Our History
About Dawat
How It Started
Dawat’s journey began in 2002 under the name Laziza, a small restaurant in Tooting focused on bringing authentic Pakistani cuisine to London. Demand for our dishes grew quickly, prompting a move to a bigger premises and a rebrand to Dawat in 2009. This expansion also marked the launch of Dawat Catering, enabling us to share our flavours with private events and special occasions. Over the years, we continued to refine our craft, relocate to accommodate more guests, and even establish a function venue in Pakistan. Today, Dawat is proud to be an award-winning restaurant chain, highly regarded for its traditional cooking methods, innovative dining experiences, and commitment to fresh meats, spices and ingredients.
What Drives Us
Our Vision
To become the leading name in Pakistani and Indian cuisine across the UK and beyond, connecting communities through flavourful, high-quality dishes and memorable dining experiences.
Our Mission
- To preserve and celebrate the authentic taste of Pakistani and Indian cuisine in every dish we create.
- To innovate and evolve our dining experiences, from pioneering decor to futuristic features such as robot waiters and water tables.
- To expand responsibly, ensuring that each new location upholds our commitment to quality, service, and community engagement.
Our Values
- Authenticity: We honour our culinary roots by using traditional recipes, fresh spices, and time honoured techniques to create dishes that transport your taste buds back home.
- Quality: From carefully sourced ingredients to meticulous preparation, we maintain the highest standards to deliver consistently exceptional meals.
- Innovation: We believe in merging culture and technology, whether it’s our interactive water tables, robot waiters, or immersive ambience, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the dining experience.
- Community: We see food as a bridge, bringing people together from all walks of life. Through events, charity work, and local partnerships, we aim to give back and strengthen the communities we serve.
Our Awards
Our Journey So Far
Dawat’s timeline of growth and success
2002 – Beginnings in Tooting
- Launched as a small restaurant called Laziza on Upper Tooting Road.
- Focused on serving authentic Pakistani & Indian cuisine.
2009 – Rebranding & Catering Launch
- Relocated to a bigger premises on the same high street and rebranded as Dawat.
- Introduced Dawat Catering to bring authentic Pakistani flavours to private events and special occasions.
2014 – Second Tooting Relocation
- Outgrew the premises again, moving to a larger venue in Tooting to accommodate the growing clientele.
2018 - Present: The Start of Our Accolades
We won our first accolade in 2018 and have continued to solidify Dawat’s reputation by earning multiple prestigious awards, including:
- Restaurant of the Year (2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020)
- Young Entrepreneurs of the Year (2025)
- Curry King of the Year (2022, 2021)
- Taste of the Year 2020 (Pakistan Achievement Awards International)
- Brand of the Year 2019
- Excellence in Community Services 2018
2019 – Expanding Internationally
- Opened a Function Venue in Pakistan, extending Dawat’s reach beyond the UK.
2020 – Norbury Branch & Dream Suite
- Established a branch in Norbury (Restaurant) to serve more of London.
- Opened the Dream Suite in Tooting, a dedicated function venue for wedding functions, corporate events, and celebrations.
2022 – Pearl Suite
- Launched the Pearl Suite, another function venue offering an elegant space for celebrations, gatherings and corporate events.
2024 – Mitcham Branch
- Opened a takeaway in Mitcham, allowing customers to enjoy Dawat’s signature dishes on the go and in the comfort of their own homes.
2025 – Launch of the Dawat Franchise Model
- Dawat officially launched its franchise model at the International Franchise Show and now has six branches, including Paddington, Chiswick and Selsdon.
2026 – Expansion Outside London
- Demand for Dawat has grown beyond London and we are now underway with new openings in Heathrow and Luton, bringing Dawat’s flavours and hospitality to more communities.
Looking Ahead
With established locations in Tooting, Norbury, and Mitcham, plus upcoming branches in Chiswick and Selsdon, Dawat aims to expand throughout London and eventually the UK, sharing its award-winning Pakistani and Indian cuisine far and wide.
