Punjab Indian Restaurant image

Punjab Indian Restaurant

Restaurant Family restaurant Vegetarian restaurant Indian restaurant Vegan restaurant Indian takeaway Punjabi restaurant North eastern indian restaurant Homeless service

One of the Most Reviewed Punjabi restaurants in London


Address

80 Neal St, London WC2H 9PA, United Kingdom

Website

www.punjab.co.uk

Contact

+44 20 7836 9787

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (3.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (21) service (18) great (17) London (17) Indian (16) restaurant (14) time (12) staff (11) amazing (11) delicious (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Andrea S. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious! Food is great perfectly prepared, flavorful and tasty! Service is very good, very friendly and attentive. Ambience is nice with nice tables and great setting. The food took a little while to arrive but I think it is because was made to order. When we left at 8pm there was a big line outside, so it is better to arrive early.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris W. 1 year ago on Google
    Outstanding Indian food in the heart of London. Like most restaurants located in very old central London buildings, space is at a premium. But it does not feel cramped. The ambiance is exceptional. The service was very good and the Chicken Madras was pretty darn tasty as well. For a central London dining location, the prices were reasonable as well.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dan Z. 6 months ago on Google • 188 reviews
    A London institution and reliable option in the center of town. Punjab has been around for ages and for good reason - the food is consistent and comforting, service is no nonsense, and you know what you’re going to get. I guess that’s also the restaurant’s downfall - nothing is really outstanding, and the mad rush of people at dinner time means you get very little attention, often after a long wait in line just to get a table. The dishes themselves come out quickly once you’re seated, though, and there’s lots of veggie and non-spicy options too - we had lamb curry, baingan bharta, and palak paneer, as well as roti, rice and chai. We also had some very yummy carrot halwa for dessert. The one disappointment was the samosas - the pastry case was stale and bready rather than the flaky shortcrust one expects. As for the atmosphere, the design is vintage but clean, and while the service is efficient, it’s not particularly kind, and the staff don’t bother much with making small talk or recommendations. This might suit some people just fine, but it made us feel rushed. I’d definitely come back, but I wouldn’t stay long.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luca P. 2 years ago on Google
    Oh guys, this is simply the best Indian restaurant in London!! The oldest in Britain, from 1946!!! The place is full of history, pictures of the big family are all over the dining room. Clean and tidy, staff is amazing, polite and kind! But let's talk about the food. Had a mint chicken, spicy lamb and cheese naan. Meat was juicy, tasty, simply delicious. Good balance of spices, and lamb wasn't dry. If you want to eat proper Indian food, this is the place to go in. Highly recommended.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dal 2 years ago on Google
    Showed up for a walk-in, late after attending a West End show. Was intrigued with it being the oldest Panjabi restaurant in the UK. Turned out to be a great family meal. We're used to better in the Midlands, but this was definitely the best meal I've had in London so far.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ls C. 8 months ago on Google • 247 reviews
    Authentic North Indian food at Camden area - service is good, the server arranged seating in a more quiet area for us to enjoy our dinner (away from the noisy side). Food is tasty and not oily/overly thick gravy. Chicken Tikka on fire display is a first I have experienced - really enjoy the experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yogendra N. 1 year ago on Google • 114 reviews
    The place is good and also has some great reviews. We ordered starters and they were just amazing. We loved the pakoras and the samosas. They are really worth trying. However the main curries weren't as good as expected. The Nan was good. The service from the staff was good. But the staff came too frequently to the table giving you an impression that they want you to order quickly, eat quickly and leave early. May be that's to avoid the rush. Other than that, it's a good experience to have.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 marvelwhopesdc 4 months ago on Google • 70 reviews
    Went here for a meal and had a lovely time. Not as expensive as you might expect from somewhere in this locality, but they will get you with the sides which, for a curry place, is to be expected. Little cramped getting in and out of the table, but aside from that spacing was fine. Music was a weird mix of modern hits performed by, from what i can tell, a copyright free singer, but wasnt obnoxiously loud like some places. Overall would recommend if looking for a curry in this part of London, although can be quite busy so i would recommend booking in advance.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joe G. 4 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    Great tasting food with the complexity desired in curry. The service was excellent as they didn’t rush me at all, but as soon as I finished a dish they were watching and delivered my next. Unfortunately I was eating lunch, so eat fairly lightly. I hope to return and try more dishes.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 E H. 4 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    First off the bat, these are the worst food pics I've taken, and unfortunately they don't do justice to the lovely, lovely food. It was just right in terms of spicy-ness, which is highly subjective, but it's not the kind of place that takes pride in melting your insides with fiery lava. They tell you when you order how hot each food is, and they can make it more intense for you if you feel brave. The service was reasonable albeit a bit clumsy (a bit entertaining, if anything) but overall good. If there's something* I'd really complain about, it's the price. But I guess the location has a bit to do with that, there's loads of nice things to do around. *I'd also complain about the quality of the pics I've taken, but that's on me, so let's skip this bit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joaquin M. 1 month ago on Google • 148 reviews New
