Best Restaurant in Leicester & Leamington Spa for Authentic & Healthy Dining

All the Right Ingredients

Why Herb is One of the Best Restaurants in Leicester

Interview with Head Chef Ramdas Krishna

What is your personal experience of Kerala and its cuisine?

"I was born in Kerala, the home of my ancestors. For the past few generations, we have served dishes to people locally in Kerala as well as making free food for offerings at temples. It’s my pleasure to serve god."

Why did you become a chef?

"My family influenced my decision to become a chef as a profession. Initially I was more involved in religious cooking, where we cook the Holy food, as my family have a devotion and passion towards the temple. I travelled all around India to sample a variety of foods and ingredients, but I believe in the natural spices from Kerala as an authentic cuisine."

How is Kerala cuisine distinctive, especially for vegetarians?

"Kerala is the tropical land of India. And known as the ‘Land of Spices’ because it traded spices with Europe as well as with many ancient civilisations, including in the oldest historical records of the Sumerians from 3000BC. Kerala cuisine is very diverse, based on the various communities and religions, and it’s also a green land with lots of vegetation cultivation. People in Kerala prefer organic food as most of the families in the rural areas have their own farms to produce their own fruits and vegetables."

What are your favourite things about the cuisine?

"I love exploring foods typical of our Kerala herbal style. The pure spices available in Kerala are the key for all the secrets to the success of my food experience."

What is unique about the Herb menu?

"We are inspired by the heritage of Kerala where people used herbs and vegan recipes to achieve better health. Dishes such as uppuma is one of the healthiest breakfast for Keralites; while Pothichoru Bijo's Biryani features steamed rice, dotted with sweetcorn, peas, tomato and cauliflower, as well as cashew nuts and aromatic spices and herbs, including coriander (all wrapped up in a banana leaf, the traditional Keralan way). These are nutritious meals – the perfect combination of taste and health with their roots in Kerala’s tribal cuisine."

How is the healing aspect of cooking included within the Herb menu?

"Fresh spices and the influence of Ayurveda (the oldest healing science) are all part of the Herb philosophy. As a chef, I like customers to connect with Aurveda – where you can enjoy the peace of herbal food and drink that nourishes the body and maintains a peaceful state where you stay calm and your body gets purified."

What do Herb customers particularly love?

"We often get statements from our valuable guests that they are having better mornings (because, often after having an Indian meal, many people don’t get proper sleep). Herb customers appreciate both our quality and uniqueness. Dishes like green Papaya Stew, Payar Banana Thoran and Pavakka Pachadi (bitter gourd) are among the favourites. And our customers also enjoy our beautiful interiors."

What makes Herb Restaurant different from other Indian restaurants?

Herb is a fully vegetarian restaurant that specialises in Kerala cuisine, the food of south-west India. The menu is built on coconut, curry leaves, mustard seed, rice and lentils, with herbs and Ayurvedic ideas about balance, so it is a lighter alternative to a typical Indian restaurant menu. Many dishes are vegan or gluten free.

What type of cuisine does Herb Restaurant serve?

Herb serves South Indian cuisine with a focus on traditional Kerala dishes: dosas, uthappam, idli, sambar, thalis and coconut-based curries. The whole menu is vegetarian, with a wide choice of vegan dishes. See the Herb menus.

What are the must-try dishes at Herb Restaurant?

If you are visiting for the first time, try a dosa (the Nair Masala Dosa and Masala Dosa are popular), uthappam, or a Kerala thali such as the Slim Thali or the three-course Herb Special Thali. Pothichoru Bijo Biryani and Green Papaya Stew are other favourites. See the 10 dishes you must try at Herb.

Is Herb Restaurant good for first-time Indian food lovers?

Yes. Many of our dishes are mild and well balanced, and the team is happy to recommend dishes based on your preferences. See the first-timer’s guide to visiting Herb.

How spicy is the food at Herb Restaurant?

Our food is generally mild to moderately spiced, focusing more on flavour than heat. Kerala cuisine is known for its balance, and you can ask for dishes to be made milder.

Is Herb Restaurant fully vegan and vegetarian?

Herb is fully vegetarian. Dishes tagged V on the menu are vegan as served, and many other dishes can be made vegan on request. A few dishes contain paneer, yoghurt or ghee, so please tell your server if you are vegan. See vegan restaurants in Leicester and Leamington Spa.

Does Herb offer gluten-free and allergy-friendly options?

Yes. Dosas, idli, uthappam, most curries and rice dishes are tagged GF, and most dishes are tagged NF (nut free). Rava dosas and the wheat breads are not gluten free. Please speak to a senior member of the team about any allergy or intolerance before you order.

Where is Herb Restaurant located?

Herb has two restaurants: Herb Leicester at 96 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 1DJ (0116 233 2715), and Herb Leamington Spa at 5-6 York House, Clarendon Avenue, Leamington Spa CV32 5PP (01926 771460).

What are the opening hours?

Herb Leicester is open Sunday to Thursday 12:00 to 22:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00 to 23:00. Herb Leamington Spa is open Sunday to Thursday 10:00 to 22:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00 to 23:00.

Do I need to book a table in advance?

Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking, especially at weekends and busy times. You can book online on this page, or call 0116 233 2715 (Leicester) or 01926 771460 (Leamington Spa). For same-day bookings, please call the restaurant.

Is there a lunch menu and how much is it?

Yes. The business lunch thali is £6.95, served Monday to Friday from 12 noon to 3:00pm, with two curries and a curry of the day, a side dish, rice of the day and a dosa with chutneys. See the Leicester menu and the Leamington Spa menu.

Is there a pre-theatre menu?

Yes. The vegan pre-theatre menu is rasam soup followed by seven vegetable tapas dishes with bread and rice for £18.75 per person. See pre-theatre dinner at Herb.

Does Herb have a Christmas menu?

Yes. The Christmas 2026 set menu is three courses for £33.95 per person with crackers included, and a £5 deposit per person. It is served at both restaurants. See Christmas at Herb.

Why do customers choose Herb Restaurant?

Guests choose Herb for its authentic Kerala flavours, a fully vegetarian kitchen with many vegan and gluten-free dishes, and a relaxed atmosphere. See our awards and reviews on Leicester and Leamington Spa.

Is Herb Restaurant suitable for family dining?

Yes. Herb is family friendly and there is a children’s menu with potato chips, ney roast dosa, cheese dosa and potato chips with cheese.

Does Herb host private parties and group bookings?

Yes. Both restaurants take group bookings, and there are party menus from £25.95 per head with a vegan option on every menu. See party menu and private dining.

Is parking available near Herb Restaurant?

In Leicester, Herb is about 5 minutes’ walk from the railway station; the nearest car park is Dover Street car park, there is an NCP on East Street, and High Cross and Mansfield Street car parks are each about 11 minutes’ walk. In Leamington Spa the nearest paid car parks are Upper Grove Street (CV32 5AN), Royal Priors (CV32 4XT) and Bedford Street (CV32 5ED).