The Spice Room — Restaurant in Sydney

From the moment I stepped into The Spice Room, I knew I was in for something special. Nestled in a prime Sydney location, this Indian restaurant delivers an experience that goes far beyond the ordinary.

Ambience & Atmosphere The interior is a perfect blend of elegance and warmth. Traditional Indian décor, intricate patterns, and ambient lighting set the stage for an immersive dining experience. The subtle fragrance of spices in the air made me anticipate the meal ahead even more.

Food & Flavours Simply put – spectacular. I was amazed at how authentic and vibrant each dish tasted. The chefs clearly have a deep understanding of Indian culinary traditions, and it shows in every bite. From the spices to the slow-cooked curries, the flavours were rich, layered, and perfectly balanced.

The quality of the ingredients was exceptional – fresh produce, premium cuts of meat, and aromatic spices that were clearly sourced with care. The naan bread was pillowy and hot from the tandoor, the curries were bursting with depth, and every dish felt like it had been prepared with genuine passion.

Authenticity Many restaurants claim to offer “authentic” Indian food, but The Spice Room truly delivers on that promise. The dishes reminded me of the kind you’d find in top Indian restaurants in india – bold, vibrant, and uncompromising in flavour. There was no dilution for a generic palate; instead, each recipe was prepared true to tradition, yet presented in a way that appeals to modern diners.

Service The service was attentive yet unobtrusive. Staff were knowledgeable about the menu, happy to explain dishes and make recommendations. They made me feel welcomed, and the speed of service was impeccable

Final Verdict The Spice Room is more than just a restaurant – it’s a culinary journey through India without leaving Sydney. The combination of exceptional taste, high-quality ingredients, and genuine authenticity makes it stand out as one of the city’s finest Indian dining experiences.

Whether you’re a long-time lover of Indian cuisine or someone looking to explore it for the first time, this is the place to go. I left not just satisfied, but...

Went on a Sunday for lunch to quietly celebrate my husband's birthday. Note: Make reservations, the place fills up quickly. Although we were 30 minutes early, Gaurav seated us and made excellent recommendation for dishes and for appropriate heat levels of each item we selected, in order to accommodate my low-to-medium heat tolerance and my husband’s love of fiery food. We each had a mango & cardamom lassi…delightful. ‘Fat Chilli Pakora’ and ‘Amritsari Fish Fry’ were our starting dishes. The pakora were big green chillies stuffed with potato mash, then battered and fried, and served with a tamarind sauce. These had a kick to them and were a very tasty way to start our meal (the lassi was great at helping me manage the heat of the chilli). The fried fish pieces were in a crisp batter with a tangy sauce and served with a beetroot-yoghurt raita and a cucumber-yoghurt raita. The fish was cooked perfectly and was very tasty with the accompanying raitas. For our mains, we ordered the day’s special ‘Saunfiya Kalonjiwala Gosht’ - goat curry with fennel and ginger which had simmered in a pot for 24 hours - and the house black daal makhani. Those lentils were the creamiest, most delicious lentils I’ve ever had, and the goat meat was tender in a beautiful gravy. Don’t fill up on rice, eat these dishes with garlic and herb naan, as Gaurav suggested to us. I couldn’t get over the flavours in these dishes. We finished with the seasonal trio of kulfi (mango, rose and pistachio) and Masala tea. I have never been a fan of Indian food, and I think now that is because I’ve never eaten true and good Indian food…until today. I could eat meals like this one every day. That food was awesome. Flavour bomb after flavour bomb, with excellent and intelligent service in a beautiful atmosphere. This is a Sydney Harbour hidden gem, and we will definitely be going back to try new specials and other items...

The Spice Room: A Banquet Beneath the Bridge

Nestled beneath the Harbour Bridge, The Spice Room offers a unique blend of colonial charm and subcontinental flair. The ambiance is a curious mix. On one side, ornate wood paneling evokes an Indian harem, on the other, the underside of a bridge adds a touch of urban grit. Shout out to Transport NSW.

The banquet was a highlight, allowing us to swap out options to suit our diverse palates – a testament to their excellent customer care. The staff were attentive, ensuring our Kingfishers remained crisp and cold, and they didn’t rush us out at closing time, which was a pleasant surprise.

Culinary standouts included the pani puri, which was a delightful burst of flavour, and the fish curry, notable for its depth and subtle heat. The lamb curry, while tender, lacked seasoning, and the butter chicken was good, though not extraordinary. Portions were generous, with ample appetisers, entrees, and top-ups on rice, curry, and naan. Good stuff.

However, value for money was a sticking point. A small schooner priced at $15 felt steep, and the addition of a service fee after tipping left a sour note.

In summary, The Spice Room delivers on atmosphere, service, and quality food, albeit at a premium price. It’s a venue we’d return to, especially for special occasions when we’re feeling a bit ‘fan-cay’.

J’adore, yum as, 8.1

Scores as follows: Service = 8.44 Customer Care = 8.33 Quality = 8.60 Value = 6.99 Atmosphere = 8.23

Total Score = 8.12

The Oakham Curry Club (OCC) is one of the worlds most respected reviewers of Indian cuisine. With multiple international franchises, we relentlessly scour the globe in pursuit of the crispiest poppadoms, the tastiest sauces and...