Silka

Ambience is not Silka's strong point, because it's based deep underground in a cellar by London Bridge and is so plain it's almost perverse. Painted and designed in white and brown and with an odd window into only part of the kitchen it's never likely to win awards.

What really matters though is the food, and it was in some respects a cut above the average Indian. Lamb with green herbs was fresh, aromatic and non greasy, while my traditionalist friend had Chicken Tikka Masala which managed to have actual chicken taste. It was still too much sweet for , but I guess that's what the customer wants.

The breads (Naan, Chapati, Paratha) were solid but not inspired, but there is never any excuse for putting sugar in the naan mix - if any thing turns an Indian into a night out with flock wallpaper this certainly does it for me. If you're desperate for a curry around Borough Market, this is a better bet that many others.
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Ben
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, September 05, 2007

I wonder if some reviewers are being entirely fair.

My experience of Silka is that the food is unusual in nature, well prepared, extremely well presented and attentively served. The staff are knowledgeable about their product which is authentic and fresh. After four visits, I can honestly say that the only less-than-optimal behaviour I have observed was by diners, not staff.

I'd rather the place was redecorated - many more soft furnishings would deaden the acoustic so that I wouldn't have to listen to naff office stories or football theories from City types with egos to show off - but I'd keep the menus, the kitchen and the staff exactly as they are. Some of us still appreciate subtlety, and that is the whole point of Silka.

Sripur, on the junction of Mark Lane and Great Tower Street, is worth trying as well.
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Andy
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9
Thursday, August 16, 2007

We had seen some pretty poor reviews for Silka, but they had a half-price offer and were in the area we wanted to be so we decided to take a chance. We were the first in, but the air conditioning and modern Indian music were quickly turned on and we didn't feel too awkward being the only ones in the restaurant. The lighting wasn't too severe and the ambience was relaxed.

Initially the waiter seemed quite serious and unfriendly, but as soon as we made an effort to start a conversation we found him and his colleagues to be charming and helpful.

Our starters of Lamb Patties and Spicy Crab Cakes were very tasty, although it was difficult to taste the crab through the spices. The main courses of King Prawns Peri Peri and Lamb Rogan with accompanying vegetables were exceptional and the presentation was first rate.

We will definitely return to Silka again even if the half-price offer isn't valid - we would be happy to pay full price for food of this quality.
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RMartin - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, July 20, 2007

I was very disappointed with the service in this restaurant. The place was empty when we went but everything seemed to take as long as it should have if it was packed out. The food took an incredibly long time to come, and we even waited ages for them to bring the extra spoon we asked for. As for the food, I have to admit I thought it was delicious, very well prepared and presented, and lots of options on the menu, but it was overpriced considering where we were. Overall, good food, awful service, overpriced. I'm not going back any time soon.
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Adam
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Our group of five came across Silka when looking for a restaurant close to London Bridge on a Monday night. We found the food very tasty and interesting (we each had a different degustation platter). The menu was imaginative and different from the bog-standard Indian. We found the staff really friendly and unobtrusive. We were surprised at the negative reviews on the site and would definitely go again.
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Ali Wood
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, October 31, 2006

I’m annoyed at the poor customer service at Silka. Our group was split over two tables which should not have been necessary as they had ample space to put us all together. The bill was bumped up as they charged us a fee for two NO SHOWS and they also charged us for 18 desserts when only 16 of us attended and I’m fairly sure not all ordered a dessert. So, my overall recommendation is that this is a restaurant to avoid.
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Ian Sweeney (Gusto Dining Club)
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 2
Thursday, May 04, 2006

We chose Silka as it had a clean, bright and "modern" feel. Although the restaurant was practically empty we were shown to a table that was half-set. Service was adequate but badly timed i.e the waiter hovered all night except when we were actually ready to order. We ordered basic stuff - nothing fancy. But even the basics didn't measure up. The tandoori chicken was tasteless, overcooked, tough and stringy, and everything else (lamb rogan gosht, prawn puri, and mixed veg) was covered in such a thick slick of ghee (so unnecessary in modern Indian cuisine) as to make it a healthy eater's nightmare. And at £36 per head (aperatifs, main courses, wine and service) might as well go down Brick Lane next time. Highly unrecommended.
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Frances
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Monday, April 03, 2006

It's hard to imagine how to achieve a completely tasteless Indian given how much variety in spices and styles there is available from this one country but this restaurant manages it! I have never been so disappointed with a meal out. Food is completely tasteless and the restaurant's decor, sterile. We also had the "joy" of sharing the otherwise empty restaurant with 4 drunken and loud blokes. Don't bother.
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Ursula - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, February 28, 2006