There are few restaurants that gloriously etch themselves into your mind long after you leave, and Colonel Saab is one of these. Dining at this glorious culinary haven in Trafalgar Square was a delightful journey through India’s rich and varied culture, and an experience my wife, our baby boy Xavier, and I will long remember. As fans of Indian cuisine and evocative spaces, we were already familiar with the original Colonel Saab restaurant in Holborn, which is housed in the historic former Holborn Town Hall. That visit left a lasting impression on us—not just because of the refined food, but also the immersive atmosphere that seemed to transport us straight into a curated museum of India’s artistry and storytelling. So, when we heard that a second site had opened in the heart of Trafalgar Square, we were eager to return to the world that Colonel Saab has so elegantly created.
The Trafalgar Square outpost carries forward the same ethos of refined indulgence and cultural homage, but on a grander scale. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the front-of-house team, who instantly made us feel at home—even with a baby in tow. Their attentiveness was genuine and unintrusive, offering a high chair for Xavier to also enjoy his exciting dinner.
What truly sets Colonel Saab apart is its decor—an intricate, curated celebration of India’s eclectic heritage. Every corner of the restaurant is steeped in narrative. Glittering Firozabad chandeliers cast a warm, golden hue over antique artefacts collected during the charming founder Roop Partap Choudhary’s family travels across the subcontinent. There are hand-carved temple doors from South India, a pure silver door once belonging to a temple in Gujarat, ornate Persian silk carpets, and vibrant Tanjore paintings. These aren’t just props—they’re pieces of history, lovingly placed in a space that functions as both restaurant and living museum.
Roop Partap Choudhary, the talented and warm natured man behind Colonel Saab, has brought a deeply personal vision to life. The restaurants are inspired by his travels across India with his parents—his father, Colonel Manbeer Choudhary, and his mother, Mrs. Binny Choudhary. With a background in luxury hospitality and a keen eye for detail, Roop has created a true homage to India, blending the sensory pleasures of regional cuisine with a visual celebration of the country’s artistic traditions. His passion and respect for Indian culture resonate clearly in both locations and it is truly wonderful to see.
We began our meal with a selection of chaats—street food-inspired dishes bursting with texture and flavour. The Khubani Aloo Tikki Chaat, a medley of crisp potato patties, tangy apricots, tangy chutneys, and spiced chickpeas, offered a perfectly balanced explosion of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The Noor Mahal Chicken Tikka, one of the house specials, was beautifully marinated and grilled to perfection—tender and deeply aromatic.
For mains, we opted for the Sunday Lamb Curry, a rich Punjabi preparation that simmered slowly in a medley of warming spices. The meat was melt-in-the-mouth, and the depth of flavour spoke to hours of careful preparation. We paired it with Gutti Vankaya, a classic from Andhra Pradesh featuring baby aubergines cooked in a tangy tamarind and peanut gravy—earthy, bold, and utterly delicious. Everything was served with an array of sides, including soft, fluffy naan and fragrant basmati rice.
There was also a delightful children’s section of the menu which offered actual healthy food (not just fried things in breadcrumbs like most restaurants). Our little foodie was extremely gleeful after devouring the Grilled Cream Chicken with some pillowy soft basmati rice.
Dessert was no afterthought here. The Rasmalai Milk Cake, soaked in cardamom-spiced cream and topped with boondi caviar, was both indulgent and subtly fragrant. Meanwhile, the Mishti Doi Cheesecake, a clever fusion of Bengali sweet yoghurt and Western-style cheesecake, ended our meal on a harmonious note.
Our time at Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square was every bit as joyous as our first visit to Holborn—if not more so. The new location retains the intimacy and soul of the original while embracing the grandeur and bustle of central London. For me, it definitely is the best Indian restaurant in London – and I have dined at many. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, an indulgent family lunch, or simply an escape into the rich tapestry of Indian heritage, Colonel Saab offers something truly special. It’s a love letter not just to India, but to the art of storytelling through food, evocative space, and exceptional service.
