Seemor
The Tamil PrinceA-Worth Trying
115 Hemingford Rd, London N1 1BZ
· Indian restaurant, Pub, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1949 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Destination South Indian cooking in a buzzy ex-pub with standout dosas, lamb chops, and attentive service, though reservations, time limits, and crowding can frustrate.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
The Tamil Prince delivers exceptional food quality with bold, confident South Indian cooking—dosa, lamb chops, and channa bhatura earn consistent praise—paired with strong service attentiveness and efficient pacing. The grade reflects solid execution across dimensions, though tight seating and limited comfort and occasional consistency variation prevent it from reaching grade A territory. Worth a special trip for those seeking modern South Indian excellence in an intimate, lively setting.
Restaurant Summary
Housed in a restored corner pub, The Tamil Prince feels lively and intimate at the same time—high stools, tight tables, and an open kitchen that hums. Guests gush about warm, efficient service and dishes arriving with restaurant-level polish. As one diner put it, "flavors landed boldly and the dosa stole the show," though some found the table time limits a buzzkill during peak hours. The cooking leans modern South Indian with confident execution—think crisp masala dosa, juicy lamb chops, okra fries, and rich channa bhatura—delivered with contemporary plating and creative drinks. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: modernized regional dishes rather than theatrics. If you like bold spice, texture, and clean flavors, this will hit; if you want a sprawling, old-school curry house, temper expectations. Families can make it work: dosa, parotta/roti, fries, and milder curries are approachable, but seating is snug and noise can spike. There is no explicit kids menu in the snapshot, and portions and crowding at peak may challenge younger diners. Early bookings or off-peak visits help.
At a Glance
- Dosa, lamb chops, and okra fries earn consistent raves
- Friendly, knowledgeable service with efficient pacing
- Reservations are hard; walk-in waits are long
- Time limits and rigid policies can feel rushed
- Creative/fusion influences may not suit traditional comfort-food seekers
What Sets It Apart
- pub_to_south_indian_conversion
- open_kitchen_theatre
- highly_praised_dosa_and_lamb_chops
What People Love
- That first bite of a super-crisp dosa
- Juicy, well-charred lamb chops
- The buzz of a converted pub with an open kitchen
- Attentive staff who guide spice and pairing choices
- A tight menu where most dishes feel dialed in
Points of Concern
- Booking friction and deposits frustrate some diners; limited phone/email responses reported
- Strict table-time policies and reminders can feel rushed during peak periods
- Some portions (rice, certain curries) read small for the price
- Occasional misses: oversalt, dry wings, variable spice level
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (influencer hype accusations and some generic superlatives) which may not reflect every diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For breakfast: Masala Dosa (£9) plus Medhu Vadai (£7) is a winning, vegetarian-friendly combo
- Dessert: Kuzhi Paniyaram (£6) if you want something lighter than gulab jamun
Perfect For
- Date night with a spice-loving partner
- Catching up with friends over shared plates
- Food-focused out-of-towners exploring modern Indian
- Locals seeking a special neighborhood spot
Location Insights
Area: Leafy residential Islington/Barnsbury pocket with a strong local dining culture and pub conversions popular with food-focused crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit neighborhood with steady foot traffic in evenings.
Nearby: Near other Islington restaurants, pubs, and independent shops; destination for locals and food-minded visitors.
IslingtonA trendy and sophisticated area with a rich architectural heritage, featuring numerous gastropubs, independent restaurants, and a sophisticated dining scene that blends traditional London charm with contemporary culinary trends.
CanonburyA refined residential sub-area within Islington characterized by elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses, quiet streets, and a more intimate dining environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday08:30–10:30, 11:00–22:00
Sunday08:30–10:30, 11:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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