Inside Gymkhana: The London Indian Fine-Dining Destination Captivating Global Stars

A Global Culinary Landmark

Located in London’s upscale Mayfair neighborhood, Gymkhana has cemented its reputation as a premier destination for Indian fine dining. Since opening its doors in 2013, the restaurant has achieved significant acclaim, becoming the first Indian establishment in London to be awarded two Michelin stars. It remains one of only four Indian restaurants globally to hold this prestigious distinction.

The restaurant is the creation of siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi, who operate under the JKS Restaurants group. Their influence has expanded beyond the UK, with the group opening the Ambassador’s Clubhouse in New York City earlier this year and launching a second Gymkhana location at the ARIA resort in Las Vegas in December 2025—marking the first Indian fine-dining venue on the Las Vegas Strip.

A Magnet for Celebrity Diners

Gymkhana has attracted a diverse array of high-profile fans. NFL star Travis Kelce, who visited the restaurant with Taylor Swift in May, praised the experience on his “New Heights” podcast, describing it as “phenomenal” and “one of the most surprising meals” he has ever encountered. The restaurant has also been noted as the first Indian dining spot visited by Kendrick Lamar, and it counts figures like Dua Lipa and Victoria Beckham among its clientele.

The Dining Experience

Securing a table at Gymkhana is notoriously difficult, with dinner reservations often booked out months in advance. However, lunch service offers a more accessible entry point for those looking to experience the menu. The interior, characterized by wood-paneled walls, warm lighting, and a curated soundtrack of jazz, rap, and R&B, provides an atmosphere that guests have described as both secluded and vibrant.

The menu showcases a sophisticated approach to traditional flavors. Notable dishes include the wild venison biryani, which is served under a pastry lid and is widely considered the restaurant’s signature offering. Other highlights include tandoori masala lamb chops, Punjabi samosas, and a highly-regarded chicken butter masala. The restaurant also offers a variety of breads, such as garlic and coriander naan, and vegetable-forward dishes like the khatta meetha baingan, a sweet and sour eggplant preparation.

Navigating the Cost

While the quality of the food is consistently praised, diners should be prepared for a significant financial commitment. A lunch at Gymkhana can be a substantial splurge, particularly when factoring in the restaurant’s cocktail menu, which features drinks like the Bhang Lassi. However, the restaurant provides options for those looking to manage costs, including a five-dish prix fixe menu priced at £75 per person, which offers a more structured way to experience the two-star Michelin kitchen compared to the minimum spend requirements often associated with dinner service.

Source: businessinsider.com