The Painted Heron

After reading the rave reviews, we visited The Painted Heron after attending a restaurant opening in Sloane Square. As we had enjoyed our fill of champagne and canapes, we decided to order light and avoid any more alcohol. This seemed to irritate the staff. Two different waiters encouraged us to order drinks, even though we already had bottled water.

Our table was pretty bad, probably as we only booked the day before. It was wedged up against a pillar, in the middle of the dining room, but we weren't too bothered. The restaurant itself is pretty uninteresting, just plain white from what I remember, but it was really noisy as it was completely full. If you're looking for somewhere for a romantic or quiet meal, this isn't the place - but I imagine it would be great for larger groups.

Lovely crisp poppadums arrived with a selection of dips - raita, something spicy with beetroot, and a delicious garlic chutney. My dining companion went for the vegetarian platter and I had the chicken, tomato and almond curry with pilao rice. Again, this seemed to upset the staff, who asked if we wanted starters (twice), and if we wanted vegetables (three times). Service from then on was glum, unsmiling and curt.

Service aside, the food was excellent - perfectly cooked with just the right amount of spice and fire. The vegetarian platter was a great choice and came with vegetable curry, spinach and bombay potatoes, an onion salad, raita, rice and naan bread. We couldn't fault any of it.

Looking around, the larger groups and pairs of business men were obviously ordering a lot more - so maybe that explains the staff's attitude towards our relatively small meal. But surely we should be allowed to order as much or as little as we want without any drama?

I had chocolate fondant for dessert, which was perfectly hot and liquid in the middle, but would have been better served with pistachio ice-cream (that I had asked for) rather than the lukewarm pistachio cream (melted ice-cream perhaps?).

I would definitely go again as the food was virtually flawless, but I would probably go in a larger group and on an empty stomach. The service did sour our experience a little, but not enough to ruin our night.
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-K-
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Thursday, May 15, 2008

This has got to be one of the best restaurants in London, full stop, let alone one of the best Indians. The food is not just the basic traditional stuff but really innovative and creative and always totally delicious. The staff are very well organised, polite and friendly - I've been dozens of times and there's never been any waiting around trying to catch a waiter's eye.

Prices have gone up lately - as they have everywhere. But the Painted Heron is still very reasonable. I can't imagine finding a better food combination of food service and atmosphere anywhere - and certainly not for less money!
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David
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Great westernized food on offer. Swish surroundings. Service is average.

Not the best Indian in London, but definitely above average.
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nakedlunch - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Monday, March 10, 2008

I visited this resturant..the food was quite nice however if you're looking for authentic Indian food this is not the resturant for you as the menue is quite English with lots and lots of added spice.

average price is not £25.00 as mentioned above and it's at least £35.00

would definitely go back there again though.
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rebecca
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Friday, December 14, 2007

I have no idea why this restaurant is not named as one of the top indian restaurants in London - it ought to be !! I have been to all of the so called best Indians in London and this place outshines them all by far !

I would recommend the Painted Heron for any occasion and at any time of the year as it offers the best Indian food without leaving you with a lack of funds in your wallet !!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, October 17, 2007

me and my dining club went to painted heron last nite. I have been there before and always found it excellent. This visit was no exception- - exquisite soft shell crab for starter and scallops and prawns for main course. Truly exceptional. The best indian restuarant in london by a country mile - beats benares and amaya hands down. Service was impeccable and great value - congratulations to the Painted Heron team. I will be back.
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Bertie Timpson
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, September 07, 2007

This is one of my favourite Indian restaurants in London. Excellent and inventive food, reasonable prices, good service and great atmosphere. Been there 3 times now - always a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

One problem is its location (nowhere near any tube stations etc) - so cabs there & back may have to be the order of the day.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, August 04, 2007

Simply awesome!!!!

We had organsied a small party in the Restaurant on a Saturday.Each and every guest admired the food - excellent preparation, well presented and above all very attentive services from each and every member of the staff.

Highly recommended.

Thanks a lot Yogesh, Parvais and the team.

Papia
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papia - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, June 18, 2007

I have now been to the Painted Heron on around five occassions and have been blown away every time. The soft shelled crab starter in particular is an absolute delight.

I most recently went there with some guests from the US and everyone thought the meal, service and atmosphere top notch.

I would strongly recommend this retsurant to anyone looking for good, innovative Indian food (Tandoori Pigeon anyone?).
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Ben
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Visited The Painted Heron for lunch on sunday the 10th of June 07. The food was fantastic and compliments to the chefs . Manager called Akram (hope i've remembered correctly) was very friendly and made sure we were looked after properly. I will defnitely keep on recommending The Painted Heron to friends and family.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Monday, June 11, 2007