Colonel Saab High Holborn — Restaurant in London

My friend wanted to treat me to a dinner as a birthday gift and we decided to give this place a go. We had made a reservation prior and on the day just 2 hours before the reservation time I was given a call to confirm my booking with an email link later sent to me to input card details as a way to secure that booking.

It was still quiet when we got there at 6pm and we were seated in the corner. The interior design of the restaurant was absolutely majestic, lots of chandeliers installed in the high ceilings with plenty of photos and paintings around on red walls. It instantly felt like an extremely bougie place so just note not to wear anything too casual.

We went with the dahi sev puri and paneer tikka as starters which were absolutely fantastic! The puris were so savoury and moreish and refreshing with the yoghurt filling, wish there were more of them. The paneer tikka was so delicious and got a pleasant mini kick to it which upped the flavour profile nicely. For mains, we ordered the signature butter chicken and prawn moilee in a coconut curry and some basmati rice and a kulcha with truffle and cheddar on the side. Wow the highlight for me was the kulcha, it's got a cheese pull to it I was so impressed! The portion of the basmati rice was very generous as well, definitely had more than enough for one person. Butter chicken was good but nothing exceptional, tender chicken pieces and not dry. Prawn moilee was pretty average again, I just personally don't really like sauce or paste that isn't stimulating or spicy so I wasn't a fan.

Overall, the service was great from entering the restaurant to exiting. The staff were attentive and made sure we felt comfortable and we're happy with the food. They also took time to explain to us that we should have the dahi sev puri with our hands which made it a greater food experience for sure. Special shout out to Kunal for his fantastic service for the night!

The downside for me was simply the price. I feel like for the price they charge their food it's not lived up to the standards. There are so many Indian places in London that offer the same quality, if not even better for a much lower price. So this is where it loses a star for the food category. Nonetheless, it's certainly a great choice for any kind of occasion if you are comfortable with your...

What an absolutely fantastic find! Dining at Colonel Saab on High Holborn is an experience that goes far beyond just a meal — it’s a journey through India’s rich culinary and cultural heritage, wrapped in opulence and charm.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were struck by the lavish decor: crystal chandeliers, intricate artwork, and vintage touches that felt both regal and welcoming. It’s a restaurant that tells a story, and every detail, from the tableware to the music, is part of that narrative.

The service was flawless, and a special mention must go to our server Tanish, whose warmth, knowledge of the menu, and attentive care made our lunchtime truly special. She struck the perfect balance between professionalism and friendly conversation.

Now, the food. Where do I begin? • The Chicken Chettinad was an explosion of flavour, beautifully spiced, tender, and perfectly balanced with just the right kick of heat. • The Ghee Roast Kori, a rich and deeply aromatic Mangalorean-style chicken dish, was another standout, buttery, bold, and utterly moreish. • We also couldn’t get enough of the Baby Aloo, delicately spiced and roasted to perfection, a simple dish elevated to something extraordinary. • The Murgh-e-Malai was tender, creamy, and packed with subtle flavour – a real favourite. • And I have to mention the Pistachio and Coconut Lassi – hands down one of the best lassis I’ve ever tasted. Refreshing, creamy, and beautifully balanced.

Every plate was presented with care, and each bite reaffirmed just how much love and skill goes into the cooking here. The atmosphere was relaxed yet refined, filled with diners clearly enjoying themselves, a testament to how comfortable and inviting this restaurant is.

In short: Colonel Saab is a triumph. Whether you’re after a romantic date night, a celebration, or simply a chance to indulge in exquisite Indian cuisine whatever the reason, this is a place that delivers on every front. I’ll definitely be...

A Disastrous Birthday Experience: When Online Reviews Don’t Match Reality" What should have been a memorable and special evening for my husband's birthday turned into a huge disappointment, all because of poor service and an utter lack of care from the staff. Despite reading glowing reviews online, our experience was far from what we had expected

I made the reservation after carefully reviewing multiple online reviews, believing this restaurant would offer the perfect ambiance and quality to celebrate my husband's special day. We even made a request in advance for a nicer table and a little extra attention—after all, it's not every day that you're celebrating a milestone

Upon arrival, we were shown to a cramped, uncomfortable table upstairs, despite having made multiple requests for a more spacious, festive setting. It was clear that the staff had no intention of accommodating our request. In fact, when we mentioned the occasion, the response was rushed and dismissive. It felt like they were more focused on moving people in and out than actually providing good service

As if the seating wasn’t bad enough, I made a very simple request: to have a birthday dessert with 'Happy Birthday' written on it, which I’ve had at countless other restaurants. Instead, we were kept waiting for nearly 30 minutes, and when it finally arrived, it was a tiny, uninspired dessert that cost £11 but looked nothing like the special treat I had envisioned. It was a disappointing end to what should have been a celebration." All in all, this experience left us feeling deflated, and our special day was marred by subpar service and a lack of attention to detail. I would strongly advise anyone considering this restaurant to think twice before booking. I will be leaving an honest review on Google so that others don't fall for the rosy pictures painted online. Special days deserve to be treated with care, not rushed service and...