Colaba — Restaurant in London

Colaba Indian Dining: A West Hampstead Ambience, Average Fare

Colaba Indian Dining, under the same ownership as Took Took and Baw, offers a familiar West Hampstead dining experience. While the warm welcome from staff is commendable, the food unfortunately falls short of expectations.

Parking can be a challenge, with limited options on Inglewood Road and Dennington Park Road. Be prepared for potential parking meter fees (£4.20 or £2.10) per hour, or the need for a visitor's permit. Alternatively, several bus routes serve the area. Which can be caught from Golders Green such as the following routes Bus routes 139, 328 and 13.

A word of caution: the complimentary 'Popadum Basket' isn't free. A clear inquiry is essential to avoid unexpected charges.

The Vegetable Samosas were a disappointment. Far removed from the homemade, rustic versions found in other Indian restaurants, they tasted as if they were plucked straight from a frozen packet, regrettably.

The Onion Bhajis, while not overly oily, lacked the caramelization and depth of flavor that elevate this small plate.

The Chickn Makhanwal was the highlight of the mains. It offered a creamy, subtly sweet profile that will likely please most palates, especially when paired with the

Garlic Naan (which, ironically, could have been more garlicky and buttery). The

Chicken Tariwala, reminiscent of a mild Madras, was average at best, lacking the complexity expected from a well-executed curry.

The Pilau Rice was decent but lacked the fragrance and softness found in top-tier Indian restaurants.

The Pudina Paratha was satisfactory but fell short of the flaky texture desired. A good paratha should be layered, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.

The cocktail menu offered some respite. The New Old Fashioned was serviceable, but a higher-quality dark rum could elevate it.

The Guavarita was balanced, avoiding excessive sweetness or citrus.

However, the Lychee Martini was the star, with perfect flavor balance. An additional lychee on the garnish would enhance its presentation.

In conclusion, while Colaba Indian Dining offers a pleasant atmosphere and friendly service, the food is unremarkable. It's a place to gather with friends for drinks rather than a destination for culinary excellence. This restaurant is indeed baby / child friendly. They have high chairs...

A Truly Unforgettable Dining Experience!

We recently hosted our team’s Christmas party at Colaba and I can confidently say it was an experience that exceeded all expectations! From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. The ambiance is truly stunning—elegant yet inviting, with tasteful decor that balances tradition and modern flair.

The service was impeccable. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that our group felt special. Our servers were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, offering thoughtful suggestions that perfectly complemented each course. You can tell they genuinely care about making each guest’s experience exceptional.

Now, the food—absolutely outstanding! Every dish we tried was a masterpiece, showcasing the vibrant, complex flavors of Indian cuisine with a modern twist. From the rich, aromatic curries to the perfectly spiced tandoori meats, each bite was a delightful revelation. The presentation was equally impressive; every dish looked as beautiful as it tasted. The highlight of the evening had to be the signature Tandoori Salmon which left everyone at the table raving!

For dessert, we enjoyed a selection of traditional pistachio kulfi and gulab jamun , and they were the perfect end to a memorable meal. The balance of flavors and textures was spot-on, and each dessert felt like a little piece of heaven.

As a team, we felt incredibly well taken care of throughout the evening. The restaurant’s attention to detail, from personalized menu options to accommodating dietary preferences, made the event even more special. It was the ideal setting for celebrating the holiday season and enjoying a night of laughter and camaraderie.

I cannot recommend Colaba highly enough. Whether you're planning a special occasion or simply craving exceptional Indian cuisine, this restaurant will undoubtedly deliver an experience that’s nothing short of extraordinary. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

Five stars without...

At Colaba, in West Hampstead, we’ve finally stumbled upon the elusive middle ground. You know the classic curry houses— the sort where you stride in, order a Kingfisher or a Cobra, and settle into the familiar pantomime. You know exactly what’s coming: a mountain of poppadoms, a dish of mango chutney that’s just mango enough to count, and of course, the comfort of the chicken tikka masala with its comforting, fiery glow. No surprises, just dependable spice and lager. It’s the simple, robust joy of British dining at its best, isn’t it?

Then, in recent years, we’ve been inundated with Michelin-starred Indian dining. I’m talking tiny poppadoms, mysterious sauces that come in drizzles, and tasting menus that might include something called a “spherified tamarind burst.” Delightful, yes, but the charm’s almost sterile in its polish. Sometimes, you just want something straight up—an unapologetic Indian restaurant that remembers what it’s all about: good food, good drink, and good friends.

Colaba delivers precisely that. No Michelin frills, no Cobra-and-Korma clichés—just dishes that speak for themselves. It’s comfortable without being predictable, elevated but not alienating. Service? Spot on. Food? Fresh and punchy, every bite doing its job. It’s everything you’d want without either the pantomime or...