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The Tamil Prince

4.5
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

A vibrant Indian pub in Islington serving creative small plates, delicious roti, and unique curries in a cozy, laid-back setting.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better ambiance

CrowdMedium
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The Tamil Prince - Image 1

The Tamil Prince

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better ambiance

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Indian pub in Islington serving creative small plates, delicious roti, and unique curries in a cozy, laid-back setting.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"The food is unreal, and every single dish at The Tamil Prince was amazing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Your Table Early!

This place is super popular, so reservations are essential to avoid disappointment .

✨ Try the Small Plates

Don't miss the Indian small plates and roti – they're a major highlight .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Onion Bhajis

Onion Bhajis

Crispy, flavorful, and a must-try starter that impresses even the most discerning palates .

TikTok+2
Incredible Roti

Incredible Roti

Described as the softest ever, these rotis are the perfect accompaniment to any dish .

TikTokReddit+2
Lamb Chops

Lamb Chops

So good they're worth flying for, these chops are a standout dish that diners can't stop talking about .

TikTok
Masala Dosa

Masala Dosa

A delightful and flavorful dish, praised for its crunch and unique taste .

TikTokReddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead: It's a Popular Spot!

The Tamil Prince is incredibly popular, so booking a table in advance is highly recommended. Walk-ins might be possible but often mean outdoor seating, which can be chilly without heating or blankets.Reddit

Embrace the Small Plates

While they offer entrees, many visitors rave about the Indian small plates and roti. This is a great way to sample a variety of unique flavors.TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, better ambiance
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunday lunch
Why
Special roast menu
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Part 5 | TRYING NORTH LONDON’S FAMOUS DESI PUB 🇮🇳 🍛 Tamil Prince have established a reputation of class and it’s only been open for a couple of years. A former old pub has been refurbished to serve cracking Indian small plates and amazing roti’s. I wouldn’t say this comes across as a ‘boozer’, where you’ll go and stand onsite with a bees hive of people. It’s more of a restaurant and I imagine in ...
@eatingwithtod
114.7K likes • 2.3M views

🎯 Book Your Table Early!

This place is super popular, so reservations are essential to avoid disappointment.Reddit

✨ Try the Small Plates

Don't miss the Indian small plates and roti – they're a major highlight.TikTok+1

Sounding like a broken record but every single dish at The Tamil Prince was unreal 👏🏼 📍 Islington Other perks: • dog friendly • outdoor seating #londonfood #londonfoodie #londonfoodspots #londonfoodguide #londonfoodplaces #londonfoodblogger #londonfoodies #dogfriendlylondon #islingtonfood
@dinewithnadia
41.5K likes • 621.3K views
The Tamil Prince | Was this insanly popular Indian restaurant in North London worth the hype?? @The Tamil Prince 🥘 ABSOLUTELY YES! I was so impressed with every aspect if this meal. The flavours in each dish were nothing like i had tried in a London Indian restaurant before! We had: ~ Onion Bhaji’s (£7.50) ~ Masala Dosa (£11) ~ Thanjavur chicken curry (£13.50) ~ Channa bhatura with raita (£10.50)...
@ash_the_foodie
9.2K likes • 288.2K views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

Bring your furry friend along; they welcome dogs and have outdoor seating.TikTok

💰 Great Value for Money

Reasonably priced for the quality and acclaim, making it a good deal.TikTok

Our favorite restaurant from our London trip. From the team behind the wildly-popular Tamil Prince, we think this spot is just as good. We love their onion bhaji, all the curries, and their incredible roti. Even better, this spot is quite reasonably priced relative to other Indian restaurants with similar acclaim📍 The Tamil Crown (Islington, London) @the_tamil_crown . . . . . #indianrestaurant #lo...
@beli_eats
1.3K likes • 55.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Your Table Early!

This place is super popular, so reservations are essential to avoid disappointment.Reddit

✨ Try the Small Plates

Don't miss the Indian small plates and roti – they're a major highlight.TikTok+1

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

Bring your furry friend along; they welcome dogs and have outdoor seating.TikTok

💰 Great Value for Money

Reasonably priced for the quality and acclaim, making it a good deal.TikTok

🍸 Prince Cocktail is a Must

If you love cocktails, the Prince Cocktail is highly recommended.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Tamil Prince is a highly acclaimed restaurant praised for its exceptional Indian small plates and unique flavor combinations. Diners consistently highlight the delicious food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot in London. While some minor critiques exist, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to return.

