La Porte Des Indes

This place is hilarious, but I don’t think it means to be funny. In it’s mind, it’s classy. In my mind it’s as kitsch as Del Boy drinking a piña colada on a beach in Spain.
The décor is ridiculous with palm trees and a lake in the middle of the restaurant. By the toilet, there are pics of all the famous people that have eaten there with a massive picture of Justin Bieber, which is pretty funny as I wouldn’t base my choice of restaurant on anywhere Bieber goes. But it’s the cocktails that have the real tacky factor with lots of creamy drinks served inside fruits like pineapple or coconuts with cherries on the side.
However, there was nothing comical about the food as it was delicious. I’ve never had such a choice of chutnies to dip my poppadums into. (This sounds rude and I don’t know why). I had Guinea Fowl Mahe, which was pretty pricey at £24 but it’s the first time I’d tried Guinea Fowl in an Indian restaurant and I was intrigued. It was pretty darn good! There’s also lobster on the menu and an Indian black cod, which my friend ordered, and was sublimely soft and succulent.
If this food was in a better decorated restaurant it would be Michelin starred!

Incredible food. We visit this restaurant every time we visit London, for the last 14 years and without fail, it is spectacular. Service is wonderful and food is at par with the best restaurants in India. Don’t miss it!

Stomach bug! Dined in this restaurant for dinner with my wife.
Outside of the unique atmosphere which seemed right out of a movie… This is probably the most I’ve paid for Indian food with prices comparing to a 4 – 5 star steakhouse. We ate the lamb curry and the array of curries dish along with naan, basmati rice, samosas and one cocktail each which cost 120 pound. The food was good but not at those prices. Honestly, would not have written a review if we BOTH did not comedown with a vicious stomach bug the next morning which kept us bedridden on our last full day in the city. The waitress was not particularly friendly either.

Delicious! This place does not disappoint. Make sure to get the chills coriander naan. I stared out with Mango Coco drink. It was served in a coconut. We had the mixed appetizer. It was delicious. Lamb slowly cooked with tomato was delicious and chicken tikka was nicely spiced. Okra was our vegetable and it was very well spiced. I had the walnut desert and it was out of this world yummy. Fun décor and nice staff. I will eat here again.

Amazing food — I came in without reservations and they quickly found me a table. Service was fantastic.

Great décor. The black cod was absolutely delicious! The waitress had to check to see if it was available because it is popular and they sell out. Lime rice was also wonderful. The scallop appetizer was a pretty presentation. I was with a party of 7 so I sampled a lot of apps and dishes. My general impression was that the food had nice flavors but not a lot of heat in the spice department. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. There is also a separate vegetarian menu that had lots of options.

Food was decidedly mediocre, dirty glass with food obviously stuck to the side, and 80 quid for two people.

This used to be one of the best restaurants in London. Not any more. The service was beyond diabolical and the food has gone from amazing to quite good. Alas, Michelin prices are still attached. Genuinely disappointed as I know I’m never going to return to what was once an amazing restaurant and is now a shadow of its former self. For your money go to the Cinnamon club — the food is as good as this place used to be, but the service is head and shoulders above. You will walk out of here feeling embarrassed at having had to hand over such money for such disgraceful service. Such a shame that such a fantastic restaurant has turned in to this.

Never again will I find myself in this restaurant. Although my wife quite enjoys the saffron-​forward dishes on the menu, the staff have now reached an unacceptable level of obnoxiousness. They are quite dismissive and really ruined our experience.

Like a relic of colonial India. The best fusion of French-​Indian cooking from the former French colonies in India. Incredible. Nothing you have tasted before will have prepared you for this mélange of flavors. Go here — please!

Wow, this place he the looks! When you enter this restaurant its massive with great feel for India. Even has a coat person at the door and the dining room is massive. It has huge Palm trees inside with 2 floors and a mini fountain in the middle almost like a pool. The cutlery was very good and everything was clean and looked really well presented. Ok now that the first looks is over lets talk about the food…
The food was really good PACKED with flavour and had really good authentic style cooking. The amuse Bouche was delicious we had some kind of soup thing which was amazing. I didn’t know it can have so much flavour.
The food was absolutely delicious and the service was really good but I wish that for the prices there was more food.
In conclusion,
Expensive, great service, delicious, beautiful dinning room, not al ot of food for your money.

Décor is fabulous, very interesting features. I thoroughly enjoyed my cocktail but my friend didn’t like hers. I am both wheat and lactose intolerant and I advised this when I booked. When I arrived I was told to mention my food allergies to the waitress which I did. The Manager took my food order and they were able to adapt the dish I wanted to accommodate my food allergies. They even made a rice flour pancake for me. They also gave me a different amuse bouche which was wheat and lactose free. The food is very expensive so not an everyday restaurant. However I would thoroughly recommend for a special occasion. I certainly will be going again.

