We were recently invited to check out the New Dishoom in Covent Garden, specifically, their stunning new spot in The Yards. Although I wasn’t specifically asked to do a Dishoom review, having included it in my most recent monthly round up I thought I’d expand upon the experience for anyone that was thinking about a visit.
After all, I took dozens of photos and it would be a shame not to share them, right?
If you haven’t been recently, Covent Garden isn’t quite what it used to be. Gone are the street performers with questionable juggling skills and the sticky-floored pubs that smelt like BO and regret by 4pm.
In this, the year 2025, Covent Garden is all bright murals, curated outdoor spaces, and very chic eateries with posh-looking brunch menus and painfully cool Instagram accounts. On a hot summer’s day, the lively atmosphere of The Yards pedestrianised area really gives that ‘being on holiday’ feeling. Which I imagine for a lot of the people visiting the area is exactly what it is.
Anyway, on to the important bit: Dishoom.
And this is, in all seriousness, a proper New Dishoom Covent Garden review, because I loved it.
When we arrived, there was a queue which was snaking out the door. I think this says a lot about the place, considering it was a scorcher of a day and people were still happily lining up for lunch even though you are absolutely spoiled for choice in The Yards.
Top tip if you fancy trying it: book ahead on their website. Otherwise, you’ll be joining that queue – the wait could be up to an hour – and their policy is that at least one person from the party stays and waits at the door. They’re awfully polite about it though.
It felt a bit naughty skipping the queue and strolling right in ahead of the tourists, but them’s the breaks – and luckily, we had a reservation on the veranda overlooking a seating area in The Yards. It was slightly shaded (thankfully, considering the sun was doing its best to turn London into a sauna) but the windows and roof were open enough to enjoy a bit of breeze and give that al fresco dining feel.
Genuinely, I think we had the best seats in the house; close enough to the action but far enough away to enjoy some people-watching with a cocktail in hand.
I did have a little look at the rest of the place and inside, there are two floors of seating.
The inside is very chic and art-deco with dozens of pot plants and interesting decor. It’s a great building and has been thoughtfully put together.
Downstairs is where the kitchen is open so you can see the chefs in action – I do like this in a restaurant. It shouts that they have nothing to hide.
It’s also where the loos are. In keeping with the rest of the place, they had genuine Thomas Crapper vintage loos! I took a picture and everything. I don’t usually make a habit of that.
What about the menu at Dishoom?
Dishoom serves up Bombay-inspired dishes; think classic curries, grilled meats, and small plates you’ll definitely order ‘for the table’ and then eat entirely yourself. It’s a bit of everything: street food, proper comfort food, and a few signature dishes you won’t find at your average curry house. The vibe is old-school Irani café meets London cool.
Dishoom’s menu is quite extensive and requires a bit of concentration (which I’m rubbish at!). This is exactly why I try to look on the menu before I go to a place – so I can have an idea of what I might want before I sit down, talk for 20 minutes and forget to look at the menu at all.
I ordered the Goan monkfish curry, which arrived looking vibrant and tasting even better. It’s not one for the spice-shy as it’s got a proper kick to it, but if you like your lunch with a bit of fire, you’ll love it.
The monkfish was beautifully cooked, tender with a good amount of a thin sauce. My boyfriend had the biryani, which I tried (for research purposes, obviously). It was good, but honestly? I wasn’t sharing my monkfish.
I couldn’t resist ordering the black lentil daal, which I still think about from my first Dishoom visit years ago. It may be listed as a side dish, but frankly, it deserves a main character role. Rich, creamy, packed with flavour; if you go, get the daal. And a roti to scoop it up. You won’t regret it.
And because it was lunchtime and I am a grown woman with complete control over my decisions (allegedly), I had a cocktail. It was delicious, served ice-cold and slightly slushie ; basically, all my favourite things in a glass.
I’d also like to give a quick shout-out to our waiter, who was distractingly attractive but also genuinely brilliant at his job. Friendly, helpful, and didn’t once let our water glasses run dry, which, on a hot day, is the kind of service that deserves a medal.
We didn’t get a bill (although I did ask for one so we could work out how much to tip) but I suspect that the meal would have been in the region of £100, as we only had one drink each and didn’t go mad on food because it was lunchtime and really hot out there.
An evening meal would probably set you back a bit more especially with a bottle of wine (or two). However it’s not massively pricey – especially for London – and it’s a classy place to go for a date night or special occasion.
So, would I go back? Absolutely. For the gorgeous food (especially for the daal), the exquisite slushy cocktails, and, let’s be honest, maybe for the waiter too.
Disclaimers
We were gifted lunch at the New Dishoom in Covent Garden in exchange for social media content, which you can see on Instagram and Facebook.
If you want to find out more about The Yards then they’re on Instagram, and there’s a website here. You can find out more about Dishoom and their various locations across good old London on their website.
If you love spice, great food, and a side of very good people-watching, go. Just don’t forget to book.