Cottage Tandoori Restaurant in St. Helens

Ah, it was far from an auspicious start, let me tell you! I was greeted by a chap with long, unkempt hair and a scraggly beard, whose mood was, shall we say, less than jolly. The food? Well, it was your standard, run-of-the-mill curry house fare, lacking any sort of zest or flair. Both my wife and I were, how shall I put this delicately, left nursing upset stomachs after the ordeal. The whole place struck me as one of those local haunts people frequent more out of necessity than desire, and from the look of most of the patrons, many had already indulged a bit too heavily in the drink. Quite the scene!

Hospitality amazing, greeted so warmly, eat there often and always so lovely. We had starter main and desserts. We had recommended mains and they were amazing cottage specials! Honestly can’t rate this place high enough we will be back soon and thank you !

Got a takerway chicken tandoori masalla keema rice garlic narn simply the best for miles food is outstanding in a class of there own staff so freindly spot on, and the resturant is spotless and lovely decor with a bar all the staff are great a lovely welcome and fab food

Absolutely gorgeous food, tasty, good size portions, will definitely be back, staff very friendly and knowledgeable

Absolutely hands down one of the most enjoyable places to eat. I normally order food for delivery and it is always superb, arrives on time and accompanied by a warm friendly face. Eating inside the resteraunt really shows you the passion, love and enthusiasm the whole team have. It is clear, regardless of why you are spending your evening there, they want your experience to be one to remember. Indeed, I have two memories: the first brilliant customer service and the second, some of the most delicious food I have tasted. Nothing seems too much trouble for the dedicated staff, who just want you to enjoy yourself. The resteraunt is quiet but not without a really positive atmosphere. When I ate there, there was a real mix of people, ranging from couples, small friendship groups through to a couple of birthday gatherings. I guess it felt as if everyone was part of a 'family' held together by a love of fine food and the energy of the staff who were happy to listen to customer needs, meet them with ease and sing happy birthday if needed. If you are in the Rainford area or fancy making the journey to eat at this fantastic resteraunt you won't be disappointed and you will leave with some happy memories of your own. Thank you and see you again soon. Paul.

Had an outstanding meal here, where the atmosphere was as inviting as the food was delicious. Special shoutout to Sam, who went above and beyond to make our evening memorable. Can't wait to return. Highly recommended!

Been coming here for 15 years. Probably only once or twice a year but it never fails to provide a great meal. We went last night. I remembered the big portion sizes from last time so tried to order a starter that wouldn't be massive. Prawn puri - it was massive but too delicious not to eat! Hey ho I knew I could take my leftover main home with me, which I did even though that was delicious too! All the food is lovely, but the service is the star of the show. The guys cannot do enough for u. Reasonable prices still in this current economy so all in all a terrific meal out.

Nice staff, Lovely food however it does need a little clean and upgrade. It’s great for families over the age of 10

Called in to pick up a take away. After finishing a job near by so never been before. Very nice and pleasent clean resteraunt. Staff very friendly and considering the restrictions as busy as they could be I suppose. Because I ordered the lamb there was a bit of a wait so ordering in advance would be good thing. When I got it home though it was worth the wait my daughter had the chicken madras and realy liked it. The lamb on the bone fell of the bone and the sauce that came with it was to die for!!!? Will definitely be going back there at some point for a meal in or to take out. We'll done to all the staff there. And the chef needs a big pat on the back.

Been back to this place several times on our stay in Rainford and yet again never let's us down. The service is always welcoming, the food brilliant and the prices are very reasonable. We keep going back as it never disappoints and is great to take family and friends to as they will always be looked after. Quint and Julie.

This was our first time visiting the Cottage Tandoori and it was one of the best experiences we have had in a restaurant. The waiters are really smart and helpful and food was just perfect!The safety measures they have in place because of the virus is really good and i would encourage others to visit them. Safe place to eat! We will be returning again next week!

Last night had excellent meal as usual , good value , great food and very friendly helpful staff.The recent decorating is very stylish , and the way the restaurant is being run means you feel very comfortable in the present situation.Would recommend to anyone in the area.

Went in for a meal on Saturday with my family and friends. The food was excellent, the service was wonderful and the restaurant ambiance is brilliant. Wonderfully decorated

The restaurant closed during the lockdown has opened for takeaway and delivery. We had a lovely meal delivered this evening, cooked to their usual high standard. Greatly appreciated as we are unable to go out. Thank you.

We have been to the restaurant three times now and each time the food and service has been excellent. The atmosphere in the restaurant is great and very relaxed, you are not rushed with your meal. We will be back soon!!

I have been a regular diner at this restaurant since it opened. The food is excellent and the staff are friendly and attentive. The establishment is embedded in the community and very highly regarded.

As regular visitors to this local restaurant once again the staff and chefs delivered excellent food, great service and good value. Recommended.

New Years Eve 2019. Top night with Fantastic food really looked after by amazing staff as usual. Thanks very much you did a great job see you soon

Six of us went out for a New Years eve meal on the 6:30pm seating and we was shown straight to the table. We had to pre order our meal few days earlier and the service provided on the day was first class! We couldn't fault them considering they has 3 different sittings and a packed restaurant. Our drinks came on time and food was served effectively, all the waiters were cheerful and very helpful. The food was delicious! Cant fault it! Only shame was they sat us next to some cheap skates who was complaining about desserts and was being very abusive towards the waiters, swearing them all sorts! Disgusting behaviour from the couple! I hope they don't go to other restaurants and behave the way they did because it was absolutely disgusting! To the waiters your doing an outstanding job! Keep it up! We will back soon. Happy New Year!!

Went new year eve and never go back got offered know desert menu and when I ask for it I was told it was to late I’d ran out of time but still got charge for 3 course set menu, disgusting service never go to this place worst place I’ve ever been

New Year’s Eve 2019 Two hour slot for table was coming to end of time before next sitting, was waiting 30 mins for desert menu , waiter came with dessert menu, after us keep asking said you have to be of this table in 5 mins . Could not believe what was coming our of his mouth we left ,.

Rocked up on a wet Thursday and had a very good meal. Staff were friendly and timings/service was good. Wide choice of food, keen prices, pleasant atmosphere, will return for sure.

We've been going here regularly since the first night they opened in 2008 and I'm glad to say that last nights meal was a superb as ever. They do the best shashlick I've ever had and the staff and service are second to none. We've had our Christmas day lunch here for the last few years and yet again both sittings are fully booked. Draught beer is Cobra but best of all is Bangla beer in large bottles!Yes there are more fancy and expensive Indian restaurants around but this wins hands down for value and taste. They have just got new comfy chairs too! Give it a try you won't be disappointed!

Lovely restaurant, recommended to us by friends. Really good food, reasonably priced. Staff were lovely,attentive without being pushy. Didn't have any alcohol so cannot comment on that. Will definitely return there.

Just visited with friends for an early evening meal. We had a very

Fantastic food & great service. I've been eating hear for many years and have always had good food and good service.

I went around 10.30 on a slow Friday we decided to share a tandoori plater Knowing it’s contents when the said meal arrived there were no prawns or sheek kebab I pointed this out the waiter said no prawns then two

Went there early evening for a family meal, as soon as we got there we were pushed in the corner and had a very grumpy unhelpful and rude waiter ! Wasn’t helpful with the children’s menu .. felt like we were an inconvenience even though we were the only ones in ! Meal was average ! Shame as we had a great experience last year and was looking forward to going back

This is our 2nd visit in two months after a 10 yr gap due to having kids! My 11 yr old loves any thing with a bit of a kick. Kids meals are great as 6yr old loves the butter chicken. Both occasions our meals have been spot on. Definitely returning.

After visiting both Indians in Rainford on multiple occasions I’ve come to the conclusion the cottage is the more superior of the two , Holdi being over priced , out the way and average food whereas the cottage is in the centre of the village , food and portions are very good with competitive prices. No brainier on where to eat your Saturday night curry.

Recently visited the Cottage Tandoori in Rainford on the outskirts of St Helens. We had an assortment of dishes which were all excellent and the drinks were reasonably priced and the service was great too. So much so we were staying in the area for a couple of weeks and managed to get three visits in as we found it that good even taking some friends along on one of those visits. Brilliant food, service and reasonably priced experience well worth a visit.

Having had a few takeaways from Dec 2019, about 4 in total, each time ordering 3 meals, and choosing something different each time to explore the menu as best as possible, it is very obvious that a standard stock is used for many dishes and they taste the same, so much so that as experienced consumers of Indian food, we could not identify one dish from another at times based on taste or texture. The food was also in comparison to other takeaways in the area, rather ‘washed out’ in flavour. However the meat was very good in texture and flavour, Tandoori chicken on the bone especially nice, but let down by a poor vindaloo and mild sauce at the time. Nan breads and chapatis also quite nice, but smallish. Staff really nice and friendly when awaiting food and seem cheerful.

