
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
Colonel Saab brings a touch of royal India to Holborn with its opulent, museum-like interiors filled with family heirlooms and army memorabilia. The menu serves up elevated Indian comfort food inspired by the Colonel's travels—think Sunday Curry, Memsaab's Chicken, and those addictive triple-fried Jaipur baby aloo. It's the kind of place where you'll find yourself lingering over a second round of White Rhino beer while admiring the chandeliers and portraits of the Colonel's parents.
Royal Indian Dining in Holborn
Colonel Saab is a feast for the eyes and the palate, housed in what feels like an Indian collector's private museum. The dining room is absolutely stunning—chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, walls lined with portraits of the Colonel's parents, and shelves packed with army memorabilia and antique china. It's not your typical Indian restaurant; you're dining in a space that feels more like a curated gallery than a restaurant, which adds a layer of grandeur to the whole experience.
The food lives up to the ambiance. The menu is inspired by the Colonel's travels across India, offering dishes that feel like you've been invited to a senior officer's home for dinner. The Jaipur baby aloo are a must-order—crispy, golden, and twice-marinated before being triple-fried. For mains, the Memsaab's Chicken Curry is rich and aromatic, while the Sunday Curry (not even on the menu, but a house special) packs a spicy punch that's worth seeking out. The portion sizes are generous, so come hungry and plan to share.
Service is attentive without being stuffy, and the drink selection complements the food well. The White Rhino beer pairs beautifully with the spices, and there are some solid Indian-inspired cocktails too. It's pricier than your average curry house, but you're paying for the experience as much as the food. If you want something memorable for a special night out or a family celebration, Colonel Saab delivers on both fronts.