I was really excited to try this restaurant with all the great reviews……but sadly we didn’t experience many positives throughout the night. We were hosting a party of ten for which we made dinner reservations for Wednesday evening.
We ordered everything together; drinks, starters and the entrees. One of the guest asked how long it would take for the starters to come out and we were told ten to fifteen minutes.
We got our drinks and at least 25 approaching 30 minutes later the appetizers. We weren’t too happy about the delay but we eagerly decided to dig in, hoping the food would save the mood!
Very mixed reviews probably wouldn’t order or recommend the shish kebabs and mango lassi but we did enjoy the dosa, salmon tikka, chili chicken and the lamb chops!
Now after the long wait for starters the dinner came about 20 minutes later in the dumbwaiter lift…..we saw our food sitting and waiting for another ten minutes so more dishes could come out. We were missing an entree so we decided to eat what we were presented first! We then ordered another three garlic naans and another entree once we saw we need more food. No problem.
Again ready to dig in and enjoy our food, the first thing I heard was our guest say was her food was cold. I thought okay, maybe it wasn’t the hottest 🤔 but after trying all the food it was almost room temperature and cold. Dissatisfied we still tried to enjoy our meal but as minutes passed the food was too cold to eat.
I went to speak to our waiter away from the group wanted to be respectful and see what we could do to fix the situation. Once I told him about the cold meals and the long wait he initially began to explain how restaurants work (as if I hadn’t been to one before) that appetizers come out first then the entrees and the typical wait time…..plus shortening the time we actually waited. After telling him we have experience in the industry being restauranteurs we were privy to these things, his tone changed and tried to be more understanding and respectful; instead of almost pushing the cold food off and being in shock it was served so.
He said he could do a few things; get us new entree’s, (everyone was hungry and halfway into their meal and we aren’t too keen on wasting food) dessert for everyone on the house or 20% off the bill. I was grateful for the offers and took him up for the discount but the evening left a very sour taste in my mouth.
Side note our two entrees and garlic naan came out pipping hot but it was little too late during the meal and to save the night :/ but we did really enjoy the kerela chicken curry and the kottaram erachi curry.
The staff was smiling and kind, no qualm's there. The food wasn’t as tasty as we were expecting but the main kicker was the wait time and after receiving the entree’s they were just too cold to eat and finally the response I received after voicing our concern. We were almost embarrassed taking our guests out after such an experience. Really wished it could have been a better evening out.
Don’t know if it was just a one off night and they weren’t staffed...
Read moreA Culinary Delight in Nottingham - Kottaram Restaurant I recently had the pleasure of dining at Kottaram Restaurant in Nottingham, and I must say it was an absolute delight! From the moment I stepped in, I was captivated by the warm and inviting atmosphere that exuded a sense of traditional charm. The culinary journey began with an extensive menu showcasing an array of authentic Kerala delicacies. Each dish was a masterpiece in itself, bursting with flavors that transported me straight to the vibrant streets of Kerala. The chefs at Kottaram have truly mastered the art of blending spices, as every bite was a symphony of taste and aroma. The highlight of my meal was the Malabar Fish Curry, a tantalizing blend of perfectly cooked fish steeped in a rich coconut gravy, infused with fragrant spices. The flavors were perfectly balanced, leaving me craving for more. The accompanying fluffy appam and fragrant rice served as the perfect companions to savor the exquisite
The service at Kottaram deserves special mention. The staff was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also displayed genuine warmth and hospitality, making my dining experience truly exceptional. They went above and beyond to ensure that every need was met, and their attentiveness added an extra touch of luxury to the evening. The ambiance of the restaurant was soothing and elegant, with tastefully decorated interiors that created a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or on a romantic evening, Kottaram provides the ideal setting for a memorable meal. Overall, my experience at Kottaram Restaurant was nothing short of remarkable. The combination of delectable cuisine, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance makes it a standout culinary destination in Nottingham. | highly recommend Kottaram to anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the rich...
Read moreWith firm competition on the 'curry mile', Kottaram stands out from the others with its offerings of Pan Indian cuisine which includes South Indian cuisine, alongside typical northern Indian dishes. The menu is vast, and split in to regional categories, as well as Chef's Specials - but your friendly server will help you decide what to order.
What exited me about trying some Southern Indian cuisine was that they have dosa on the menu! A thin rice and lentil pancake (yay for the gluten frees), we went for a vegetable filling of seasoned potatoes - the dosa looks massive, but I assure you it's incredibly thin and light, with a nice crisp to it! I can't wait to have this again, I loved it!
Since the South boasts many seafood dishes too, we tried a Fish Pakora which is cooked in a crispy batter with ginger and garlic. Another 10 /10 starter dish!
For mains, I had a Chicken Rogan Josh and whilst my choice was fairly safe, there was nothing boring about this dish: it was probably the most flavoursome rogan josh I've ever had. More adventurously, we also tried a dish from the Malabar region, a Thalassery Erachi Curry which is an aromatic lamb curry. The entire generous portion was finished, which is all you need to know!
With no space left for dessert but knowing I can't get gulab juman outside of an Indian restaurant, I had to order one, if anything, for comparison and research purposes. As anticipated, it was the best gulam juman and pistachio kulfi on the mile, in my opinion.
I would encourage everyone to visit Kottaram, even if you already have your firm favourite on Maid Marian Way. With their diverse menu, Kottaram offers you the chance to try something new and different and you won't leave feeling...
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