Masala Zone (Soho)

We went to Mazala Zone in Soho on 5th April for dinner.

The waiter served us couldn’t explain the menu. Eventually he managed to take the order after 20 minutes. This is not the waiter’s fault; he has not been trained well.

The popadoms took 35 minutes to arrive after reminding the waiter.

There was only one mild meat dish which was not “every one’s cup of tea”. We ordered Pav Bhaji which came without a slice of lemon. When we asked the friendly and helpful manager for a slice of lemon we were told that the owners like it to be served without the slice of lemon. Obviously when they travelled to India for tasting the food (as they say), they didn’t taste Pav Bhaji. You need to have lemon in pav bhaji. The butter chicken was not all that. To top it all off their faluda was disgusting.
Comment on this reader review

Meera
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Wednesday, April 08, 2009

We went to Masala Zone in Covent Garden (off the Opera House) last Friday and really enjoyed it. Great food, great atmosphere, great service..and very reasonable price..Curries were really good and the big tray with a mix of servings is also highly recommendable. For sure we will come back next time we visit London!
Comment on this reader review

Mar
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Myself and a group of friends ate at the Covent Garden branch, the food was over priced and came to the table cold. The waiter could not explain any of the dishes and so will not be going back
Comment on this reader review

Paul
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, November 04, 2008

I went to the Covent Garden branch at around 9pm for a meal and I have to say the best Indian food in this price range I have eaten. I went for the Grand Thali and it was amazing. The chicken curry just melted in your mouth and the starters was fantastic.

The atmosphere was nice and the service was outstanding, very rare in central London at times.

I've dined in many top London restaurants and have to say for the price its great value for money.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Excellent food with lots of choice and a great ambience. The service was courteous and speedy, but we weren't rushed at all to leave afterwards. £87 for a table of 7 including service charge in central London is top value and I will definitely be going back.
Comment on this reader review

Tim - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Friday, August 22, 2008

i have been to masala zone a number of times, thier starters are delicious. they do the best gol guppas by far , having the right amount of spice and sweet combination. i have serached high and low for the perfect gol guppa in london and masala zone have it!!! everytime i have them i actually think im in chandni chowk bazar. the samosa and chole combination is also fantastic, and their dhaain chaat is also another perfect dish.

the starters truely reflect street foods in india, as an indian i would like to say masala zone has done it proud however their thalis are not as superb as the starters. presentation of the thalis are gorgeous the rice is in a perfect mould, each little katoris are clean and filled to the rims. the paaneer makahandwala is gorgeous but the culiflower and aloo combination istoo bland.

the deserts such as warm gulab jamun and ice cream is luxurious.

overall masala zone is fantastic, the staff are nice and very helpful and the environment is perfect for friends day out or a romantic dinner.
Comment on this reader review

hafizah hafez
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, August 19, 2008

I frequently visit the Masala Zone in Islington. Have to say, it is the most authentic and most reasonably priced amongst all its sister restaurants namely Chutney Mary and the likes.

As an Indian was expecting to be disappointed with either bland or orangy-red food in the name of Indian cuisine as i had been before in many an "Indian" restaurant in London.

Very pleasantly surprised to find extremely authentic, just rightly spiced and absolutely delicious food. The Thali idea is sheer genius :). Decor and atmosphere were very pleasant and just right for a nice evening out with friends or family.Service was lovely as well.

Definitely stays on my list as one of my favourite restaurants and my top Indian restaurant in London.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, August 12, 2008

I went to masala zone on thursday. when i order my food it was great but the only thing i noted that my rice was not basmati but it was something else because i am going to indian reasturant since my childhood. when i asked the waiter which rice was that he lied to me saying it was basmati. but after few minutes he turned back and did said sorry, and he told me that they dont use basmati but some american long grain. i felt i was cheated sorrry guys that was my worst exprience
Comment on this reader review

Tania anderson
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 2
Saturday, August 09, 2008

I had the Chicken Mangalore Thali which had some daal and an aubergine side dish - all very tasty ! As it was the 2-course lunch special, the meal was also good value.

However service was a bit amateur hour - as it was 3pm the restaurant wasn't busy but I had to chase up my drinks order and the bill a couple of times. The Soho branch itself is in need of a refurb and is starting to look a bit jaded compared to other casual dining options.
Comment on this reader review

SC - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Sunday, June 29, 2008

have dined at masala quite a few times and i have always loved the food.the decor is unique and eye-catching. service might not be as fast as ohters, but the wait was to a reasonable extent. unlike what the previous reviewer said that there was a language barrier, on my most recent visit, that was saturday, the waitress who our guess is from the far east (by the looks of her) was engaging and friendly and did manage to crack a joke or two with us (she was fluent and well-versed). overall, the experience was enjoyable and perfect.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, June 25, 2008