Achari Indian Kitchen — Restaurant in Bristol

Restaurant Review: An Unforgettable Evening of Indian Cuisine

Nestled in the heart of the bustling high street, this Indian restaurant promised an evening of authentic flavors, and I am pleased to say it delivered in ways that left me both satisfied and longing for more. From the moment I stepped in, the atmosphere set the tone for a memorable experience. Dimly lit chandeliers cast a warm glow over intricately carved wooden furniture, and the faint aroma of spices wafted through the air, instantly whetting my appetite.

Service and Ambiance The staff were welcoming and attentive without being overbearing. I was guided to my table promptly, and the menu was presented with a genuine smile. The soft background music, a mix of traditional Indian instrumentals and contemporary fusion tracks, added to the cozy yet elegant atmosphere. It was a space that felt both upscale and approachable—ideal for a relaxed dinner or a special occasion.

The Food: A Symphony of Flavors

Chicken Bhuna The chicken bhuna was a revelation. This dish is often a litmus test for any Indian restaurant, and here, it was prepared with meticulous care. The rich, thick sauce clung to tender chunks of chicken, a sign of slow cooking that allowed the spices to meld harmoniously. Each bite offered a burst of flavors—earthy cumin, aromatic coriander, and a hint of smoky paprika balanced by the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions. There was just enough heat to make it exciting without overwhelming the palate. It was clear the chef had a deep understanding of spice layering, as no single note dominated the dish.

Pilau Rice Accompanying the bhuna was a side of pilau rice that was as much a delight to the senses as the main course. The grains were perfectly cooked—fluffy yet distinct—and infused with subtle hints of saffron and whole spices like cardamom and cloves. The rice created a perfect balance against the robust bhuna. The rice was not merely a side dish but a worthy complement that elevated the entire meal.

Garlic Naan The garlic naan was, quite simply, the best I’ve had in years. Served fresh from the tandoor, it arrived at the table piping hot, with a crisp exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. The naan was generously brushed with garlic butter, its fragrance tantalizing even before the first bite. The slightly charred edges added a depth of flavor that paired beautifully with the rich bhuna sauce. I found myself tearing piece after piece, alternating between scooping up the curry and savoring the bread on its own.

Presentation The food was presented with understated elegance. The bhuna was served in a traditional copper dish, keeping it warm throughout the meal. The rice came in a neat dome, garnished with sprigs of coriander, while the naan was presented in a woven basket lined with parchment. It was clear that thought had gone into every detail, ensuring both visual appeal and practicality.

Value for Money For the quality of the food and the overall experience, the meal was reasonably priced. Indian cuisine can often be mishandled at restaurants that cut corners, but here, the dishes spoke of authenticity and skill. It felt like I was paying not just for the meal but for a journey into India’s culinary heritage.

Final Thoughts This restaurant is a gem that I would recommend to anyone who appreciates Indian cuisine. The chicken bhuna, pilau rice, and garlic naan trio showcased a mastery of flavor, texture, and tradition that left me deeply impressed. The attention to detail, from the service to the food presentation, further elevated the experience. I left with not just a full stomach but a profound appreciation for the artistry behind the meal.

If you’re searching for a place to indulge in Indian flavors, look no further. This restaurant is sure to leave an indelible mark on your taste...

Me and my friend had a fantastic experience at this restaurant the other night, we booked and it was very easy to do so, the staff were excellent and lovely and helpful and extremely knowledgeable... It was the best experience! I have to say it was close to if not the best Indian food I have had in the UK... Phenomenal. We started with a mixed platter and the chicken tikka was so juicy and tender and well cooked I've not had as good tikka to be fair (chicken tikka masala was created because the tikka was 'dry' so the customer asked for a sauce to help) anyway yes... Very much does not need a sauce it was that tender and juicy. I'm 90% sure they have a tandoor oven here at Achari (a name which means pickle) moving on, on the platter we also had lamb chops and Sheek kebabs and was served alongside raita, we also ordered a side order of chettinad wings which were delicious (I'm very much going to try and copy cat recipe these 🤭) they were falling off the bone tender and I apologise that I had bitten into before taking a photo! But it smelt and looked just... So good! For mains we ordered a lamb korma, and me a railway curry which... Well... Perfect! We also ordered mushroom bhaji and okra and a chilli cheese naan the garlic rice and pilau rice. By the time we left I felt like I had to be wheeled out... Hands down one of the best curries that I've ever had we couldn't eat it all and so we begged for some containers... The waiter was so helpful and lovely and kind he got us and my friend said "I wonder if we can get a bag for these containers?" There was no needle promptly brought a bag out shortly after haha honestly the service here was TOP NOTCH. Will definitely go back as it was a perfect experience! Definitely will be trying their biryani next time...

This was our first time ordering after reading good reviews. Unfortunately we were utterly disappointed with the service provided.

We prepaid and ordered delivery for 5:30pm. After waiting by the door until 5:45pm we decided to ring to see when the delivery was coming. The rudest man spoke to us on the phone, accused us of not answering the door and not answering the phone to the delivery driver and told us they had returned our delivery.

We explained that none had been to the door and we had no missed calls to which the phone was put down on us. We phoned back to ask if they could send the order to us and waited outside the house. Every time we called we received more rude remarks and were told to wait 10 more minutes…another 10 more minutes etc. We were told the delivery driver had left and was on his way (we are a 3 minute drive away) and after a further 5 minutes with no delivery we gave up waiting.

After waiting until nearly 6:15 with no food we called back to say we were coming down for a refund to which we received yet more awful customer service and were hung up on yet again.

Typically as we went to get in the car it arrived…almost an hour after its delivery slot. They clearly hadn’t attempted delivery earlier and our order must have been forgotten.

The food itself was mediocre, the curry was watery and it certainly wasn’t worth all of the hassle.

We appreciate there can be issues with delivery and hold ups are to be expected. What I was disappointed with was that there was no apology and no attempt to resolve the issue. Instead we were just verbally abused down the phone.

There are many great curry houses in the area and this certainly isn’t one of them. The rudest staff I have ever encountered, a truly horrible experience. Avoid...