The Tamil Prince Review 2026: Is This Islington’s Best Desi Pub?

The Tamil Prince Review Islington with Chana Bhatura

Our Tamil Prince review covers the viral Islington desi pub u2014 from the famous Channa Bhatura to robata lamb chops. Is it worth the hype? Here is what we thought.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — read on for our full Tamil Prince review.

Here is our honest Tamil Prince review of this Islington desi pub — and you may not like what we have to say.

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through London’s food scene lately, you’ve likely seen a giant, puffed-up golden bread (the Channa Bhatura) that looks more like a pillow than a starter. That “viral” dish belongs to The Tamil Prince, a converted Victorian pub in Barnsbury, Islington, that has redefined the “Desi Pub” concept for 2026.

This buzzing neighbourhood spot blends traditional Tamil flavours with a confident, modern twist—earning it a reputation as one of the best South Indian restaurants in London right now.

Founded by chef Prince Durairaj (the culinary wizard formerly of Roti King) and Glen Leeson, this spot isn’t just a neighborhood local—it’s a Michelin-recognized destination. Here is our experience-based review to help you decide if it’s worth the 4-week-in-advance booking.

The Vibe: Where “Boozer” Meets “Bistro”

Warm five-light chandelier hanging from a patterned dark ceiling in a stylish interior

Busy, warmly lit restaurant interior with diners, wooden tables and a waiter moving between them

Located on the leafy corner of Hemingford Road, The Tamil Prince retains its “proper pub” soul. You’ll find locals nursing craft beers at the bar, but the air is thick with the scent of robata-grilled meats and toasted spices rather than stale ale.

Atmosphere: Lively, loud, and unpretentious. Think dark wood panels, brass accents, and a soundtrack that might jump from classic soul to Britney Spears.
Seating: It’s intimate (read: slightly cramped). You might find yourself perched on a bar stool or sharing a cozy corner table. There’s also a small, bamboo-shielded terrace for balmy London evenings.

The space isn’t overly polished or pretentious—think simple interiors, close-set tables, and a crowd that clearly knows good food when they taste it. Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially on weekends, as this place fills up fast.

The Menu: Small Plates, Big Flavors

The Tamil Prince Review Islington Dishes - Close up of Channa Bhatura and Buttery Roti at The Tamil Prince Islington

A crispy dosa served on a metal plate with green and red chutneys on a wooden restaurant table

The food is primarily South Indian (Tamil Nadu), though it pays homage to North Indian classics too.

Tamil Prince’s menu is refreshingly focused, offering a tight selection of dishes rooted in Tamil cuisine but elevated with clever techniques and bold presentation. This isn’t your typical dosa-and-idli lineup—although you’ll find comforting staples, the real magic lies in their small plates and inventive combinations.

1. The “Must-Order” Starters

Onion Bhaji: Forget the greasy clumps you’re used to. These are “ethereally light,” crispy, and served with a zesty mint chutney.
Pulled Beef Masala Uttapam: This was a revelation. A thick, spongy savory pancake topped with deep umami beef and a punchy chilli coconut chutney.
Chicken Lollipops: Spiced wings with a sweet homemade chutney that provides a “slow-burn” heat.
Prince’s special Masala Dosa: I am sucker for south Indian comforting staple, and trust me this was well worth it for me to sum up all other dishes.

2. The Heavy Hitters (Mains)

Robata Lamb Chops: Marinated for 18 hours, these are charred to perfection. They are succulent, smokey, and arguably the best lamb chops in North London.
Channa Bhatura: The Instagram star. The bread is massive and feathery, served with a fragrant chickpea curry. Note: Some find the chickpeas a bit mild, so pair it with a side of their fiery King Prawn Varuval.
The Roti: You cannot leave without ordering the Buttery Flaky Roti. It is the ultimate vessel for scooping up every last drop of their Paneer Butter Masala.

Drink Pairing: Beyond the Pint

While you can’t go wrong with an Indian lager, the cocktail menu (designed by the folks behind Bar Termini and Three Sheets) is world-class.

The Gunpowder Margarita: A salty, spicy, citrusy kick that cuts right through the rich curries.
Indian-spiced Espresso Martini: A perfect nightcap to pair with a sweet Gulab Jamun.

My two cents on Tamil Prince review

Chefs work in a busy restaurant kitchen behind a glass window

The dishes felt innovative and nice to see but not the greatest in the mouth. The masala/ gravy felt not balanced. This may sound a bit harsh but after waiting for months to book a place on a weekend and going till the restaurant, we did have higher expectation.

We havent tried the sister restaurants Tamila or Tamil Crown, but the experience at the main franchise after being bombarded with IG reel after reel did dampen our hopes of again trying the same franchise.

This is coming since we have tasted the same dishes balanced to perfection and tasting better in lesser known trendy Indian London restaurants.

Woman in a restaurant holding a red cocktail beside a plate of food

Insider Tips for 2026

Booking: Reservations usually open 4 weeks in advance at 10:00 AM. It’s like trying to get Glastonbury tickets—be ready.
The “Secret” Breakfast: They’ve recently introduced a breakfast menu featuring a “heavenly” Masala Dosa. It’s much easier to snag a table in the morning.
Dietaries: The menu is incredibly vegetarian-friendly (nearly 50% of the dishes).

Final Verdict: Is it worth the hype?

Not really. At roughly £50–£60 per head (including a drink), it claims to offer Mayfair-quality cooking in a relaxed, North London setting but failed to deliver at its full potential.