Sahya Kerala Restaurant — Restaurant in Southampton

Incredibly disappointed, service was poor, knowledge of their own menu was minimal. it was 8pm on my arrival and they had either run out of a LOT of food during the day or have never stocked much of their menu. The menu is not very clear and doesnt list everything for the customer, for example no soft drinks are listed, but are served if requested. The only place that they would like you to pay is the till at the front, terribly positioned next to the very dirty kitchen entrance/exit. Everytime that someone enters/exits the kitchen, youre at a high chance of getting hit in the back of the ankle by the door. The entire interior seemed rushed, unfilled holes drilled in the wall, unfinished paintjobs on interior walls. furthermore only what i can assume was the 2x portions of pilau rice (only rice option available at the time for us according to staff) is listed on receipt as 2 separate "misc_food" which i dont see fits being listed as a receipt item as you could not prove what was ordered if necessary (photo of receipt attached). Portion sizes were too small and the meat seems cheap as 50% of each chunk was pure fat which ruined each bite i had. There are many other disappointments but i do not wish to continue this review.

I have eaten at many indian restaurants (authentic included) around hampshire and this restaurant would not be on my list of returning to or...

What a pity, we were really looking forward to our first visit to this new restaurant, however we left very disappointed. We waited ages for everything (drinks, food & the bill) and other customers were shouting at the staff as they had been sat waiting for well over an hour for a takeaway. I understand that this restaurant is trying to go for an authentic food experience however the menu is very confusing, and the staff need don’t know it very well themselves. We asked for a mushroom dish, however they had no mushrooms (at 7.30pm), we couldn’t see popadoms listed, the only naan was a plain one, there were no starters listed however there a full list of breakfast items?? My pint of Kingfisher was lovely, however my wife asked for a glass of Prosecco… the waitress took the bottle off display (under hot lights) and the bottle nearly exploded when she opened it, so one glass of lovely hot Prosecco was poured. The food was well below average, I had a ‘lamb curry’, I can honestly make a nicer curry at home in 20 minutes, and my wife had a Biriani, which was waterlogged and gloopy. Unfortunately I could never recommend this restaurant however I do hope that they improve. There are loads of great Indian restaurants in Shirley & Southampton so they will change their menu, quality of food and service skills radically in order to survive the next...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 – A True Taste of Kerala, Right in Southampton! From the moment you step into Shaya, you're welcomed not just by the warm, aromatic spices of Kerala cuisine, but by a sense of comfort that genuinely feels like home. The atmosphere is calm, inviting, and beautifully reflective of South Indian culture — from the decor to the music, every detail has been thoughtfully curated.

The food is nothing short of spectacular. Each dish bursts with authentic flavors and is clearly made with care and expertise. Whether it's the rich, coconut-based curries, the perfectly spiced seafood, or the freshly baked Kerala parotta, every bite takes you on a journey straight to the backwaters of Kerala. The ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is top-notch.

The service is equally impressive. The staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. They're always happy to offer recommendations and explain the dishes to those unfamiliar with the cuisine, which adds a personal touch that’s often missing in many places.

Dining at Shaya isn't just about eating — it's an experience. You leave not just satisfied, but truly cared for.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine with exceptional service and a homely atmosphere. A gem in...