Farzi London Review: West End Restaurant Experience

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Nestled in the bustling heart of London’s theatre district at 8 Haymarket, Farzi London stands as a beacon of modern Indian cuisine, transforming traditional flavours into something extraordinary. This Michelin Plate-awarded restaurant, owned by renowned restaurateur Zorawar Kalra, offers an escape from the tourist-heavy streets of Piccadilly Circus into a world of sophisticated spice and culinary artistry.

But is it truly the something to be impressed by? Read this Farzi London review to find out.

First Impressions: An Oasis of Elegance

Stepping into Farzi feels like discovering a hidden gem amidst the chaos of central London. The restaurant’s sleek golden décor immediately catches the eye, with warm amber lighting creating an intimate atmosphere that feels both refined and welcoming. The space is thoughtfully designed with a striking double-volume cut steel mobile of golden leaves, emerald green tiled walls, and an impressive L-shaped bar that serves as the restaurant’s centrepiece.

The two-level layout works brilliantly – the upper floor houses the buffet stations during their popular Sunday brunch, while the main dining area below offers panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bustling Haymarket. Despite being in one of London’s busiest tourist areas, the interior creates a serene bubble that transports diners away from the outside commotion.

The Culinary Experience: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Farzi’s menu is a masterclass in balancing authentic Indian flavours with contemporary presentation and global influences. The restaurant’s philosophy of “modern interpretation of traditional Indian food” shines through every dish, creating what they call a journey across “undivided India” – spanning regions from Afghanistan to Bangladesh and beyond.

Here is my honest opinion:

Dishes

Gupta Ji’s Dahi Bhalla Tokri Chaat (£8.50)
This street food classic has been elevated to fine dining status. Crispy lentil balls soaked in sweet yoghurt are served in a golden tortilla basket, finished with tamarind chutney, chaat masala, and crunchy Delhi mix. It’s the perfect cooling summer starter that balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures beautifully.

Butter Chicken Bao (£11.50)
A brilliant fusion concept that marries Indian and Chinese cuisines. Succulent chicken in creamy butter sauce is encased in fluffy Chinese bao buns, creating a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new. This is comfort food at its finest.

Chicken Lollipop (£13)
Normally, I am not a fan of grills, but this Chicken lollipop was amazing. Tender and succulent to the bones, so much that my Portuguese husband dug in with his fingers and ate it and praised me for finding this restaurant 😀

Spicy Cauliflower(£9.5)
If you have an itch for eating Gobi manchurian, one of the indian street foods and cannot find an authentic place which serves this dish, look no further. This dish truly shows Farzi’s ability to elevate classic dishes.

Lamb Mangsho (£27)
For meat lovers, this dish represents the pinnacle of Farzi’s offerings. Braised lamb shank, in a bengali style spicy curry with tempered chick peas & ginger. A good attempt, but quite disappointing for the people who know this dish.

Double Butter Dal Makhani (£9.5)
A slow-cooked black lentil dish that’s become legendary among regular diners. This Rajasthani speciality is creamy, comforting, and represents traditional Indian cooking at its finest.

Farzi Peshwari Naan (£6)
Saffron, mango pulp and coconut-stuffed naan, aniseed butter & nuts. One naan is quite enough to be shared for two. To be honest, I had it for the first time, and it was quite nice to pair a sweet naan with spicy curries.

The Spice Factor

One thing to note: Farzi doesn’t hold back on spice. The dishes here are authentically spicy, so those with a lower heat tolerance should communicate their preferences to the excellent serving staff, who are knowledgeable about adjusting spice levels without compromising flavour integrity.

The Bar: Mixology Meets Indian Flavours

Farzi’s cocktail program deserves special recognition. Using cutting-edge equipment, including a centrifuge and ultrasonic homogeniser, the bar team creates experimental cocktails with elevated flavours that perfectly complement the food.

Farzi Royal (£12)
A celebration in a glass, combining elderflower vodka, Chambord, and sparkling wine, finished with fresh blackberries. It’s as photogenic as it is delicious.

Himalayan Sour (£12.50)
This gin-based cocktail strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, incorporating salted hibiscus and passion fruit for a truly unique drinking experience.

The famous Smoked Indian Old Fashioned and Clarified Mango Cosmo showcase the technical prowess of the bar team, offering familiar cocktail styles with distinctly Indian twists.