"Have to make a reservation in advance as this place is popular! They have limited indoor table seating and have additional counter seating which I didnt mind and actually preferred. The decor and atmosphere is nice and cozy even if a little dark. The dining area is small but the small bar is cute. You get a warm welcome and great friendly service here, everything is explained to you, wait staff are attentive plus patient and that alone would bring me back.

The menu is not extensive but the food is delicious! The food came oit piping hot and fresh with no long waits. The Okra Fries and King Prawn Curry leaf dish was the highlight for me! So moreish and reminding me of my family elders cooking from my childhood. It was like that end scene from Ratatouille 😊 The paneer Masala was tasty and creamy, the lamb curry had nice chunks of meat, the coconut rice fluffy and flavoursome with decent portion sizes. Only downside for me personally was the chicken lollipop was a little dry and maybe a little pot of curry gravy would have gone well with it 🤔 The Mango Lassi was delicious and I loved having the Gulab Jamen warm.

Highly recommend a visit and I'm scheduling in a time to come back for the Sunday Roast I've heard so much about!"

Business Bob

"We were quickly seated as walk in at the counter. Service was great with quick explanations on what they’re known for for, what they recommend, etc. Food was brought out quickly and was amazing. The depth of flavour, the flakiness of the channa, the balance of sweet and sour in the laksa… would come back again!"

Frances L

"I first came here in 2023 with a friend and had such a great time that I knew I had to come back on my next trip to London. This restaurant is unreal, the food, the cocktails, the atmosphere & service is all so good. I loved it so much on this last recent trip I came back two nights in a row because I wanted to try other things on the menu. My favorite cocktail is the prince cocktail (probably the best cocktail i’ve had) and the roti is the softest i’ve ever had too. Can’t wait to come back again."

Chloe VP

What People Like

Exceptional small plates
Soft, flavorful roti
Attentive, friendly service

What People Dislike

Outdoor seating can be cold
Chicken lollipop dry

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tamil Prince is located in Islington, North London. It's accessible via public transport, with several bus routes serving the area. The nearest tube stations are typically Angel or Highbury & Islington, both requiring a short walk or bus ride. Many visitors arrive via Uber or taxi, especially if coming from further afield.TikTok

Street parking can be challenging in Islington. It's generally recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services to reach The Tamil Prince, as parking availability is limited and can be expensive.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, booking a table in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity. While walk-ins might be accommodated, they often result in outdoor seating, which may not be ideal without heating.Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. They are known for serving lunch and dinner, and also offer a special Sunday Roast.Reddit

Walk-ins are sometimes possible, but you might be seated at the counter or on outdoor benches. It's not guaranteed, and reservations are the surest way to secure a table, especially for indoor seating.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Diners consistently rave about the Onion Bhajis, the incredibly soft Roti, the flavorful Masala Dosa, and the standout Lamb Chops. Many also praise the Okra Fries and various curries for their depth of flavor.TikTokReddit+4

Yes, The Tamil Prince offers several delicious vegetarian options, including Paneer Masala and Masala Dosa, which are frequently recommended by diners.TikTokReddit+1

Absolutely! The menu is designed for sharing, with a focus on Indian small plates that are perfect for trying a variety of dishes with your dining companions.TikTok+1

The Tamil Prince is considered reasonably priced for its quality and acclaim, offering good value for money compared to other high-regarded Indian restaurants in London.TikTok

The Gulab Jamun is a popular dessert choice, often enjoyed warm. The Mango Lassi is also a refreshing and delicious option.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, The Tamil Prince offers a cozy and stylish ambiance with delicious-looking food, making it a great spot for photos. The dishes are often presented beautifully, and the interior has a warm, inviting feel.TikTok+1

Visiting during off-peak hours or weekday evenings might offer a less crowded environment for capturing photos. The lighting inside can be atmospheric, so consider how that might affect your shots.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Tamil Prince can be a great option for families, offering a vibrant atmosphere and dishes that appeal to various palates. While the focus is on small plates, there are options like the Paneer Masala and Masala Dosa that kids might enjoy.TikTok+1 The friendly and attentive service makes dining with children smoother, as staff are patient and happy to explain the menu.Reddit It's advisable to book in advance, especially for larger family groups, to ensure you get a suitable table.

