Cinnamon Bazaar stands as one of London's most distinctive contemporary Indian dining destinations, blending traditional flavors with innovative presentation. Situated in the heart of Covent Garden, this restaurant has established itself as a go-to location for authentic yet modern Indian cuisine since its opening. The establishment captures the essence of Indian marketplaces through its colorful decor and energetic atmosphere while maintaining refined dining standards.
Location and Accessibility
Positioned in central London at 33-34 Great Queen Street, Cinnamon Bazaar enjoys excellent accessibility for both locals and visitors. The restaurant sits just steps away from Covent Garden Piazza, making it easily reachable via multiple transportation options. Holborn Underground station (Central and Piccadilly lines) is the closest tube stop, approximately a 3-minute walk away. Russell Square and Tottenham Court Road stations also provide convenient access within a 7-10 minute walk. For those driving, limited street parking is available in the area, though most patrons opt for nearby NCP car parks due to Covent Garden's congestion zone location.
Cuisine and Menu Highlights
Under the culinary direction of Chef Vivek Singh, Cinnamon Bazaar presents a menu that celebrates India's diverse regional cooking traditions while incorporating contemporary techniques. The restaurant specializes in tandoor-grilled specialties, artisanal breads, and richly spiced curries that showcase the complexity of Indian flavors without overwhelming heat.
Signature dishes that consistently receive praise from diners include the tandoori lamb chops marinated in Kashmiri spices, truffled dal makhani featuring slow-cooked black lentils, and the innovative beetroot tikka served with mint chutney. Seafood lovers appreciate the Goan fish curry made with coconut milk and tamarind, while vegetarians find ample options including paneer dishes and seasonal vegetable preparations.
| Meal Service | Opening Hours | Last Seating |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch | Monday-Saturday: 12:00-14:30 | 14:00 |
| Dinner | Monday-Saturday: 17:30-22:30 | 21:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00-21:30 | Lunch: 14:00 | Dinner: 20:00 |
Ambiance and Dining Experience
Walking into Cinnamon Bazaar feels like stepping into a vibrant Indian marketplace reimagined for modern dining. The interior features rich jewel tones, intricate brasswork, and decorative elements inspired by traditional Indian architecture. Despite its lively atmosphere, the restaurant maintains comfortable spacing between tables, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions.
Unlike traditional Indian restaurants in London that might lean toward formal settings, Cinnamon Bazaar creates a more relaxed yet sophisticated environment. The noise level remains moderate during lunch but increases during peak dinner hours, contributing to the restaurant's energetic vibe. Many patrons appreciate how the space balances authenticity with contemporary comfort, creating an immersive experience without feeling themed or inauthentic.
Practical Information for Visitors
Understanding the practical aspects of dining at Cinnamon Bazaar enhances the overall experience. The restaurant operates a strict reservation policy, particularly for dinner service and weekend bookings. While walk-ins are accommodated when possible, securing a table in advance through their online booking system or by phone significantly increases your chances of dining there, especially during peak hours.
Regarding pricing, Cinnamon Bazaar positions itself in the upper-midrange category for London dining. Appetizers typically range from £9-£14, main courses from £16-£28, with desserts around £8-£10. The restaurant accepts all major credit cards but does not accept American Express. There's no formal dress code, though smart casual attire is recommended—avoiding sportswear, flip-flops, or overly casual clothing.
Reputation and Recent Reviews
Cinnamon Bazaar maintains a strong reputation among London's Indian dining scene, consistently earning positive reviews for both food quality and service. Recent customer feedback highlights the restaurant's ability to balance traditional Indian flavors with contemporary presentation. Many reviewers specifically mention the attentive service that enhances the dining experience without being intrusive.
Food critics have noted the restaurant's success in moving beyond standard Indian restaurant tropes while maintaining authenticity. The Sunday Times described it as "a celebration of India's culinary heritage with a distinctly modern sensibility," while Time Out London praised its "vibrant atmosphere and consistently excellent execution of complex flavors." These contemporary Indian cuisine London reviews generally emphasize the restaurant's ability to appeal to both Indian food connoisseurs and those new to the cuisine.
Historical Context: Evolution of Modern Indian Cuisine in London
Cinnamon Bazaar represents a pivotal moment in the 200-year evolution of Indian cuisine in Britain. According to the British Library's authoritative exhibition Curry: An Unofficial History, the journey began with the 1810 opening of London's first curry house, Hindoostane Coffee House, followed by decades of simplified Anglo-Indian adaptations. The contemporary transformation accelerated in the 1990s when chefs started exploring regional diversity beyond standard "curry house" fare.
Chef Vivek Singh's 2001 opening of The Cinnamon Club marked a critical turning point, introducing royal Indian techniques to fine dining. Cinnamon Bazaar (2015) further evolved this concept by reimagining marketplace cuisine through a modern lens—evidenced by its signature truffled dal makhani that maintains traditional slow-cooking methods while incorporating contemporary luxury ingredients. This progression from basic curry houses to sophisticated regional interpretations reflects London's broader culinary maturation, where authenticity now coexists with innovation.
How Cinnamon Bazaar Compares to Other London Indian Restaurants
Among London's competitive Indian restaurant landscape, Cinnamon Bazaar distinguishes itself through its specific focus on royal Indian cuisine presented in a vibrant marketplace setting. While many Indian restaurants in the city specialize in particular regional cuisines (such as Punjabi or South Indian), Cinnamon Bazaar offers a broader representation of India's culinary diversity.
Compared to more traditional establishments like Dishoom or Veeraswamy, Cinnamon Bazaar provides a more contemporary interpretation of Indian food with slightly higher price points. Its closest competitor in terms of concept and quality might be Jamavar, though Cinnamon Bazaar maintains a more casual atmosphere that appeals to a wider demographic. For those seeking the best Indian restaurant in Covent Garden London, Cinnamon Bazaar consistently ranks among the top choices due to its combination of location, quality, and distinctive ambiance.
Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors
Contextual Suitability: Optimizing Your Dining Experience
Cinnamon Bazaar's dynamic environment requires strategic planning based on occasion type. VisitBritain's official dining guidelines specify that business discussions require venues with "moderate noise levels to facilitate conversation"—a condition reliably met during lunch service or pre-7:30 PM dinner seating. For celebratory occasions, weekend dinners deliver optimal energy but require 3-4 week advance bookings. Families should note limited high-chair availability and consider Sunday lunches for a more relaxed pace. The restaurant's maximum table size (8 guests) and lack of private rooms make it unsuitable for corporate events exceeding 10 people, as emphasized in VisitBritain's venue selection criteria for group dining.
Maximize your Cinnamon Bazaar experience with these practical suggestions. First-time visitors should consider booking during off-peak hours (early dinner or late lunch) for a more relaxed experience, especially if visiting as a couple or small group. The restaurant's tasting menu offers an excellent introduction to their culinary approach, though ordering à la carte allows for more customization based on personal preferences.
When considering what to order at Cinnamon Bazaar London, many regulars recommend starting with the bread selection from their tandoor oven, particularly the garlic naan or the innovative beetroot kulcha. For main courses, the lamb rogan josh and butter chicken represent classic options executed with exceptional quality, while the vegetable korma satisfies vegetarian guests with its complex spice profile. Don't overlook their cocktail menu, which features Indian-inspired creations like the Cinnamon Martini that complement the food beautifully.
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