Service and Atmosphere

The service at Farzi was quite good. Staff members are well-trained, knowledgeable about the menu, and excellent at accommodating dietary requirements. They understand the theatre district’s timing pressures, offering swift but never rushed service that can comfortably accommodate pre-show dining.

The only small feedback we had was on catering to babies. They were quite swift in seating the adults, but took their own sweet time in providing seats for the babies and needed three reminders. So, families planning to dine in Farzi, make sure to remind them.

The restaurant maintains a lively, buzzy atmosphere without being overwhelming. Whether you’re on a romantic date, enjoying a business lunch, or celebrating a special occasion, the ambience adapts beautifully to different dining needs.

Value Proposition

While Farzi sits at the higher end of the pricing spectrum for Indian cuisine, the quality, presentation, and overall experience justify the cost. Expect to spend around £120 for two people for a full meal with drinks, excluding service charge.

The pre-theatre menu at £25.99 (with desserts for an additional £3.95) offers excellent value for the quality and location, making it accessible for theatre-goers looking for something special before a show.

Their Sunday bottomless brunch at £37 per adult provides exceptional value, offering unlimited access to buffet starters, live cooking stations, and a selection of mains with entertainment included.

Special Offerings and Experiences

1. The Theatre Menu

Available Sunday to Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 PM and after 8 PM, Thursday to Saturday from 4:30-6:30 PM and after 9 PM, this express menu is perfectly timed for West End shows.

2. Sunday Bottomless Brunch

Running from midday to 5 PM every Sunday, this immersive experience includes live cooking stations, entertainment from singers and magicians, and an impressive variety of dishes that recreate an authentic Indian market atmosphere.

3. Thali Menu

Available Tuesday to Saturday from 12-3 PM, the contemporary thali offers a comprehensive taste of Farzi’s cuisine with one main, four sides, dessert, naan or rice, plus accompaniments for £18.95 (now with a complimentary drink).

Dietary Accommodations

Farzi excels at catering to various dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners are well-served with dedicated menu sections and knowledgeable staff who can guide diners through their options. The restaurant understands that dietary restrictions shouldn’t mean compromising on flavour or presentation.

Minor Areas for Improvement

While the overall experience is exceptional, there are a few areas where Farzi could enhance the dining experience:

Temperature consistency: During busy buffet service, some dishes can sit at lukewarm temperatures.
Coordination: Occasionally, sides like naan and rice aren’t synchronised with the curry service, leading to temperature inconsistencies.
Noise levels: During peak hours, the dining room can become quite lively, which might not suit all diners seeking intimate conversation.
Dishes to be improved: Lamb Mangsho is not the authentic Bengali-style curry, and can be renamed to avoid disappointment.
Catering to the little ones: Swift service for everyone to make it seamless for the diners as a whole.

Final Verdict

Farzi London successfully challenges preconceptions about both tourist-area restaurants and traditional Indian cuisine. It’s a restaurant that could easily coast on its prime location, but instead delivers an authentic culinary experience that rivals any established Indian restaurant in London.

The combination of innovative cooking techniques, respect for traditional flavours, exceptional cocktails, and professional service creates a dining experience that feels both special and accessible. Whether you’re a London local, an international visitor, or an Indian cuisine enthusiast, Farzi offers something genuinely exciting.

Who Should Visit:

Food enthusiasts seeking innovative Indian cuisine
Theatre-goers looking for quality pre-show dining
Couples wanting a sophisticated dinner experience
Groups celebrating special occasions
Anyone interested in expertly crafted cocktails

Best For:

Pre-theatre dining (with their express menu)
Weekend brunch experiences
Business lunches in central London
Special occasion dinners
Cocktail enthusiasts

Practical Information

Address: 8 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4BP
Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus (2-minute walk)
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for theatre times
Dress Code: Smart casual (no hats)
Payment: All major cards accepted
Private Dining: Available for groups of 4-100+

Farzi London proves that exceptional Indian cuisine thrives in the heart of tourist London. It’s a restaurant that honours its cultural roots while embracing innovation, creating an experience that satisfies both the palate and the Instagram feed. In a city filled with dining options, Farzi has carved out a unique space that feels both authentically Indian and distinctly London.

Bottom Line: Farzi London delivers an outstanding modern Indian dining experience that justifies both the location and the price point. It’s a restaurant that turns a meal into an experience, making it a standout choice in London’s competitive dining landscape.

Want to see more things to do in London? You can have a look at my curated London experiences here.