This place was not what I was expecting in advance. I suppose I thought it would be more traditionally classy, but it actually has a tongue-​in-​cheek kitsch factor that surprised me — cue a full size palm tree and waterfall in the middle of the double storey restaurant.
My visit began like an unfortunate episode of Fawlty Towers. I was being shown to my table when one of the waiters look a dive and dropped a glass which smashed on my foot. Accidents happen and so I told the very apologetic staff not to worry about it, until I saw the little red spots of blood start appearing through my tights. At this point the manager seemed to hit panic mode that I might sue them and promptly escorted me to the bathrooms with a tube of savlon despite my insistence that I was fine.
My friend then arrived oblivious to the chaos that had ensued before her and just thought the waiting staff were being incredibly friendly and attentive to us. I probably should have played up to it a bit to get some cocktail-​based compensation too but if nothing else they let me keep the rest of the savlon tube: P
Aching foot aside then we did have a lovely meal — the set menu is great for both veg (her) and non-​veg (me) but come with a warning that the portion sizes are MASSIVE. We assumed the main course platter that arrived beautifully presented with a tray of individual pots was for us to share until a second one arrived for my friend! The wastage made me feel incredibly guilty but there really was far too much food for two people to eat, and that’s two people that can eat a lot, not I’ll-just-have-a-salad types. An extra shame because it was all so tasty — consider fasting for a day beforehand and you should be fine!

Sur les conseils d’une amie complété par les avis des Unilocaleurs, j’ai réservé une table à La porte des Indes pour notre séjour à Londres.
Pour ceux qui connaissent les restaurants Blue Éléphant, il faut savoir que c’est la même maison. Alors comme pour le Blue Éléphant, le cadre est superbe et nous sommes immédiatement transportés dans des contrées lointaines.
Ici on cuisine et on met en lumière les recettes de l’Inde du Sud. Le nom du restaurant est français en souvenir des anciens comptoirs.
Nous avons partagé à 2 un plateau d’entrées variées, tout était délicieux et même davantage puisque nous n’avons pas résisté à recommander un des assortiments.
Ensuite les poulets tika massala et tandoori étaient moelleux et fondants en bouche.
Nous avons testé les nans aux oignons et à l’ail (sorte finalement de garlic bread), ils étaient très bons. Ils ont un beau choix de nans, tous certainement aussi bon les uns que les autres.
Service très prévenant et personnel soucieux que tout se passé pour le mieux.
A noter, la présence a l’accueil d’une gentille hôtesse parlant français. Son aide peut être utile si vous avez un peu de mal pour traduire la carte.
Adresse à conserver

We walked in starving, walked out wobbling to the satisfaction of a splendid dinner. We started with the Saag Paneer, and then dove right into the Chicken Tandoori and Lamb Biryani. Our dinner was a quiet one, as we wasted no effort in devouring the feast before our eyes.
The flavors, the ambiance, and the overall experience were exquisite and memorable.

I love this restaurant! I go here at least once (usually more) every time I visit London. I usually have one of the Shahi Thali. Mmmmmmm. Can’t wait for my next trip.

Très bel endroit le personnel est charmant et très attentionné. À essayer sans se poser de questions

Four of us went here for a business dinner on our last night in London. After all, no trip to London is complete without some curry and the notion of having a French-​Indian fusion restaurant is fascinating. It is like blending the French mastery of sauces with meats like duck, chicken, and seafood and with the Indian mastery of spices and curries with meats like goat and lamb. It all works well of course and the Venn diagram shows ample intersection.
I started with a Flirtini, which is a nice cocktail with sweet mango flavors followed by a spicy kick of chilli powder. They had one more drink on the menu with an even higher spice level but I played it safe here.
Our group then ordered numerous appetizers: soft-​shell crabs, chessy naan, garlic naan, curry cream puffs stuffed with lamb, grilled shrimp, and of course samosas. Dinner was much more difficult, since the menu was huge and everything sounded so good. Luckily, the restaurant offers several Thali combinations, each with a theme: vegetarian, Indian-​focused, French-​focused, seafood-​focused. Each of us ordered a different Thali dish and was extremely happy.
I opted for the French-​focused one, which has thinly sliced duck breast with a savory brown sauce, a goat curry, an eggplant dish with green curry, spicy shrimp, and a nice chicken dish. It came with a red rice side and instead of traditional naan we got a nice crêpe instead.
They also offer a broad dessert menu, with Indian goodies like kulfi (ice cream), various teas, and of course gulab jamum (sugar-​saturated donuts). The French desserts included crème brûlée, mousses, and fondants. I got the dark chocolate mouse which was presented in a beautiful leaf cup — nice rich flavors but could of benefitted with some more bitter elements. Still, it went down well with the dark coffee along with the 1-​hr walk in the evening.
Will definitely put this restaurant on my top-​five list the next time I visit London. Definitely worth taking a small group there to enjoy the bold flavors and excellent service and décor. Maybe next time I will muster up the courage to try their tandoori Foie Gras (yes, they do offer it!)

