Modern Tailors The Ambassador — Restaurant in Gauteng

It's official: Fine dining on Indian cuisine is within safe and easy access of Pretoria lovers of Indian food. Modern Tailors: The Ambassador in Groenkloof Shopping Centre (George Storrar), is a breath of fresh, aromatic air. Parking can get hectic at times, and the wooden stair access to the upstairs dining area will be a challenge for some, but almost everything else makes up for these once you enter, and a warm welcome, a complimentary bottle of cool water on taking your place at a table of your choice, and the exotic charm and cosiness of the beautifully decorated restaurant envelops you. Boasting among the most comfortable, plush seats yet seen at round or oval tables, the ambience is superb. Bathrooms are well-appointed, even top- class, and a handbasin is available, if you decide to eat Indian-style. Hostess Zuraji was great, offering useful advice on seating choice in view of the heatwave. Spoilt for choice of comfortable, plush seating at round or oval tables. The restaurant's 360° centre-piece, an oval-shaped bar, is a colourful work of art in itself - Kudos to the designer who came up with that masterpiece. Waiter Melusi patiently explained the combinations of meat and starch (Chapati or Naan or plain Basmati rice with various seasoning options). House music is played in the background - just about soft enough to conduct a conversation .

Waiting for your meal will not be boring, with much to browse, including art decor and the high decorated ceiling with soft lighting. The roomy atmosphere, with huge windows, provides almost 240° views over the shopping centre as well as the treed adjacent access roads. The Indian Food we ordered was excellent. MT's Butter Chicken curry is now in the top 3 of more than 2 dozen others I have tried elsewhere. Loved the texture, colour and flavours in the thick and creamy Butter Chicken spice sauce, topped with a sprinkling of ground cashews. The Tandoori Platter for 2 is phenomenal: A selection of succulent Chicken Tikka pieces, Gunpowder Wings, Lamb Sheesh kebabs, Crisp Masala Potato, and Skinny Lamb Chops (too skinny, me thought - but most tantalising taste!). The Platter is very good value for money, and nice to try out the variety of fare in one go. Don't pass on the delicious Modern Tailors sauce. A most satisfying dining experience, and shall repeat visit to run...

I have been wanting to visit Modern Tailor for the longest time...accept the drive to Johanesburg has been an impediment...I was therefore so happy to learn that it opened its doors in Pretoria...and tonight it was first choice when deciding where to meet up with a colleague/friend. I know the space well as through the years I have frequented so many restaurants situated here...it is spacious and the decor provides a lovely ambience...we arrived in a downpour ...rain pelting down...setting the scene for a good curry experience...I immediately ordered the pani puri, usually a street food delight with an explosion of taste in the mouth...I missed the sweet, tangy and spiciness in the water...found it quite flat but did not despair as I was sure the Durban lamb curry and the dhal makhani will more then make up for it...unfortunately the waitron forgot to bring the dhal makhani which only arrived when we were half way through the lamb curry...the curry seemed watered down, lacking in body and all the spice and fresh herbs that the menu boasts of but my garlic butter naan which was delicious compensated, making the dish okay overall..the dhal makhani was a real disappointment...none of the rich creaminess that I am used to...even its look was not very appetising when it landed at the table...the manager approached, probably picking up on the fact they we were not enjoying the dish...agreeing that it was too runny and immediately took it away to "fix it"...the replacement was not much better but she stood over us as we tasted it, literally 'willing" us to agree that it was good...uncomfortably my friend "caved" in but unfortunately I couldnt and this was because in one spoonful I found myself chewing on 3 fairly large pieces of ginger! I am willing to accept that one must make allowance for a "bad day in the kitchen" and as a result I am not going to say that one should not give the restaurant a try...it will take me some time...

Had my first meal at this restaurant. The location is fantastic. I was astounded though that this was a restaurant because the name is so odd and suggests that this is a clothing establishment. Definitely not the best choice for a name even though it has historical significance. I go to the Spar around the corner daily and didn't even realise there was a restaurant just above me. Needs more visibility and marketing.

The staff was exceptionally friendly and attentive. Atmosphere in the restaurant was very pleasant. We ordered masala tea which was very good. The Aloo Paratha was the best I have eaten. It was packed with flavour and delicious. I did feel though that it needed to be served with a green dipping sauce ( coriander chutney etc). We also ordered a veg Thali. Was beautifully presented but as someone who is very familiar with Indian cuisine and use of spices, I found some of the dishes lacking in flavour. For example the butternut was braised with mustard seeds but not really Indian style. It lacked the curry leaves and cumin coriander spices. The lentil dhal was tasty. I found the butternut brinjal curry bland. It had a nice sauce but lacked flavour. I suppose it would pass for those diners who are not familiar with Indian cuisine but not the more discerning diner who is familiar with authentic Indian cuisine.

It’s only been two weeks so perhaps the chefs are still finding their feet. I would really like this restaurant to do well because it would really be nice to grab a bite after shopping. I will definitely be back for masala tea and Aloo Paratha.

Went back after a year. Ordered their cauliflower rice and chicken korma with cashew nuts. Was really good. The cauli rice was fantastic. Cooked to perfection with Indian spices. Will be...