Cochin

No question that this restaurant has its good days and bad days - my own first experience was with their take-away service, and half-way home they called me to tell me that my order had been mixed up with another. Thus I and another customer had to return to Cochin and exchange our food. No discounts or compensatory gestures were offered - and I was determined never to visit again.

But then I finally tasted the dishes I had chased around London. This is seriously high quality food, and a rarity so far outside central London. So much so that I have revisited Cochin several times, both for meals in and meals out.

The service is undeniably erratic, both for dining and take away. But the dishes are consistently excellent. And what distinguishes Cochin is that every dish seems to have been prepared to order - which of course explains some quite extended intervals between courses.

I'd urge anyone who hasn't visited to do so - the food is so delicious that it's worth enduring the idiosyncratic service!
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Jasper Scott
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Friday, July 13, 2007

we saw the reviews on this website and finally decided to visit this restaurant as i and my wife like indian food very much, and it was not too far from my home in north finchely.

we had booked a table on sunday to celebrate my sons birthday for 8.30pm, on arrival we were impressed with the decor and friendly welcome by the staff although the restaurant was quite full, we got a very nice table which was reserved for us downstairs.

we orderd the Non-Vegetarian platter for starters, in which we got chicken dosa, fish cutlets and lamb kebab, we really liked the chicken dosa and the way the waiter explained how they make it, it was really intresting to know that.

for the mains we had 'fish moile' and the 'kol vartha curry' with okra and rice as a side dish, they were as delicious as the starters, we also had south indian style bread 'the apam' which was unique and we never had before, when asked we were told it was made out of rice flour and coconut milk. i recommend if you visit this restaurant u must try this bread.

we didnt order any deserts as we were too full, and asked for the bill. But before our bill arrived, they got us a selection of ice creams with a nice little birthday candle on it in the middle, we were delighted with the service and respect which they had for the customers. we coudnt believe that the ice creams were home made, they were lovely! and with compliments from the management.

i highly recommend this restaraunt for great and organic indian food, and i am sure we will get same service and food whenever we will visit again.

Cant wait to Go Back!!!
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Atul Shah
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, June 26, 2007

A great place. The staff were friendly and the service was excellent, in a nice relaxing atmosphere. The food was superb, from the starters through to the desserts. We were cautious coming here as the menu outside omitted the prices, but it was of average price and proved good value. Definately recommended.
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Gary
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Saturday, June 23, 2007

i had lovely dinner last night with my friends...it was quite busy.. we were lucky enough to get a table without a reservation, i was impressed with the theme, ambience of the restaurant.. I specially liked authentic south indian touch and the integrity of the spices..

my personal favourite and a must try was 'Cochin Lamb'

The service was excellent along with great food.

A must try for all londoners and indian food lovers.

cheers.

Lucy
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Lucy Palmer
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, May 26, 2007

great service, nice decor, not great food

this is not proper 'Malayali' food

even the dishes i ordered, they did not taste nice.

it;s a collection of dishes from all over south india, not an exclusive kerala restaurant.
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tulan - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Friday, May 18, 2007

Very bad food.... dont know about vegi... but non veg was really bad. wont go again
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Ashok
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 2
Sunday, April 22, 2007

We had a large party at this place last night and the food was simply stunning. The chefs here seem to know their stuff and are not afraid to spice the dishes properly, unlike other 'contemporary Indian' places where the food's often bland... at Cochin, every dish tasted fantastic - nicely hot where appropriate, and mild where appropriate. The mains took a while to arrive but when they did, you know why - exquisite cooking like this cannot be hurried. The Goan Balachao, which was a prawn curry, was great, as was Lamb Cochin, and the meat was beautifully tender. All the veg dishes we had were excellent too, and the dosa was superb. A must-visit-again kinda place. Puts your usual high-street Indian to shame. Didnt try the desserts. Service was very good and friendly although they could have updated us on the mains, but perhaps its us the customers who need to be more patient when the food is this good?
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Nish
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, April 07, 2007

We have visited the Cochin about a dozen times, often with friends. We all agree that this restaurant is tops; the food absolutely exquisite.

The genuinely friendly staff create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the service is good.
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Maureen and Leon Cohen
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, March 14, 2007

I am surprised at some of the comments below as we have have always had a great meal at this restaurant.

Although slightly expensive, the food is very authentic and the service is good with friendly staff. We need more restaurants like this one in Finchley.

The dosas are fantastic and the fish & prawn curries are the best. Try the homemade icecreams.
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S Shetty
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, February 13, 2007

First time we went here it was wonderful but it has certainly deteriorated!!!

The fat guy was rude and damn right arrogant......wont be going there again!!
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Anna
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, February 11, 2007