The Mela Restaurant Birmingham — Restaurant in Birmingham

First time trying this place and wouldn’t go again. Food was ok. Nothing amazing. Wasn’t terrible. I’ve had much better.

Service was not great. The waiter serving us didn’t seem very polite or friendly or said anything about the menu when asked. I asked him about a few things on the menu but he came across as a bit rude and cold as if I shouldn’t be asking. It also felt very rushed and they couldn’t wait to get rid of our dips even though we told them we wanted to keep them to use with the main course. One of the staff was even dressed in a hoodie. It all looked and felt amateruish and thrown together. More like a place you’d pick up food from than a restaurant.

A staff member also forgot an item and we had to request it again. He also asked us if we’d like starters even though we had already ordered some from another waiter a minute before! Amateur hour. The order took a long time to come in comparison to other people (bigger parties) who had come in after us. It seemed like the staff were more interested in serving the bigger party and had prepared the place for them than anyone else who was an afterthought.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was awful. Honestly some of the worst I’ve come across anywhere it was very noisy. Way too bright. It felt like a big room with lots of tables and seats placed overly lit with no ambience of its own.

The big party of 11 that arrived shortly after us were also very disruptive to other people and approaching everyone randomly talking to them?! including us?!

The staff encouraged this behaviour and didn’t apologise for any of it. I guess the staff were just interested in getting money and tips from the big party and didn’t care about anyone else here. We wanted to enjoy our meal in peace but the place and atmosphere felt more like a rowdy pub. If you’re looking for a quiet intimate dinner this is not the place to go to. Decor was pretty tacky too. Will not be coming back here again....

It wasn't until I saw their business card that I realised that we had been here before. It is unusual for me to forget a place, and that I couldn't see my review. I guess it is my age. Anyway it was some rather nice adverts on FB that made me want to visit last Saturday night. However I did notice that it had received mixed reviews but these never put me off a place. Most reviews don't tell you a fat lot anyway. Parking isn't great in Harborne but we struck lucky with a space on a nearby side street. It's situated on the first floor, up a long flight and I didn't notice any provision for those with mobility issues. Once inside it has a very nice feel, although the trip to the loo let's the side down. The wife wasn't a big fan of the unisex cubicles. It's licenced and the bar is well stocked however you can take your own alcohol but they will add a corkage fee which I think is a £1 per person. It was quite busy and the atmosphere was very pleasant, relaxed and somewhat respectful which makes a change. The service was pleasant, quite a few staff but some were more engaging than others. The food was excellent, and I couldn't find fault. I noticed some reviews mentioned bland but our starter and both mains were just the opposite. The shared sheekh kebab was very nice, it could have done with a few more seconds in the microwave but it was very tasty and quite large. The chicken Chetinad and a chicken curry were hard to tell apart until you tasted them. The Chetinad although a 'thinner' curry than I would prefer had layered spicing more typical of Indian style cooking than Bangladeshi. The sides were excellent, especially the naan. None of that tricolour pilau rice either. The chips were good, could be better but I would say that for all but one 'Indian' restaurant in the Midlands. I thought the bill was surprisingly good taking everything into consideration and I would be more than...

We actually drove all the way up from London again just to taste and experience the extravagant culinary epitome of Indian that is Mela.

We are always welcomed honourably by the amazing staff here, almost making me regret why we can't call this place our local Indian. Muneer is one of many friendly staff who welcomed us on this occasion.

The house special, Chicken Hydrabaadi, remains a favourite that is faultless; it's a sweet mild chicken curry infused with spinach, baby potatoes and tomatoes in a thick delicate sauce - I highly recommend this dish!

Another new favourite of ours is their Dhaal; you can reinvent the idea of a classic Indian lenti soup because as an South Asian myself, I could almost guarantee that this delicious rendition of Dhaal exists nowhere else.

The restaurant is tucked away between two shops and is easy to miss however, now is heavily signposted so it can't be missed. The atmosphere inside is cosy and intimate.

My only complaint would be that it's a shame it's not as recognised - would love a branch in London someday! The three-hour drive up the M40 however will always be...