Learn why Dawat is more than a restaurant, it is a celebration of culture, community and taste:
1. Authentic Cooking Methods:
Our chefs prepare every dish from scratch using traditional Indo-Pak cooking techniques, fresh spices ground in-house, and recipes passed down through generations. Whether it’s our slow-cooked Nihari, rich Haleem, or perfectly spiced Biryani, every bite is a masterpiece.
2. Fresh-to-Order Meals:
At Dawat, quality matters. We only use the finest, freshest ingredients to ensure every dish is a true representation of Pakistani and Indian culinary excellence.
3. Innovation Meets Tradition:
From robot waiters to digital tables, Dawat blends cutting-edge dining experiences with a deep respect for tradition. Our venues feature water tables and stunning indoor waterfalls, creating an unforgettable ambiance.
4. Family-Friendly Atmosphere:
Perfect for families, friends, and professionals alike, Dawat offers a warm, welcoming environment where everyone can feel at home.
5. Catering and Venue Hire:
Planning an event? Dawat offers exceptional event catering and venue hire in London and Pakistan. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, we bring authentic flavours to your table.
Invest in Dawat: Your Gateway to a Thriving Franchise
Step into the success story of Dawat, an award-winning Pakistani and Indian restaurant chain, known for its rich heritage, innovative dining experiences, and exceptional standards of quality. With multiple accolades, including Restaurant of the Year, Curry King of the Year, and Brand of the Year, Dawat’s reputation for excellence is well-established across the UK.
By opening a Dawat franchise, you’ll leverage our proven business model, benefit from ongoing support and training, and tap into a loyal customer base that spans our branches in Tooting, Norbury, Mitcham, and soon-to-open locations in Chiswick and Selsdon. We are on track to expand throughout London and eventually across the UK, offering entrepreneurs a chance to grow alongside us.
Ready to be part of our success story? Visit our Franchise page to learn more about how you can join the Dawat family and bring authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine to your community.
Sustainability and Responsible Packaging
Moving from Plastic to Cardboard Packaging
Dawat is committed to taking sustainability seriously and we have been making practical changes across the Dawat Group to reflect this. One of the biggest steps has been reducing our use of single-use plastic by moving many of our takeaway and delivery items from plastic containers to cardboard-based packaging.
This is part of our wider commitment to running a responsible, forward-thinking food business that respects our customers, our communities, and the world we all share.
Why we made the change
Single-use plastic can take a very long time to break down, and it often ends up as litter or landfill. By switching to cardboard packaging where possible, we can:
Reduce plastic waste across our restaurant and takeaway operations
Support packaging that is widely recyclable through standard UK waste streams (where local rules allow)
Make it easier for customers to dispose of packaging responsibly after enjoying their meal
A better experience for customers, and a better choice for the planet
We know today’s customers expect more than great food. They want brands to act responsibly. Our packaging changes are designed to keep your food protected and presentable, while also helping to reduce unnecessary waste.
What we’re working on next
Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we are continuing to explore improvements across the business, including:
further reductions in single-use items
recyclable or compostable alternatives for cutlery and extras
working closely with suppliers who share our commitment to responsible packaging
Our goal is simple: to keep delivering the authentic Pakistani and Indian flavours Dawat is known for, while making better choices as we grow across the UK.
Contact Dawat Head Office
(Tooting Branch)
Dawat is opening branches throughout the UK. Please check our Branches page for individual branch details, and visit our Events page to reach out about your catering needs.
Follow Us
- Dawat Tooting: 256-258 Upper Tooting Road, London, SW17 0DN
- Restaurant: 020 8682 9777
- Catering: 020 8682 5123
- Franchise: 020 8226 5000
- Franchise: [email protected]
- [email protected]
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Tooting Restaurant Opening Hours:
Mon - Thu: 8am -12am
Fri - Sat: 8am - 1am
Sun: 8am - 11:30pm