    Excellent Punjab indian food. Had the tandoor chicken and tikka masala, washed down with cobra beer, just great. The service is good and everyone is friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Shreya D. 1 year ago on Google
    Honestly, not a great place if you are looking for vegan or vegetarian options. The space was very compact, leaving very less space for people to walk around the table. Service was okay, nothing great. I have been to better Indian restaurants in London and UK so found this overrated.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Jianyi N. 8 months ago on Google
    The service could be improved as they did not seem to want to explain things on the menu to us. They serve very fast. However, we felt it was because food wasn’t freshly cooked. I ordered the eggplant dish and my friend ordered a lamb dish. Neither of us enjoyed them. My eggplant wasn’t wet warm when served and soon got very cold under their AC. Not very flavorful either. We ordered cheese naan as well, which didn’t have a strong cheese flavor either.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chollnalat Nelle T. 2 years ago on Google
    This is amazing !!!!!!! It was our first time visit this place and It was delicious to the point that we ordered extra curry and nan. Will definitely go back. I normally do not leave reviews but this place I have to log in and write the review to support you guys. Thanks to both back of house and front of house. You made our day. 😊😊
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aziz D. 1 year ago on Google
    Been hearing about Punjab Restaurant and its history for years. Finally was fortunate to visit and try out their food - If you are local please do try it out I highly recomend the restaurant and if you are visiting then its should be a must on your to do list.... my recomendation would be Butter Chicken bone-in, lamb shami kebab, acharri murgha - Food is very flavourful and spice level is just perfect. When you are in the restaurant try to look at those photos on the wall it carries lot of historic images
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonah L. 1 year ago on Google
    We ordered 3 different curries of different spice levels, and they were so fantastic. We were stuffed at the end of our meal. The vibes of the restaurant are really great and I’m surprised it wasn’t more crowded. Prices were good for what you get.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ziad I. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the best Indian restaurant I have been to in London. The food is great, the staff are very polite, the atmosphere is nice and the location, very close to Covent Garden station. The menu has many options for vegetarians and non vegetarians. I loved the old pictures on the walls.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Farnoosh B. 4 months ago on Google • 219 reviews
    Delicious Indian food with a lot of history and pride in the long standing restaurant. Service and food excellent, no wait at 5pm before our theatre show and also, the butter chicken was as amazing as promised. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Taila E. 2 years ago on Google
    Punjab is one of my favorite Indian restaurants in London! Each time I'm in town, I go there for dinner and I'm never disappointed. The food is amazing, special mention to the cheese naan and the Butter chicken! All the dishes I tried were so good!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fang L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food and fast service. Chicken wings are great and so are the main dish that we ordered (chicken and lamb). Price is very reasonable as well. Recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William S. 1 year ago on Google
    A great walk in place with amazing food and nice staff. The food came out quick and hot. The flavors were amazing and everything came out perfect. The staff were friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for delicious and authentic Indian cuisine! I will definitely be back for more!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Reet K. 4 months ago on Google
    We went Friday night for the first time , because it’s been established since 1946 so we love to see the history Food wasn’t great We order Mix grill Fish pakora and aloo tiki roll All three dishes we’re disappointing And then we order for the main We order chicken curry ( not cooked properly ) Yellow daal was fine Naan and raita Salad Rasmalai for dessert was like cold milk added on top of We can have better rasmalai from Sainsbury’s Masala chai was boiled water added spices in it ; ( people who knows about the taste they won’t like any of these items ) However all over service was ok but they ask you to order everything on same time ,instead of starter first then main Price was reasonable Atmosphere was great very busy as it supposed to be (because it’s old Indian restaurant )
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sunny S. 3 months ago on Google • 63 reviews New
    Great place good food ( a bit bland if you're used to punjabi food but perfect for friends or work meets), very good service, nice added touch of the heaters outside when in the queue. Very nice atmosphere although not sure I approve of the Christmas music.