So much choice and dishes I have not seen on other Indian menus. Just the best flavours. It is the best Indian for miles around. The Millom is cheaper but the whole experience here is better

The staff are welcoming and diligent. The food is excellent and well priced. An easy choice for an Indian option

Another visit and another perfect meal. Chicken Korma and Nepalese Chicken. The mild and the hot. Thanks to all the staff for making it such a comfortable and relaxing meal.

Fantastic menu with literally hundreds of choices. Good service and very healthy portions. Excellent taste. Decent waiting time despite being very busy on a Saturday evening. Nice helpful staff.

another really nice dinner... selected for me by the staff and full of flavour.... also was a big plate of food..... a place for serious eaters.

Went as a group of 10, Monday night but was still quite busy. Food was excellent, good choice and well cooked. Reasonable prices and a good drinks selection. Will go again.

Small Indian in Rainford village. Service poor and food not brilliant and no heating so very cild.Too expensive for what we had to eat

The food here is always very good and the staff are very friendly. They do a special on a Sunday until 7 pm and this is very good value for money. I have been here many times, my last visit was New years eve. Pre- ordered our meals (party of six) on the later sitting and the food was great as usual with a free glass of bubbly at midnight. Well worth a visit.

This places has obviously changed its chef for the better. The last few times we have visited the food has been excellent. To be fair the service has always been good. We will be back again for sure!!!

We’ve just got back from The Cottage Tandoori after our Christmas Dinner. I was a bit unsure about going but how wrong I was. It was amazing!! Service was brilliant our waiter Saifar was really great and made a fantastic Irish coffee and was his usual happy helpful self. A jolt behind the car was also fab tonight. I definitely do this again well done everyone. Thanks for a great time !!

Visit Rainford 3 or 4 times a year and always visit the Cottage Tandoori. Latest visit was very bad. Unusually almost empty; a usually friendly waiter got the order wrong on 2 out of 3 meals despite him asking several times. The lamb tikka seemed not to have been marinaded very long and was tasteless and hardly red. The chicken tikka biriani was not tikka and again tasteless. One of the starters was completely wrong and had to be changed. The management apologised and offered to cook a new one but I had lost interest and accepted the biriani to be written off the bill. Please management - sort it out!

Used to live local so would be in on a weekly basis, since moving out the area have yet to find an Indian restaurant anywhere near as good as here. Have been for all occasssions, Friday night grub, birthdays, meeting friends, even Christmas dinner a number of times and always been impressed with the food and service. The staff are lovely and make you feel really welcome. Really can’t beat it.

another cracking meal.... we had chicken karhi and alo gobi...enough food for lunch tomorrow....... perfect

Called for a takeaway this evening and they must have run out of spices. Dupiaza, Dhansak & Byriani all is tasted the same. No flavour to onion bhajis. Only saving grace was Sag Paneer which had a bit of flavour to it. Won’t be returning

Another little gem. Great food eat in or take out. Very friendly staff. We visit almost every month.

We've been going to The Cottage for special occasion meals for at least 8 years. We were really looking forward to my husbands birthday meal last night. Booked a table and shown straight to it. Popadoms and starters arrived quickly, then nothing for 45 minutes. No main courses, no waiter to ask if we needed more drinks. Had to catch a passing waiter to order drinks. Food eventually arrived but delivered to table very fast, almost thrown on!! No-one asked if our food was OK, or if we needed anything else. Overall, a disappointing experience from our favourite local restaurant.

Went Sunday night once again never let down by the Cottage meals were excellent staff are really friendly well worth the money.

We are frequent visitors to the Cottage, in fact I’d prefer to say guests, as we’re there every week. Tonight Abdul suggested a new dish, Bangla Jhalfry a dish popular in Bangladesh. It’s was something to behold, a dish that wouldn’t look out of place on Master Chef.

We found this restaurant on a car ride through rainford what a find FABULOUS the food is second to none and believe me we eat out a lot, the service is fine and the staff are friendly and so helpful, the smells when you arrive starts your experience off and you are not disappointed when your food arrives as it tastes as good as it looks... treat yourself xx

The Cottage Tandoori is a great indian, staff and the owner are always welcoming abd friendly , we have always found the food and the service exceptional, new seating and layouts in the restaurant have improved its overall feel recently highly recommended

I visited Cottage Tandoori in Rainford with my family and I wasn't very impressed if I am being honest. It was OK. Don't get me wrong the service and staff were fantastic. Very polite and welcoming. The service was pretty speedy too however the food wasn't great. The chicken in my curry was crunchy and tasted old. A few family members said they had the same thing. Other than that the food was average, nothing better than 3 stars though I am afraid, sorry guys. The atmosphere was surprisingly very nice and the restaurant had a great feel to it. I wouldn't be in a hurry to rush back but that's purely based on my experience of the food.

