When Koyal opened on Brighton Road, the goal was simple to say and hard to do: bring genuine fine-dining Indian cooking to Surbiton without losing the warmth of a neighbourhood restaurant. Less than two years on, the recognition has followed - and it has come from every direction.
Two AA Rosettes, twice over
The first milestone came fast. Koyal was awarded 2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence within five months of opening - a pace that is genuinely rare for a suburban restaurant - and then retained both Rosettes in 2026 for a second consecutive year. The award recognises cooking that shows real ambition and consistency from sourcing through to plating.
Global Recognition, and a community award
In 2025 the restaurant received a Global Recognition Award for community impact and leadership. Then, in 2026, came the one that means the most to us: Community Dining Experience of the Year at the inaugural Global Edition of the Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards, held at the Royal Lancaster London. You can watch a little of the evening and see the full list on our awards page.
The people behind it
None of it is an accident. The kitchen is led by Chef Nand Kishor Semwal, who earned Michelin stars at Trishna and Gymkhana before bringing regional Indian cooking, Himalayan ingredients and a binchotan charcoal tandoor to Surbiton. And none of it happens without the guests who fill the room night after night.
See for yourself
The best way to understand the awards is to taste the cooking behind them. Explore the press and recognition, browse the menus, or simply book a table at Koyal, Surbiton.
Experience it in Surbiton
Reserve a table at Koyal - 2 AA Rosettes, Brighton Road, Surbiton
