Dining

Farzi restaurant review: Bold, spicy, and perfect for long hot nights in London

Farzi London restaurant

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.

Farzi London restaurant
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
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 at Farzi London
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. 

Lamb shank at Farzi London
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.

Mango Mastani
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.

Farzi London: The details

Farzi London, 8 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4BP, www.farzilondon.com

Reservations here.

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