Basmati Nepalese and Indian restaurant in Southampton

How to describe Basmati. It's Southampton's humble Nepalese restaurant, where every single dish will make you return to try more. 5 stars for everything I've tried, and every time I've been there. The meat dishes, all the vegetarian options, the literally mouth-watering lamb momos (how much artistry can fit in a little momo? Basmati has the answer), the amazing peshwari naans. The service is always impeccable, the staff (perhaps owners) are lovely, kind, and always friendly. The food comes in good and right time, with warm plates ahead of serving the main part of the meal. The prices are such a good value for money, both for the amazing, homemaking-level good quality and for the portions. You will not leave hungry and you'll have eaten well. It's another reason why the restaurant is so popular with everyone. The atmosphere is always calm and inviting, with lovely folk Nepalese music in the background. In conclusion, I've been eating at Basmati for years, and I always bring friends and family who visit the city at this very restaurant. Thank you Basmati ☺️ P.S.: please kindly start offering the modhu murgh in a vegetarian option too, because the sauce is out of this world.

good size portion, very tasty and excellent delivery time

food was pretty tasteless, I asked for extra hot (the dish was already hot) but it was sweet instead. my partners dish was equally disappointing. in afraid this was a pretty poor choice for a curry.

Este es un pequeño restaurante muy pintoresco con personal muy amable y buena comida. Cobra lager en el grifo que complementa la especia muy bien.

Aunque la mezcla de entrantes de kebab estaba bien el evento principal un especial de chefs no era bueno la salsa y especia era agradable y picante pero el pollo no era comestible duro y sin sabor, el propietario se dio cuenta de que había dejado el pollo y lo pidió, pero aunque señalé el problema todavía cobraba el precio completo y no es un lugar barato, estoy seguro de mucho mejores lugares en Southampton

The food and service were very good, the only thing that got my attention is the rug at the entrance, it looks very old and dirty, needs to be upgraded.

Food was amazing and delicious. The only backdrop was on a but slow service despite only 2 eat in tables occupied . Rest taste was amazing and a different taste . Dint regret. Will definitely recommend 👌

It was alright food but sadly not great food. The curry spices had a good balance but didn’t delight and the non meat portions were on the generous side especially the rice. The grilled peshwari bread was the biggest taste disappointment as it tasted only sugary but then it was only £3. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and the seating was ok; the decor is a bit 1970’s. I had a paneer main dish, which was fine but honestly, and I do keep referencing the fact that M&S curries are so much better flavoured and generously portioned. My wife had tandoor chicken shashlik main (there was no tandoor used in cooking our food here) so the flavour was just sort of alright if you want to be kind when it could have been great. All the food arrived really piping hot. This was a first for us, in that where we come from, if one orders from the tandoori part of the main menu a curry sauce comes with the order but here it was a separate charge. The poppadoms too were extra when again we usually get them complimentary. The bill was £55 for two curry mains, a pilau rice, a way overcooked potato and cauliflower side, sweet nan, a pint of beer (£5) and a 175ml glass of rosé. We added a tip ourselves. There were only two other diners at 7pm on a Thursday night. I doubt we’ll return not because it was bad but because it’s just not good enough. Here’s the thing, as eat out prices are rising folks who do dine out now rightly expect a full flavour darn good dine experience not oh well that was just ok. Summing up, although it’s a restaurant the food seemed more like what you’d cook at home as an amateur working from no skill or knowledge f Asian cooking or how to use spices to impress guests and from the cheapest ingredients you could find from an average supermarket.

Best curry I’ve had in years! The whole experience was just fantastic. The staff were so attentive and friendly, the atmosphere was that of a family run restaurant that takes pride in what it does, and the food was just incredible. Thank you for a wonderful night and can’t wait to come back soon!

The stars don’t lie! Lovely place, excellent food. I was the only one on but it was a Monday night in January, and very cold outside . I should imagine it would have been full on a Friday night.

Food and service were fine. I was eating on the early side, and there were only around four other customers present, so hard to comment on atmosphere. Be aware that the prices on the menu do not include VAT. This means that your bill will be 20% higher than the printed prices. To be fair, this is made clear on the menu, but I'm not sure if they expect a tip on top of the VAT. For example, if you like to give a 15% tip, and the menu price for a dish is #20, the bill will be for #24 and 15% on top of that will be #27.60. Happy eating!

While this is a small restaurant you can be certain of a top class meal from start to finish. The service is very good and value for money. I would recommend it to all Indian food lovers.

Very friendly people and good service. If, like me, you prefer traditional curry houses from the 80's and 90's to the modern style, then this is a great choice. The curry names may sound unfamiliar but they are great. We went two nights in a row. Lovely shish kebabs and bhajis to start and excellent mains and naan bread. I will definitely go again when I'm back in Southampton.

