Anoki Restaurant Derby — Restaurant in England

Myself and a few friends visited Anoki during the “eat out to help out” period which has allowed us to try various restaurants in the local area whilst supporting the hospitality industry. We found Anoki online which looked a solid choice given the current reviews. I became hesitant when I looked at the online dine in menu prior to our visit and it appeared with no prices but given the take out menu showed a curry at c.£10 it put my mind at ease.

When we arrived at the restaurant we were issued with a “set menu” where one course was £27pp and two courses £33pp the curries were individually priced at c.£20 each!! I’ve visited numerous restaurants in my life and I’ve never paid £20 for a curry so was expecting big things, but my more pessimistic side couldn’t help to think the prices had been inflated whilst the eat out to help out scheme was running!

On a more positive note the set menu did say unlimited rice and naan but unfortunately this was faced with further disappointment when you were only allowed plain/ garlic naan or pilau rice (neither my preferred choice when visiting an Indian restaurant) - my expectations were definitely higher from a “fine dining” restaurant. I was also disappointed that the website listed a whole range of naan and rice choices on the menu but these weren’t available on the night.

The food was ok but unfortunately due to the lack of transparency (no where on the website mentioned a set menu or prices) coupled with the extraordinary high prices and slow service left me with no choice than to give Anoki 1 star.

The only way I will be visiting again is out of curiosity to see if they really do charge c.£20 a curry, when the same curry can be purchased for take out at only £9.95! I can’t help but doubt this ..... especially when they advertise Christmas Eve and Boxing Day at Anoki at £25pp for 2 courses which is cheaper than our random Wednesday night in August ... something doesn’t add up!!!

Really...

We came on recommendation from a work colleague. Celebrating their 20th birthday the menu was very paired down and it was 3 courses for £20. The restaurant is an old cinema with a curved ceiling, coving and beautiful lighting. I had the hot chili fish, which if it had been polite to do so, I would have licked the plate. Outstanding dish and I will go back for this dish alone. He had the vegetable plater containing pakora, bhaji, grilled spiced veg and the wonderful earthy paneer. For mains we shared a lamb desi and chicken makhani. Served with rice and naan. Time for my happy dance because they did me a gluten free naan. Although the chicken was decent, spiced well and good thick sauce it paled into insignicance against the deep savouriness of the lamb. Enough heat to make your nose run but not so much you were ordering a gallon of milk. Utterly devine, when we go back I won't be sharing. On top of the 3 courses we were given a sorbet to cleanse our palate and desert of gulab Jasmin with ice cream. What a treat! The staff are fabulous, friendly and rightly proud of food done well. It is rare you mention gluten free and every staff member is aware. Neither of us could manage any more and it was a shame some went to waste. If you visit take my recommendation of the hot chili fish or paneer, you won't be...

As a family we absolutely love Anoki - Restaurant, Takeaway and even Chilled Van Takeaways that they have started doing this year.

It is unique recipes that I have never experienced anywhere else before.

As a Vegetarian myself Anoki offers amazing - and lots! of Vegetarian options which is simply amazing, the takeaway portions are very filling. When I order a takeaway I normally buy 2 sides and they last me 2 days. The Paneer Makhani is my go to dish - before this I had never tried Paneer before but it is so tasty and I now use it in my own homemade meals at home.

Their meals are full of flavour, even their takeaway van options, they come lukewarm/cold and you can either have them that day, keep them in the fridge for the following day or so depending on the date specified or freeze them - up to 6 months!! Which is a game changer especially if they have an offer on.

Dining in at the restuarant itself is a really nice experience, the staff are really nice and the atmosphere is really nice and authentic, it is just a wonderful experience and when Covid has gone then I can't wait to go and eat back in the restaurant.

Great staff, great food and they always get back to you if you have any queries etc...