La Porte des Indes

£40 a head for a curry? Well, living in North Yorkshire my impression 'a priori' would have been that these are silly London prices. However, having been escorted through the slightly elegant but uninspiring entrance to a world of oriental exuberance, and having been taken to a table by a floodlit pond under a glass dome... Incidentally, I am told that the impressively large floral arrangements are flown from Holland and changed every week. The food was certainly above average. The assortments we tried as main course covered a wide range of flavours, delicately spiced, without overburning our papillae but, at the same time, meeting the demands of those who attend Indian restaurants for the daring side of it. The service was helpful, although I do not like being dictated how fast I should drink my £6 bottle of beer. Overall an enjoyable expensive experience, which I will repeat sometime.
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J. Gonzalez
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Sunday, April 16, 2006

£4.50 for a bottle of still water - outragous!!!

Service distinctly average, food awful.

I wont be returning
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Mr B Parr
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 1
Thursday, March 30, 2006

Disabled access is via emergency exit. Don't drink too much or expect to use the facilities, which are down multiple flights of stairs.

If you have an aversion to garlic, then this restaurant is not for you. The only option is a freshly made mediocre chicken curry.

My overall perception is the food, while varied and interesting, was only slightly above average and others in the group commented that it was not up to Marks and Spencer quality.

Lack of consideration for disability is unexpected and very disappointing. Would definitely **NOT** visit again.
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- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 1
Thursday, March 30, 2006

From outside, it doesn't look very appealing but the inside is fantastic! It looks like you are in a plantation in India. The food was really tasty. It might be a bit expensive but it's well worth it for a good meal!
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Caroline Tran
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Friday, March 03, 2006

I've have been to this restaurant on several occasions, the atmosphere is always very pleasant, although the venue is never at full capapcity which is surprising, this maybe due to some parts of the menu being slightly over-priced, the food is very good with some interesting dishes not liklely to be found in your local tandoori.

But at the top prices they charge, this is what you expect, but as an overall package you would find this restaurant very hard to beat.

The venue is outstanding with a real collonial feel to it, that is really inspiring in comparison to other venues, if you've never been here, this is without doubt one of the best restaurants in London and one you simply must try.
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JT - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Monday, January 30, 2006

My fiancee and I went on Friday night with a view to finding a modern "Indian" restaurant that would appeal to our families and be a suitable place for our small civil ceremony reception (prior to 3 enforced bigger receptions the weekend after!). The interior is aesthetically pleasing and I cannot fault the enthusiasm, cheer or attention of the staff. The courses all came at just the right time and were beautifully presented. However, the food was just not good enough. They were obviously trying and people around us seemed happy enough, but it was all rather bland and tasteless, and I do not mean that it lacked spice. It was pricey too and cost me (minus drinks) more than much better fare at the Ivy / J.Sheekey.

The foie gras in particular left an unpleasant taste that took over 24 hrs to subside.

I am sure other peole may well enjoy it, but for us, the search goes on...
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Kash
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 2
Sunday, January 29, 2006

Raison d'etre: haute revenue not haute cuisine.

Food: ok but nothing special

Service: beware the band of unsmiling fembots who've been programmed to make you drink your own weight in overpriced mineral water.

Surroundings: great ceiling, nice marble staircase, and if 80s shopping centre chic is your thing you'll love the water feature.

This place leaves a bad taste in the mouth and its not just the tandoori foie gras. Depressing.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Monday, January 23, 2006

I totally disagree with the bad reviews written here. Been here twice and both times had excellent food and service. Yes, its more expensive than a "brick lane" Indian but you are paying extra for a much better quality of food and much nicer surroundings.

Waiters were all extremely friendly and instead of being rushed out after our meal we were allowed to sit and finish our drinks and didnt end up leaving until 1.30am with no-one coming over to rush us out the door like you get in a lot of restaurants!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, January 19, 2006

Had the 29 quid per head degustatation menu on the 2 for 1 offer. I completely misunderstood that this was a menu where you taste many dishes as thought this was a set menu. The restaurant was incredibly helpful and because I don't eat meat or seafood they made an exception (to their normal rule of not changing the degustation menu) and substituted fish / veggie dishes.........Food was pretty good, small portions but many dishes so you leave very full up!1st class service and beautiful surroundings. For two people including wine and still water came to 37 quid incl. service so bargain!A very good quality posh curry! We would definitely go there again but next time I would try another menu or a la carte.
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James Raven - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Had a wonderful NYE meal at this stunning restaurant. The restaurant was fully booked yet the service throughout the night was faultless an friendly.

At £50 the menu price was very competitive compared to many of the restaurant's peers that I tried. As we sat down at 8.45pm we did not want to be rushed so that we could see in the new year whilst still at the table. The restaurant overcame this by offering a selection of delicious appetisers beofre the starters came which resulted in us being served our desserts as midnight came in which we toasted with a complimentary glass of Champagne.

Exquisite! Cannot wait to return!
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Phil
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, January 13, 2006