Food / 11 February, 2026 / Ellie Thompson

A Valentine’s Escape To India: Colonel Saab, Holborn

If Valentine’s Day calls for romance, atmosphere and a little magic, Colonel Saab in Holborn delivers all three beautifully. Beneath a canopy of ornate chandeliers that really are spectacular, the restaurant feels warm, intimate and quietly theatrical, the sort of place where the outside world fades and the evening becomes entirely about the two of you. For parents, it is also the perfect excuse to ditch the bedtime routine for one night, step out into the capital together and actually finish a conversation without interruption.

Colonel Saab is more than a restaurant. It is a love letter to family, heritage and the continent that inspired it. The space is filled with Indian art, heirlooms and even handwritten love letters between Colonel Saab and his wife, Binny, giving the whole experience a deeply personal and romantic feel without ever slipping into cliché.

The Valentine’s Tasting Menu

For Valentine’s, Colonel Saab presents a five-course tasting menu priced at £140 per couple, including a glass of rosé Champagne and a complimentary rose, a thoughtful detail that sets a lovely tone from the start.

The evening opens with a delicate Kadhi Pakoda Mousse amuse-bouche, light, elegant and beautifully presented. Starters offer a choice between the Kadak Seekh Kebab, rich and perfectly spiced, or the Black Pepper Paneer Tikka, smoky, warming and deeply satisfying.

For the main course, the menu leans into comfort and indulgence. The Malabar Chicken Curry is fragrant and layered with flavour, while the Makhmali Palak Paneer is silky and comforting, served with flaky layered parantha and rice, encouraging you to slow down and savour each bite.

Dessert, titled The Consummation of Love, brings a playful finish. The Thandai Crumble with vanilla ice cream is warm and aromatic, while the Shikanji Rose Tart with red wine-poached figs feels refined and romantic. Valentine’s chocolate petit fours served with tea or coffee provide a gentle, sweet close to the evening.

Valentine’s in the Heart of London

We left Colonel Saab feeling completely wrapped up in the atmosphere. It manages to feel luxurious without being stuffy, and every detail, from the candlelit glow to the beautifully balanced dishes, feels thoughtful. The staff were wonderful throughout the evening, warm, attentive and perfectly paced, making us feel looked after without ever being intrusive. The whole night had a lovely sense of occasion. If you are looking for somewhere that feels special without trying too hard, Colonel Saab makes a truly memorable choice for Valentine’s in the heart of London.

Book Now

Last-minute Valentine’s plans? Check availability at www.colonelsaab.co.uk or call 020 8016 6800 to reserve. Love is definitely in the air!

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