A bit expensive, decidely elegant and an epicurean delight … that’s my experience of La Porte Des Indes, just steps away from Thistle Marble Arch where we were staying in central London.
At the recommendation of our concierge, we made a last-​minute, late dinner reservation and were hoping our less-​than-​dressy attire would be acceptable in such a fine dining establishment. Not only was it acceptable, the hospitality and friendly service enveloped us in a warm embrace as if someone had flashed a «shaka» sign and said «aloha!»
We had a funny moment at the front door when the gentleman host asked us, «Would you like to leave something?» Um, would that be a tip? But, no, he was only asking for our coats and scarves. London-​speak takes some getting used to for us Hawaii girls, but a smile and sense of humor goes a long way.
From the front entrance with its water feature dotted by lotus blossoms to the two-​story dining area overflowing with abundant greenery, the ambience was pure class yet warm and inviting. Even the staff here are dressed in Indian finery which makes their service seem all the more refined.
After perusing the menu at length, we decided to start with sunhere samosa, described as golden triangles of minced chicken and vegetables served with mango chutney. They were perfect, light, and not too greasy. The sweetness of the chutney balanced the saltiness and reminded me of Indian spring rolls (in a triangle shape!). We also ordered pappadums (thin, light-​as-​air lentil crisps) and onion and garlic naan with pickles (I would describe as chutneys — sweet, hot and spicy). For the entrée, chicken tikka masala and a lime saffron rice with cashew pieces were a perfect marriage of savory flavors and melting textures.
My adventurous friend who barely blinks a tear at a plateful of habanero peppers, chose the Plateau des Indes which featured five different curries of various heats and meats including goat, chicken, shrimp and pork. Some of the flavors were reminscent of Thai curries with its coconut milk base, but we all agreed the Poulet Rouge was the decided winner. Literally meaning red chicken, this dish featured shredded chicken in a spicy, creamy red sauce and immediately transported us to India with one taste.
Too full for the desserts, we lingered over our last morsels and eyed other plates brought to nearby dinner guests. After paying our roughly 30-​plus pounds each and making our way to the door, my friend stopped at the sight of a tray laden with spices. Apparently, this is the equivalent of an after-​dinner mint and she scooped up some of the spices and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes immediately widened and she gasped at the taste, saying through a mouthful of spices, «wow, this is amazing!» Later, she did have to spit it out since she couldn’t swallow it. A very interesting end note to a fabulous meal. I would go back in a heartbeat!

We ended up at this restaurant for dinner last week, when our first choice down the street only had basement seating. Next to the bathroom. But that’s another whole review.
The good:
* Gorgeous décor and ambiance. The plantation style furniture is bright and welcoming. The fountain/​water fall is gorgeous.
* All employees are super friendly and patient.
* Okra was delicious, naan was good, my husband liked the chicken quite a bit.
The okay:
While there was nothing bad at this restaurant, some things weren’t quite what they could have been. For example, the prawns and seabass, two recommendations from our waiter, were bland and tasteless. Not bad but not worth the price for sure. And the stuffed coconut kulcha and naans were just okay.
Bottom Line: Two stars off for the food not being as good as it could have been but I will definitely return and order different items next time.

From the outside the restaurant looks small, however the downstairs is very spacious and open. We waited a few minutes in the drinks area which was nicey decorated. you are taken into an exotic atmosphere.
Taken to our table, we discovered a nice greenary and a waterfall.
The menu is varied, i recommend especially the rose lassy which was delicious.
Service was very fast and attentive. The cassoulet of fish was also good, i recommend it with naan. The food display was ver nice.
I would go there again, and recommend it if you spend a night near marble arch.

Beautiful building, very romantic, but appropriate for business dinners as well. They cater to large groups and small private dinners. The staff is quick and friendly. The selection of food is enormous, a multiple page menu allows for a choice for everyone.
The alcohol selection is nice as well. They do carry a few well aged scotches, but also have traditional Indian beer and cocktails.
Having had a Valentines dinner here as well as a large group meal, I’ve never been disappointed. Reservations are recommend as even though this is a large place, it fills up fast and is very popular.
Side note: I personally love the portraiture on the walls. Wonderful aspect of culture and history combined.

