Seemor
Five FingersBWorth Trying
Five Fingers Indian Cuisine, 6 Kingsland High St, London E8 2JP
· South Indian restaurant, Bar
· 4.8/5 Google (1404 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively Dalston spot for dosa-forward South Indian cooking with warm service, great lunch deals, and occasional delays during busy or delivery-heavy periods.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Five Fingers delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by an impressive dosa program and attentive, knowledgeable service that guides diners through the menu. However, inconsistent execution—with occasional cold dishes and service delays during peak times—prevents grade A-grade performance, while earlier safety concerns create lingering caution despite recent improvement. The welcoming atmosphere and excellent value make it a reliable choice for South Indian dining, particularly at lunch.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and welcoming with staff who explain chutneys and guide you through the dosa lineup. Reviews describe crisp crepes, rich curries, and a setting that is cozy and casual, with TVs showing Indian cooking that diners find charming. The culinary approach leans classic South Indian with a dosa-first focus: traditional techniques and regional staples over fusion theatrics. Most praise centers on masala and ghee roast dosas, chicken chukka, and comforting dal and butter chicken, while a few older critiques cite thin or overly sweet sauces and dry skewers. Expect great value at lunch, friendly guidance on spice, and occasional delays when delivery orders surge. Families should find it approachable: there is a listed Kids Dosa, plus plain and cheese dosas that many children enjoy. If you need milder flavors, staff can steer you to gentler options, though some diners found supposedly mild dishes spicier than expected. Seating is casual; plan for potential waits at peak times, and consider lunch for easier pacing and savings.
At a Glance
- Standout dosa program with crisp textures and balanced spice
- Friendly, explanatory service and welcoming vibe
- Strong value, especially with weekday lunch discount
- Kitchen delays and staggered courses during busy or delivery-heavy periods
- A few older safety/quality complaints; recent trend is positive
What Sets It Apart
- extensive_dosa_menu
- weekday_lunch_discount
- staff_guided_spice_levels
What People Love
- Crisp, well-made dosas with flavorful chutneys
- Warm staff who guide choices and check in
- Comforting curries like butter chicken and dal
- Fair pricing and weekday discounts
Points of Concern
- Occasional long waits and dish-by-dish pacing for larger groups, especially when delivery volume spikes
- Inconsistent execution on a few items (e.g., thin korma, dry chops, greasy naan) in older reviews
- Isolated historical safety complaints (mouldy sauce, stomach upset) with no recent pattern
- Review patterns show signs of potential inflation (very high five-star share and marketing-like language) which may not reflect every visit
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£20-28 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For sensitive palates: Plain, Cheese, or Kids Dosa; request mild chutneys
- For dosa lovers: Ghee Roast or Rava Dosa for texture and crunch
- For heartier meals: Gravy Dosa variants with chicken or lamb
Perfect For
- A dosa-focused casual dinner
- Weekday lunch deal seekers
- Groups of friends who enjoy sharing South Indian staples
- Solo diners wanting a relaxed, friendly spot
Location Insights
Area: Trendy East London high street with a mix of indie shops, bars, and casual eateries; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban awareness advised late evenings.
Nearby: Close to Dalston Junction/Kingland Road nightlife; convenient for pre- and post-bar dining.
HackneyA trendy and eclectic neighborhood with a rich mix of cultural influences, featuring diverse dining options, street art, and a progressive urban atmosphere
DalstonA dynamic sub-area known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse culinary scene, and cutting-edge cultural spaces
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–23:30
Saturday12:00–23:30
Sunday12:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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