Harden's survey result
Summary
This veteran curry house to the north of Covent Garden has survived for 76 years by providing “fine-value and well-above-average cooking”. Founded in 1946 and claiming to be the first north Indian restaurant in London, it is now owned and operated by the fourth generation of the same family and still sticks close to its gastronomic roots (“ate with a friend whose family come from the Punjab and he said the food was thoroughly authentic”). In recent years, “real effort has gone into the wine list, but the best wine to drink with curry remains…beer”.
Summary
This Covent Garden institution lays claim to being the oldest north Indian restaurant in London, est. 1946, and is now run by the great-grandson of the founder. It owes its staying power to the “great Punjabi regional dishes” on the menu – “a friend was so impressed, he said it was nearly as good as his grandmother’s cooking” – and these days there are also “interesting vegan and vegetarian options”.
Summary
Many Londoners have tried this very traditional, north Indian veteran on the fringe of Covent Garden (founded in 1946, and now in the 4th generation of family ownership) at some time or another, but it lacks a regular local following due to its touristy location. It wins consistent praise, however – including for its support of the armed forces (10% discount to those who’ve served).
Summary
Many Londoners have tried this very traditional, north Indian veteran on the fringe of Covent Garden (founded in 1946, and now in the 4th generation of family ownership) at some time or another, but it lacks a regular local following due to its touristy location. It wins consistent praise, however – including for its support of the armed forces (10% discount to those who’ve served).
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Punjab?
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £23.95 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £3.65 |
| Service | 10.00% |
80 Neal St, London, WC2H 9PA
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
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