Crispy Dosa Restaurant Bristol — Restaurant in Bristol

Visited on Sunday the 5th of November 2023 around midday. We were seated at a table for 2 bang in the middle of the restaurant which ideally should have been a passage way for customers going in and out. So every time anyone can in or left the restaurant would understandably brush against the table. Anyway, we ordered chilli paneer, mini idlie, dosa and uthapam. We asked for buttermilk but were told only sweet lassi was available. Super strange as its not an over the top preparation. We overheard another table order a sweet lassi five minutes later and they were told that sorry only salted lassi was available. I instantly burst out laughing as this was just ridiculous.

Chilli paneer came straight away with some pieces of paneer 65 and chilli gobi too. Definitely arushed job of left overs or other portions mixed in and put on a plate. Then came the uthapam followed by the dosa (half of it burnt!). No they did not forget about the mini idli as it came when we were half way through the dosa and the guy was staring at my face as obviously there was no place on the table. Moreover, its a starter and cannot be served when people are half way through their mains. We couldn't be bothered and just asked him to pack it to go.

The food was decent in taste but the service was absolutely appalling. You couldn't get the attention of anyone even if you were to shout out loud. There were 2 female staff and 1 guy with a beard on the floor. Another man wearing a suit and pretending to be busy on the phone also graced the floor but was least bothered about what was happening in the restaurant. The 2 females were the most useless staff I have even seen in any shop or restaurant. I pity the owners or whoever is paying their wages. You need to see it to believe it. One female was hiding behind the bar pretending to accept delivery orders and the other was tip toeing around the restaurant as if doing a ramp walk. You should have seen the way she cleared a table and tried to clean it. The only person serving all the customers was the lad with a beard and probably the only one working to be paid.the floor was sticky and dirty and the toilets were worse than a public toilet in a village in India. Horribly dirty and stinking.

The kitchen staff were seen gathering around chit chatting with the servers whilst the customers were desperately trying to get someone's attention. The kitchen staff also decided to take their lunch break around half 12 and eat their meals along side the customers which mind you looked better than what was served to the paying customers.

A note to the owners/investors, a restaurant is not all about the food but equally about the experience of dining. You are better of getting a smaller space and opening a take away if you only want to care about serving good food. It will not only save you massive overheads but will be way cheaper for your paying customers. Also, employing a dozen employees is no good if only a handful are actually working and doing everyone else's job too.

A note to the diners, avoid this restaurant at all costs if you don't want your day/evening to be completely ruined. Please do note that this restaurant is not cheap at all and a meal for 2 will set you back by over 50 quids (without alcohol). There are plenty of options in the area for the same kind of food but way cheaper and who value your custom. I would recommend ordering a take away from here if you are absolutely desperate or really want to try the food which was quite decent but definitely not...

Inefficient Service Workflow During my visit, the staff appeared busy moving around the premises, but essential service tasks were either delayed or overlooked. For example, despite having plenty of time before the food was served, no plates were brought to the table. Only after the dishes arrived did the staff begin looking for plates, which caused unnecessary waiting and disrupted the dining experience. This suggests a lack of planning and anticipation of customer needs, which could be easily avoided with better coordination.

Food Preparation and Variety When we ordered two different curries, both dishes tasted almost identical. It seemed that the same curry masala base was used for both, with only the vegetables swapped out. This approach diminished the variety and uniqueness we expect when ordering separate dishes, and it affected the overall satisfaction with the meal. A more distinct preparation for each dish would improve flavor diversity and give customers a better dining experience.

Suggestions for Improvement

Improve table preparation: Ensure basic items like plates, cutlery, and glasses are placed before or along with the food to avoid delays.

Enhance staff coordination: Assign clear responsibilities so that essential service steps are completed in advance, even during non-peak hours.

Diversify recipe bases: For dishes listed separately on the menu, use different spice blends, gravies, or cooking techniques so customers feel they are getting unique flavors for each order.

Train for anticipation: Encourage staff to think one step ahead of the customer’s needs—this small shift can greatly improve the...

Restaurant Review:

Crispy Dosa restaurant in Bristol

During a recent holiday with my family, which included two children, we stayed at Stratford Hall and tried various Indian restaurants in Evesham. However, despite my wife and sister-in-law being vegetarians, these restaurants lacked the authentic Indian taste we were seeking. Our visit to Bristol led us to a delightful discovery: Crispy Dosa.

Ambience and Service

Crispy Dosa boasts a welcoming ambience that immediately sets it apart. The authenticity of the restaurant is evident not just in the food but also in the service. Unlike many other restaurants where water must be purchased, Crispy Dosa offers it for free. Additionally, they were generous with extra servings of sambhar and chutney upon request, a gesture that enhanced our dining experience.

Taste and Authenticity

The food at Crispy Dosa did not disappoint. Every dish we tried was bursting with authentic Indian flavors, a refreshing change from the bread and cheese-heavy meals we had grown tired of. The restaurant offers a wide range of menu items, all maintaining that genuine taste that Indian cuisine is known for. A standout was the perfectly boiled and richly spiced kadak masala chai, which was a delightful end to our meal.

Conclusion

For any Indian visiting Bristol, Crispy Dosa is a must-visit. Its extensive menu, authentic taste, and thoughtful service make it an excellent choice, especially if you’re craving a genuine Indian dining experience. This restaurant is a true gem for those looking to satisfy their taste buds with authentic...