Shezan — Restaurant in London

Shezan Knightsbridge – A Timeless Culinary Gem Steeped in History and Flavour

Tucked away in the heart of Knightsbridge lies a hidden gem that has quietly served royalty, rockstars, and refined palates since 1969 – Shezan. As soon as we stepped inside, we were embraced by an atmosphere that radiated understated elegance and old-world charm, fused seamlessly with modern refinement.

The warm lighting, delicate aromas of freshly ground spices, and intricate Mughal paintings adorning the walls instantly transported us to a regal dining experience. The artwork, paired with contemporary furnishings, created a refreshing yet cosy ambience – a perfect canvas for the fine dining journey that awaited.

From the very beginning, the service was impeccable. Fernandes, Aaki, Fabian, and Pina were outstanding – not only attentive and professional but genuinely warm and engaging. Their effortless hospitality elevated our entire experience. We were also fortunate enough to share a wonderful conversation with Nives Piracha, who graciously shared stories of the restaurant’s rich heritage. It was fascinating to learn that Shezan has been a Knightsbridge institution for over half a century, hosting legends like Freddie Mercury, Prince Harry, and Elton John. That legacy of excellence truly shines through in every aspect of the experience.

🌟 Starters We began our meal with the Butterfly Jhinga – succulent king prawns marinated in delicate spices and herbs, coated in a crisp layer of homemade breadcrumbs. Each bite was a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness – an absolute must-try.

Next came the Kabuli Chaanp, an indulgent highlight of the evening. These lamb chops were marinated in a house-special Nauratan sauce, a blend of nine aromatic herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection with onions and tomatoes. Rich, flavourful, and utterly satisfying – this is a dish that showcases the chef’s mastery.

🍽️ Mains For mains, my wife was drawn to the Grilled Lobster Tails, cooked Indian style with the signature Shezan spices. The result? A luscious, delicately spiced lobster that was both luxurious and comforting. As for me, I opted for the Khyberi Karahi, a bold and fiery chicken dish hailing from the Khyber Pass region. Cooked on high heat with fresh tomatoes, capsicum, ginger, garlic, and green chillies, this was a powerhouse of flavour – hearty, rustic, and deeply satisfying. I genuinely demolished it and would return for this alone.

We also shared the Biryani Hijazi, a fragrant medley of basmati rice and tender broiled lamb, subtly infused with saffron and exotic spices. It was both elegant and nourishing – a great companion to the mains.

These were enjoyed alongside Garlic Naan and the flakier, richer Khalas Paratha, which beautifully mopped up the sauces and tied the meal together.

Aaki recommended the Mango Lassi, which my wife thoroughly enjoyed. Creamy, vibrant, and perfectly chilled – it was the ideal palate cleanser between courses.

🍨 Desserts To end on a sweet note, we shared the Homemade Kulfi and the traditional Gajar Halwa. The kulfi was rich and creamy, while the halwa was warm, nutty, and delightfully nostalgic. Together, they made for the perfect ending to an extraordinary evening.

Final Thoughts If you are searching for a dining experience that marries authentic Indian-Pakistani flavours with top-tier service and elegant surroundings, Shezan is it. From the historical legacy and passionate team to the soulful food and tranquil setting, this restaurant delivers on every front. Whether you're a curious local or a visitor to London, Shezan is a must-visit – a place where tradition meets timeless taste.

A truly enchanting experience. We’ll most certainly...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Exquisite Taste of Authentic Indian Cuisine at Shezan!

I recently dined at Shezan Indian Restaurant located at 16-22 Cheval Place, London SW7 1ES, and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish. This hidden gem offers an authentic taste of Indian and Pakistani cuisine, with rich flavors, aromatic spices, and impeccable service that left me thoroughly impressed.

Ambience & Atmosphere The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending traditional South Asian decor with a touch of modern elegance. The dim lighting and tasteful artwork create a cozy yet sophisticated dining experience, perfect for both intimate dinners and group gatherings. The seating is comfortable, and the overall cleanliness is top-notch.

Food & Flavors – A Culinary Masterpiece! The menu at Shezan is extensive, offering a wide range of classic and contemporary dishes. Here’s what I tried and loved:

Starters: The Seekh Kebabs were perfectly spiced and grilled to juicy perfection. The Paneer Tikka was another highlight—soft, smoky, and bursting with flavor. Mains: I opted for the Butter Chicken, which was creamy, rich, and had the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The Lamb Rogan Josh was tender, aromatic, and cooked in a beautifully spiced gravy. Breads & Sides: The Garlic Naan was soft and buttery, and the Pilau Rice was fragrant and fluffy, complementing the curries perfectly. Dessert: The Gulab Jamun was heavenly—soft, syrupy, and the perfect sweet ending to the meal.

Every dish was prepared with high-quality ingredients and authentic spices, making it evident that the chefs take great pride in their craft.

Service – Warm & Attentive The staff at Shezan were exceptionally welcoming and attentive. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations. The service was prompt without feeling rushed, and the team ensured that every need was met with a smile.

Value for Money Considering the generous portion sizes, premium ingredients, and the overall dining experience, Shezan offers excellent value for money. It’s a great spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

Final Verdict Shezan Indian Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, flavorful, and beautifully presented Indian cuisine in London. Whether you're a fan of spicy curries, succulent kebabs, or indulgent desserts, this place will not disappoint. I will definitely be returning soon and highly recommend it to fellow food lovers!

Rating: 5/5 – Outstanding in every way!

#ShezanLondon #BestIndianFood #AuthenticFlavors...

Worst experience in a restaurant in my life. Where do I start? The bad reviews are real, the same way you avoid COVID-19, avoid this place.

Firstly, service is terrible, slow, and down right rude. The waiter said to us 'we serve rich people', with all due respect, we don't need to act and have a stuck up attitude to prove we are well off in life, do not judge us to begin with, we are not living in dubai. I didnt come to pay five times the price for food at this restaurant because im poor??

Secondly, the glass they put my water into had something floating in there, then when the plates came not one but two of them were dirty.

Thirdly, the waiter would constantly walk off while we were still talking to him, such as when making our order. Tables arriving after us were getting food before us.

Fourthly, waiter offered discount then when we refused to continue with the main course suddenly the discount disappeared and service charge also included, had to argue to get the service charge and discount after they messed up? We should not have even paid it was that bad.

They had naats playing while serving alcohol, as a Muslim that is downright offensive and I was disgusted with the level of disrespect shown in this way. Indian songs, classical Indian themed sounds or something else, in fact even nothing would of been better and more appropriate!!

The waiter wasn't a bad person, but if im paying premium I expect premium service, we don't expect sub standard service when paying near the top end. That means, I expect there to be a sufficient number of employees available to properly cater to our needs and so forth.

Disgusted with the audacity of this place to even charge, I didn't want a scene and kept myself calm in comparison to the others I was with but I very nearly walked out for the first time in my life from a restaurant without wanting to pay. Shambles, I travel this country and other countries, eating out is an every few day occurance for me and I cant believe how bad this actually was. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

I almost forgot, they dropped coke all over me, my left thigh was drenched as well as my hamstring, a good establishment there and then would of swallowed their pride and acted right, but not this place. The fact I even had to ask for this stuff to be rectified in the bill is an embarrassment.

Wow finally I get to the food? I expect beef to be pink and may even have blood, I don’t expect that from lamb I’m just going to stop here. If the service had been proper we would of ended up probably spending £1000 here. So...