Roti and Spice Restaurant — Restaurant in London

Very very pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. When my friend and I set out to get summer rolls, we never knew what we would be stumbling upon.

Upon entering, we were quite shocked at how aesthetic the place looked. Very modern, stylish decor. Everything complimented each other. The man who greeted us was very polite, approachable and attentive. The service was fast and smooth. The drinks came, and were followed by the rolls, and the mains came shortly after the starter. All rhythmic.

The drinks and starters? I’ll be honest. Anti-climactic for me. As we had it set in our minds we wanted rolls, we had high hopes of them being delicious. They were quite plain, and the mint/coriander was overpowering. The sauce???? Saved the day. So moreish. We got the Teh Tarik and Malaysian coffee for drinks, and weren’t blown away. Very normal, not too sweet considering it was meant to contain condensed milk.

We weren’t ready for what came next. My friend glimpsed the paneer butter masala with roti canai on the menu and thought it sounded nice. Now- a bit of backstory- we had been to a place not long ago with roti canai as their feature dish, and it was not a good experience AT ALL. We thought it would be decent and ordered one to share.

Frankly, I’m always up for sharing especially to taste more of the variety of what a place has to offer. In this instance, I wish I hadn’t shared.

One word. Wow. It’s what I kept repeating, even as our waiter came over to ask how the food was. I rarely send compliments to the chef. I couldn’t help but. The sauce was rich, velvety, with so much depth that I was closing my eyes in utter bliss. I wanted to drown in that sauce.

The roti? A soft, luxurious, buttery crust that rivals many Asian restaurants. The only thing worthy of that sauce was that roti. Nothing less than perfection.

I briefly glanced at my friend who looked like a cartoon character fluttering away in a roti canai dream.

The main was less of a meal, more of an adventure. I am DEFINITELY coming back for more of their main dishes. Bringing all my friends, raving about it to anyone that will listen. Highest of recommendations here, even though I may regret this if it starts to get too busy.

Thank you Roti & Spice...

Smooch is a welcome addition to our local high street, we need more smart looking, independent restaurants, bars and cafes like this.

They’re still finding their feet a little, but I’m certain they will get better as reading other reviews they respond to feedback and have made some adjustments. Good stuff: Nice interior and fit out, looks classy Friendly attentive staff Quality of food, much better than average and presented well.

Some easy points to improve that will make difference: When phoning to book the gentleman I spoke to seemed a little vague when confirming the booking. Being a little more confident would have reassured me. On arrival the waiter wasn’t certain which table we had, downstairs? upstairs? We found it eventually. Again confident first impressions are key to setting the tone The menu is unusual, i’ve not seen sushi dishes like steaks and fish dishes together. Not a problem, but customers need to understand why, what’s makes this special? If it’s Asian fusion then look at Sticks’n’Sushi’s menu for inspiration. The cocktail menu needs looking at esp. as you’re pitched as a Cocktail bar, (which was what drew us in). The quality of ingredients is not great and you need a little more personality in the style and descriptions. I work for a big spirit co. so can help here. This really is a detail, but lighting sets the mood: try and balance the lighting up stairs, the led lighting along the top of the banquette seating overpowers the warm over headlighting on each tables. Adding a diffuser to soften it a little will really help. One way to win on the menu: put your highest priced wines at the top, lowest at the bottom, this will prime people with a higher number, which they will come down on but not as much as they would go up from a low number. Lots of research to prove this.

Overall a great effort, we’ll be back. Keep going...

Was hoping Smooch would be my go to local restaurant however I was disappointed with tonight's visit. Booked last night over the phone. The guy who picked up the phone was not very friendly. Sounded like he didn't want to be there. He took my booking and didn't bother asking for my for my name. I had to ask him if he wanted my name for the reservation?!

When I arrived for my booking this evening I felt uneasy when I walked in. Almost like I shouldn't be there! Lots of stares from people in the bar area. After getting past that awkwardness I was shown to my table. I booked for me and a friend for a long overdue catch up over food. Unfortunately we were underwhelmed by the short ribs we both ordered. Firstly, they were not the best cut of meat and there was a massive size discrepancy between both of our dishes. We pointed this out to the waitress who kindly rectified this by bringing out another dish. Lastly on the food, we both wanted dessert and settled on the brownie. Only to be told there was only one portion left. So we shared the brownie which tasted old and rather dry.

Smooch looks the part decor wise but needs refining. The printed menus had unavailable dishes crossed out in a black marker and sides were added to the menu with a biro pen!? Also it would be great to a happy hour. As their bar is well stocked but when asked I was told they don't have one. However I heard the waitress tell the couple on the other side of the restaurant they have BOGOF on wine? Finally, a vegetable side option on the menu wouldn't hurt. When I asked for veg I was told they only have salad.

On a positive, the waitress with the dark hair was very attentive and they made a very good negroni.

My search continues for a great restaurant on my doorstep. I will not return to...