Where to celebrate Diwali in London: Special menus, events and supper clubs

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a time of celebration for millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. This extraordinary festival lasts a full five days and celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, as well as new beginnings. Oil lamps and lights are lit across streets and homes, and emphasis is placed on the importance of family and of course, food.  

As Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar, the date changes every year. This year Diwali will last from 18 to 22 October, with Monday 20 October being the main day of celebration.

London isn't afraid to go all out when celebrating the Festival of Lights. The Diwali festival at Trafalgar Square attracts around 35,000 people every year with its lively music, dance displays and market featuring vegetarian food, arts and crafts, and henna. More celebrations are found taking place at the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Albert Hall.

Food is an important part of Diwali celebrations, a lot of which is made with dairy produce, before being offered to both gods and guests. Savoury snacks tend to include the famous samosas and bhajis, as well as aloo tikki (griddle-cooked potato patties) and channa bhatura (spiced chickpeas and puffed bread). If you’re in the Gujarat, look out for the ‘farssam’ or ‘crunchy snacks.’ Traditional Indian dishes like meat-based and vegetable curries, dhals and pulses make up the main meal, while sweetmeats, known as ‘mithai’ are the real stars of the show during Diwali. If you don't fancy cooking for yourself this year, London has no shortage of fine Indian restaurants, many of which offer special set menus for Diwali, featuring the food most commonly eaten during the Festival of Lights.  

With all that in mind, here’s our selection of the best restaurants to celebrate Diwali this year.  

Cinnamon Kitchen, City of London and Battersea

What: Cinnamon Kitchen needs no introduction. Vivek Singh's high end modern Indian cuisine is beloved throughout the city with its colourful nature, depth of flavour, and slight British influences. This year, it's celebrating the occasion with a specially curated Diwali menu, which will run all the way from 1 to 31 October, designed to capture the rich, vibrant flavours of the season. The feast will be offered across both London sites and is available to book now! 
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL; 4 Arches Lane, SW11 8AB
Book now: Cinnamon Kitchen City, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea

Dishoom, Walthamstow

What: This year, Dishoom returns to Big Penny Social for an epic one-night-only Diwali extravaganza. Curated by creative director Ryan Lanji, the event will see hosts Nikkita Chadha (from BBC comedy 'Juice') and Jason Patel (from Netflix movie 'Unicorns') take guests on a night of South Asian talent, classic Dishoom dishes, and live music artists. For £40, your ticket includes ample snacks, like vegetable samosas, and delicious puddings, including traditional rasmalai. 
Where: 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL
Book now: Dishoom

Bombay Bustle, Mayfair

What: In collaboration with Bake Off star Chetna Makan, Bombay Bustle is throwing a full-blown Diwali feast. The special menu will feature silver platters laden with Chilli Garlic Chicken, Malabar Lamb Curry, and Palak Patta Chaat. There will be a sparkling Diwali Blush cocktail to wash it all down, and there's even a sweet Masala Chai Tres Leches Cake for dessert. To top it off, Bombay Bustle have created a brand-new Mithai Remix box stuffed with Milk Peda, Mini Ladoos and more - it's perfect for gifting and available to purchase in-person at the restaurant or via Deliveroo.
Where: 29 Maddox Street, W1S 2PA
Book now: Bombay Bustle

Kutir, Chelsea

What: In the heart of Chelsea, Kutir is an elegant townhouse restaurant, serving elevated Indian cuisine by chef Rohit Ghai. For Diwali this year, the restaurant has designed three 'expedition' menus - signature, vegetarian and game - to celebrate Diwali. Using premium ingredients, seasonal produce, and a refined cooking style, Kutir will offer ingredient-centred dishes, like guinea fowl korma, paneer parcel, and sea bass moilee. The special Diwali menus will be available from 17 to 19 October. 
Where: 10 Lincoln Street, SW3 2TS
Book now: Kutir

Mowgli, Fitzrovia

What: In time for Diwali, Mowgli has launched a new autumn menu, designed to suit the colder months ahead. The award-winning Indian street food restaurant chain, founded by Nisha Katona MBE, has added five warming, flavourful dishes to the menu: the Mowgli chicken biryani, served with miniature poppadoms; a rich, velvety black dahl; a showstopping lamb bunny chow; a soft, flaky garlic and coriander paratha; and best of all - a bright, fresh Diwali cauliflower, served with juicy pomegranate seeds, cooling yogurt and tangy chutney.
Where: 5 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RE
Book now: Mowgli Charlotte Street

Manthan, Mayfair

What: To sample more of chef Rohit Ghai's marvellous cooking, head over to Manthan in Mayfair. Dishes here are slightly more modernised, with a soulful approach to Indian dining. Also running from 17 to 19 October, the restaurant's Diwali offering is split across two set menus - signature and vegetarian - with both delivering a street food style. Think southern chicken lollipop with tomato chutney, lamb chop with cumin and mint, and crispy Jerusalem cake with pickle and strawberry chutney. 
Where: 49 Maddox Street, W1S 2PQ
Book now: Manthan

