Charcoal Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in South Island

Wow!! What an absolute find!! I’m really pleased to report that since my last review two years ago, the owners have spruced up the restaurant and followed all of my suggestions- a decent paint job, clean the windows, lighting improvements and new blinds!! The place looks fantastic! Anyway, the food is amazing!! We enjoy Indian food and have eaten it all over the world. The best ones we have been to have been in Fiji, and in Malaysia. The chef and his team are passionate foodies. The tandoori chicken is highly recommended. Dry, not greasy, not too hot but very flavoursome. Also very generous servings! I had the Lamb vindaloo kiwi medium spice. Slow cooked cubes of succulent lamb encased in a delicate sauce. The spices are all fresh and hand- ground ( we talked to chef afterwards) The palak paneer was equally delightful- fragrant and just the right amount of spiciness. We had easily the best homemade naan we have had anywhere in the world- flakey, light and crispy. In no way greasy or stodgy. We went out the back to speak to the team and congratulate them on a superb feast of the finest Indian food. People of Blenheim- please do try this place out. Price point is very reasonable and suited to groups but also very nice for an intimate quiet dinner. All the best!! Jo...

Charcoal Indian Restaurant is our go-to here in Blenheim. In Blenheim, sad to say, it is very difficult to find good, consistent Indian food, but Charcoal never disappoints! The staff are just so friendly and really do pay attention to what you ask for when it comes to spice level etc. The mixed platter for 2 is just so delicious, every tasty morsel cooked perfectly. We always add 2 more Samosas because they are so good! The Butter Chicken is really nice, and we also enjoy the Lamb or Chicken Sagwala or Chicken Korma. Rice is always nice and fluffy. And the garlic naan bread is huge! I always ask for double sauces with our mixed platter, and the staff always pops extra into our takeaway bag, which is really awesome and totally appreciated. We haven't dined in the restaurant for a while so I think we will have to dine again soon but takeaways for us are just awesome. Love the ease of ordering online on their website, and they do deliver as well for a fee. Definitely eat at Charcoals or order takeaways, these guys are the best...

I went to Charcoal for dinner with two guests. We were welcomed by a staff member who seated us, took our order, and the food that followed was absolutely delicious. However, the service during and after our meal left much to be desired.

While we were eating—and even after we had finished—one of the staff members kept approaching our table repeatedly to ask if we needed anything else. This happened so often that it began to feel intrusive and uncomfortable. What made it worse was that despite all the check-ins, no one offered to refill our water. We eventually had to get up and ask for it ourselves.

The repeated interruptions, combined with the lack of basic service and a general feeling of being rushed or unwelcome, made the experience disappointing. It wasn’t closing time, and the restaurant was nearly empty, so there was no pressure on space or turnover.

Great food, but unfortunately the hospitality...