If there’s one thing London does well, it’s spice – and nowhere is turning up the heat this summer quite like Farzi, the Michelin-recognised modern Indian restaurant tucked just off Haymarket.
With a brand new seasonal summer menu inspired by the head chef’s recent culinary research trip to North India, this sleek, sultry spot is bringing bold flavours, authentic flavours and some seriously stylish plating to the West End’s dining scene.
The bar at Farzi can’t be missed
The vibe here is warm, buzzy, and refined. Whether you’re dining on the terrace in the sunshine or tucked inside surrounded by luxe interiors and ambient lighting, Farzi feels like a world away from the bustle outside – a perfect choice for a romantic dinner, pre-theatre treat, or simply a summer night where dinner is the star attraction.
Farzi’s latest summer menu is turning up the heat this summer
We were here to sample the restaurant’s new summer à la carte menu – and it turns out, it is a masterclass in balance. Think: rich, spice-laced Indian classics and ight, playful reinventions, always using seasonal British produce. I kicked things off with the Gupta Ji’s Dahi Bhalla Tokri Chaat, a dish with street food roots that’s been remixed into something elegant and quite unforgettable. Crispy lentil balls soaked in sweet yoghurt were served inside a golden tortilla basket, finished with tamarind chutney, chaat masala and crunchy Delhi mix – equal parts punchy, sweet and tangy, and tasting like the ultimate cooling summer light bite.
Gupta Ji’s Dahi Bhalla Tokri Chaat is a perfectly fresh, cooling summer starter
Next up, the equally vegetarian Palak Paneer Handi. This curry of cream, spicy spinach sauce and pillowy-soft paneer with crispy garlic masa, creates, warming dish that doesn’t feel heavy – and paired with saffron pilau rice, makes for pure summer comfort food meets fine dining. Meanwhile, my dining partner opted for the chef-recommended lamb shank korma; so tender that it fell right off the bone. The waiter advises that the dishes here are spicy – and they certainly are. So, if you love a spice feast that will get your senses zinging, this summer menu is the perfect way to turn up the heat in the city.
The lamb shank was so tender it fell right off the bone
After heating things up with our main event, there was surely only one way to cool down: with dessert. I opted for the fruity fresh Mango Mastani. Poured tableside for a spectacular finale, this was part sundae, part summer dream, and layers Alphonso mango, berries, mango curd and malai kulfi ice cream into one glorious, sunshine-coloured sweet treat. Cool, creamy, and still decadent – it made for an ideal perfect finish to a spicy feast before it.
The fruity fresh Mango Mastani is poured tableside for a spectacular finish
Don’t skip the bar here – it’s a central part of Farzi, and for those looking for a spot for a cocktail in theatreland, arguably a great drink destination itself. For Summer 2025, mixologist Sai has created a standout list of cocktails and mocktails designed to refresh in signature Farzi style. While I was tempted by the fiery Guntur Mirch Mojito, and the e jamun-infused Amla GNT, it was the Farzi Royal cocktail I couldn’t resist – a delicious mix of elderflower vodka, Chambord and sparkling wine that feels as celebratory with its sparkle as the menu itself. Whether you’re starting the night pairing with small plates, or staying for post-dinner drinks, this is a bar menu with serious personality.
Founded by Zorawar Kalra, son of legendary Indian restauranteur Jiggs Kalra, Farzi’s latest menu challenges the idea that Indian food belongs to winter – and that mission has been accomplished with bold, spicy style. Here, Indian food doesn’t just belong in cosy corners – it belongs in the heat of the season. And Farzi’s array of tempting dishes certainly taste like summer.
Christmas has a way of sharpening the appetite. It’s when tables are dressed to impress, menus become a little more indulgent, and dining becomes an unapologetic indulgence. For foodies, there’s no finer time. But where to eat out this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for refined street food or a multi-course blow-out, these are some of…
The Audio-Technica Hotaru is a music system like no other. This limited-edition turntable combines analogue vinyl playback with magnetic levitation and reactive lighting. Only 1,000 units have been made, each priced at €9,999. The design is intended as both a high-end music system and a sculptural object d’art. The Hotaru uses a floating structure and…
Landscape Artist of the Year returns to Sky for its 11th series on January 14. Hosted once again by Stephen Mangan, Sky Arts’ long-running competition, mixes artistic endeavour with leisurely location-hopping, as a fresh cohort of painters attempt to capture some of Britain’s most recognisable vistas. This year also brings a new face to the…
The Luxe Review 
If there’s one thing London does well, it’s spice – and nowhere is turning up the heat this summer quite like Farzi, the Michelin-recognised modern Indian restaurant tucked just off Haymarket.