Very pleasant Indian Friendly staff Good quality food and not too long to wait Parking at rear of restaurant helpful

Fabulous food and drinks. Staff are great and really helpful and friendly. Great menu. Price is great. Well worth a visit.

Love this little gem in the heart of the village, great staff and great food. They have tea time deals on which is worth a go

This restaurant has very nice food and their staff are very friendly. The service was standard and I enjoyed my meal.

Have just been back with two American friends. Who had been looking forward to a visit for two years. It was so perfect for them and have said if they are able to return to the UK for another visit they will want another meal here.

Lets star with me telling you if you havnt had the tandori lamb chops from here then youve never lived!! Not too expensive either. Cant fault this place at all. Actually maybe the walk the the toilet after a few wines but cant have everything can you.

We are frequent visitors to the Cottage, in fact I’d prefer to say guests, as we’re there every week. Tonight Abdul suggested a new dish, Bangla Jhalfry a dish popular in Bangladesh. It’s was something to behold, a dish that wouldn’t look out of place on Master Chef.

Turned up last minute with no booking, no problems at all and the staff there were so lovely and friendly. Food was nice, even though I didn't get quite what I'd ordered. They did say they would get my proper order but I didn't want to wait and the meal I had was really nice. Even took some home as I was full. A lovely evening.

Always great value and excellent service. Massive selections,local specials of there region. Large parties welcome for special occasions. Keep it up...

Excellent food. We have eaten in the restaurant and take away. No difference in quality. When people ask me, where to go. I always recommend it. Food and service is superb.

This is a superb indian restaurant. i must admit i prefer chinese but this is great... best indian food i have tasted...

Great paneer tikka Marsala. The rice and naans where great too. Good selection for vegetarians. Very friendly staff and great atmosphere Definitely recommend!

A large group (a mixture of children and adults) of us attended on Easter Sunday. The food was excellent and very reasonably priced. The staff are very friendly and go out of their way to assist any additional requirements you may have. Right in the heart of the village in Rainford and definitely worth a visit.

Eat here both stay in and take away regularly and the food is always brilliant. You always get a warm welcome and they always remember you! Midweek special is a really good offer if you stay in!

We regularly eat at the cottage tandoori in rainford. The service is excellent and the staff go above and beyond nothing is too much trouble. The food is well prepared and good value for money. We take all our visitors and have no complaints whatsoever.

Have not been to the restaurant for quite a while but the standard of food and service remain as high as ever. The food was excellently prepared at a very reasonable price and the service was extremely friendly and efficient.

Order from here about once a month and it's always worth while, good food, lovely charming staff who always are efficient with a smile on their face. Only issue I have is that my naan comes out burnt half the time I order it but its a small price to pay for a really welcoming and chilled environment. Would definitely recommend for couples as well as families.

Christmas day 2016 was good so we tried again this year.

In the last few months we have had weekly takeaways from the Cottage which were great. Tonight for a change we ate in. The same excellent papadoms and chutneys, tandoori king prawns, mixed starter, chicken madras, ginger chicken, boiled rice and garlic nan bread, coupled with friendly, efficient service. Excellent meal.

Second visit was as good as the first. Excellent food, atmosphere and service. Nice romantic meal for two.

Excellent food , chef is mad as a hatter (that’s a compliment ) but we love him , food amazing ! As usual staff are just nice people working hard and I enjoy my last stop visits!

I'm not a huge fan of Indian food but have been to the Cottage Tandoori with quite large parties on about half a dozen occasions. The staff are very friendly and attentive. I've not tried that much on the menu but people I have visited with have raved about the quality and choice.

Another excellent visit, to introduce the excellent restaurant to two more family member's. Although very busy both the food and the service were perfect. The staff couldn't have been more helpful, courteous, or professional. Thank you and well done.

First time dining here after hearing goods things

We always travel 20 miles to come here as its by far the best, always fresh , nice place &...

I came here early evening midweek and we were seated straight away. The staff were friendly and attentive. There is a wide range of dishes, and I ordered butter chicken with pilau rice and a side of sag paneer, with a nan to share. The food was delicious with very generous portions. There are plenty of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and everything is reasonably priced. There is a car park at the back of the restaurant. The atmosphere was nice. The staff were especially helpful when we left, then about 15 minutes later, decided I needed the toilet before driving home. There was no issue about me going back into the restaurant to use the facilities :) I'll definitely come back here again.

