Masala Bistro & Bar — Restaurant in Ashland

Went there for the first time with a friend, and just about everything went wrong: friend's food was brought out cold: I asked for no hot spices, and got a VERY spicy meal. They replaced it when I asked, but it was clear the kitchen put the same spice level at the bottom of the bowl, and just put a layer of not-hot on top (I couldn't eat it, once I got to the hot layer, so I took the leftovers home to my husband, who has a high heat tolerance, and even he found it remarkably spicy), and they served one of us the wrong nan. Although the waitress was nice and somewhat apologetic, I would have felt much better about the whole experience if they had offered to take charges off our bill. When I called later to give that feedback, I was told the owners weren't available, so the employee on the phone heard me out and wasn't (I felt) very responsive. She said, "I'll let the owners know, and see if they want to change the policy". I had really hoped to hear, "Wow! I am so sorry. What can we do to make it up to you and - hopefully - bring you back in the future?" Not even close. They've now lost two local customers (who will tell lots of others) with what I believe was pretty poor customer relations, as well as a very disappointing meal. Back to Taj for us, even though the wait staff isn't very personable. They do, however, get the...

Great food, good quantity. We got gobhi Manchurian for appetizer and the royal thali. We were 5 of us so we did end up trying almost all the curry options available. Gobhi manchurian tasted nice even though it was more of a honey chilli kind of dish. Overall, food quality was good and all curries tasted different so that was great. Food was very rich and portion size is big for the thali so there is no way you will be able to finish it in one go. The naan was my favorite bit. Lamb Rogan josh was the best. Butter chicken, chanaa masala and shrimp malai curry were also delicious. Medium spice level is decent. If you ask for spicy, it comes with a bunch of chilli powder at the top which does make the curry very spicy. There is no shrikhand with the thali. We got gulag jamuns in place of that. I also got the rose mule which was delicious and had a great ginger kick to it. Would recommend to try this place when...

Fantastically delicious! Masala has become one of the restaurants whose food I crave and I'm looking forward to trying everything on the menu. This is the kind of food that makes you say "Mmm" with every bite -- flavorful and well balanced. The fusion Maharaja Bowl is a fun and flavor packed treat. Punjabi Fish & Chips with vindaloo aioli is another fusion win. "Decide Your Karma Thali" or "Royal Thali" is a great way to sample so many flavors in one meal -- love the side of crunchy Indian pico. Equally interesting beverage options plus a full bar. Service is friendly, prompt and helpful -- ready to explain and chat about options and menu items. Atmosphere is casual, relaxed and comfortable with background music. Food quality is amazing. Portions generous. Cannot say enough and already looking forward to my...