Black Cumin — Restaurant in Bristol

From the moment you step into Black Cumin, you're enveloped in an aura of warmth and hospitality. The staff and owner greet you with genuine smiles, making you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. Throughout your dining experience, they go above and beyond, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Let's talk about the food – an exquisite journey for the palate. For starters, we indulged in the Meat Sizzler, a tantalizing array of chicken, lamb chops, tuna, and kebabs. Each bite was a burst of flavor, with the chicken particularly standing out, complemented perfectly by the mint sauce. And the drinks? Ah, the Mango Lassi, a creamy concoction that danced on the taste buds, and the Desi Punch, with its refreshing kick, left us wanting more.

But the star of the show was undoubtedly the Cheesy Chilli Naan Bread – arguably the best naan I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. Soft, cheesy, and just the right amount of spice, it was a revelation in bread form.

On to the mains – I opted for the Hyderabadi Lamb with pilau rice. The spice level was perfect, and the tender lamb melted in my mouth. The pilau rice, infused with flavor, was the ideal accompaniment. And then there was the Gosht Biryani, a masterpiece of slow-cooked lamb and fragrant rice encased in a pastry base. My friend described it as a "party in his mouth," and I couldn't agree more.

Let's not forget the Masala Chips – crispy, perfectly seasoned, and downright addictive. And for those who enjoy a tipple, the bar and cocktail menu are not to be missed. While I don't partake myself, I'm assured by my companions that the drinks are nothing short of spectacular.

Throughout our meal, the staff continued to impress with their impeccable service, attentiveness, and genuine passion for what they do. It's clear that Black Cumin is more than just a restaurant – it's a labor of love, a culinary haven where every detail is carefully crafted to delight the senses.

In conclusion, Black Cumin is a gem of an Indian restaurant, where exceptional food, warm hospitality, and impeccable service converge to create an unforgettable dining experience. Here's to its continued success and growth – may its flavors continue to tantalize taste buds for...

Dear Black Cumin Team,

We have been loyal customers of Blackcumin for some time, usually ordering online via Deliveroo. Today, we decided to visit your restaurant for a dine-in experience, but unfortunately, we left feeling very disappointed with the service and overall experience.

From the outset, it was assumed that we were Indians, and while I am unsure why, we sensed a noticeable difference in the way we were treated compared to other tables. We observed that other guests, particularly international diners, received a more attentive service — for instance, their tables had candles lit, and service appeared more prompt and polished. We did not receive the same level of attention, which left us feeling that there was a disparity in treatment.

We also found the food below our expectations. We ordered only a couple of dishes, including masala tea, which was overly milky and had to be sent back. The replacement still did not meet the standard we anticipated. Additionally, we noticed that the staff were frequently engaged in personal chit-chat in front of guests, which felt unprofessional and detracted from the dining atmosphere.

Our feedback is not meant to cause offence, but rather to highlight that all guests — regardless of background — should receive equal and professional service. Every customer who walks through your doors is paying for their meal and should enjoy the same standard of hospitality.

We hope you will take this feedback constructively, as it comes from a place of loyalty and genuine disappointment in contrast to our usual positive experiences ordering online.

Thank you for taking the time...

My family and I returned to your restaurant exactly a year after our first visit, choosing it again for my son’s 21st birthday and bringing our parents along. Unfortunately, despite booking in advance and noting the occasion, the experience fell far below expectations. We were first seated at an uncomfortably warm table and later moved to a less charming section of the restaurant. A simple dietary request for a non-spicy dish was mishandled, and the server’s curt, dismissive attitude left us feeling uncomfortable. Even the replacement dish remained inedible, yet it stayed on the bill.

Although some starters and mains were acceptable, the overall service lacked professionalism and respect. Our elderly guest ended up with just naan and yoghurt after we lost confidence in requesting any modifications. We also raised concerns about a bland main dish that seemed misrepresented but were still charged for it, along with an unordered naan. While we left a full tip and additional cash was offered by a senior guest, this was more generous than the experience warranted. Sadly, the evening did not reflect the quality or warmth we remembered from our first visit, and we are unlikely to return or recommend...