Consider ordering a variety of small plates to share, allowing everyone to try different flavors. The Roti is a safe bet for picky eaters, and the Gulab Jamun dessert is a sweet treat that most children will love.Reddit The restaurant's cozy ambiance can be enjoyable for families, though it's worth noting that some areas might be a bit dimly lit.

💰 Budget Travelers

While not the cheapest eats in London, The Tamil Prince offers excellent value for the quality of food and experience. The small plates format allows you to control your spending by ordering only what you want to try, and sharing dishes can significantly reduce individual costs.TikTok Focusing on their highly-praised Roti and a couple of signature small plates like the Onion Bhajis can make for a satisfying and relatively affordable meal.TikTok+2

To maximize value, consider visiting during off-peak hours when the atmosphere might be slightly more relaxed. While drinks can add to the bill, opting for water or a shared Mango Lassi can help keep costs down. The overall consensus is that the unique flavors and high-quality ingredients justify the prices, making it a worthwhile splurge for many budget-conscious travelers seeking an exceptional culinary experience.TikTok

couples

The Tamil Prince offers a wonderfully intimate and atmospheric setting for a date night. The cozy decor, warm lighting, and buzzing yet not overwhelming ambiance create a perfect backdrop for conversation and shared culinary exploration.TikTokReddit The small plates concept is ideal for couples, allowing you to sample a diverse range of flavors together and discover new favorites side-by-side.

Don't miss out on their signature cocktails, like the highly recommended 'Prince Cocktail,' to add a touch of celebratory flair to your evening.Reddit The attentive and friendly service ensures a seamless dining experience, allowing you to focus on each other and the delicious food. Booking in advance is crucial to secure a table, especially for a romantic evening out.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tamil Prince Experience: Beyond the Plate

The Tamil Prince is more than just a restaurant; it's a refurbished former pub that blends traditional Indian flavors with a laid-back, modern pub atmosphere.TikTok Visitors often note the cozy and inviting decor, though some mention it can be a bit dark.Reddit The open kitchen provides a fascinating glimpse into the culinary action, adding to the dining experience.Reddit It's a place that feels both classic and contemporary, making it a unique spot in North London.

Service at The Tamil Prince is consistently praised. Staff are described as warm, friendly, attentive, and patient, always ready to explain the menu and offer recommendations.Reddit This welcoming approach, combined with the delicious food, creates a memorable dining experience. Even when seated outdoors, the staff are noted for their attentiveness.Reddit This focus on hospitality is a key reason why many guests, like those who have visited multiple times, feel compelled to return.Reddit

While the food is the star, the overall vibe contributes significantly. It's a place where you can enjoy exceptional Indian small plates and curries in a relaxed setting. It's not a typical 'boozer' where you stand around; instead, it offers a comfortable dining experience, whether you're at an indoor table, counter seating, or even the outdoor benches.TikTokReddit The restaurant is also dog-friendly, adding to its appeal for a wider range of visitors.TikTok

Navigating the Menu: Small Plates & Big Flavors

The menu at The Tamil Prince is a curated selection of Indian small plates and entrees, with a strong emphasis on unique flavor combinations that set it apart from typical London Indian restaurants.TikTok Many diners recommend focusing on the small plates, as they offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the breadth of the kitchen's creativity. Dishes like the Onion Bhajis are universally lauded for their perfect crispiness and flavor.TikTok+2

Beyond the starters, specific dishes receive high praise. The Lamb Chops are a standout, described as exceptionally tender and flavorful, even warranting a trip to London for some.TikTok The Masala Dosa is another favorite, appreciated for its satisfying crunch and authentic taste.TikTok+1 For those who enjoy seafood, the King Prawn Curry leaf dish is a must-try, evoking nostalgic childhood flavors.Reddit The Roti is consistently highlighted as being exceptionally soft and a perfect vehicle for soaking up delicious curries.TikTokReddit+1

While the menu isn't extensive, each item is crafted with care. Even dishes that might have minor critiques, like a slightly dry chicken lollipop, are still part of a highly enjoyable meal.Reddit The drinks menu also features standouts, with the 'Prince Cocktail' being a particular favorite for its unique taste.Reddit Desserts like the warm Gulab Jamun and refreshing Mango Lassi round off the meal perfectly.Reddit