OPINION: This London restaurant was packed wall to wall but still delivered flawless service and standout dishes, proving why it’s one of the capital’s most talked-about dining spots
On a packed night in one of London’s busiest business districts, this place is absolutely rammed from wall to wall. The kind of busy where you expect chaos, slow service and maybe a bit of table confusion. Instead, what you get is the complete opposite. Dishoom in Canary Wharf sits tucked among the glass towers and skyscrapers of east London, right in the heart of the financial district, and it somehow manages to feel both buzzing and completely under control. Office crowds spill in after work, groups gather for long dinners and weekend diners fill every corner, yet the atmosphere never tips into stress. Instead it feels lively, warm and surprisingly smooth. This is the kind of place where sharing is encouraged, and we fully embraced it so we could try as much as possible. Plates arrive ready to be passed around, making it ideal for a proper catch-up where everyone gets stuck in.
What really stands out is the service. In a restaurant this busy, you’d normally expect things to slip, but it never does. A special shout out has to go to manager Naved and our server Alex, who bent over backwards to make our visit feel special. They kept everything flowing effortlessly and had us laughing throughout, adding to the overall experience. Here are some of our favourite highlights from the menu.
The Salli Boti is rich, comforting and packed with flavour. The lamb is incredibly tender and the sauce has a deep, warming spice, while the crispy topping adds a satisfying crunch. Paired with soft, buttery roti, it’s the kind of dish you keep going back to. The Prawn Koliwada is a lighter option but just as memorable. Each bite is crisp on the outside and juicy inside, with just the right level of spice. Perfect for dipping and dangerously easy to polish off.
The Saffron Cauliflower proves simple ingredients can still shine. Soft, slightly smoky and full of gentle spice, it’s one of those dishes that surprises you with how good it is. Dessert is not to be missed. The Dishoom Chocolate Pudding is rich and gooey in the middle, paired with a chilli-spiked ice cream that adds a subtle kick and stops it from being too sweet. By the end, we genuinely couldn’t rave about the place enough. From the food to the service to the atmosphere, it all comes together effortlessly. It definitely won’t be the last time we visit.
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