Have you ever made an online reservation at an Indian restaurant in London? If not, we’ve got you covered. Indian restaurants, cafes, and many small to medium eateries are widespread in this cosmopolitan city. That’s why people keep coming to these places to enjoy Indian culinary treats.
However, without knowing some tips and tricks, you may not have a wonderful dining experience. Due to their popularity, Indian restaurants experience rush hours, especially on weekends or holidays.
So, to have a wholesome experience at an Indian restaurant with your family or friends, learn these five crucial things first.
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What’s the Right Restaurant for You?
If you are making an online reservation at an Indian restaurant, you should find out which restaurant best suits your preferences. There are many types of Indian restaurants in London, from lavish ambience and food to laid-back eateries.
Hence, look up online reviews and ratings to choose the right Indian restaurant. The basic three types of Indian restaurants you can consider are:
- Gourmet Restaurant:
A gourmet Indian restaurant will offer top-class service, iconic dishes, and hospitality. To find the best restaurant for your preferences, check reviews and recommendations online or through word-of-mouth.
Some notable gourmet Indian restaurants in London are The Rajdoot, Taste of Nawab, etc., where you can satisfy your craving for deliciously authentic Indian dishes.
- Online Takeaway:
Apart from gourmet dining, you can experience spicy, aromatic, and iconic Indian dishes by ordering from an Indian takeaway near you.
Although it may not be as fulfilling as dining in an ambient Indian eatery, the food will still be fresh, warm, and flavourful. Read online reviews and ratings to choose the right takeaway.
- Casual Meal:
Another type of Indian restaurant you can explore in London is one that offers casual dining or a laid-back experience. Although restaurants and cafes in this category may not give you a formal dining vibe, their neat and prompt takeaway or home delivery services will always surprise you.
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What’s on the Menu?
Check online menus if you’re making an online reservation for an exclusive dine-in or takeaway service. You can never go wrong with this.
Indian restaurants offer diverse dishes made of scintillating spices, herbs, and condiments. Veg or non-veg, you must be prepared for what is to come from their kitchen. Apart from selecting regular Indian dishes, make sure of the following things:
- Top-Tier Indian Dishes:
Check out the menu, where they serve signature dishes like Tandoori Chicken, Biryani, Chicken Tikka Masala, and aloo gobi. You can also see their selection of heart-warming desserts, such as carrot halwa, gulab jamun, and Rasgulla.
- Dietary Selections:
Check if the menu online offers dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegetarian alternatives, etc. This is important, especially before making an online reservation for your guests.
- Allergen Notice:
Many signature and regular Indian dishes contain allergens such as milk, nuts, etc. If you have any allergy issues, notify the restaurant beforehand. Top-tier Indian restaurants often consider this when serving certain guests with such preferences.
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Off-Peak Hours for Reservations
It’s wise to choose the off-peak hours for an online reservation at an Indian restaurant. The best Indian restaurants in London will mostly get booked up by guests in advance. If you can’t enter this advance-booking process, the chances of a successful reservation will decline.
Pick a reservation time outside London's peak hours, which are usually 7 to 9 PM on weekdays. So, if you’re planning a group dinner, make the reservation at least 2-3 days in advance. If it’s a short-notice invitation, try reserving a suitable place at least a day before or in the early morning.
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Pricing & Special Offers
Price concerns should accompany an online reservation at an Indian restaurant. Reservations are usually made for important business meetings, family dine-outs, or to catch up with colleagues or old friends.
Here, pricing plays an essential role in choosing the right Indian restaurant for that specific purpose.
See if you’re looking for:
- Luxurious Dining:
Many high-end or Michelin-starred Indian restaurants offer gourmet dining experiences featuring high-quality ingredients, top-notch presentations, and fashionable ambiences.
Their excellent services also include set menus and taste menu deals. These options always benefit customers, providing them with excellent value for money.
- Seasonal Offers & Affordable Choices:
Indian restaurants update their menus with special annual offers for Indian festivals and celebrations. Research online what offers you can take advantage of when making your next online reservation with your chosen Indian restaurant.
Besides festival offers, you can pick from some affordable choices at the Indian takeaways and eateries. Some well-known places offer their customers lunchtime specials, while some may offer discounted meal deals.
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Appropriate Environment & Special Requests
When making an online reservation at an Indian restaurant, its environment and ambience play a significant role in making your dining satisfactory. Whether it’s a social gathering, celebration, or a quiet family time, a proper Indian restaurant will provide you with things like:
- Trendy and energetic vibe for a group dining or social gathering;
- Fine dining experience for a more formal or family dinner;
- Cultural immersion with live music and decoration for a festival celebration
Apart from choosing the right environment, you may be able to share any special requirements with the top Indian restaurants in London. Notifying the restaurant in advance about dietary preferences, family occasions, anniversary dining, etc., would help them offer personalised or complimentary services.
Key Takeaways
Making an online reservation at an Indian restaurant can be tricky if you don’t know certain things beforehand. Unlike simple online food ordering, reservations require some considerations, as mentioned above.
The key points you can take away from here are:
- Choosing the right restaurant with an appropriate environment
- Considering pricing and special discounts
- Checking out the menu online
- Picking the off-peak hour for a reservation
