Best Restaurants in Hackney for Authentic Indian Food in London

Hackney's Indian Restaurant: An Unforgettable Food Adventure
When talking about the best Indian restaurants in London, the West End and Brick Lane frequently come up. Insiders, however, would tell you that Hackney has some of the city's finest Indian eateries — with Rao's leading the way.
Rao's is an authentic dining destination that brings the essence of North Indian cuisine to East London. Tradition is the foundation of our kitchen: carefully chosen herbs and spices, techniques that honour the craft of Indian cooking, and recipes that have been passed down through generations. From the first aroma that greets you at the door to the final satisfying bite, every element of Rao's experience is designed to transport you.
Why We're Considered One of Hackney's Best Restaurants
We take pride in being part of Hackney's competitive and exciting dining scene. Earning a place among Hackney's top restaurants means being consistently great — and that is what we at Rao's strive for every single day.
What gives us our reputation? It starts in the kitchen. Our chefs bring deep knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every dish, combining the finest fresh ingredients with traditional North Indian recipes. The result is food that is both boldly flavourful and deeply rooted in culinary tradition.
But it's not just about the food. Every aspect of the Rao's experience has been carefully considered — from the vibrant, sophisticated dining environment to the attentive hospitality that makes every guest feel truly at home. A great restaurant, in our view, feeds the spirit as much as the appetite.
That's why locals keep coming back, and why visitors make Rao's a destination in its own right.
Hackney Central Restaurants You Shouldn't Miss
If you're looking for a great place to eat while exploring Hackney Central, Rao's should be at the top of your list. In a neighbourhood already full of distinctive dining concepts, Rao's stands out for its unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality.
Among the restaurants in Hackney Central worth visiting, Rao's offers something truly exceptional: the richness and warmth of North Indian food, served in a setting that feels special without ever being stuffy. Whether it's a milestone celebration or a relaxed weeknight supper, Rao's always rises to the occasion.
Don't just take our word for it — come and experience the difference for yourself.
What Makes Rao's Stand Out
Authenticity, atmosphere, and soul — these are the three pillars of everything Rao's does.
Nowhere are these values more evident than in our tandoor dishes. From succulent seekh kebabs and juicy tandoori chicken to perfectly charred naan breads, our tandoor specialities are cooked at high heat in a traditional clay oven — giving them the distinct smokiness and depth of flavour that only authentic tandoor cooking can produce. This is the kind of food that reminds you why Indian cuisine is celebrated the world over.
Pair that with our vibrant, sophisticated dining room and a team that genuinely cares about your experience, and you have a restaurant that doesn't just satisfy — it excites.

From Dine-In to Indian Takeaway – We Serve It All
At Rao's, we believe that great Indian food should be accessible — wherever and however you choose to enjoy it.
Our dine-in experience is the heart of what we do. Step into our upscale, vibrant restaurant and let us take care of everything — the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, and the service. Whether it's a date night, a family gathering, or a celebratory meal with friends, dining in at Rao's is an experience worth savouring.
And when you can't make it to us, we bring the flavours of Rao's to you. Our Indian takeaway service is prepared with the same care and quality as our dine-in menu — because great food shouldn't be compromised by the container it arrives in. Every dish is packed fresh, full of flavour, and ready to enjoy at home.
From a quiet night in with our signature curries to a full evening out in our restaurant, Rao's has every occasion covered.
Experience the Best Indian Food in Hackney at Rao's
Hackney deserves great Indian food — and Rao's is proud to deliver it. From our flame-kissed tandoor dishes to our rich, aromatic curries, every plate we serve is a testament to the power of authentic cooking done with love.
If you're looking for the best Indian restaurant in Hackney, your search is over.
Come hungry. Leave happy. That's Rao's promise.
Visit us in Hackney, East London — and taste what authentic Indian food is truly meant to be.
At Rao's, we believe Hackney deserves the very best — and that's exactly what we set out to deliver every single day. Our food is rooted in the rich traditions of North Indian cooking, our atmosphere is warm and full of life, and our team genuinely cares about every guest who walks through our doors. We're not just a restaurant in Hackney; we're part of the neighbourhood's fabric. Whether you're a longtime local or discovering us for the first time, we welcome you with open arms and a menu we're incredibly proud of. Come and experience what authentic Indian food in East London truly tastes like — Rao's is ready when you are.