Welcome to Watan Restaurant Tooting
Watan Restaurant Tooting, located at 180 Upper Tooting Road, is a culinary gem that brings authentic South Asian flavors to London. Renowned for its exquisite dishes, the menu features standout items like richly spiced biryani, creamy butter chicken, and tender mixed grills. Diners rave about the freshly made naan and the iconic Paya, a traditional lamb dish that embodies comfort food. Beyond the exceptional cuisine, the restaurant is celebrated for its warm, attentive service, making guests feel at home. With a vibrant atmosphere and impressive value for the quality offered, Watan is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious, authentic Pakistani food.
- 180 Upper Tooting Rd, London SW17 7EW, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 20 3649 0062
Welcome to the vibrant world of Watan Restaurant Tooting, a culinary gem nestled at 180 Upper Tooting Road, London SW17 7EW. Renowned for its authentic South Asian cuisine, Watan offers a delightful assortment of flavors that transport diners straight to the heart of Pakistan and beyond. Whether you're nestled in classic curries, indulging in rich biryanis, or savoring tantalizing grilled meats, each dish here dances with bold spices and exquisite presentation.
Many patrons rave about the sizzling mixed grill, which features an enticing selection of perfectly marinated and grilled meats, exuding smoky flavors that are utterly irresistible. Each bite is a testament to the chef's mastery, leaving an indelible mark on your palate. And let’s not forget the delightful butter chicken, celebrated for its creamy texture and robust flavor that has garnered a loyal following. While one review suggests a preference for a spicier take, the dish remains a crowd-pleaser with its rich sweetness.
The naan at Watan steals the show as well — fluffy, fresh, and full of flavor, it serves as the perfect accompaniment to any curry. Perfectly cooked and served piping hot, this bread is a must-try that complements the bold flavors of the dishes beautifully. Many diners also highlight the mango lassi, a refreshing drink that provides a cooling contrast to the spiciness of the food, making it an ideal choice for balancing the meal.
What truly sets Watan apart, however, goes beyond the food. The exceptional service is often commented upon by guests who appreciate the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by staff members like Imran Khan and Bilal. From explaining the intricacies of the menu to providing attentive service throughout the meal, the team here makes sure that every diner feels valued and cared for, enhancing the overall dining experience.
With reviews describing Watan as the “best Pakistani restaurant in London,” it's clear that this establishment has struck a chord with both locals and newcomers alike. Whether you're on a quest for nostalgia through traditional dishes like Paya or seeking a cozy spot to enjoy a feast with friends and family, this restaurant is worth revisiting time and time again.
As you step into the lively ambiance of Watan Restaurant Tooting, prepare yourself for a delightful journey of flavors and hospitality that promises a memorable dining experience. Don't miss out on this culinary treasure!

Outstanding Experience with Incredible Service We had an absolutely delightful dining experience! The food was bursting with authentic flavours — from the beautifully spiced biryani to the rich and creamy curries, every dish was perfectly cooked and presented. The naan was fresh, fluffy, and full of flavour, and the sizzling mixed grill was a real highlight. What made the visit truly exceptional was the outstanding service we received. Our waiter, Imran Khan, was incredibly polite, attentive, and welcoming throughout. He made us feel comfortable and well looked after, always serving with a warm smile and professional manner. His courteous nature and helpful suggestions really enhanced the overall experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for delicious cuisine and top-notch hospitality. We’ll definitely be returning soon!

This is our first time to eat on this restaurant’s and definitely will come back and recommend to our friends. Ali and Suphian was very helpful and accommodating and friendly. We don’t know the food and they were so patient in explaining everything to us. The food is superb and soooo tasty! The service is so quick. They are very attentive.

I had an excellent dining experience at Watan in Tooting. The food was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented, with each dish showcasing authentic and delicious flavors. The service was impeccable; the staff were attentive, friendly, and made sure our dining experience was enjoyable. The warm and inviting atmosphere added to the overall experience. I would highly recommend Watan to anyone looking for quality food and great service. I’m looking forward to visiting again soon!

Food was delicious, service impeccable and really good value - what more do you want! Highlights were the mango lassi and butter chicken. All the complementary sauces were amazing! It was our friend’s birthday and they gave us a dessert on the house! Will return soon...

Unexpected Find, Unforgettable Flavours We stumbled upon Watan in Tooting while on the hunt for a good plate of Paya — and we hit the jackpot. For the uninitiated, Paya is a traditional Pakistani dish made from slow-cooked lamb trotters in a deeply spiced, aromatic gravy. It’s rich, hearty, and full of character — and Watan’s take on it didn’t disappoint. The gravy was velvety, full of soul-warming spices, and the meat was fall-off-the-bone tender. Beyond the Paya, everything else we ordered was packed with bold, authentic flavours. The Afghani mixed grill was a showstopper — a beautifully presented platter (see photo!) of smoky, tender meats, each piece marinated to perfection and grilled with just the right char. It wasn’t just food — it was theatre. The aromas alone were enough to stop conversations at nearby tables. The dining room was packed and buzzing — clearly a local favourite, with the kind of lively atmosphere that makes everything taste even better. Despite the rush, the team handled it with ease. Fresh naan came hot and pillowy, the mango lassi was a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the spice, and the kulfi trio — mango, pista, and malai — was pure frozen indulgence. Each flavour stood on its own, but together they were a nostalgic celebration of South Asian sweets. And then the pista kheer — soft, creamy, and delicately spiced — wrapped up the meal with quiet elegance. Comfort food in the truest sense. Our server, Bilal, was exceptional — warm, thoughtful, and genuinely welcoming. Even in the middle of a busy night, he made us feel like the only table that mattered. Best of all? It’s excellent value for money — you can expect to pay around 75 per couple, including a bottle of mineral water, for a full feast that feels far more indulgent than the price suggests. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Watan is the kind of place best enjoyed with family, friends, and a hearty appetite.

Best Pakistani restaurant in London. Fizza was very hospitable since we sat down, until we finished our food. Also, the food was really delicious even thought it was my first time.

The food in this restaurant is absolutely excellent, there is a lot of choice in the area but I would highly recommend you put this at the top of your list. The food was so flavourful, and the perfect level of spice. There was three of us and we ordered a curry, a biryani and a kebab which we thought was a good idea as you get a bit of everything. Thank you to Ali for the great service too. We can’t wait to go back!

Good food, superb service. The staff members were super accommodating and kind to us. We went in the evening, there was a spot provided to pray. The butter chicken is very sweet and not at all spicy, it would’ve tasted better if it had less sweetness and was little spicier. But overall it was as a nice experience.