The Light Of Bengal — Restaurant in Winchester

This used to be our favourite restaurant in Winchester, but have not been since about 2019. Perhaps a one-off, but not sure we want to return after last night.

We booked ahead. It wasn't busy and they didnt appear to be under staffed. We were sat down pretty quickly and given menus and asked if we wanted poppadoms, which came reasonably quickly, but then we were just left there to finish our poppadoms until eventually we were also offered drinks. When someone finally showed up he said "are you ready to order?" We said "yes" and he walked off to deal with another table. Then eventually came back and said someone else would be along to take our order. When someone else did show up (whilst previous guy appeared to be standing around not doing much) we'd finished our drinks and poppadoms and had had enough, it had been about 40 mins by this point. So we asked if we could settle up and were instantly bought pink post it note with the cost written on it, slapped on the table and walked off again whilst I'm sat there holding my card. £14.50 for a small coke, pint of lager and 4 poppadoms! So I went to the counter to pay instead and they reacted like they couldn't care less that we were leaving, no questions, no apologies, no thanks or goodbye. Very odd, very rude, customer service.

We went to tanoshi instead, where on walking in, unannounced to an obviously busy restaurant, were treated like...

We were a table of three and made a late reservation on the same day. Despite this, we were warmly welcomed, and the service was excellent from start to finish. The gentleman who served us was polite, professional, and attentive without being intrusive. Service was prompt, and the staff maintained a keen eye on our table, ensuring everything was just right—even with subtle check-ins.

As for the food, it was absolutely marvelous. We started with poppadoms and dips, a perfect way to awaken our palates for what was to come. Each of us then enjoyed a different dish: one king prawn, one korma curry, and one lamb special, all accompanied by wonderfully flavorful rice. The peshwari naan was a delicious addition, complementing our mains beautifully.

We didn’t have dessert—simply because there was no room left! The portions are generous, ensuring you won’t leave hungry. On the contrary, you'll leave satisfied, having enjoyed a calm, fulfilling meal bursting with flavors.

The only small room for improvement would be ensuring that the double doors to the outside are never open at the same time, as it can cause a rush of cold air into the dining area.

That said, I highly recommend this...

Disgusting behaviour by the staff, we went today for a table of 2 we ordered a starter and main between the two of us with sides and drinks the waiter took the order to the kitchen and the chef made a disgusting comment in Bengali not realising we are Bengali and thought we didn't understand. Tried to make fun of us just because we ordered one starter and a main (we didn't want to waste food as we are not big eaters) Absolutely shocking comments and very very rude. We travelled up from birmingham to purchase a vehicle within that area and thought wed try out a local halal indian restaurant, we heard the comments from the kitchen and confronted the waiter who tried to say it wasn't about us when it clearly was. Soon as we heard these comments we walked straight out the restaurant. Appalling behaviour I guarantee you they say a-lot worse comments about other customers but most people wouldn't understand the language. I hope the owner sees this review, chef is very lucky he didn't get a beating we were fuming!! Stay well clear of this place no manners whatsoever. Advice to the owner get rid of this disgusting chef and dine in Birmingham curry houses we will teach...