Great curry, delicious and would definitely come back. Great atmosphere and such good sevice from very friendly waiters.

Food was ok, But small quantities

One of the best curry houses out there. Never ever had bad experience here..the staff (owners) are so friendly it's a pleasure to visit. If you want a great curry in friendly ,pleasant surroundings..this is the place. One of our top five in Southampton..

Lovley food and very flavorful. Open Till late witch is nice when you are hungry at late.

Food was not great tasted like normal rice not briyani!

Had a business dinner here with some work colleagues and contractors. The ambience was great and the food was FANTASTIC! the service was on point, and we all had a really good evening. I would certainly return and would highly recommend it.

A local brought my partner and myself for dinner yesterday. The restaurant is very cosy, staff friendly professional and good hospitality. The food was just devine, I would suggest ordering various dishes and share them. My favourite was the chicken corma, the lamb and spinach dish was devine, rice pilaf too. Everything! I highly recommend!

A local brought my partner and myself for dinner yesterday. The restaurant is very cosy, staff friendly professional and good hospitality. The food was just devine, I would suggest to get vatlrious dishes and share them. My favourite was the chicken corma, the lamb and spinach dish was devine, rice pilaf too. Everything! I highly recommend!

Lovely meal . Very tender meat .very friendly and helpful staff. Very reasonable prices . Quick service .

Stopped in with some friends for dinner. The menu is extensive with lots of options. The venue was super quiet, but we did visit on a Monday evening so not the busiest of nights I imagine. Would go again :)

Good place to have Indo Nepalese cuisine.

If your in Southampton and fancy a decent curry, then this place is a must. Can't fault anything

Fantastic takeaway this evening 10 / 10 jalfrezi, rice, potato starter, pompeydoms, salad, chapatti chilli garlic Naan bread, chicken was absolutely delightful. Thanks

Nice little curry house. Excellent staff, that have been here for a good while and are attentive and courteous. Quality food with just the right portion size. Been coming here for years and love it. In fact wouldn't go anywhere else for a proper curry - that readily suits the English palate anyway ! Early evening as a couple or with mates after a night out Basmati is the place to go.

Great food at a really good price

Spot on full of flavour curry. Will be back for more. Yummy!

Cosy little restaurant, grsT food, fab service

Great place for a meal after a visit to the theatre. Staff very accomodating and reasonably priced.

The place was recommended by a local as a great place to eat. The food was good, but it missed the complexity of flavours so prevalent in Indian food. It is nepali/Indian food, although the waiters explained that tha it is mostly Nepalese food and they can cook Indian food. Still is missed the many layers of flavours are so common to any curry. The great plus is the that bill cam to just over £35 which is good.

Great tasty food and nice ambience....

Dinner at Basmati Nepalese Restaurant in Bedford Place was mind blowing. The small restaurant in Bedford Place, Southampton is compact and the interior felt very crowded when we went in. We did not have a reservation but was able to walk-in as tables were available. Although crowded, the number of diners was a representation of wonderful their food is. However, I did find the place a little dark and wish the lighting was brighter. The interior could do with a makeover which would probably justify the price which is a little higher than I would have expected compared to the proportion of food served. But on the brighter side, the staff was super warm and welcoming. They informed us immediately that the wait time would be 30-45 mins as it was a busy night. But they were quick to serve the drinks and poppadoms soon after we placed the order. The chicken shashlik, saffron rice, garlic naan and chicken jalfrezy came later and they were worth the wait. The chicken, which was halal, was moist and full of flavour. The rice was super aromatic. But the best part was the naan. Best naan I have had in Southampton so far. They were soft, yet crispy, and mouthwatering. Surely recommend for anyone that wants a fulfilling and delicious South Asian meal.

Unbelievable fresh, good honest curry house, thanks

I eat here fairly often and have yet to be disappointed. The food is always fresh and tasty in relaxing surroundings and the service has always been impeccable. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

I went here with my partner after seeing a show. It's small and not too posh, felt comfortable and relaxing. We had main courses, a side dish each and some nans. Food was very nice, maybe a little bit 'samey' and not quite as special as the menu suggested. But we really enjoyed it! Service was perfect. It was a really nice end to the night for us!

Lovely food however we found the portions very small to where we go normally .we were still hungry after s main course each.so if you go have a starter as well.

Absolutely fantastic food and service. The food is incredibly good and very reasonably priced. Over the years I have sampled most of the menu and would recommend all of it. A good selection of drinks too, including a Nepalese lager. You won’t be disappointed!

Very friendly made very welcome tasty food great service

Small intimate restaurant that is big on flavour.

Erg lekker gegeten en niet te overdreven grote porties. Heel vriendelijk personeel. Met het tintje Nepalees net wat andere gerechten. Doen dus.

Good food, not too much and friendly service

Never been here before. We were looking for a different place but couldn't find it. So it was an accidental discovery. Superb find, great food n service. 10/10

Such a lovely experience. Friendly staff, beautiful pictures of Nepal, soothing music and of course the food. I had the vegetarian thali which was amazing. Also, one of the tastiest peshwari naans I've ever had (they add cardamon which is heavenly!) Thank you :)

The chicken biryani dish was just awful. Never again. I might try another dish but not sure if I would go back. It was oily and tasteless

Found this little restaurant last night and the food was amazing we loved it one of the best meals we have had we will we back very soon

It's an OK restaurant, would go back if I'm ever in Southampton again.

Great food experience including the best peshwari naan I've had in years. Look forward to returning here on our next trip to Southampton.

First time for Nepalese/Indian food. It was delicious!

Top drawer service and great food! Many thanks 🙏

Great food in an unassuming spot. Good service and good value. Early dinner before a show at the Mayflower meant it was quiet and fast.

Excellent food we really enjoyed very much! Delivery took longer than anticipated even though we pre-ordered early. Delivery driver rang on arrival and seemed to be efficient getting to us. Thank you.

The staff squeezed us in on a Saturday night without a reservation between two covers. They were quick, efficient and the food was excellent.

My wife and I were stopping over night in Southampton and the Basmati restaurant was fairly close to the hotel we were staying at and tucked up a side street. The meals were ok and reasonably priced, but not sure that it stood out.

Excellent meal and service and price

Great restaurant, always good quality and tasty food.

Value for money but you have to book early. The reason I gave 3 star because you will have the good taste but not the traditional taste

Another restaurant I was going to was closed on Mondays and we found this one open as they close on Sundays. The starters were rather small although very tasty. The main courses were normal size and tasted good. The prices are about average for Indian restaurants and they are licenced and serve the usual beer and wine. The service is good and they are very keen to please. So I would recommend this restaurant if you like Indian food.

We walked to the restaurant from Jury’s Inn. It was warm, friendly and the staff were attentive. The food is varied and superbly cooked. The flavours are amazing. This is not your ordinary curry house. The menu is varied and different. We ordered a salmon starter and the staff are happy to recommend dishes to your taste. This will be our go to place in future pre-cruise visits.

Felt quite expensive for what you got

Superb Indian. Looks a bit dreary from the outside but it is a super curry from Indians who know how to cook. Really enjoyed my lamb Josh

Its the first time I've been to the restaurant in a couple of years. It is still great. The food is excellent (different to other Asian restaurants), the staff are excellent, the menu has a great range of dishes and the prices are good. You wont be disappointed.

Really nice environment and great host. We felt very welcome and at ease as staff was wearing masks. The food was exceptional - the chicken korma in particular was one of the best I have ever had. Other than that, we had samosas and mixed kebab starters, the lamb sally as main, mushroom rice, garlic naan, spinach and potatoes sides. The food arrived at perfect intervals. We are definitely visiting again soon!

I came to visit Southampton and its been a year far from my country nepal… all the brother i meet here are so nice and food is so delicious… i have chat with Rajendra brother for a long time and i feel like am at home… whenever i come to southampton i prefer this restaurant always

Did exactly what we needed after a few beers!

Delicious food, fresh made. Well done.

This is a nice and lovely restaurant. Best to purchase gradually when you are eating in to avoid doggy bag and wastage if you are a light eater. Definitely great value for money.

Really good food and excellent customer service..will go again..

Loved it to the last bite. Yumm yumm

Great little place, good food and service

Lovely restaurant. Tried the momo steamed dumplings for something new. Very nice

Excellent place. Highly recommend!

This is a lovely restaurant, always great food and amazing service. Due to current lockdown, we come and collect ours from Sholing as it is our favourite! Highly recommend the Chicken Kalimirchi (hot) and Murgh Makhan Masala (mild), although it is all amazing - my other half has tried almost all of the dishes! Looking forward to coming back to have a sit down meal after lockdown. Jenkins.

Exceptional Nepalese food. My boyfriend & I been here numerous times, always lovely food and service.

Best indian food in Southampton, fantastic service and the price is excellent

Rara vez visito Southampton, pero cuando lo hago, siempre vengo aquí. La comida es absolutamente fabulosa. No puedo quejarme del sabor del producto. La comida es increíble y muy buena variedad. Pequeño local que solía ser bueno, hasta co vid. No puedo culparlos y también son personas tan amables.

The issue was not with the food (which was great as usual, but the condition/damage to the food packaging upon arrival was quite shocking! First and last time we’ll be using Just-Eat I’m afraid.

We had very nice Curries and Good service.

