First time in RARA and YOU have to go! It’s the cutest little spot with amazing food. The gurkhali lamb is to die for. IT WAS FIRE!The service we received was so amazing and we will definitely be back again. They made us feel welcomed and gave us an amazing experienceThis is my absolute favorite restaurant in London. The food is always fantastic and no matter what I order I am always delighted with my meal! Servers are also great and always efficient, happy and polite. Can’t wait to return again
1 / 10

Rara Kew

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Rara Kew offers authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine prepared healthily, served in a colorful and modern dining room with exceptional service.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
First time in RARA and YOU have to go! It’s the cutest little spot with amazing food. The gurkhali lamb is to die for. IT WAS FIRE!The service we received was so amazing and we will definitely be back again. They made us feel welcomed and gave us an amazing experienceThis is my absolute favorite restaurant in London. The food is always fantastic and no matter what I order I am always delighted with my meal! Servers are also great and always efficient, happy and polite. Can’t wait to return again

Rara Kew

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Rara Kew offers authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine prepared healthily, served in a colorful and modern dining room with exceptional service.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The flavors are on point and delicious, I would easily come here again for collection!"

TIP

Book in Advance

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular restaurant.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss Korma, Lamb Chops, Gorkhali Lamb, Biryani, and Butter Chicken.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 2PM

Cuisine

Nepalese, Indian

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 20 8332 1020

Address

279 Sandycombe Rd, Richmond, TW9 3LU, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Indian & Nepalese Flavors

Authentic Indian & Nepalese Flavors

Experience delicious, healthy cuisine with no artificial flavors or preservatives. A locals' favorite for home-made, authentic Indian and Nepalese food.

Top 8 Kew Gardens RestaurantsTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KEW GARDENSGoogle Review+1
Exceptional and Welcoming Service

Exceptional and Welcoming Service

Staff like Sandhya go above and beyond, making guests feel incredibly welcome with attentive and friendly service.

Google Review+1
Vibrant and Inviting Decor

Vibrant and Inviting Decor

Enjoy a colorful, pared-down, modern dining room with inviting decor and a speed of meal delivery that enhances the experience.

Top 8 Kew Gardens RestaurantsGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

POV: YOU FOUND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL ENGLISH TEAROOM IN LONDON! 💕🫖🧁🫖💕 Out in Kew in South-West London’s borough of Richmond, this historical English Tearoom and Bakery is truly delightful. Its history dates back 150+ years, it was developed from an earlier business in Richmond, and moved to its present location opposite Kew Gardens in 1887. The decor is warm and inviting, reminiscent of...
@lifeonmyplate_
65 likes • 1.8K views

Book in Advance

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular restaurant.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss Korma, Lamb Chops, Gorkhali Lamb, Biryani, and Butter Chicken.

Magic in Kew Gardens💫 #kew #kewgardens #richmond #fyp #autumn2025
@keri__cherry
208 likes • 1.9K views
Kew Gardens 🌸📽️: @dejashu #thatsurreylife #daytripfromlondon #richmonduponthames #kew #kewgardens #londonparks #naturelovers #surrey #londonlife #naturevibes #naturelove #kewgardenslondon #londonhotspots #londontiktok #surreylife #visitengland #uktravel
@thatsurreylife
118 likes • 5K views

Arrive Before Closing

To fully enjoy the dining experience, aim to arrive earlier in the evening.

Ask Staff for Recommendations

Staff can guide you to must-try items for an authentic culinary experience.

🍁𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑼𝑴𝑵 𝑨𝑹𝑹𝑰𝑽𝑬𝑺 𝑨𝑻 𝑲𝑬𝑾 𝑮𝑨𝑹𝑫𝑬𝑵𝑺 🍂✨ London in the fall never looked so magical! 📍Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE 🚉 Kew Garden station 🕰️ Open daily, but closing times vary depending on the season. 🎟️ Booked the tickets through @fever_uk, it’s very easy! 💰 Entry tickets: £20 for adults, free for members. 📹 thank u @lifechangediy for capturing our magical day!
@heyreiko_
126 likes • 5.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book in Advance

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular restaurant.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss Korma, Lamb Chops, Gorkhali Lamb, Biryani, and Butter Chicken.

Arrive Before Closing

To fully enjoy the dining experience, aim to arrive earlier in the evening.

Ask Staff for Recommendations

Staff can guide you to must-try items for an authentic culinary experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Rara Kew is praised for its exceptionally delicious and healthy Indian and Nepalese cuisine, with many highlighting signature dishes like Korma and Gorkhali Lamb. The attentive and friendly service, particularly from staff members like Sandhya, creates a welcoming atmosphere. However, some diners have noted concerns with portion sizes for the price in takeaway orders and occasional issues with food quality.

"Sandhya, the waitress was so kind, welcoming and accommodating. We arrived at the restaurant 40 mins before the closing time and Sandhya, who I previously talked to via phone, made sure we could have dinner somehow (at the table or takeaway). When we arrived, the table was already set. She explained their signature dishes and we followed her suggestions. We had Korma, Rice, Nepalese special rice, pagari peero lamb and sahazaadi masala (my fav). All delicious. We were not expecting such delicious meals. Thank you"

Annino De Petra

"The first time I tried Nepalese cuisine. The food was really delicious, and the waiters were very kind and helpful. Recommended 100%"

Alice Plebe

"Super tasty, flavourful and fresh Nepalese food. Must try the special Nepalese daal - it’s to die for! Service was attentive and nice. Restaurant was very quiet for a Thursday night so lovely for a peaceful weeknight dinner."

Katy Myers

What People Like

Authentic, flavorful Indian and Nepalese dishes
Kind, welcoming, and attentive service
Healthy preparation with no artificial ingredients

What People Dislike

Small portion sizes for takeaway
Inconsistent food quality reported by some
Awkward ambiance due to lack of music

Frequently Asked Questions

Signature dishes include Korma, Lamb Chops, Gorkhali Lamb, Biryani, and Butter Chicken.

Google Review+1

Yes, the cuisine is prepared in a healthy way with no artificial flavors or preservatives, using very small amounts of oil.

Reservations are highly recommended to ensure you can get a table, especially during peak times.

The restaurant features a colorful, pared-down, modern dining room that can be quiet, which some find peaceful and others describe as awkward.

Google Review

Some diners have reported that portion sizes for takeaway can be small for the price, and there have been isolated complaints about food quality.

Google Review+1

Yes, the staff are friendly and happy to recommend dishes based on your preferences.

Google Review

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Top 8 Kew Gardens Restaurants

Located in the cozy borough of Kew, RARA is a thriving restaurant that has become an iconic favorite amongst locals and Londoners alike, who often travel long distances to experience its distinct charm. A mouthwatering selection of exotic Indian and Nepalese food is prepared and cooked in a healthy way for dishes that are flavorful, fragrant, and light. Very small amounts of oil are utilised, and no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives are used.

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Rara, found in Sandycombe Road in Kew, is the rare kind of restaurant that cynical Londoners will cross a river for. Baz, the enthusiastic and welcoming own ...

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