This is a local place we visit regulary. The staff are wonderful people and nothing is to much trouble. The food is amazing and plenty of it and at reasonable prices

We were there this evening for my brothers’ birthday.

Another great evening spent in very congenial surroundings. With excellent service and perfect meals. Family gathering for a birthday and to introduce the restaurant to two more people. Thank you to all at the restaurant.

Called yesterday at 5pm to reserve a table for my family at 7. Arrived bang on time to be ignored whereby waiters didn't seem to know what they were doing and didn't pay us any attention whatsoever, so sat down in the waiting area used for takeaway orders etc. After 2 more customers had entered and been greeted and seated like long lost family whilst we'd still been ignored, I spoke up loudly that we'd booked a table etc. Surly and rude waiter decided to speak to another customer instead and walked off with them. When he returned I again explained - to be eventually seated (in the corner like some bloody nuisance customer) - this had all taken a good 15 minutes and I'd been close to walking out.

Great local restaurant, nice food, great service and a nice atmosphere. Great for families or groups of friends.

Slightly ashamed that this was my first visit even though it's only in the next village. It will be the first of many I am sure...very welcoming, knowledgeable on the food, happy to cater for someone with food intolerance , superb flavours and lovely presentation. Portions are plentiful.Enjoyed it so much that we are now looking at their Christmas and New year's eve offers too.Plenty of parking round the back and they do takeaway as well.

Booked a table over the phone.Arrived, taken straight to the table. Ordered some poppadoms and trays. Took some time to come out but first we was given someone else's meal by mistake. Mains came soon after we finished the starter trays. Tasty food and not shy with the portion size. Leathered a few pints of kingfisher and partner drank some wine.Bill came. Fairly average price for an indian restaurant. Would recommend for a visit.

Staff always welcoming and best curries in north west my child also loves the restaurant and they always make her laugh

A1 food fast service.We went there when the restaurant was full to the top with dinners and yet the service was second to none. As was the food quality perfect. Really is a very nice modern Indian restaurant will definitely be visiting again when next in the area.

Me and my partner ordered a takeaway from here yesterday,it's was the best curry I have every eaten,I'm not a fan of Indian food but yesterday I was converted,my partner who's a curry expert also said it was the best he had eaten too,food was tasty and the nan bread was to die for,food was cooked pretty quickly so no waiting around too long and the staff are very polite,looking forward to sitting in next time,you won't be disappointed

Just can't fault this place. Always have great service from the staff and they are very friendly.A few new meals have been added to the menu - check out the Delhi Chicken Delight and ask about the Akbari Rice.And the Bangla beer is worth a sample.Always great food and a friendly service.

Meal was okay. Had to ask for door to be closed as very draughty. Had to ask for cutlery to be changed as fork so bent could not use but waiter did not look happy when asked to change it. Curry had an after tasteAlways have madras everywhere but there was a strong taste which I have never had in a curry before. There are nicer places around.

Our local Indian restaurant never fails to provide great food at a reasonable price.Faves are the onion bhajjis which are by far the best we have ever had, and we have tried a fair few. The prawn puree and chicken chat are also delicious.The curries are tasty and can be adapted to suit your tastes. Great friendly staff who like to chat to their customers.

Nice resturant and staff good food and nice service.Would love to visit again. Food Excellent. Big resturant .

The food is usually very good with a wide range of choice. We visit here quite lot and are always greeted with a smile. The special offer during the week is very good. My personal favourite is the mixed starter.

Fantastic, friendly service.Good food.Great value.We visit fairly regularly and have always enjoyed tasty food in a lovely environment.

Absolutely love this little village Indian. Great place to walk to. Fill your face with great food, a bottle of wine. Excellent staff make you more than welcome.

Went for a meal with work friends. A really good meal with large portions. I had the chicken pakora for a starter, lamb with almonds and pilau rice for the main. Must admit I had to leave most of my nan bread, but only because I was so full. Friendly and helpful staff. It was good that we were able to pay for our drinks separate as some of us were driving and could only have soft drinks.

Dinner hear last night first course fish kabab dry and quite tuff second course chicken tikka jalfraze sauce not bad but chicken was very dry over cooked and rice dry sorry for the low remarks but I try to be honest as I can pricing is fair

Another visit to introduce two family members to this great restaurant. An excellent meal served by very friendly hospitable staff. Excellent portions all fresh and very well presented. Thank you.

I absolutely love this restaurant. The staff are super friendly, and the food is so delicious, I've never had an Indian meal that came remotely close to here!I always come with friends and the customer service is excellent! I highly recommend it here!