India Cottage — Restaurant in New Forest

Food ratings

1 = poor 10 = excellent

Overalll score % of x visits

Welcome 6 Atmosphere 8 Cleanliness 8 Service 7 Speed of serve 7 Attentiveness 3 Food quality 9 Value for money 8 Drinks 7 Go again: yes

On entering, there is no sign telling people what to do, did not know if we just sat, wait or went to the bar. Waiting did nothing so… to the bar. Maître’d and/ or sign would be good… That said, the rest of the experience was nearly flawless. It has been at least ten years since I ate here last. There is now a simplified menu, unlike most Indian restaurants. Everything you need to enjoy a meal, but without the complications. Popadoms and accompliments were swift to arrive, shortly followed by a beverage and order. The food was really good, I found the lime pickle too overpowering, but in small amounts it was very tasty. The mains, well truly great… (personally the madras was very mild, tikka masala in heat). But the flavours are really good. I am one to try the side dishes, but they were so good I ate them all (I regret this now lol), mains were to perfection.

So to the marked down parts, and by no means this is not a reason not to visit. Attentiveness: had to ask for more drinks, no check on how the meal was. Honestly; that is it!

Nothing I could fault… other than me leaving it ten years to come again, thank you for...

I've had many enjoyable evenings at the India Cottage, always with large work parties which will colour this review somewhat.

The atmosphere is great with long tables one of which is outside under cover and which works really well in the summer (there's a wood burner there too if the night is chilly). The staff are friendly, but on occasion have shown the stress of dealing with large numbers of covers in what is obviously a successful and well liked local restaurant.

The food is good but not amazing, I try to review in the spirit of 'realistic expectation' so this is in the context of other Indian restaurants in the area at the same sort of price point. I feel the menu is a little limited and that some of the dishes I've been served have lacked that 'edge' that would make me describe them as great. Perhaps it's the flavours not quite balancing in the way I like, or the level of spice not matching with my expectation of a particular dish, it's hard to say. It is personal preference and YMMV. This certainly isn't a curry house for a super spicy dish, and that's okay!

All in all, a lovely atmosphere in a busy setting, perhaps there could be a better variety of dishes, so check the menu online to judge for yourselves.

You will certainly have a...

I have been buying takeaways and eating at this restaurant for the last 7 years. I have taken guests from overseas (including the sub-continent) and nobody has anything but praise for the food.

The staff are friendly, welcoming and attentive (although service can be a little slow at the weekends when the place is packed) I always get a little extra something in my takeaways and the menu is changed often enough to keep things interesting.

They could possibly do with selling a few more beers (you know that Ringwood brewery a few hundred yards around the corner chaps? Lots of choice there) but they have an excellent selection of wine - which isn't as overpriced as most restaurants - and they will usually go out of your way, to ensure they make your meal as you would like. Ask for the number of chilies you want; if you like the look of something on the menu but think it might be too hot, then have a chat with your waiter about it and he or she will advise as to heat and if it can be toned down.

Car parking is a tad tricky but there's a public car-park directly opposite the restaurant; or park in the Furlong car-park and spend 2 minutes...