With a brand new seasonal summer menu inspired by the head chef’s recent culinary research trip to North India, this sleek, sultry spot is bringing bold flavours, authentic flavours and some seriously stylish plating to the West End’s dining scene.
The vibe here is warm, buzzy, and refined. Whether you’re dining on the terrace in the sunshine or tucked inside surrounded by luxe interiors and ambient lighting, Farzi feels like a world away from the bustle outside – a perfect choice for a romantic dinner, pre-theatre treat, or simply a summer night where dinner is the star attraction.
We were here to sample the restaurant’s new summer à la carte menu – and it turns out, it is a masterclass in balance. Think: rich, spice-laced Indian classics and ight, playful reinventions, always using seasonal British produce. I kicked things off with the Gupta Ji’s Dahi Bhalla Tokri Chaat, a dish with street food roots that’s been remixed into something elegant and quite unforgettable. Crispy lentil balls soaked in sweet yoghurt were served inside a golden tortilla basket, finished with tamarind chutney, chaat masala and crunchy Delhi mix – equal parts punchy, sweet and tangy, and tasting like the ultimate cooling summer light bite.
Next up, the equally vegetarian Palak Paneer Handi. This curry of cream, spicy spinach sauce and pillowy-soft paneer with crispy garlic masa, creates, warming dish that doesn’t feel heavy – and paired with saffron pilau rice, makes for pure summer comfort food meets fine dining. Meanwhile, my dining partner opted for the chef-recommended lamb shank korma; so tender that it fell right off the bone. The waiter advises that the dishes here are spicy – and they certainly are. So, if you love a spice feast that will get your senses zinging, this summer menu is the perfect way to turn up the heat in the city.
After heating things up with our main event, there was surely only one way to cool down: with dessert. I opted for the fruity fresh Mango Mastani. Poured tableside for a spectacular finale, this was part sundae, part summer dream, and layers Alphonso mango, berries, mango curd and malai kulfi ice cream into one glorious, sunshine-coloured sweet treat. Cool, creamy, and still decadent – it made for an ideal perfect finish to a spicy feast before it.
Don’t skip the bar here – it’s a central part of Farzi, and for those looking for a spot for a cocktail in theatreland, arguably a great drink destination itself. For Summer 2025, mixologist Sai has created a standout list of cocktails and mocktails designed to refresh in signature Farzi style. While I was tempted by the fiery Guntur Mirch Mojito, and the e jamun-infused Amla GNT, it was the Farzi Royal cocktail I couldn’t resist – a delicious mix of elderflower vodka, Chambord and sparkling wine that feels as celebratory with its sparkle as the menu itself. Whether you’re starting the night pairing with small plates, or staying for post-dinner drinks, this is a bar menu with serious personality.
Founded by Zorawar Kalra, son of legendary Indian restauranteur Jiggs Kalra, Farzi’s latest menu challenges the idea that Indian food belongs to winter – and that mission has been accomplished with bold, spicy style. Here, Indian food doesn’t just belong in cosy corners – it belongs in the heat of the season. And Farzi’s array of tempting dishes certainly taste like summer.
Farzi London: The details
Farzi London, 8 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4BP, www.farzilondon.com
Reservations here.
Where to feast this Christmas: the 9 best festive menus and fine dining experiences
Christmas has a way of sharpening the appetite. It’s when tables are dressed to impress, menus become a little more indulgent, and dining becomes an unapologetic indulgence. For foodies, there’s no finer time. But where to eat out this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for refined street food or a multi-course blow-out, these are some of…
Audio-Technica Hotaru first review: floating, glowing turntable elevates vinyl playback
The Audio-Technica Hotaru is a music system like no other. This limited-edition turntable combines analogue vinyl playback with magnetic levitation and reactive lighting. Only 1,000 units have been made, each priced at €9,999. The design is intended as both a high-end music system and a sculptural object d’art. The Hotaru uses a floating structure and…
Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2026: scenic Season 11 locations revealed
Landscape Artist of the Year returns to Sky for its 11th series on January 14. Hosted once again by Stephen Mangan, Sky Arts’ long-running competition, mixes artistic endeavour with leisurely location-hopping, as a fresh cohort of painters attempt to capture some of Britain’s most recognisable vistas. This year also brings a new face to the…
Share this: