Veeraswamy

Do not be put off either by the location (close to Piccadilly Circus) or the potentially tourist-inducing claim as “London's oldest Indian restaurant.” For me, Veeraswamy ranks among the best Indian dining experiences the capital has on offer. I first went here in 2000 for a function in the restaurant's private dining room and have been back 20+ times since, both for business and for pleasure, it thereby remaining a firm favourite. Begin with the anticipation: one enters through a small door on a side-street into a mirrored lobby and then awaits a lift to go up to the main dining room. Despite having been open for over 80 years, the restaurant has received several make-overs, most recently in 2005. The style is modern but with a very obvious nod to the art déco glamour which would have been associated with the resaurant's opening in 1926; think, more mirrors and eccentrically tasteful lighting for example. There are few ‘bad’ tables in the restaurant. My preference is for the two-person booth, left and round the corner when one comes in, perfect both for intimacy and people-watching, while the tables overlooking Regent Street provide a privileged position from which to observe life outside. Next the drinks: inventive cocktails and also an updated wine list since my previous visit. The wine list is compiled by expert Matthew Jukes and is surprisingly broad. Far from the most obvious (to my mind) pairing of Riesling with Indian, only one such wine (and from Austria rather than either the New World or Germany) appeared on the menu, many other choices were available. My dining comrade and I were impressed with an Italian Fiano, crisp and refreshing, a bracing contrast to the food. Now, the food: one reason to favour Veeraswamy is that it caters well for vegetarians in addition to the more carniverous. Therefore, while I was able to enjoy a robustly gamey venison kebab with tamarind sauce for my starter, my comrade partook in paneer kebabs, which met with approbation. For our main, we shared one of the three vegetarian options (kofta – or fried balls of chickpeas and other vegetables – in a superbly creamy yet spicy sauce) along with three vegetarian sides. This proved more than ample and gave us a chance to sample a variety of dishes. The ‘aubergine caviar’ remains one of my all-time favourite dishes, which I have not seen bettered elseewhere. No complaints, and I will be sure to be returning soon.

We went there and only veg items found are side dishes. Apparently the owner was not happy with the total amount and asked us to order more items. We immediately got up and left the place.

Veeraswamy has so much history around it, so to finally visit was exciting! However once inside, there was a distinct lack of atmosphere and the staff did not seem overly enthusiastic, as I would expect of someone working in such a well known prestigious establishment.

It seems that Veeraswamy is coasting on its history but it seems to do little to emanate its charm. The food IS good, but I dont think its good enough to subsidise the average interior and service. The prices are quite high, so you expect more ‘bang for your buck’ and you dont feel you get it. Thank goodness that I was taken out for a work dinner so the bill was not an issue, otherwise my review may have been a little more disgruntled! I am glad I have vistied but I probably will not return unless I hear of a massive revamp. I hope it stays open as it would be shame to lose this indian instituion of London, however I dont see it lasting in the current fashion.

Overpriced and awful, awful service! On a recent visit, the manager came over to discuss the menu and make some suggestions, which we accepted. When the food arrived, the order was not complete. On inquiring about this, we were told that they had a problem in the kitchen and that a replacement item would be brought. Needless to say nothing arrived! Upon receiving the bill, we questioned how we could be billed for the full price of a meal when half the dish had not been served to us, nor had we received any replacement which had been offered to us. Their response was that they would remove the discretionary service charge from the bill due to the oversight. Just to be clear, their sense of compensation to unhappy clients is to penalise the waitress for an error made by the manager and to offer you a discount on something you don't have to pay. We will not be returning.

We went last year with very high hopes considering the history behind the place. As we booked for the Sunday set menu the value for money was ok, but if we were to pay the regular prices I would consider them well overpriced. The food is lovely, but the staff don't really make you feel welcome and I would even go to the lengths of calling them stuck up. For some reason they have all decided not to smile. I much prefer Chutney Mary which is owned by the same people.

Average but overpriced food coupled with poor, inexperienced service a Squaremeal Two Star does not make. I'm off to the Cinnamon Club.