Spice.Smoke.Soul.
Modern Indian.
Dalston.
Scroll to begin your experience
Discover a dining experience where every dish tells a story
A fusion of culinary artistry, sustainability, and unmatched ambiance.
Nestled in the heart of Dalston, Rao's blends the rich flavours of traditional Indian recipes with contemporary flair. We source locally, cook with care, and pour with passion - crafting every moment into a memory.
Indian Fusion
Rooted in centuries of culinary wisdom, refined by a contemporary Dalston kitchen.
Locally Sourced
Seasonal produce from trusted suppliers. Every plate an honest story of provenance.
Craft Cocktails
Where great food and great drinks bring people closer together.
Outdoor Space
String lights, yellow parasols, and evenings that linger.
What Makes Us, Us
Four principles.
One unforgettable experience.
Every dish, every pour, every moment - crafted with intention. Come experience it yourself.
Reserve Your TableFrom Our Kitchen
Signature Dishes
Delhi Wala Butter Chicken
Tandoor-charred chicken folded into a velvety tomato-butter sauce, finished with cream and a slow simmer.
Flame Kissed Lamb Chops
Nizami Chicken Dum Biryani
Coastal Tandoori Prawns
From Our Gallery
Every Corner Tells a Story
Step inside — light, warmth, and flavour in every frame.
What Our Guests Say
From first visits to long-standing rituals - the people who know Rao's best.
Still licking my chops! Delicious food. The Lamb Bhuna was very tasty, albeit spicy. Pilau rice, fluffy and fragrant. Butter naan, a little crispier than I'm used to but tasty nonetheless. The mixed tandoori grill was a sizzling feast of meats and onions. The starter came within 10 minutes, and the main meal about 7 mins after. Very generous portions. The music was loud but set the atmosphere and we didn't have to shout to make ourselves heard. Will definitely return to try other dishes on the menu as we enjoyed every one we ate.
Wow, I just had an awesome meal at Rao's! The food was tasty and looked appetizing too. The girl serving was lovely and welcoming. It's a cute little find. The butter chicken with garlic naan was delicious! I'll be back! ;)
Really nice to find somewhere that does decent Indo-Chinese food. The chicken 65, lamb croquettes and chicken lollipops were all really good. Service was really friendly too - will definitely be returning!
I ate here today with my girlfriend. Excellent value for money. Delicious dishes for a fair price, and a very sweet waitress. I would recommend the piri-piri chicken. We'll definitely be back.
Still licking my chops! Delicious food. The Lamb Bhuna was very tasty, albeit spicy. Pilau rice, fluffy and fragrant. Butter naan, a little crispier than I'm used to but tasty nonetheless. The mixed tandoori grill was a sizzling feast of meats and onions. The starter came within 10 minutes, and the main meal about 7 mins after. Very generous portions. The music was loud but set the atmosphere and we didn't have to shout to make ourselves heard. Will definitely return to try other dishes on the menu as we enjoyed every one we ate.
Wow, I just had an awesome meal at Rao's! The food was tasty and looked appetizing too. The girl serving was lovely and welcoming. It's a cute little find. The butter chicken with garlic naan was delicious! I'll be back! ;)
Really nice to find somewhere that does decent Indo-Chinese food. The chicken 65, lamb croquettes and chicken lollipops were all really good. Service was really friendly too - will definitely be returning!
I ate here today with my girlfriend. Excellent value for money. Delicious dishes for a fair price, and a very sweet waitress. I would recommend the piri-piri chicken. We'll definitely be back.
Beyond the Plate
There's always more to Rao's. Private events, moments captured, stories told - explore what makes us home.
Stay in the Loop
Get recipes, event announcements, and stories delivered to your inbox.
Open Tonight in Dalston
Rao's is an Indian fusion restaurant and cocktail bar on Dalston Lane, right in the heart of Hackney. We cook from scratch every day tandoori grills, slow-cooked curries, Indo-Chinese fire wok specials and our bar team builds every cocktail around real Indian spices and botanicals, not premixes. Out back, there's a beer garden with string lights and yellow parasols, two minutes from Hackney Downs station, and it's the kind of outdoor space that makes a Friday evening in East London feel genuinely good. We're open seven days a week. If you've been looking for a great Indian restaurant in Dalston, or somewhere in Hackney worth making a reservation for, come on in.