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Billed as London's oldest surviving Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy remains a destination for tourists and corporate types on elastic expense accounts. A lift (accessed by a narrow entrance) whisks diners to an expansive, airy first floor overlooking Regent Street. Decor is a mix of colourful hanging lamps, ornate chandeliers and memorabilia from a bygone era. Even on our weekday supper, most tables were full and the restaurant buzzed with conversation.
Yet all is not rosy here: the food is expensive and we're not convinced the current quality of cooking meets expectations. Lamb rogan josh was fine (miniature shanks of lamb on the bone, simmered in an aromatic masala featuring mild kashmiri chillies), making a great match with the hot breads - our only complaint, the stingy portions of naan and parathas. Chicken dopiaza was more disappointing; although the chicken pieces were succulent, the addition of pickled slivers of harsh-tasting lemon preserve overshadowed any delicate spicing.
Puddings were also a let-down. Tandoori nectarine wedges, dunked in a jam-like berry sauce, were underwhelming and overpriced. In addition, service, although well meaning, simply wasn't up to scratch. Established in 1926, and owned by the Masala World group, Veeraswamy seems to be trading on past glories.
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What is 'following'?Transport Piccadilly Circus tube
020 7734 1401
Lunch served noon-2.30pm Mon-Fri; 12.30-2.45pm Sat, Sun. Dinner served 5.30-10.45pm Mon-Sat; 6-10.15pm Sun
Main courses £15-£32. Set meal (lunch, 5.30-6.30pm Mon-Sat) £17.75 2 courses; (lunch Sun) £24 3 courses. Set dinner £45 tasting menu
Credit cards AmEx, DC, MC, V
Facilities
Children admitted ( until 8pm ), Booking advisable ( weekends ), Separate room for parties ( seats 24 ), Disabled ( lift; toilet ), Dress ( smart casual )I just dont think most of the reviews below have got the point of this place. If you want a vindaloo or a kurma then go to your local Indian - Veeraswamy isnt the place that caters for that type of Indian cuisine. - This place is all about the other foods that India has to offer and i personally think they are fantastic. Ive been several times, never had an issue with staff or service and one time they actually recommended that i stopped ordering so much as they knew i wouldnt be able to eat it and that it would be a waste of my money!
For a common or garden curry dont bother going but if you want a change from vindaloos and other standard dishes, you will not be disappointed.
highty recommended
Very poor. Only visit if you would like to pay stupid amount of money and tasteless food.
Highly recommend NOT to visit
Very poor food, very poor service (though the inexperienced staff try their best) and very overpriced. A real disappointment.
WIthout a doubt the best Indian meal we have ever had. The service was excellent; despite it being busy our glasses were never left to run dry and there was just the right amount of time between courses. The waiter took the time to talk to us, and the manager stopped by to check everything was satisfactory.
In reference to the last comment, there were definitely at least 2 or 3 main vegetarian options.
Overall, we cannot fault the Veeraswamy.
We went there and only veg items found are side dishes. Apparently the owner was not happy with the total amount and asked us to order more items. We immediately got up and left the place.
Andrew Wheal and Zed - my thoughts entirely. When we arrived seated in waiting area and given cocktail menu. When we said we didn't want any, they took us over to our table which had been booked! Husband loves vindaloo and was hugely disappointed with the very mild vindaloo he chose. There were no chutneys as appetisers on the table and when we spoke to them about how disappointed we were, there was no real interest. It felt as though they only wanted the maximum money from you possible. Our meal was £138 for main course only and, as Zed said, I have better meals from my local curry house in Surrey. We had told them beforehand it was a celebration for an octogenarian mother-in-law, who had enjoyed many meals at Veeraswamy in her younger days, but no acknowledgement made of this. She was just so disappointed at what had become of Veeraswamy. Decor was lovely but without the food and the attention to service, it is rather pointless. We will never ever return or recommend Veeraswamys to anyone
The previous commentators must have eaten in a differant restaurant. 4-5 star. Have been many times
Following a previous disappointing experience with Veeraswamy I am pleased to say that after a small delay the senior management did address my concerns listed in the previous post. I was also invited back to the restaurant in order for them to put right their wrongs. My second visit was much better and the food and service were much better second time round. .I intend to visit again in the future.
What a dissapointement. Having spent time organising this important team dinner, pre arranging the wines for the table, booking the private room and providing a credit authaurisation form I then found that the wines were not on the table, the private dinning room contanied two tables so teh team was split and my team was asked for payment at the end of the night. Furthermore the General Manager left me a voicemail after I raised my concerns but has never bothered to phone back or email. I shall never use Veeraswamy again and neither should anyone else. What a huge disspaointment.
Very disappointing...
Service was rushed, and staff not very friendly or polite.
Seating was uncomfortable and had to ask to move to different table as my chair/stool was so low (I am 6 foot tall).
Being indian myself, the food was rubbish and very expensive. This restaurant caters for tourist and does not sell "real" indian food of the maharaja's as they claim!
The vindaloo was more like a korma - with no spice whatsoever!
Portions were the smallest I have ever seen, and after the meal (£140 down for only two people - one drink each) we had to go for something else to eat!
Would NEVER go back or recommend this to anyone!
Can get a better curry in any local take away shop!
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