For more than a decade, Dishoom has been a culinary and cultural institution in London, winning over diners with its rich homage to Bombay’s old Irani cafés. Now, after years of speculation and a hugely successful pop-up in Manhattan, the beloved restaurant has confirmed that it will open its first permanent U.S. location in Lower Manhattan in 2026—a move set to shake up New York City’s Indian dining scene.
From London Love Affair to Global Ambitions
Founded in 2010 by cousins Shamil and Kavi Thakrar, Dishoom began with a vision that went far beyond simply serving Indian food. The concept was—and remains—deeply rooted in storytelling. Each location is designed to evoke the charm, warmth, and nostalgic elegance of mid-20th-century Bombay’s Irani cafés. These once-bustling institutions, run mostly by Zoroastrian immigrants, served as gathering spots for people of all walks of life—artists, workers, students, and families—over cups of chai, hearty plates of food, and lively conversation.
Dishoom’s interiors transport guests into this bygone era, weaving in historical details, antique furnishings, vintage photographs, and fictional backstories for each branch. But it’s not just about aesthetics—the menu itself is a celebration of Indian comfort food, with star dishes like the bacon naan roll (a breakfast favourite that has earned cult status), the signature black dal (slow-cooked for over 24 hours until silky), vada pav (Mumbai’s iconic potato slider), and the fiery gunpowder potatoes.
Over the years, Dishoom has expanded to multiple locations across the UK, from London to Edinburgh, consistently winning praise for both its food and its immersive hospitality experience. Now, with its upcoming New York opening, the brand is set to embark on its most ambitious journey yet.
A Teaser That Ignited Excitement
The idea of Dishoom crossing the Atlantic first began to gain traction in summer 2024, when the team staged a limited-time breakfast pop-up at Pastis in Manhattan. The event was a runaway success, attracting queues of eager food lovers and generating a wave of online buzz. For New Yorkers unfamiliar with the brand, it was an introduction to the cult-worthy bacon naan roll and spiced chai. For the many expats and travelers who already knew Dishoom from London, it was a tantalizing taste of home.
The response was so overwhelmingly positive that a permanent location seemed inevitable. This year, Dishoom confirmed the news: the first U.S. outpost will open in Lower Manhattan in 2026. While the exact address and opening date have yet to be revealed, the announcement has already cemented the restaurant’s arrival as one of the most anticipated openings in New York’s upcoming dining calendar.
Big Backing, Big Plans
Dishoom’s U.S. launch comes at a moment of significant growth for the brand. The restaurant group recently secured a major investment from L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by luxury conglomerate LVMH. The deal reportedly values Dishoom at around $400 million, giving it the financial muscle to expand internationally.
While the core concept will remain true to the Irani café inspiration, the brand has hinted at possible future ventures that go beyond restaurants—perhaps boutique hotel-style experiences that extend Dishoom’s signature storytelling into an even more immersive lifestyle offering.
Joining a New Wave of Indian Dining in NYC
Dishoom’s New York debut is part of a broader movement of high-profile Indian restaurants from London making their way to the city. In recent years, the transatlantic culinary pipeline has brought establishments such as Ambassadors Clubhouse, Darjeeling Express, and Kricket to Manhattan, each bringing a unique take on Indian cuisine and adding to the city’s already diverse South Asian dining scene.
What sets Dishoom apart, however, is its ability to balance authenticity with approachability. It’s not fine dining in the traditional sense, nor is it street food in a casual market stall setting—it’s something in between: warm, theatrical, and rooted in heritage, but designed to feel inclusive and vibrant for all.
What to Expect in 2026
While details of the New York menu haven’t been released, it’s safe to assume that many of Dishoom’s signature plates will make the journey across the pond. New Yorkers can likely look forward to starting their mornings with bacon naan rolls and chai, lingering over plates of biryani or house black dal at lunch, and enjoying lively, spice-filled dinners with friends over cocktails infused with Indian botanicals.
If the brand stays true to its London format, guests can also expect thoughtful design that transforms the restaurant into a slice of old Bombay—perhaps with a narrative unique to New York, blending local history with South Asian nostalgia.
A Culinary Arrival Worth the Wait
For a city as food-obsessed as New York, few openings generate the level of pre-launch anticipation that Dishoom now enjoys. Between its cult London following, its successful pop-up trial, and the strength of its brand storytelling, it’s poised to make a significant impact when the doors finally open.
If all goes to plan, 2026 could mark the year when Manhattan gains not just another restaurant, but an experience—a place where history, design, hospitality, and the aromas of slow-cooked black dal all come together to create a little corner of Bombay in the heart of the Big Apple.
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