imli — Restaurant in Borough of Fylde

Where is the spice? Date of visiting Tuesday 23rd Aug 2022 at 8.20pm As staying around Blackpool on a short stay with the family (2 adults and 2 kids, we came across imli restaurant while looking for a halal place to eat in the evening online and selected this restaurant after reading the positive reviews.

The restaurant is based is St.Annes-On-Sea, an area around 10 minutes drive away from Blackpool promenade, this area looks and feels more upmarket to Blackpool promenade restaurants, and parking is easy and free near the restaurant.

Got there around 8.20pm and it seemed fairly busy with diners, we were greeted when entering and asked to sit in the entrance/lounge area seating, until a table was ready for us.

Table was ready within a few minutes and we sat down browsing the menu provided, preparing what we wanted to order, so we called the waiter to inform him we were ready and placed our order consisting of the below ~ 2 x Popadoms 1 x Chutney Tray Tandoori Mix Lamb Handi Chicken Shahi (Medium) Tarka Dal Saag Aloo Plain Rice 1 x Nan 2 x Tandoori Roti 1 X Plain Parata Bill total around £65

Pros~ Front of restaurant clean and tidy Nice decor Service was efficient but lacking the friendly touch as our server did not smile once or create any conversation with us. Food presentation Card Payment

Cons~ Too long a wait to take our order after their first approach with drinks. They charge for chutney tray, never experienced this in any Indian restaurant that we have tried and eaten in, we have eaten in over 40 plus restaurants and never been charged for sauces/chutneys. Food very bland lacking flavour and spice, how can all the curry dishes taste the same?. Dead flies floating in their water feature not a great appearance. Closes at 9.30pm

Would we return again? Unfortunately no, as we were hoping for a taste explosion experience based on the reviews and sadly left...

First time to St Annes. Looking for a nice Indian restaurant and read the reviews for Imla. All good, so on a Tuesday evening in late September we called in to see if they could fit 2 persons in for their early bird. The staff greeting was warm and friendly, and within a few moments we were shown to a table. The staff member ( think he was in charge) explained the early bird menu as well as the main menu, stating that if we wished to upgrade off the early bird, a slight added charge would be made. We settled on 2 early bird menus and upgraded a couple of items. Whe. The pickle tray arrived for starters he went through all 6 bowls, telling us which ones were spicier than the others ( nice touch). The starters of onion bhaji were hot and tasty when they arrived. The mains was excellent, the shashlik was still sizzling, with plenty of chicken and vegetables. Staff were very attentive yet not intrusive, which made for a really relaxed atmosphere. Including the upgrades and 2 drinks it was less than £40. Really rate this restaurant, and would recommend to anyone who hasn't been before, to...

Fantastic 5 stars Visited here with my partner whilst in St annes .. Didn't pre book just dropped in and what a hidden gem . The staff was very welcoming couldn't do enough for us, but did not pester like some do . For starters we had poppadoms and a chutney tray , they was probably the nicest we ever had the chutneys top class . Partner ordered a chicken tikka shashlik It came on a hot griddle the meat was top class and the rogan sauce first class . We had chicken tikka a dansak extra hot and that was amazing they added fresh chillies for the heat rather than just throwing chilli powder in like some places do , the pineapple was fresh and flavours was all present . Bread was top class too . Only gripe would be got French fries instead of chips I do prefer a proper chip with my curry but that's personal preference . The bill was very reasonable and a good selection of drinks . Overall cannot recommend this place enough the best curry we have had in a long time . We live 40 miles away and I'm willing to travel the next time we want curry as our locals just don't compare to...