Masala Zone Covent Garden — Restaurant in London

Summary:

1. Forced to wait at bar even when the seats are available
2. Waiters can't pronounce the items in the menu nor do they have any knowledge or clue about it.
3. Lax service: No one bothered to give me dinner cloth, cutlery and had to explicitly ask for it
4. No respect for hygiene: When asked for cutlery one of the restaurant manager, puts it on the bare bar counter directly (which has not been cleaned for a while).
5. Misleading menu. The title says Carrot Pudding (Gajar Halwa) and Condensed Milk Delicacy (Rabri) but second item is used for garnishing (like for drawing lines, see picture). It's like you order fish and chips but you get solitary chip carefully placed over fish and used for garnishing. 56 Manager's excuse: Staff comprises of students mostly who are 17 years old.

Half the people who come here, don't know what they are eating and restaurant is able to thrive based on pure franchise legacy.

When I entered at around 7:30 PM, the lady at the reception asked me, if I had reservation. I said NO. The restaurant was about 50% occupied and she said the only seating they have is at the bar. I see that they pretty much did same to everyone. It's just another ploy by management to make people shell out their $$ (oops ££) for expensive drinks. The other people sitting next to me in party of 2 or more, who came after me (and without reservation) were eventually offered a table but I wasn't. They did have few small tables that seat too people but no one offered me. No one came and offered dinner cloth or any cutlery.

For starters I ordered Gol Guppas (they are crispy shells, filled with mashed potatoes, some lentil and other ingredients, served with some spiced water). Normally you expect 6 to 8 shells or puris per serving. What I received was 4 small puris with literally 2 boondies (little deep fried drops of gram flour) and less than pinch full of potato. I though this must be a joke. Especially for the price and reputation of the restaurant, I expected better. One of the puri was cracked too. Especially when you serve only 4 puris, I would expect the chef to choose them carefully.

I quickly sensed where this was going. I wanted to order Biryani but bar tender has no clue, even after I point it in the menu. He can't even pronounce the items in the menu. Not sure how management trains their employees. After struggling a bit, another waitress helps him. The server brought my food and put it on counter. There was no cutlery offered. I waited for five minutes before getting hold of the waiter and asked her, how am I supposed to eat it. She quickly brings a pair of forks, a pair of spoons and knife. Why would i need a pair of them? Portion is again very small for the price.

I ordered "Gajar Halwa and Rabri" from the dessert menu. Gajar Halwa is carrot pudding and Rabri is condensed milk delicacy. When my order arrives, I see that Rabri mentioned in the menu comes in four lines (much like you use chocolate syrup for garnishing). It's like going to fish and chips place and you get a solitary chip placed on top of your fish. The restaurant manager brings spoon and places it on bare counter surface without placing a paper napkin underneath. So much for hygiene.

When it comes to paying my check, I bring all these concerns with the manager (other than the one who served my dessert). She mentions that her staff is fairly new. Most of them are college students etc. I am like if you want to hire cheap labor, then stop over-charging me for my food. I filled feedback form (which most probably will end up in...

21ST JULY 2021 #VEGETARIAN REVIEW# After reading some good reviews, my wife and I decided to give it a try. It's located in Covent Garden and you can see from the outside that ambience is vibrant and Indian style. We booked it in advance on a Wednesday night and got the table immediately. It looked so authentic Indian that we had high expectations. We ordered mango lassi, veg chowmein, paneer makhanwala, black dal, naan and chapati.

First came the mango lassi, really good it taste but not worth the price, I think. Same taste as Nomadic mango lassi you can find in ASDA. They could have presented it a bit better in a kulhad (glass made of soil). Next was veg chowmein, well presented but TOO SALTY. I had to send it away, the manager was humble and quick to change it. The chef re did it and it was better. TASTE- I was hoping for some delicious chilly garlic style dry noodles but this was saucy. I liked it but definitely not worth £15 😯. A bit later the main course arrived, Paneer Makhanwala was SUPER ORANGE and Black Dal was in a tiny bowl (this was on the side) but I didn't expect it to be such a small portion. Naan and Chapati looked good. TASTE TEST - I knew Paneer was going to be a disaster by the looks of it AND, I WAS NOT WRONG. It was horrible. They should DROP IT OFF THE MENU. It's NOT worth £14. It was like eating thick tomato soup. The quality of Paneer was rubbish, they probably are using chinese version of paneer. TO MANAGEMENT, PLEASE TRY TESCO PANEER AND YOU WOULD KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Black Dal - It was again on the salty side. We call it Dhaba style daal in New Delhi, India. I would pay £3 extra and eat from Dishoom rather than having this dal. Naan - This was lighter than air and super soft. We were happy. Chapati- Not what you would get in India but good enough for London. We were done with the food and came the bill and a feedback form. I heavily criticised the Paneer and it immediately reached the Manager. He was quick to read and action it. He came and apologized and took the item off the bill. I told him that the taste was horrible and it wasn't a great experience. He assured to discuss it with the chef. Hopefully he does.

The staff and the Manager was really polite.

So, to wrap up. I liked the ambiance and the service BUT NOT THE FOOD.

In my experience the VEG food was a BIG let down. Would NOT recommend for veg food and will NOT...

Masala Zone in Covent Garden is a standout Indian restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience, blending authentic flavors with a sophisticated ambiance. Its location in the vibrant heart of London makes it a perfect spot for a wide range of occasions, from family gatherings to romantic dates.

The first thing to note about Masala Zone is its commitment to authentic Indian cuisine. The chefs have done a remarkable job in capturing the essence of traditional Indian dishes while ensuring they are palatable for those who prefer less spicy food. This delicate balance allows diners to enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of India without the overpowering heat often associated with Indian cuisine. From the succulent chicken tikka to the flavorful vegetable biryani, each dish is a celebration of taste and aroma.

The service at Masala Zone is exceptional. The staff are attentive, warm, and knowledgeable, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. They are quick to offer recommendations and are always ready to accommodate special requests, ensuring that each guest feels valued and well taken care of. Their professionalism and friendliness greatly enhance the overall enjoyment of the meal.

The ambiance of Masala Zone is another highlight. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, combining traditional Indian elements with a modern aesthetic, creating a welcoming and elegant atmosphere. Whether you're planning a casual dinner with friends, a family celebration, or a romantic evening, the setting is perfect for making any event memorable.

The pricing at Masala Zone is on the pricier side, but it reflects the quality of food, service, and ambiance. It's an investment in a premium dining experience, where every aspect is crafted to perfection.

Given its popularity and prime location, making a reservation at Masala Zone is highly recommended. This ensures a seamless experience, especially during peak hours or special occasions.

In summary, Masala Zone in Covent Garden is an exquisite Indian restaurant that offers a delightful blend of authentic, non-spicy Indian cuisine, impeccable service, and a charming ambiance. It's a culinary destination that's well worth the price, suitable for a variety of events, and sure to leave a...