Visitamos este indio mientras estábamos en nuestra escapada, decidimos probarlo después de leer las críticas y no nos decepcionó. La comida era deliciosa y abundante, ¡apenas pudimos terminarla! El personal aquí fue educado y amable y no pudo hacer más por nosotros. ¡Altamente recomendado!

I like this small restaurant. They quality of food. Health conscious food. Food price is little bit high but it is not matter. We want to save ourselves. Service is excellent.

amazing great sized portions and everything was delicious and high quality, already planning a return definitely one of the best restaurants in bedford and definitely the best indian/nepalese.

First and last visit here the poppadoms were burnt disappointing starter and main with poor service

Unbelievable food. Service Excellent, 1000% recommend this place.

Popped in for a takeaway Biryani recently and was hoping for something a bit more exciting as it advertises as Nepalese but it was just plain normal biryani. So a bit disappointed especially for almost £11.

Very friendly staff. Nice quiet dining where you can enjoy the food and actually have a conversation without competing with lots of ambient noise. Has all the usual curries but I'd recommend going off the beaten track and trying one of their Nepalese dishes. You will not be disappointed. The sauces are really fresh and pack awesome flavours. Specially liked the chicken kalimurchi and chicken sally (yup, that's what it's called!).

Tuve pato agridulce nepalés y mi compañero tenía albóndigas MoMo.Guau, posiblemente fue la mejor comida que hemos tenido en años.El camarero fue muy atento, el precio era como se esperaba, el lugar estaba limpio y honestamente puedo decir que si estuviera en esta área nuevamente, definitivamente regresaré.

My first time here. Excellent quality curry. We both had jhalfrezis and they were spot on. Just the right amount of heat. Heartily recommend and will definitely visit again when next in Southampton.

Some friends chose this restaurant because it was within walking distance of our hotel. The restaurant itself is quite small and decor dated but the food..............it was fantastic. We each had different dishes and every dish was outstanding. I would have stayed longer in Southampton just to go here again. Excellent food and very helpful service.

Eat there with my brother and his partner, and as always we had an excellent meal. Whenever I am in Southampton we will have a meal here, and it has never disappointed, with excellent food and considerate staff. Recommended

A really lovely little Indian restaurant with soft sofa seating, like your grandmother's at home, from which you can get up again without having to swing. Super delicious Nepalese beer and excellently prepared food, e.g. B. with small lentil soup and Indian flat, not spicy bread with equally unspicy dips. We recommend the tandoori dish with super tender chicken, salmon and giant prawns. The (propably) owner serves you at the table and is very hospitable, courteous and attentive. Located about 400 meters from the Titanic Museum in Southampton. You just have to be careful when you come out of the restaurant that you don't get completely gobbled up - directly by all kinds of vehicles - with the corresponding "feeling of fullness"! The English drive on the wrong side through left-hand traffic, but that friends is a whole other topic...

I had dinner yesterday. Have ordered tandoori roti and garlic naan- shockingly the hotel people did not make fresh one instead served the ready to eat one by making it warm.

Food was quite good. It was taste and hot. Cost us more then we wanted to pay. We enjoyed our visit and service was really helpful.

We visit several times a year and from the first trip we made years ago to our most recent visit, we never leave disappointed. The decor may be a little dated, but the service is also warm and friendly and they are always quick to answer questions and willing to give advice if you ask. Food is always perfectly spiced, good portions and quality ingredients. As the title says, this is still a favourite of ours after all these years and long may that continue!

Llegué con toda mi familia la primera semana de septiembre y todo fue fantástico, como siempre.Descubrimos Basmati por coincidencia un día, ya que estábamos planeando ir a lakaz maman, pero estaba lleno.¡No esperábamos ese día que basmati se convirtiera en uno de nuestros restaurantes frecuentes! Vamos mucho, y se ha convertido en tradición ahora que cada vez que viene alguien de mi familia de Barcelona, debemos ir a Basmati. ¡Es una tradición familiar!Nos encanta tanto aquí y es porque no solo su comida, sino también el personal, son geniales.¡Seguiremos viniendo para siempre! ! !

Excellent food excellent service

No he cenado en muchos restaurantes nepaleses, así que pensé en probar esto. Todo el personal era amable y dispuesto a explicar los diferentes platos. Y ciertamente no estaba decepcionado con la comida: tenía un entrante de pescado ligeramente rebozado seguido de un plato de pato frito (con chiles) fuera de su menú nepalés. Todo fue encantador, y el calor ciertamente me dio en el clavo.

Had a really nice meal here. Subtly different from a run of the mill Indian restaurant, the Nepali dishes are a nice addition to the standard offering. The aubergine dish (who's name I forget) was particularly nice.

Tried the traditional heart liver and kidney curry which was excellent. Pity about first impressions with the popadoms which why only 4 stars

Great for a late nite on a Friday evening. Very attentive vßtsff and lovely food. Well worth sampling from the speciality menu.