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 folows the Hindu lunar calendar, the date changes every year. This year Diwali will last from 10-14 November, with Sunday 12 November 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 and dance displays and market featuring vegetarian food, arts and crafts, and henna. Similar celebrations are found taking place at the National Maritime Museum and Wembley Park.  

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 will 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 November.  

Kanishka, Mayfair

What: Atul Kochhar's fine dining Indian restaurant is celebrating the festivities this year with a six-course feast, with the option to add an expertly-paired wine flight to precedings. The menu showcases India's diverse regional cuisine, spanning Atul's signature chicken tikka pie, to coconut marinated stone bass crab with a crab croquette, and fig-stuffed paneer tikka with cavolo nero and korma. The whole affair costs £95 per head, plus an additional £75 for the wine pairing. 
Where: 17-19 Maddox Street, W1S 2QH
Book now: Kanishka

Brigadiers, Bloomberg Arcade

What: Inspired by Indian army mess bars, BBQ restaurant Brigadiers is launching the ultimate Diwali feast! Executive chef Shanti Bhushan has thought up an array of creative dishes including Achari chicken skins, BBQ butter chicken wings and Maharaja lamb biryani, all of which can be ordered alongside a selection of curries, sides and naans.  
Where: 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, EC4N 8AR
Book now: Brigadiers

Trishna, Marylebone

What: This year, the executive chef at Michelin-starred Trishna has created three six-course tasting menus for Diwali, which also coincides with the restaurant’s 15th anniversary. Traditional, vegetarian and vegan menus are available, which include dishes such as coconut and curry leaf scallops, tandoori lamb chops, Mangalorean fish curry and jackfruit and pea chettinad. Guests will also be able to choose from a selection of limited-edition cocktails, from a Gujurat-inspired Cosmopolitan to a Chikki Chikki Old Fashioned.
Where: 15-17 Blandford Street, W1U 3DG
Book now: Trishna

Cinnamon Kitchen, City of London

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 Bijoya-inspired supper club, which is typically a celebratory period in Bengal of feasting, exchanging gifts and celebrating with friends. Mark the event with a four-course meal and canapes at Vivek's much-loved restaurant, taking place on 3 November.
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL
Book now: Cinnamon Kitchen

Pahli Hill, Fitzrovia

What: Fabulous Bib Gourmand-awarded Pahli Hill is celebrating all week with a variety of events happening over the course of Diwali. Join chef patron Avi Shashidhara and special guest Sabrina Gidda on 8 November for a special one-off collaboration dinner, with wines supplied by award-winning sommelier Henna Zinzuwadia. Or, pop into Pahli Hill's funky basement cocktail bar Bindra Bhai on 11 November for a cracking Diwali party, complete with live music and classy cocktails.
Where: 79-81 Mortimer Street, W1W 7SJ
Book now: Pahli Hill

Babur, Brockley

What: South East London gem Babur is going all out on the day itself, with a special celebration on Sunday 12 November. Expect dazzling decorations and subtle lighting by way of candelight, while you enjoy a three-course menu with expert wine pairings and entertainment from Bollywood Vibes. Dishes include lentil doughnuts with yogurt, crispy puff puri and pomegranate, steamed sea bass with green spiced coconut chutney and rice flour roti, and buffalo milk risotto with white chocolate, rose petal slab, soan papdi and raspberry gel.
Where: 119 Brockley Rise, SE23 1JP
Book now: Babur

Th@51, Westminster

What: St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, is celebrating the season of Diwali with a wealth of special offerings, from culinary experiences to luxurious accommodation and gift hampers. At Th@51, diners can indulge in an array of regional thali menus, with specific north Indian and south Indian-inspired offerings. If you opt for the northern menu, for example, you'll be treated to a sweet lassi to start, followed by a selection of dishes including black lentil dhal, butter naan, potatoes with cashews and chilli, raita and poppadoms. For dessert, there's saffron rice pudding with flaked almonds. 
Where: 51 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF
Book now: Th@51

Yaatra, Westminster

What: Yaatra has got an action-packed calendar for Diwali 2023. Alongside a special five-course menu available from 7 to 13 November, it’s also hosting a Diwali wine dinner with a meet and greet from executive chef Amit Bagyal himself, and a supper club inviting guests to enjoy an authentic meal with cocktails and traditional Diwali stories from Amit.
Where: 4 Greycoat Place, SW1P 1SB
Book now: Yaatra

Gymkhana, Mayfair

What: Make sure to bag a spot at Michelin-starred Gymkhana to try its Diwali feast menu, comprised of five spectacular courses. Kicking off with a selection of poppadums, guests can then choose from a selection of dishes ranging from Amritsari pink shrimps and Kesari chicken chops to chicken butter masala and Bengali prawn curry. The menu is priced at £110 per person, with the option to add a wine pairing for an extra £95.
Where: 42 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JH
Book now: Gymkhana

Sopwell House x The Cinnamon Club, St Albans

What: Ok, this one’s located a tiny stretch outside of London, but it’s from the folks behond Vivek Singh's London-based restaurant The Cinnamon Club, so we thought it was worth a mention. To celebrate Diwali this year, the team at Sopwell House have joined forces with Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Club to throw a Diwali ball at the Georgian hotel in St Albans. A celebratory menu, live entertainment and a knockout firework display are all on the line-up for the one-day event, which will take place on Friday 10 November. Naturally, we’re most excited for the meal, which kicks off with a cocktail and canape reception and is followed by a three-course extravaganza. Dishes include slow-braised leg of lamb cooked in the tandoor and served with a nutmeg and peppercorn sauce.
Where: Cottonmill Lane, AL1 2HQ
Book now: Sopwell House, The Cinnamon Club

Kahani, Belgravia

What: Kahani, or 'story' in Hindi, invigorates seasonal British ingredients with fragrant Indian spices and traditional cooking methods. Indulge yourself with dishes such as chicken makhani, saag paneer, and smoked Malabar prawns marinated in fresh turmeric, coconut and curry leaves. Located opposite Cadogan Hall, Kahani's beautiful Peacock Room is ideal for those seeking a more intimate location for their Diwali meal. 
Where: 1 Wilbraham Place, SW1X 9AE
Book now: Kahani

Copper Chimney, White City

What: With a name inspired by traditional Indian copper cooking vessels, Copper Chimney established its first European outpost on Westfield Shepherd's Bush's iconic restaurant street. It occupies a stylish contemporary space filled with greenery and natural light, and enjoys huge popularity with shoppers in the nearby shopping centre. If you don't fancy cooking this Diwali, swing by for some tandoor grills, curries and biryani, washed down with one of the many options on the extensive chai menu. 
Where: Southern Terrace, Ariel Way, W12 7GA
Book now: Copper Chimney

In the mood for some spice? Check out our list of the best Indian restaurants in London.