Colaba

You're walking up West End Lane in West Hampstead and you'll spot Colaba tucked away with the kind of understated entrance that makes you wonder how it's racked up nearly 1,900 five-star reviews. Inside, it's warm and unfussy—exposed brick, ambient lighting, the sort of room where everyone seems genuinely happy to be there. The cooking cuts through the noise. This isn't trying to be anything other than excellent Indian food done properly, with fresh spices and proper technique that you can actually taste. The sort of place where you'll overhear the couple next to you making their next booking before they've even finished eating.