Indian Ocean — Restaurant in England

Indian ocean, Bournemouth.

First impression and decor. First impressions left a little to be desired. From the outside the restaurant looks quite run down and some might say it looks dirty and half of the restaurant looked more like a diner. However, the restaurant boasts a lvl 5 food hygiene rating. Before entering I examined the menu display board outside but found this difficult to read due to its exposure to the sun which has tarnished the ink on the menu somewhat and is in need of replacing. The interior or the restaurant was somewhat better than the external. The tables looked newer than the worn and slightly discoloured chairs, which again would benefit from a revamp. Similarly, the painted walls had had holes filled at some point but not touched up with any paint. The host station and bar were very clean and tidy and were much better in condition than the walls.

Service and staff. Upon entering the restaurant I was greeted by very smart and smiling staff who were happy to seat me as a table of one and I was immediately faced with a rather professional and clean looking menu that has very clear discriptions and pricing for all the dishes. The staff were very quick to take a drinks order for which I requested tap water and there was no pressure to upsell to a soft drink or alcoholic drink. The staff were all very busy but always smiled if I made eye contact with them and visual/body language prompts that I would like assistance were quickly picked up on. I was not rushed or harassed in any way during my visit.

Food. The food itself was of a good standard and was very quickly prepared and presented to me. The presentation of the food was good but was let down slightly by the slightly old looking metal bowl that the rice was served in and not having a heated platform to keep the food hot if I was only dipping into it occasionally so I felt i needed to add it all to my plate to eat it before it got cold. Having said that, the food itself was full of flavour and exactly what was promised on the menu. The meat in my dish was cooked well and the chicken was not dry or chewy indicating a good quality supplier. The onion in my dish was slightly undercooked for my taste and provided a crunch when bitten into which some people might find a welcoming change in texture. For the sundries I had poppadoms with chutneys which were of a good standard.

The manager on shift when I attended was Shaymol. And I ordered chicken phindi and plain rice and poppadoms as sundries. I attended at 6:30pm on Saturday the 22nd June 2019.

Summary. Despite my first impressions I would recommend that anyone in the area should try this restaurant. There are a lot of positives. The staff and the food were well worth the money paid. I was introduced to one of the owners who took on all of my criticisms openly and were very open to improving and would like me to come back and review again once refurbishments have been made...

Bit disappointing, the thing is I'm not the biggest fan of onions. Now that's cleared up, when I arrived at the Indian Ocean (without armbands, because I'm a big boy now)...I was looking forward to the meal, the outside looked nice, the inside was fairly busy too.

However, as I'm not the biggest daredevil when it comes to having a curry (yes I'm a Korma guy, some times even a tikka masala, or Pasanda - check me out); I reviewed the menu to find that most dishes have onion in them.

Now, I hear you say, ask them to take it out then you muppet, and oh believe me, you and I are thinking very much alike at this point. But the waiter had other ideas...when I asked to select 2 different curries (which stated it had onion in - and the other did not), I was politely informed the onion would not be removed from the dish as its in the sauce.

Fairly odd I thought, as they should be making it in the kitchen, and can just not put the onions in...but nonetheless, I'm here for a goodtime , not a long time!

So I say, okay okay, not to worry, let's stick with the good ol' reliable Chicken Tikka Masala...then I joked, that doesn't have onion in it does it?

The waiter pauses as he see's me chuckle in ignorance... and vacantly responds "yes, yes it does". As you can tell (and may even be pleased to hear by this point) this wiped the smile off my face, quicker than a rotten ass burp clearing a crowded lift.

I stammer in sheer disbelief, "sorry? Are you sure?" He almost smiles as he replies, "yes it definitely has onion"...at this point, I'm not sure if he's winding me up or being deadly serious...I turn to my company and say, where have we ever had a tikka masala with onion in it? Now don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not one to tell another how their dishes are made, nor to what they should contain...but I've yet to come across another curry house that are putting onions in their tikka masala?

I drop to my knees at this point, and emplore the waiter A.K.A Mr Onion Ambassador himself - please take the hjpta onions out of the tikka masala. I'll do anything!

He did, I ate it, wasn't that bad, but overall 6/10.

If you've come this far - blimey, how much time did you have...

If you're in the mood for an authentic culinary experience that tantalises your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of India, look no further than Indian Ocean Bournemouth. Nestled in the heart of the coast, this gem of a restaurant offers a delightful journey through the diverse and rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.

From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The decor is elegant yet cozy, with touches of traditional Indian artwork and accents that transport you to the bustling countryside of Bangladesh.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the food. Indian Ocean boasts a very select menu that showcases the culinary diversity of India, from the fiery flavors of the North to the delicate spices of the South. Whether you're a fan of creamy butter chicken, aromatic biryani, or crispy dosas, there's something for everyone here.

One of the highlights of dining at Indian Ocean is the impeccable quality of ingredients used in every dish. Each bite bursts with fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and bold flavors that leave a lasting impression on your palate. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or meat lover, the menu offers plenty of options to suit your preferences.

The service was also top-notch, with attentive staff who are passionate about sharing their love for Indian cuisine. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular patron, you'll always feel welcomed and well taken care of.

In conclusion, Indian Ocean Restaurant is a culinary gem that delivers an authentic taste of India in every dish. With its warm ambiance, impeccable service, and mouthwatering food, it's the perfect destination for a memorable dining experience. So gather your friends and family, and embark on a flavorful journey through the diverse and delicious world of Indian cuisine at...