Farzi, St James's

What: Fancy an all you can eat bottomless brunch? Farzi's legendary bottomless brunch Sundays have returned, and on 19 October, it's hosting a Diwali special. For £40 per person, enjoy a delicious buffet, with prawn moili, paneer curry, and everything in between. There will also be live cooking stations, such as a fun chaat counter, as well as a dessert buffet, including mithai and Diwali specials. Live music and entertainment, as well as henna and face painting complete the offering, and the special Diwali menu will continue on into the evening too. 
Where: 8 Haymarket, SW1Y 4BP
Book now: Farzi

Th@51, Westminster

What: St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, is celebrating the season of Diwali at its main TH@51 Restaurant & Bar. Taking influence from the different regions of India, the Diwali menu is split into North, South and West Indian dishes. From stuffed binjal, to Malabari paratha, to dal makhani, there's a whole host of traditional, vibrant food on offer. The restaurant is also offering special Diwali cocktails, including Rasa Royale, with spiced rum and salted caramel, and Tamarind Temptation, with mezcal and cranberry. All of this will be available from 3 to 26 October.
Where: 51 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF
Book now: Th@51

Potli, Hammersmith

What: If you're looking for somewhere homey, welcoming and delicious to spend Diwali, look no further than Potli. Hidden off the beaten track in Ravenscourt Park, this buzzing neighbourhood restaurant invites guests to enjoy a weekend of sparkling Diwali celebrations, from 18 October to 20 October. Inspired by India's bustling marketplaces, the Diwali set menu is £32 per person, and features starters like chicken chop, mains like mutton mappas, as well as sides and desserts. There's also a comfortable private room with space for up to 30 guests, if you want to make the night extra special.
Where: 319-321 King Street, W6 9NH
Book now: Potli

Chook Chook, Putney

What: This year for Diwali, Chook Chook is shining a light on authentic Indian Thali. Comprising of delicious curries, fragrant biryanis, fresh raita, naan and more, each thali will be offered in both vegetarian and chicken varieties, and served alongside a refreshing mango lassi. Try signature dishes, like the Railway chicken curry, and find comfort in the house black daal - all thoughtfully curated to showcase the vibrant flavours of Diwali. 
Where: 137 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1EZ
Book now: Chook Chook

Vatavaran, Knightsbridge

What: Led by award-winning chef Rohit Ghai, Vatavaran is a modern Indian fine dining restaurant in the heart of Knightsbridge. This year, it's hosting not one, but two, special Diwali Tasting Menus. The 'Brook' menu will highlight signature dishes, while the 'Meadow' menu will have a vegetarian focus, each offering seven sophisticated dishes like lobster vermicilli, harissa chicken and gobhi truffle. This multi-level venue comprises an exclusive cocktail bar and vibrant bar area, with occasional DJ sets, making it a fun choice for a lively celebration. The Diwali menus will be available from 17 to 19 October. 
Where: 42 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JH
Book now: Vatavaran

Sopwell House, St Albans

What: Ok, this one’s located a tiny stretch outside of London, but they go all out for the Diwali festivities, so we thought it was worth a mention. This year, the team at Sopwell House is hosting a one-night-only celebration on 18 October with a celebratory drinks reception, delicious canapes, starter stations and a live DJ. Naturally, we’re most excited for the meal, which includes six mains, sides and a decadent dessert. There's even a firework display, so be prepared to dance all night long! 
Where: Cottonmill Lane, AL1 2HQ
Book now: Sopwell House

The Great Indian, Archway

What: The Great Indian is a neighbourhood gastropub in Archway, led by Michelin star chef Surjan Singh (also known as Chef Jolly) who has previously appeared on MasterChef India. This year, it's throwing a Diwali party on 10 October, featuring a live DJ playing bollywood, bhangra, and R'n'B tunes late into the evening. Festive canapes and dinner bowls will be passed around on the night, to accompany a range of flowing drinks from the cash-only bar. This is an 18+ event and tickets cost £35, available to purchase via The Great Indian Instagram account. 
Where: 139 Marlborough Road, N19 4NU
Book now: The Great Indian

Gymkhana, Mayfair

What: Celebrate Diwali in style at two Michelin-starred Gymkhana. Its five-course Diwali tasting menu is back for 2025, comprising some rather spectacular dishes, each with its own specially selected wine pairing. Ease in with a selection of pappadums and gol guppas, before moving onto your choice of sophisticated snacks, including Goan salmon tikka. Indulge in mains like prawn pepper masala, or wild muntjac biryani, before rounding it out with a delicious dessert. The menu is priced at £180 per person, with the option to add a wine pairing for an extra £105.
Where: 42 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JH
Book now: Gymkhana

