Chez Mumtaj — Restaurant in St Albans

Ah this is a tough one. Went yesterday Saturday 23rd June 18 with a friend who had previously enjoyed a lovely experience with a group of friends. Spur of the moment decision to book. Arrived on time to a relatively quiet looking restaurant. I liked the general ambiance and look of the establishment and the menu arrived. Looking puzzled we couldn’t see Indian food but was then told it’s only Indian Monday to Thursday!! Prime Steak restaurant was over the road but very busy and I was on my feet to leave. The manager had not one bit of interest in our dilemma whatsoever and not a word or ‘maybe see you again’ !! As we walked by the open kitchen area,the chef was mortified that we’d gone all that way and we’re leaving. We explained that we’d no idea it was French only ,he then very kindly gave us the Indian menu, to the manager’s anger,then sat us back down. So to the food, starters, chicken Tikka and a black tiger prawn starter,simply delicious but very small portions. Both had a very nice curry ,rice naan bread etc and no complaints. My only gripe is the awful atmosphere that flowed through a quiet restaurant because of the really vile manner and rudeness of the manager. I mentioned him to a couple of the staff, they were embarrassed by his behaviour. So until I am informed that he has left the establishment,I’ll never return. Having said that? Nice food....

We came to lunch here today ( 15 of us) after having reserved a week ago. First off, the service was great. They were great at accommodating a large group of us and they had a good selection of drinks. They sat us in a good area where although not busy didnt feel like you were being watched. They accomodated three kids with kid friendly food. The food however, although tasty, came in extremely small portions. Now, i understand that this is a fine dining kind of establishment, but every single adult leaving the group was still hungry after having their free appetizer, a starter and a main with rice and naan . Apparently this is a lunch set menu which is especially small compared to the normal menu. However i did see the dissapointment on everyones face when the food came out( on the reviews you can see the portion sizes). Some are large, but there are a few there in the photos with just a thimble full of rice. The amount of rice they give you would fill a large egg cup. The serving or veg and meat is proportional to the rice. If you are full easily, or on a diet, or are ordering from the main menu, the food here is 5 out of 5. But being starving after a 2 and a half course meal i felt wasn't acceptable ( the kids portions were bigger than hours) so i can...

This was our go to take away for Indian food, not cheap but was always worth the extra ££ for the fabulous food. Don't know what happened last night but it wasn't to the same high standard we are used to.

Firstly, we ordered at 6pm but food hadn't arrived by gone 7pm so called and was told it was out for delivery and to allow 5-10 minutes. 15 minutes later it arrived with apologies that it had just come straight from the restaurant. They had forgotten the order.

Secondly, the food was not to the usual standard. The lamb kebab starter was fatty and inedible and my son found a shard of chicken bone in a piece of chicken. Friends who come to ours for Chez on a regular basis felt that they got less chicken than usual. My naan was burnt on the bottom.

I don't know what was going down last night but it has put me off going to Chez for the time being. I will try Nouvelle Lounge in Marshalswick next as we havent had takeaway from them before but their restaurant experience has been fantastic. Come on Chez...