Egads this place is wonderful.
Expensive, but worth every single solitary pence.
You step into another world when you enter this restaurant. You forget you’re in 21^st-​Century London. From the outside La Porte Des Indes is very unassuming. You don’t know what you’re getting into. But do, go inside.
Because upon entering, you realize you may very well be in for a wonderful dining experience.
And you are. From the exotic décor to the authentic feel of some faraway place only known to the French Indies to the waitstaff, which caters to your every need, to the various courses placed before you, this place is everything you would expect such a place to be. Every detail is in place, not forgotten, never neglected.
Several members of the waitstaff work quickly, though pausing attentively to help you with the menu, constantly refilling your water glass, ask you how the meal is, serve the next course.
If you’re going to splurge on a meal while in London, this is the place to go to.

La Porte Des Indes ist ein sehr gutes und großes indisches Restaurant in der Nähe von Marble Arch. Am Namen braucht man sich nicht zu stören, es ist keine französische Küche. Man sitzt sehr gemütlich in einer Art Palmengarten und irgendwo im Hintergund plätschert Wasser. Wir hatten heute wenig Hunger und bestellten nur Tandoori-​Chicken. Es war gut und der Service war aufmerksam. Es stand auch Hummer auf der Karte. Den nehmen wir vielleicht ein andermal. Die Getränkekarte ist interessant, es gibt zum Beispiel Champagner von Roederer.

Un ravissement pour les papilles, un émerveillement pour les pupilles…
Ce restaurant caché entre Marble Arch et Oxford Street est certainement le meilleur indien que je connaisse. J’y suis allée plusieurs fois et c’est à chaque fois un plaisir renouvelé. Un merveille à tout point de vue. Rien n’est laissé au hasard. On y est accueilli comme des princes et les dames repartent toujours avec une petite fleur! Le décor est magnifique avec dôme en verre central, végétation luxuriante (extra au coeur de Londres!!), vaisselle et couverts gravés au nom du restaurant, hôtesses et serveurs en tenue indienne. La nourriture est à se pâmer de plaisir de l’entrée au dessert! Je vous conseille le traditionnel agneau aux épinards et le Poulet Rouge, spécialité du chef mais tout ce que j’ai pu y goûter est tout simplement délicieux. Tout est frais, raffiné et épicé à souhait! Les cocktails de fruits frais parfumés aux épices sont une pure merveille! Le service est parfait, discret, attentionné, aimable… Il précède presque les souhaits des clients! Chaque plat est présenté et expliqué par le serveur pour que l’on puisse l’apprécier dans les meilleures conditions. Il n’y a vraiment rien à redire, ce lieu est absolument merveilleux. Vous né vous tromperez pas en y allant que ce soit en amoureux ou entre amis. Les tarifs sont un peu élevés mais tout à fait raisonnables pour Londres et surtout cela vaut vraiment le détour! Cependant, comme dans un certain nombre d’établissements à Londres, il existe des offres régulières qui permettent de bénéficier de réductions. Ce restaurant fait partie du groupe ‘Blue Elephant” tout comme le «Blue Elephant» thaï parisien mais est dédié exclusivement à la cuisine indienne… with a difference.

Ein kurzer Weg vom Hotel, daher bin ich immer gerne hier zum Abendessen. Das Ambiente ist sehr ansprechend und versteckt die Größe des Restaurants.
Die Karte weist viele indische Variationen auf, von Startern bis zum Hauptgericht; es gibt eine extra Karte für vegetarische Gerichte. Traditionell wird am Anfang Papadam mit verschiedenen Sossen gereicht, dann ein kleiner Gruß aus der Küche (mal Hühnchen, mal Linsensuppe). Die Hauptspeisen sind etwas klein, aber in Kombination mit einem Starter durchaus ausreichend. Das Menü habe ich noch nicht probiert, werde das aber das nächste Mal machen.
Etwas Vorsicht bei den Preisen für die alkoholischen Getränke, die sind doch etwas überhöht. Aber dafür gibt es 0,8 l VOSS for 5 GBP — in D bekomme ich es das Wasser im Supermarkt für diesen Preis.

Fabuleux
Nous avons célébré l’anniversaire de notre fille à la Porte des Indes et allons sans aucun doute en garder un souvenir exceptionnel. Le décor est grandiose, l’accueil est à la fois chaleureux et professionnnel et, par-​dessus tout, les mets proposés sont irréprochables de fraîcheur et d’originalité. N’hésitez pas à choisir le menu proposé. Il vous permettra de découvrir toute la variété de la carte. Le prix n’est pas nécessairement bas mais il est amplement justifié. Une véritable fête des yeux et du palais !

Un voyage en Inde
Rien que le décor de ce restaurant vaut le détour ! Pour vous donner une idée: dôme de verre au plafond, palmiers et chutes d’eau vous plongent dans une ambiance dépaysante… La cuisine est excellente, et il y en a pour tous les goûts (épicé ou non, sucré salé, plus classique, au choix !).