A compact, convenient Waterloo Indian restaurant with frequently praised curries, naan and attentive service, but diners should confirm extras and service charges before ordering.
The Thames Indian Restaurant delivers solid food quality anchored by praised biryani, jalfrezi, and tandoor dishes, paired with attentive service that keeps diners satisfied. Inconsistent seasoning and preparation across visits, however, prevents a stronger grade, while the compact Waterloo setting serves pre-theatre crowds well without commanding destination appeal. Set menus offer genuine value, though recent pricing concerns on add-ons temper the overall proposition.
The Thames is a compact, busy little Waterloo restaurant that earns much of its goodwill through warm attention and practical convenience. It is an easy pre-train or pre-theatre stop, with reviewers describing quick arrivals, friendly check-ins and a relaxed room; the trade-off is that tables can feel close together when the dining room fills. The cooking is broader and more adventurous than a basic curry-house lineup. Alongside butter chicken, korma and tikka masala, the menu reaches for Naga chili, Satkora citrus, Goan fish curry and Crab Malawar. Garlic naan, lamb biryani, jalfrezi and the tandoori mixed grill are the safest crowd-pleasers, while sweetness and seasoning divide a minority of diners. ALERT: Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food. For families, the menu is workable rather than child-specialist: plain rice, chips, ice cream, mild korma, butter chicken and familiar naan provide accessible choices, and one family review says the children enjoyed their meal. Still, picky eaters may prefer the British classics or simple sides, and adventurous dishes such as Naga Chicken are not beginner-friendly.
Area vibe: Cultural riverside hub with theatres, galleries, and tourist amenities.
Safety: Generally busy and well-lit in the evening around main streets but quieter on back streets after hours.
What's nearby: Close to Waterloo Station, Southbank Centre, nearby theatres, riverside walkways and tourist attractions.
The safest bets include biryani, jalfrezi, tandoor dishes, and garlic naan, but the menu also rewards diners ready for stronger flavors.
The Waterloo location is convenient, but plan for a small busy room, extra side charges, and a careful look at the final bill.
Expect warm service and a relaxed Waterloo stop, with the trade-off that the compact room can feel crowded at busy times.