Bayleaf Kitchen — Restaurant in Southampton

We came for a birthday meal so there was 8 of us. The restaurant wasn't busy only another 4 or 5 tables of 2 and 4 people. We arrived before 5.30pm and wernt greeted straight away as the entry was filled with delivery drivers and staff were engrossed in their own conversations and the manager was taking take away orders. We were shown to our table at the back of the restaurant but were not offered drinks until 15 minutes later, those drink took 10 minutes to arrive, we ordered soft drinks. It took about half hour and us asking to order before we did and then it took an hour for our starters to come out. Not everyone on the table ordered starters so this seemed an excessive amount of time. We had to keep asking for our drinks to be refreshed rather than offered. A waiter knocked one of our drinks over and didn't think to offer to replace it. It was only bottled water but all the same, this should have been replaced. Our starters were cleared quite promptly but we did have to wait another hour for our mains, in which 2 didn't arrive and an extra dish that wasn't ordered was. This was remedied quickly, which made me wonder why we had to wait so long for all of our our meals if 2 meals could be prepared at speed. I got the impression that the restaurant was far more concerned with getting take away orders out rather than tending to us. All in all, the food was nice and the staff friendly. The service wasn't great and I think this was realised by the manager who did discount our bill without us asking, for which we were grateful. We were in the restaurant for nearly 3 hours just for starters and mains for 8 people. This, for me and my family was too long as the children became restless and bored. If you're in town, this may be a convenient restaurant due to placement near the city centre but if customer service is important to you then...

Male staff was very friendly and made us feel welcome. The female ignored us when we first arrived and we told her we had a booking. Service during the meal was attentive and helpful.

According to my spouse the poppodums were good but they charged for them (for two people) without telling us and charged for the chutneys. I didn’t eat any but my spouse did and he ate all of the poppodums so he got his money’s worth but didn’t love the chutney and sauces. His Dhansak was okay but according to him, not the best he’s had, just average flavor. He did think the lamb was moist however.

I asked for a recommendation for a chicken dish without coconut or dairy and was advised to get the chicken cafrael. It was tomato based and a bit spicy with a lot of flavor. The chicken was moist but the flavors were more reminiscent of Italian than Indian. The rice was average. I prefer more flavor from pilau.

They put Christmas crackers on the tables which was fun though noisy and messy when everyone in the restaurant was pulling them.

They had a bowl of candy by the register and gave two little chocolates with the bill. I didn’t have any but my husband did and enjoyed them.

Reason I knocked off another star: they charged us for two Coke Zero drinks when my husband only had one and when we told them they acted like they voided it in the restaurant and then redid the charge with our card for a lower amount but on our bank statement we can see that it...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bayleaf Kitchen, an outstanding Indian restaurant that truly elevates the culinary experience. From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted by the attentive staff who made me feel right at home. The ambiance is inviting, blending traditional Indian decor with modern touches that create a perfect setting for any occasion.

The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the Chicken Vindaloo. This dish was a masterpiece, featuring tender chicken pieces immersed in a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly balanced heat and depth of flavor. The spices were meticulously blended, providing a delightful kick without overwhelming the palate. Each bite was a testament to the chef’s skill and dedication to authenticity.

The service at Bayleaf Kitchen was impeccable. The staff were knowledgeable and passionate about the menu, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring that every detail of our dining experience was perfect. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, and our meals arrived promptly, hot and beautifully presented.

Overall, Bayleaf Kitchen delivers an exceptional dining experience with top-notch service and an array of flavors that transport you straight to India. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or prefer milder flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I highly recommend Bayleaf Kitchen to anyone looking for an unforgettable Indian...