Tokri restaurant — Restaurant in London

I’ll start with the good: this new restaurant has had a fabulous renovation. It is clear the money had been spent. The decor is refreshing, ambient lighting, tableware great etc. However that is it. The proof is in the pudding; in this case, the food, and it is abysmal for several reasons: The papapdum basket consisted of 1 or max 3 pappadums, broken up and mixed with a packet of cheap crinkle cut crisps. People new to Indian food would fall for this trick. So will let that go as they need to make money as much as possible. We asked if it would be possible to have a potato curry with gravy. The one on the menu was a dry curry. The server asked us if lamb was ok?!?! We were clearly perplexed so the waiter then said he’d check with the chef. After checking, he returned to ask us if it was ok to have potatoes that had been in the lamb curry to be served to us (!!!) I’ve never experienced any suggestion like this and there are red flags 🚩 upon hearing this for several reasons. We declined this preposterous suggestion. Our methi chicken curry arrived (apparently the “speciality” of the house), but one needed a hacksaw to cut the chicken. A spoon or fork were not sufficient it was that hard. As there was no B&Q nearby to buy said hacksaw, we once again called the waiter whose next ridiculous suggestion to us, was to bring us another one “with soft chicken” . He didn’t explain why our chicken was so hard. Having been put off by the meat here, we asked for a vegetarian replacement: the nadru palak with potatoes. Upon ordering this, the waiter asked if we wanted our potatoes hard or soft (yes, he was serious!) also, all the tables had unopened bottles of Hilton water. I asked the waiter if this meant that the water was for us and complimentary (surely there’s a legal thing where if we haven’t ordered something and we are given the table with an item on it, it is ours??) the waiter replied that there was a charge for the water. I then asked why it was on the table and he replied “because it looks good”. we couldn’t believe this interaction so called the assistant manager who was on duty. He apologised and thankfully offered us a drink on the house which we were grateful for. But I definitely won’t be returning to the Fawlty Towers Tandoori...

🍽 FOOD: Tokri is a culinary gem that masterfully captures the essence of Indian flavors. The hearty, homemade curries and sides showcase a perfect blend of aromatic spices, tender meats and vibrant vegetables. The standout dish, Tokri Chana Chaat, is a delightful medley of ratte potatoes and chickpeas, elevated by sweet yogurt, fresh mint and tart tamarind chutney. The menu honors tradition with a creative twist, offering a gastronomic journey through India's rich culinary tapestry.

💡 ENVIRONMENT: The ambiance at Tokri is both cozy and inviting, providing the ideal backdrop for a memorable dining experience. The space seamlessly blends heartwarming hospitality with culinary artistry. The attention to detail in the decor, coupled with the warm lighting, creates an atmosphere that enhances the enjoyment of the culinary creations.

💰 PRICE: While Tokri offers a premium dining experience, the prices are justified by the quality of the ingredients and the expertise of Chef Ram Kishor. The commitment to sourcing the freshest local and seasonal ingredients is evident in each dish, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking an authentic and elevated Indian dining experience. The menu's diversity caters to various preferences, providing value for the overall dining experience.

👨‍🍳 STAFF / SERVICE: The service at Tokri is exemplary, reflecting the passion and dedication of Chef Ram Kishor. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in ensuring a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Special commendation to the talented barman, Ruhel, who skillfully pairs unique cocktails with each dish, enhancing the overall dining journey.

In conclusion, Tokri is more than just a restaurant; it's a celebration of India's culinary heritage curated by a passionate team led by Chef Ram Kishor. The combination of exceptional food, inviting ambiance, justified pricing and outstanding service makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable Indian...

We visited Tokri recently to celebrate a special occasion—our friend’s promotion—and were genuinely excited to enjoy some good Indian food. And I have to say, the food did not disappoint. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The soya chaap and chicken lollipop starters were mouth-watering, and the thalis were rich, well-balanced, and full of flavour. One of us had the vegetarian thali, one had the non vegetarian thai with Chicken tikka, butter chicken and rasmalai, and I had the lamb seekh thali, with lamb rogan josh and gulab jamun. Honestly, we were having a great time. And the presentation, chef’s kiss!

But the experience took a disappointing turn. When the desserts in our thalis were mixed up, we politely pointed it out—and the response from the staff was ungracious, to say the least. Instead of a simple apology or even basic courtesy, the person serving us just told us to switch them back without any acknowledgment of the mistake.

That attitude was a bit of a downer already, but what really ruined the vibe was the way things escalated when we decided to remove the optional service charge from the bill. The staff member got visibly upset and, shockingly, made a generalised comment saying that “Indians are the only ones who do this—unlike the gora’s,” implying we were trying to avoid paying for service unfairly. That remark was not only offensive but completely inappropriate. I still ended up paying an additional £20 as a gesture of goodwill, but left feeling disappointed and hurt by how we were treated.

Verdict: The food here is truly amazing and worth every compliment. But for a restaurant with such a great kitchen, they really need to work on hiring better-trained and more respectful front-of-house staff. No great meal deserves to end with a...