Review: Paprika Club, Leamington Spa

If you’re looking for Indian cuisine that excites the senses, warms the soul, and leaves you full in the best possible way, look no further than Paprika Club in Leamington Spa.

My partner and I had the pleasure of dining there recently, and from the first bite to the last very full one, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. It’s no surprise that this family-run restaurant, now in its 31st year, has just been named one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for the second year in a row. And after our visit, we can completely see why.

We kicked things off with a spread of starters that could easily have been a full meal in themselves, and honestly, I’d go back just to eat them all again.

A medley of starters. Photo: Alice Hargreaves

Pani Puri – A refreshing mouthful with just the right balance of crunch, spice, and tang. It was beautifully presented, too.

Samosa Chaat – One of my all-time favourites, and this version didn’t disappoint. Warm, comforting, spicy, rich, nice and saucy.

Salmon Kebab – I’d normally never think to order salmon at an Indian restaurant, but this one was a revelation. Perfectly cooked, gently spiced, and so full of flavour.

Lamb Chops – Fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, and spiced to perfection. A true highlight.

Not enough food, you say? We also had poppadoms!

Then came the mains – and wow, I don't think we could ever have expected all the mains we got to try. We were absolutely spoiled by the generosity of the Paprika Club team, who insisted we try a variety of their most popular dishes. (Spoiler: we needed a doggy bag.)

Quite the spread. Photo: Alice Hargreaves

Here’s what graced our table:

Chicken Lasani (spelling may be off!) – A standout dish. Slightly sweet with pineapple notes, but still had a satisfying kick of heat. Unexpected and delicious.

Saag Paneer – Always a go-to for me, and this one had the most gorgeously soft paneer I’ve ever tasted.

Bombay Potatoes – Simple, comforting, and so moreish.

Tandoori King Prawns – These were huge and a real treat – juicy, smoky, and full of flavour.

Hot and Spicy Lamb – Absolutely enormous, with crispy fried potatoes on top. It definitely lived up to its name in the heat department!

Special Biryani – Fragrant, flavourful, and beautifully cooked with a naan on top.

And all of this was served with rice and naan, too!

We were even offered dessert, but by that point, we had been thoroughly and deliciously defeated. Thankfully, the lovely staff sent us home with a takeaway box so we could relive the meal the next day (and the day after!)

Despite it being a Thursday night, the place was absolutely buzzing, a testament to how beloved this spot is. Yet even with every table full, the staff remained friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. You feel it from the moment you walk in, this is a place built on heart, heritage, and hospitality.

Paprika Club’s recent accolade as one of the Top 100 Curry Restaurants in the UK, awarded at a special ceremony at The House of Lords, is well-deserved. The Asian Catering Federation, which oversees the awards, recognises culinary skill, use of fresh ingredients, ambience, service, and community involvement, all of which Paprika Club clearly excels in.

Photo: Paprika Club

Owner Shamim Uddin and his dedicated team have created something truly special. From their humble beginnings in 1994 to now being a multi-award-winning institution, their journey is a reflection of hard work, love for food, and a commitment to quality.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting Leamington Spa, Paprika Club is a must-visit. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or a celebratory feast with friends - there were tonnes of people celebrating birthdays!

https://paprikaclub.co.uk/

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Items in this article may have been gifted to Chatting Food. No financial payment has been made to feature in this article, and entries to the feature are made independently by members of the Editorial Team.

Chatting Food Contributor: Alice Hargreaves

For Alice, the thrill isn’t just in the eating but also in the creating, cooking, baking, pickling, and preparing of food. Having lived in Sydney, Australia and London, UK for several years, Alice is now based in the West Midlands.

Follow Alice @alice_ate_here