Gymkhana Mayfair Review 2026: Brilliant 2-Michelin-Star Indian Honest Verdict

This Gymkhana Mayfair review by London Reviews is the most thorough independent assessment available of Albemarle Street’s two-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant — Karam Sethi’s groundbreaking kitchen that became the first two-star Indian restaurant in London (and only the third in the world) when it was promoted in the 2024 Michelin Guide.

Last updated: 1 May 2026 — Independently researched and written by the London Reviews editorial team.

Looking for an honest Gymkhana Mayfair review? Below we cover the menu, signature dishes, what regulars love, and how to book.

Table of Contents

1. At a Glance
2. Introduction
3. Location & Getting There
4. First Impressions
5. The Menu
6. Pricing & Value
7. Diner Review Analysis
8. What Diners Love
9. Areas for Consideration
10. Who It’s Best For
11. How to Book
12. FAQs
13. Verdict
14. Summary Rating

At a Glance

Introduction: Why We Chose Gymkhana

Gymkhana is the most significant Indian restaurant in London. When the kitchen earned its second Michelin star in February 2024, it became the first two-star Indian restaurant in London — joining only Birmingham’s Opheem (now also two-star) as the only Indian restaurants in the UK at this Michelin tier, and one of just four in the world.

The restaurant was founded by siblings Karam, Jyotin and Sunaina Sethi (JKS Restaurants), whose family had previously run Trishna in Marylebone since 2008. Gymkhana takes its name and design from the colonial-era Indian sporting clubs that gave officers and gentry a place to dine in the late 19th century. The dining room — wood-panelled, with hunting prints, ceiling fans and brass detail — feels like stepping into a Bombay club of 1920.

We chose to review Gymkhana because it represents the most significant Indian fine-dining room in London. (See also our reviews of London’s Dishoom King’s Cross and the forthcoming Oudh 1722.)

Location & Getting There

The restaurant occupies a townhouse at 42 Albemarle Street, the elegant residential street running between Piccadilly and Mayfair’s auction-house district.

By Tube

• Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria) — 4 minutes’ walk north.
• Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo, Piccadilly) — 6 minutes’ walk east.
• Bond Street (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth) — 10 minutes’ walk north-west.

First Impressions & Atmosphere

The dining room is one of the most distinctive in London. Wooden panelling, dark green leather banquettes, hunting prints, ceiling fans, and brass-and-mahogany detail produce a space that genuinely transports diners. The downstairs bar — accessed via a separate entrance — pairs the dining room as one of London’s best Indian-themed cocktail bars.

Service is led by senior front-of-house with deep Indian-cuisine knowledge. Pacing is moderate; the room is conversational rather than hushed.

The Menu

Signature Dishes (every menu)

• Tandoori masala lamb chops. The most-ordered dish in the restaurant — Indian lamb chops marinated and grilled in the tandoor.
• Kid goat methi keema. Slow-cooked goat mince with fenugreek, served with sesame paratha.
• Wild muntjac biryani. Game biryani sealed under bread, opened tableside.
• Suckling pig vindaloo. Goan-style spicy curry with the kitchen’s signature pork.
• Kashmiri lamb dum biryani. Slow-cooked Kashmiri lamb biryani.

Tasting Menus

The omnivore tasting at £155 walks through 6-7 courses including the lamb chops and biryani. The vegetarian tasting at £135 is genuinely strong — Northern Indian vegetarian cooking is a defining tradition.

Wine

The list is unusually thoughtful for an Indian restaurant — strong Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir representation. Pairings start at £85.

Pricing & Value for Money

Pricing is firmly in two-star tier but accessible relative to peers. £155 for the omnivore tasting is among the lowest at this Michelin level. À la carte averages £80-£100 depending on choices.

What Diners Actually Say

TripAdvisor 4.5/5 from 2,200+ reviews; The Infatuation calls it “the most exciting Indian restaurant in London”; Hardens top 10 score; Andy Hayler 17/20.

What Diners Love Most

1. Tandoori lamb chops. The most-named dish in five-star reviews — genuinely the best Indian lamb chops in London.
2. Wild muntjac biryani. Game biryani opened tableside is a small show.
3. Vegetarian tasting. One of London’s strongest vegetarian fine-dining offers.
4. The dining room. The Bombay-club design transports diners.
5. Service warmth. Senior staff with deep Indian-cuisine fluency.
6. Wine programme. Riesling pairings work brilliantly with the spice.
7. Cocktail bar downstairs. One of London’s best Indian-themed bars.
8. The lamb chop bone-marrow naan. Cult dish ordered as a side.

Areas for Consideration

1. Booking is competitive. 4-8 weeks lead time, particularly since the second star.
2. Spice levels can climb. The Indian cooking is not toned down.
3. À la carte adds up fast. £66 lamb chops alone will define your bill.
4. The basement bar can be loud. Not always suitable for quiet pre-dinner drinks.

Who Is Gymkhana Best For?

✅ Particularly good for:

• Lovers of regional Indian cooking
• Game-eaters (the muntjac biryani is unmissable)
• Vegetarians (one of London’s strongest fine-dining vegetarian offers)
• Wine enthusiasts curious about Riesling and Gewürztraminer with Indian flavours
• The cocktail bar as a standalone destination

⚠️ Less suitable for:

• Diners who prefer mild Indian cooking
• Last-minute bookings
• Strict budgets

Booking & How to Visit

1. Book direct at gymkhanalondon.com or via OpenTable.
2. £50 per person deposit; refundable up to 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gymkhana Mayfair

How many Michelin stars does Gymkhana Mayfair hold?

Two Michelin stars. The first star was awarded in 2014; the second in February 2024 — making it the first two-star Indian restaurant in London.

How much does dinner cost at Gymkhana Mayfair?

Omnivore tasting £155. Vegetarian tasting £135. À la carte averages £80-£100. Wine pairings from £85.

What is the signature dish at Gymkhana Mayfair?

Tandoori masala lamb chops — the most-ordered dish at the restaurant. Wild muntjac biryani is the signature game course.

Who owns Gymkhana Mayfair?

The Sethi siblings (Karam, Jyotin, Sunaina) of JKS Restaurants. Trishna (Marylebone) was the family’s first restaurant; Gymkhana followed in 2013.

How far in advance should I book Gymkhana Mayfair?

4-8 weeks for weekday dinners; 8-10 weeks for weekend evenings.

Is there a vegetarian menu at Gymkhana Mayfair?

Yes — a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu at £135, drawing on Northern Indian vegetarian traditions. One of London’s strongest fine-dining vegetarian offers.

How do I get to Gymkhana Mayfair by Tube?

4-minute walk from Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria). Address: 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4JH.

London Reviews Verdict on Gymkhana

Gymkhana is the most significant Indian restaurant in London. The 2024 promotion to two Michelin stars set a London record, and the kitchen’s regional Northern Indian cooking continues to set the benchmark. The tandoori lamb chops are the best in the city; the wild muntjac biryani is one of the most distinctive game dishes in London; the vegetarian tasting is genuinely exceptional. Recommended without reservation for any diner serious about Indian cooking, and for the room itself which is among the most atmospheric in Mayfair.

Related London Reviews

• Dishoom King’s Cross Review — Indian Restaurant
• Oudh 1722 Borough Preview — Aktar Islam
• Maai Clapham Preview — Nikita Pathakji
• A. Wong Pimlico — 2 Michelin Stars

Summary Rating

Disclaimer: Cross-referenced from Michelin, Andy Hayler, AA, TripAdvisor, The Infatuation, Hardens, OpenTable. London Reviews accepts no payment from venues.