Brigadiers, Bloomberg Arcade

What: Inspired by Indian army mess bars, BBQ restaurant Brigadiers is hosting the ultimate Diwali dinner! Executive chef Shanti Bhushan has curated a special feasting menu - kick off with achari duck or oxtail and sweet potato samosa, before diving into your choice of tandoori guinea fowl, dum venison biryani or cod kalimirch. You can even add a tandoori lamb chop for the table, and finish with a kala jamun brulee. The feasting menu will run from 17 to 26 October, and for those who would prefer to sample Brigadiers' signatures, the a la carte menu will also be available.
Where: 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, EC4N 8AR
Book now: Brigadiers

Gunpowder, Soho and Tower Bridge

What: This year, Gunpowder has celebrated a different festival on the last Sunday of every month, and on 30 November, it will be hosting a Diwali special edition. The evening will involve a six-course sharing menu (priced at £25 per person) with food inspired by the traditions and flavours of Diwali. The restaurant earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024, specialising in home-style Indian cooking and reimagined family recipes. The Diwali menu will be available at its Soho and Tower Bridge sites. 
Where: 20 Greek Street, W1D 4DU, 4 Duchess Walk, SE1 2SD
Book now: Gunpowder Soho, Gunpowder Tower Bridge

Trishna, Marylebone

What: Nestled in the heart of Marylebone, Michelin-starred Trishna is known for its contemporary take on Indian classics. This year, it's celebrating Diwali with a 'Taste of Trishna' feast, served from 13 to 22 October. Priced at £130 per person (£120 for vegetarians), the tasting menu celebrates dishes like tandoori lamb chops, and coconut and corn tikki. For a special experience, enjoy a sommelier wine pairing (£90 per person) or book Trishna's stunning private dining room. Trishna is also partnering with anatome to produce a limited edition Diwali reed diffuser, and there's even an exclusive large-format cocktail to mark the occasion. 
Where: 15-17 Blandford Street, W1U 3DG
Book now: Trishna

Babur, Brockley

What: South East London gem Babur is offering a five-course Diwali tasting menu from 20 to 26 October, and not only that - it's also hosting a Diwali party on 20 October! The candlelit celebration will feature the tasting menu as well as live performances, and is available to book now. Head chef Jiwan Lal has designed the menu to reflect the light, warmth and joy of the Festival of Lights. From tandoori salmon dill tikka, to confit duck pie, to kale and paneer kofta, this is one you won't want to miss. 
Where: 119 Brockley Rise, SE23 1JP
Book now: Babur

Ambassadors Clubhouse, Mayfair

What: A rather swanky spot to celebrate Diwali, surround yourself in the eye-catching glamour of Ambassador’s Clubhouse. This year, it's offering a limited edition, five-course Diwali feast menu from 18 to 27 October, at £115 per head, or £110 for vegetarians. The menu includes achari duck chaat, Ambassadors' famed BBQ butter chicken chop, guinea fowl changezi as well as gur malai toast or dark chocolate and peanut kheer for dessert. For something more personal, why not book out one of the private dining rooms. 
Where: 25 Heddon Street, W1B 4BH
Book now: Ambassadors Clubhouse

Kanishka, Mayfair

What: Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, Kanishka is a sophisticated fine dining Indian restaurant, perfect for a celebration. This Diwali, it is offering a special six-course menu to mark the occasion. Curated by chef Atul Kocchar, the Diwali menu will showcase his signature style, using British ingredients to express Indian culinary heritage. Begin with light canapes before indulging in dishes like pickle stuffed cottage cheese, and Rogan Josh wellington, with a sweet saffron brulee to finish. The menu will be available from 14 to 19 October and will be priced at £95 per person. 
Where: 17-19 Maddox Street, W1S 2QH
Book now: Kanishka

RAAZ, Putney

What: Newly opened Raaz is marking its first Diwali with a special three-course feast from chef patron Imran Mansuri, who has perfected his craft in some of London's most acclaimed kitchens, including Benares and Tamarind. Between 21 and 27 October, guests can enjoy dishes like butter chicken, kadai prawns, and grilled pumpkin moilee, while soaking up the atmosphere of the candlelit restaurant. Putney locals are in for a treat with this gorgeous modern Indian. 
Where: 113 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1EX
Book now: Raaz

Fatt Pundit, Covent Garden and Soho

What: To mark the Festival of Lights, Fatt Pundit is offering all diners free chai and traditional Indian sweets at the end of their meal. Across both its Covent Garden (on 19 October) and Soho (on 20 October) sites, guests can enjoy complimentary Kaju Katli (an Indian sweet made of ground cashew and sugar) as well as comforting saffron masala chai. At Fatt Pundit, Diwali is all about giving back, and it's a great excuse to get in and try its delicious Indo-Chinese cuisine if you haven't already!
Where: 6 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA; 77 Berwick Street, W1F 8TH
Book now: Fatt Pundit Covent Garden, Fatt Pundit Soho

Want to find the perfect place to host a special celebration? Check out some of the best restaurants in London for group dining, or explore our pick of private dining rooms with the best views over the city.