A distinctive, warmly hosted Bengali-leaning Indian restaurant with memorable starters and curries, but the £65 tasting menu and occasional service or consistency lapses make it a selective splurge rather than an automatic recommendation.
Darjeeling Express delivers strong food quality anchored by standout starters, prawns, and momos, paired with warm, attentive service that regulars consistently praise. However, inconsistent execution across menu items and repeat visits prevents a higher grade, with some diners reporting noticeable variation in quality. The beautiful Soho setting and destination appeal provide solid occasion-dining credentials, but uneven consistency keeps it from approaching grade A territory.
Darjeeling Express is a polished, lively Soho destination where the room, open-kitchen energy and unusually warm hospitality make a strong first impression. Many diners describe the welcome as personal and celebratory, while the central location and chef association give the meal a sense of occasion. One recurring sentiment is that the team makes guests feel looked after, although isolated visits mention cold seating, delayed courses or missed celebration details. The cooking leans regional, spice-forward and chef-led rather than generic curry-house fare. Puchkas, prawns, momos, keema toasties, chai and selected Bengali-style curries are the consistent stars; the menu also offers substantial vegan and vegetarian choice. The current dinner format is a £65 Royal Thali tasting menu, while lunch gives more flexibility. Expect bold flavors and some creative cross-regional touches, but not every dish lands equally: dal, parathas, desserts and particular meat preparations draw recurring criticism. The price is easier to justify when the feast feels generous and the standout dishes arrive in succession. Families are welcome, and one review describes especially considerate treatment of a baby; another family specifically calls the restaurant kid-friendly. The menu has approachable choices such as toasties, paneer, rice, parathas, chickpeas and mild-enough curries, though the spice-led format and fixed dinner tasting menu may challenge very young or conservative eaters. Lunch is the safer family option because à la carte ordering offers more control.
Area vibe: Lively, eclectic West End district known for dining, nightlife and theatres.
Safety: Generally busy and well-lit at night but noisy; watch belongings and expect crowds late evenings.
What's nearby: Close to Shaftesbury Avenue theatres, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and multiple transport links and restaurant streets.
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