Kaniz Restaurant - Heathrow — Restaurant in London

I used to visit regularly over the past 8 years but returned last night to find it had deteriorated considerably. I’m not sure if it’s changed ownership. The menus were tatty and stained with food - pretty unappetising. The food was acceptable but nowhere near the quality it used to be. This restaurant was once renowned for its excellent service, but this was markedly poor in comparison to what it used to be. I remembered smiling waiters who would greet you at the door and make you feel welcome. This time they were thoroughly miserable and appeared to paid very little interest in anything. We asked for some water for the table but the waiter only brought one glass. It’s a nice touch to provide a glass of water but even that was too much trouble. Nowhere to hang your coat when I asked so ended up on the back of the chair. Because it was so empty waiters were loitering by the table for most of the evening which was off-putting. The hot towels have been dispensed, with, along with the chocolate mints with the bill, and the water feature on in the entrance no longer works. On the plus side they still offer the airline staff discount and the selection of accompaniments with the poppadoms is the best of any Indian restaurant I know but sadly those are the only good things I have to say about this place. Previously at peak time on an evening this on place would have been busy, but we were only of only 3 tables in there. Very quiet. To see a restaurant in such decline is a pity. If they don’t get back to where they were the decline will only get worse, as there are plenty of better Indian restaurants in the local area which I’ll now...

Wandering near Heathrow in search of a decent bite, I had absolutely no expectations — let’s be honest, airport surroundings are rarely celebrated for their culinary prowess. And yet, what I stumbled upon at Kaniz Restaurant was nothing short of a revelation.

The atmosphere was calm, elegant, and disarmingly welcoming — with just the right dash of charm to make you feel instantly at ease. It strikes that rare balance between casual comfort and refined taste — perfect whether you’ve just landed or simply need a pause from the noise outside.

And now, the food — what a feast! Each dish arrived like a small work of art, beautifully plated and bursting with layered, harmonious flavours. Spices and textures in playful choreography, nothing overpowering, everything just right. Clearly, this kitchen doesn’t do “average” — there’s care, intention, and a true culinary soul behind every plate. I wasn’t just having dinner — I was being delighted.

What truly elevated the evening, though, was the service. In particular, Mr Anish, who looked after me with genuine warmth, quiet attentiveness, and that rare ability to make a guest feel both valued and at ease. His care was gracious and subtle — the kind of hospitality that feels more like being hosted by an old friend than served in a restaurant.

Kaniz is more than a place to eat — it’s a roadside jewel, gleaming with heart and flavour. If you ever find yourself near Heathrow, do yourself the favour of stopping by. It’s the kind of place that turns a hungry wander into a memorable experience.

I’ll be back....

Staying at the local Premier Inn for the night, we wanted an inexpensive but good quality meal within walking distance. Kaniz ticked both boxes.

Initially opting to take away, we browsed the menu and made a selection, only to find that the set menu was no longer available. After a few minutes making a choice, it was a little frustrating. Crossing through removed menu items would take only a few seconds and save a good amount of time in the ordering process.

We then decided to eat in and selected alternative meals from the menu - although this menu too continued to offer the set menu.

Of the two restaurant staff visible, one (a female) was accommodating, keen to make recommendations from the menu and knowledgable about the dishes on offer. The other (a gentleman) was a little less hospitable - and perhaps a little on the surly side.

Despite being very average from a service point of view, the food was very good. The mixed grill, selection of poppadoms and accompaniments, and naan bread were all lovely.

Going back to service though, one of my biggest restaurant bugbears is when you aren’t asked about the enjoyment of your meal whilst you are eating it. The restaurant wasn’t busy and staff weren’t rushed off of their feet. It should happen in every restaurant every time. Maybe an oversight, maybe the restaurant just didn’t care. But something so small can make the world of difference to a customer.

But on the whole, we were pleased, and will likely return...