  • 5/5 Anthony S. 1 month ago on Google • 52 reviews New
    This place is always busy, but well worth the wait. I’ve been in several times now, usually in a group- they can always accommodate you somehow. Last time I had the Methi Gosht with a Bullet Nan and I must say it was absolutely spectacular, one of the best curries I’ve ever had - no residual oil anywhere- although I’d advise against the Bullet Nan if you were on a date- it’s seriously garlicky and a little bit hot. Really good.

  • 5/5 Lloyd Mac L. 1 year ago on Google
    First diner for my girlfriend and i when we came in London, and it was directly the best we’ve had these days. The Chicken butter and Lamb Korma was amazing, really prefer these dishes! Service was really good and they were around all the time. The Restaurant itself is cozy and warm. For sure coming back to this place when we come back to London. Thank you!

  • 5/5 Shahnaz 2 years ago on Google
    Every dish was delicious. My friends and i tried vegetarian dishes as well as lamb and chicken. Every mouthful was exquisite. The waiters were so helpful, kind and so nice. This is the 2nd time i've been here and would recommend this place time and time again.

  • 5/5 Elisa R. 2 years ago on Google
    Simply my favourite restaurant in London. The food is amazing, the place is super nicely decorated with old photos and information about the place and the staff is very polite. My go-to food is always lamb korma and cheese naan... No other restaurant is as delicious as Punjab. Thank you for all the times you've fulfilled my expectations!

  • 5/5 Gabriel N. 2 years ago on Google
    Been here few times and I get surprised every time. Very calm and familiar atmosphere, super clean and tidy, food is delicious and excellent presentation. If you're in Central London and looking for a great culinary experience, this place is for you. 10 out of 10

  • 5/5 Daisy P. 2 years ago on Google
    This was one of the better Indian restaurants I’ve been to. The food was just the perfect amount of spice. Wide selection of vegetarian food. The only complaint was that you have to pay separately for the rice, but it wasn’t too bad. I highly recommend the cheese naan. Overall, I would definitely go back.

  • 5/5 Mike W. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic service from all staff Very quickly seated and very good food. Worth a visit. Have now been here twice, I have to say this is some of the best service received by all staff. Attention to every detail. Once again, food was fantastic.

  • 5/5 yitz w. 1 year ago on Google
    High quality Indian food! Everything tasted delicious and authentic. The service was great. It's very hard to book online so I recommend to just show up and walk in, you might get lucky.

  • 5/5 Deval P. 1 year ago on Google
    Food is very tasty especially Paneer Butter Masala and amritsari chole. Kaddu (pumpkin) puri is a unique dish to be tried. The rose lassi is must try. Vegetable biryani is tasty as well. I searched for Punjabi restaurant in London and got this recommendation which is apt for the good Punjabi food in London. The food is bit overpriced (for 2 with starter, main course, dessert it was 💷 67) but worth the taste.

  • 5/5 Jane T. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was brilliant. Butter chicken was the best. The Indian dessert was very impressive. Very good service.

  • 5/5 Andrell L. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a delicious meal. Staff was very patient explaining foods. Tried a custom item and it was great! My only thing is to mention is that the butter chicken comes on the bone and if you use your fingers, they will stain! The naan was amazing

  • 5/5 Vic D. 2 years ago on Google
    Looking for Indian - Punjabi food with nice spice?? Search ends here. I been here many times and always the best. Sometimes there is lineup to get in. Amazing food, staff, location.

  • 5/5 Sagar C. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic place to enjoy authentic and delicious North India food. Welcoming place with a homely feel. Be sure to read their history on the back of one of their menus.

  • 5/5 Vish B. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best Indian restaurants in the city I have ever tried. Tastes amazing. Place is super cozy. Staffs are polite and helpful. Authentic punjabi dishes. One of the oldest Indian restaurants. Was direct walk-in and was surprised and fulfilled our expectations. Will be go to restaurant whenever I’m around Covent garden.

  • 5/5 P D. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    A great place to eat authentic Punjabi food. Staff exceptionally polite and the service was impeccable. Anyone coming to London should visit this restaurant with its history and talk to the owner who is utterly charming. If you like good food, excellent customer service then The Punjab delivers it to you in an effortless manner. The decor some would say is vintage and not like some of the more newer restaurants. To this I would say The Punjab is like a fine vintage wine that just gets better with age. Definitely shall be visiting again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +44 20 7836 9787 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Free water refills
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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