Dine out on 'light-filled' feasts for Diwali at these top London restaurants...

Bibi

The celebrated contemporary Indian restaurant from Chet Sharma is celebrating their first Diwali throughout the weekend of the 4th, 5th, and 6th November. Sharma – who has worked as a development chef for some of Europe’s most celebrated restaurants, among them the two-Michelin starred Mugaritz in San Sebastian and also Simon Rogan's iconic restaurant L’Enclume – will feature a duck special to run alongside their regular a la carte menu – showcasing dishes inspired both by Sharma’s travels around India and the food his grandmothers used to cook. The special sharing feast features a menu of confit duck leg shammi kebab, a milk bun stuffed with duck heart ghutwas kebab and a duck crown with awadhi brown sauce. At £95 the spread will serve between two and four guests, depending on what else you decide to order from the menu. Only be available via pre-order 48 hours in advance.. 

Jamavar

The fine dining Indian restaurant on Mount Street is celebrating Diwali this year with a series of candlelit feasts in collaboration with fragrance brand Jo Loves. The restaurant will be filled with an array of Jo Loves candles, surrounding diners whilst you enjoy a decadent three course feast called the ‘Trio of Love, Luck & Light’.  The luxurious menu includes dishes such as wild mushroom and black truffle khichdi, kumarakom seabass curry and Jamavar’s signature dal, achari gobhi with saffron infused pulao rice, boondi raita and breads. There’s a sommelier chosen wine pairing for each course. The Jamavar Trio of Love, Luck and Lights menu including wine pairings is priced at £99 and available Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th and Friday 5th of November.

Gymkhana

The Mayfair restaurant has been inspired by Indian gymkhana clubs, where members of high society socialise, dine, drink and play sport and serves contemporary, Michelin-starred rated Indian cuisine using seasonal British ingredients. Gymkhana will be celebrating Diwali for the first time since 2018 with a week-long celebration of the Festival of Lights from Monday 1st November. Executive Chef Sid Ajuha has created a Diwali Tasting Menu, featuring highlights such as Goan cafreal salmon tikka and munjtac biryani, pomegranate & mint raita, which will be served throughout the restaurant across the week. Dine in the main dining room or, for a secluded experience, Gymkhana’s two Private Dining vaults are available to book over the Diwali period for lunch and dinner - perfect for dinners with friends and family, seating groups of up to 8 and 10 respectively.

Cinnamon Kitchen City

Raju Ramachandran and Surendra Nathawat, chefs at Cinnamon Club are marking the festival with a huge 12-course Diwali dinner at Cinnamon Kitchen City. Highlights of the menu include Pomfret Amritsari, Punjabi-style fried pomfret darnes with red chilli and garlic; tandoori rabbit tikka with soola spices, kachri chutney; and main courses of Sri Lankan style chicken curry with pandan leaf and spices and Poosanikkai mor kulambu – red pumpkin with buttermilk and spices served with South Indian coriander rice, vegetable kootu and missi roti. Tickets cost £65 per person and includes a welcome drink. 

Dishoom

Dishoom is celebrating the festival of light with an all-day party at 93 Feet East in Shoreditch - on October 28 - with plenty of vegetarian fare and featuring a line-up of South Asian talent. During the day there’ll be family-friendly workshops on the story of Diwali and on Indian dancing, with a line-up of spoken word, live music, DJ sets and live art installations throughout the evening. Food is available to purchase throughout the evening. Pick from a special Diwali menu from Dishoom and tasty dosa from the fantastic Dosa Deli,who are rolling in especially for the occasion. Evening party tickets cost £12 per person and includes entrance, entertainment, activities, complimentary free-flowing chai and Mithai.