Vatavaran in Knightsbridge is London’s newest and buzziest Indian restaurant.

In a city teeming with Indian restaurants, Vatavaran emerges as a breath of fresh air in London’s culinary landscape, offering an experience that transcends the conventional. This ambitious newcomer to Knightsbridge doesn’t just serve food, but creates an immersive journey through the Himalayas, with its very name (meaning “atmosphere” in Sanskrit) setting the stage for what unfolds within its four thoughtfully designed levels.

Where many London Indian restaurants focus solely on regional cuisines or modern interpretations of classic dishes, Vatavaran takes a boldly different approach. The restaurant’s unique concept, brought to life by founders Rohit Gai and Abhi Sangwan in collaboration with Newcastle’s Collective Design, transforms dining into a multi-sensory expedition through the varied elevations of the Himalayas.

Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai (left) and hospitality expert Abhishake “Abhi” Sangwan (right) are the experts behind this restaurant.

Details of Vatavaran’s Aesthetic

The journey begins at ground level, where the restaurant captures the essence of Himalayan valley streams. Here, carefully chosen blue tones dance across custom wallpapers and curated artwork, creating an atmosphere that soothes and refreshes. Close your eyes and envision the mountain waters and the serene nature of the mountains.

Ascending to the mezzanine, guests encounter the Orangery – a bright, airy space that mirrors the mountain ridges of the Himalayas. This level brings the kitchen into focus, with an open design that turns meal preparation into theater. The interplay of natural light and culinary craftsmanship creates an engaging atmosphere that connects diners with both the food and its creators. Interested in how your dish is being prepared? Now you can get a first row seat to the entire experience.

The first floor reveals yet another facet of the Himalayan landscape, where green accents evoke the mountain forests. This more formal dining space strikes a delicate balance between sophistication and comfort. White linen-ed tables stand in elegant contrast to exposed brick walls draped with heavy curtains, creating intimate spaces perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.

Each level of London’s hottest new restaurant Vatavaran is inspired by the Himalayas.

The culmination of this vertical voyage is Shikar (the peak bar), the summit-inspired cocktail lounge that crowns the building. Here, the designers have masterfully captured the drama of Himalayan peaks through deep red hues, intentional velvet furnishings, and cleverly designed lighting. The piece de resistance is a textured, reflective ceiling that mimics the glisten of snow-capped mountains, creating an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and transportive.

Whether or not you’ve been to India before doesn’t matter. Here, in the heart of Knightsbridge, you get a glimpse of the Himalayas at your fingertips.

The Culinary Magic of Vatavaran

Under the masterful guidance of Chef Ghai, whose culinary prowess has graced prestigious establishments from Marrakech’s Rivayat to London’s celebrated Gymkhana, Vatavaran presents a menu that reads like a love letter to both traditional Indian cuisine and Himalayan innovation. The restaurant doesn’t just showcase dishes, but it tells stories through flavors, connecting diners to the rare, indigenous ingredients of the Himalayan region while honoring classic Indian preparations.

Start your meal with a cocktail from the well-designed beverage program crafted by Sangwan. It’s here that India’s beloved sweet treats are transformed into sophisticated libations. Imagine sipping on a cocktail that captures the essence of gulab jamun, expertly balanced with spiced rum, or experiencing the warmth of cardamom-infused whisky playing off the nutty notes of besan ladoo.

“Creating a cocktail menu inspired by the incredible sweet delicacies of India has been a dream project, and I am thrilled to be introducing cocktails in this unique form to London,” says Sangwan.

Foodies have a few key pan-Indian dishes to look forward to like the robata-grilled wild tiger prawns or the slow-cooked lamb shank biryani. Street food enthusiasts will find solace in the Amritsari kulche and choley, elevated here to fine dining status while maintaining their soul-satisfying charm. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, do not fret. The courgette masala paired with tadka dal and pulao is a hearty, yet elevated meal. Don’t forget to add the papadoms for an added crunch.

Dig into the biryani, one of Vatavaran’s must-try dishes.

Street food options are abundant at Vatavaran but are presented in an elevated manner.

The dessert menu reveals Ghai’s playful side, with creations that challenge expectations. The heritage carrot cake with cashews is crunch, sweet , and decadent, or you can opt for a mango malai cheesecake made with alphonso mangoes and garnished with pink peppercorn.

If you’re feeling up for it, end the exquisite meal with a visit to the top-floor Shikar bar. Here, the menu takes the form of a deck of cards, an interactive approach to mixology, combined with the possibility of having your creation immortalized on future menus.

In a city where Indian restaurants often compete through their interpretations of traditional dishes or claims of authenticity, Vatavaran charts its own path by creating an environment that transforms dining into exploration.