I emailed the restaurant about this concern, but I’ve yet to receive any response.

On our visit, I brought four friends for lunch around 1 pm. Upon entering, we were shocked to find a waiter taking a nap at the large table near the entrance. This was not only unprofessional but also uncomfortable, as we were later offered that same table after waiting to be seated.

Throughout the meal, the staff seemed indifferent and inattentive. After finishing, we had to repeatedly ask for the bill, which was completely ignored by three separate staff members. When we finally received the bill, we began splitting the payment amongst ourselves. A staff member rudely snatched the bill from us to check the total, addressing us in a condescending and disrespectful manner instead of politely explaining the process.

The worst part came when my friend made a small mistake in calculating her portion of the bill. Instead of showing patience, the staff member raised his voice, making an already stressful situation even worse. Another friend had to intervene and ask him to calm down so she could correct the calculation. While the bill was eventually settled, the whole experience was unnecessarily tense and embarrassing.

As an Indian, I take great pride in our culture’s hospitality, and it was mortifying to see my non-Indian friends treated so poorly at a restaurant I had previously recommended.

I understand the restaurant can be busy, but this doesn’t justify the lack of respect and basic courtesy we received. I even asked to speak with the manager, only to be told he wouldn’t be available until later in the evening.

Having emailed the restaurant and received no reply, I feel that this matter has been completely disregarded. I hope the management seriously addresses this issue, as no customer should have to experience such...

(Please note this is a independent and unbiased review based on my personal experience alone and not sponsored of any sort)

Have had this on my list for a while now. I wanted to try this restaurant based on the top Reviews rated in Google. So went here for a family lunch.

Ambience: The ambience is simple yet cool reflecting the true Chettinad culture. Place is clean and again too small or massive just right in other words.

Service: had only few people considering the people in there which made us wait for your turn to be served but no complaints other than that. Probably good to serve people with water before asking and it’s one of the important cultural habit of Tamil Nadu to serve water first when the guests are allowed to choose the menu.

Food: 5 stars straight. The food tasted fresh, full of flavour and fantastic from the moment you taste it enjoying them all the way in.

Portions were small but then it’s central London so that’s expected. I think if you are going in a group or as family platters were a good option in terms of selection and quantity.

I am posting here photos from what we had to help you understand better.

Party venue: Also, enquired this place for a work dinner and the menu sounded promising for the price and knowing the food tastes good. We didn’t end up booking here as our group size increased where this place wouldn’t fit anymore but otherwise if you are looking for places for small work gatherings in central London, definitely try !

The guy working here gave all necessary details clearly and patiently forgot his name else worth a mention.

Thanks Chettinad for successfully bringing back the authentic taste of...