Desi Old India Cafe in Portsmouth

Excellent food and great atmosphere. We shared the railway lamb, kokhani chicken, house chaat, gunpowder potatoes which were really flavourful and large portions throughout. Don't miss the pineapple chutney with poppadoms. Never had anything quite like it and was excellent. We will be back, thank you!

This is a decent restaurant that could be amazing. I booked this for my wife's birthday yesterday and when we walked in the decor and ambiance was fantastic. A very old style india cafe with really murials and photos adorn the walls. When we looked at the menu they had some very nice mix of dishes but missing many staples such as paneer makhani, tikka, manchrian, malai kofta, chilli paneer, chana masala. Then there was no tandoori roti or naans and then no option to change the dhal in the vegetable biriyani. It was slightly underwhelming however we still proceeded to order our vegetarian starters and mains together. The paneer and pineapple starter was nice but small portions although the chaat was nice. The dhaal makhani was good but the cream cheese in it did not complement it well. The paneer and tikki dish was nice but quite spicy and again the combination didn't make sense. The saag aloo and saag paneer were both more like palak paneer which although tasted fine, the saag was just left looking a bit raw and not like true desi (pure) indian saag. Then the bombay bread which was nice just did not feel like a naan or roti. We have been to many indian restaurants across the UK, widely in many European countries, of course in India and fortunately we eat great home indian cooking ourselves. It is clear that Desi is trying new modern takes on indian food however all the best restaurants keep things simple and perfect the flavour. Desi (as the restaurant has on its walls) means pure and for this restaurant to really come up against the best needs for its food and not just the decor to reflect its name - to provide pure indian authentic cuisine. Best of luck trying...

The most incredible experience, delicious authentic Indian food, amazing staff and wonderful atmosphere. I’ve visited Deli and other parts of India and can confidently say you will struggle to find more authentic and delicious food anywhere else. To experience a real taste of India, you must try the puri phat and the Chaat. For mains I tried the Kerala Fish and it was amazing, as well as lots of sides. Thank you for a wonderful experience, we will be becoming regulars! Lucy

Fantastic food, wonderful service!

Absolutely gorgeous first visit will definitly return xx

I googled the best Indian restaurant in Portsmouth and I was taken here. The food is great. I had the prawn Tawa and it was delicious with the inclusion of kafir lime leaves. I also ordered a takeaway for the following day. Recommended

Nice location, staff friendly and caring. Atmosphere is very warming. Would definitely come back again

The Desi Old India Cafe Food's & Service's is Outstanding . *DEEPALI* attentiveness is particularly noteworthy. The Railway Kharai and Karachi Kharai dishes are especially recommended. Ømĝ Yogurt & Chatni is very fantastic Thank you, *Deepali* .

Really amazing food! I had the Paneer Tikka Masala and Dal Makhani and they were both excellent! The staff were super friendly too!

Lovely & delicious food served by DEEPALI friendly treated so well highly recommended much appreciated.

The service at desi indian cafe is excellent!" The staff is polite specially miss DEEPALI is so attentive, going above and beyond to provide a wonderful eating experience

Had the railway lamb, really nice food!

food nice bit different from your normal Indian, chicken was really tender but over all not spicy enough bit overpriced for what you get! Asked for bombbay potatoes the nearest thing they had was Gun something it was called, was really disappointed just roasted new potatoes with hardly any flavour no sauce just dry roasted new potatoes! Was nice but wont go back to expensive for we got really and I'm used to London prices

Super time at Desi, Railway Lamb was fabulous, beautiful fresh salad, authentic pickles…great value and a properly great supper. Thanks Desi!!

Excellent food made fresh, and great service.

Lovely celebration meal for my mother’s birthday! Priyanka looked after us from start to finish! We will definitely be back.

We were visiting Southsea from London and stumbled across Desi. And what a fantastic discovery. The food was so fresh and flavoursome. Really liked the decor and lightness of the restaurant and it brings a refreshing change. Overall well worth stopping in and then coming back again and again.

Went here for dinner and had a lovely time. The food and atmosphere is great, as are the lovely staff. Would highly recommend the vada pau, kerachi karahi and dahl makhini.

Back again still fab. Priyanka our server was lovely and friendly ☺️

Really good food, really attentive staff. Lovely atmosphere

Excellent food, service from everyone (especially Priyanka) & ambience! We’ll definitely be back

Visited with my wife. Staff service was minimal, not fast, and no interest in us or our our thoughts of the food. It wasa shame as I was really looking forward to some amazing food and service. A little disappointed.

Amazing food. Fantastic service.

Fantastic service, in a gorgeous setting. I would have preferred my food hotter, it was warm at best. The taste of the food was lovely but let down by how cool it was.

Amazing food, we had the samosas (punjabi pyramids), paneer aur aloo tikki masala, house dhaal and pulao rice. Everything was exceptionally tasty, would definitely come back again!

Get takeaway here all the time, first time I've been to eat in. Food is just as good :)

This is our fourth time at Desi’s and we absolutely love it. Great food and lovely staff. What’s not to like. Highly recommend the Kerala fish! 🙂

Delightful meal. Delicious flavours. Will be coming back to try the other menu items

Fantastic first experience here. Highly recommend

Very warm welcome and efficient service. We brought our own bottle of wine - £3 corkage per head.😃 Soooooooo, we ordered tikka paneer, saag paneer, onion bhaji, pulao rice, desi dust fries, and garlic tandoori bread. The heat from the spices developed as we ate, and became the most pleasant tingle on the tongue. This was my first visit to Desi in Portsmouth and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting. Definitely five stars.

Old Desi Cafe absolutely nailed their cuisine again during another visit to this fabulous, authentic restaurant. The service is incredible and the food is just wow! My friend, visiting from London, insisted on eating here because of their originality and tasty, well presented food. Love this restaurant and will definitely be back soon .

Best Indian food I've had in Portsmouth for sure. Fab menu and great marsala chai, we'll definitely be back 🙂 lovely service from Priyanka.

Delicious authentic (according to my friends who are from India!) north Indian cuisine. Lovely atmosphere in restaurant and comfortable booths to sit in

Excellent food, nice friendly atmosphere and service 👌

Very good range of vegetarian options and all the food was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

Lovely staff. Very knowledgeable of the menu. The food was super fresh and delicious. It's nice to see something a bit different in Southsea. Definitely will be returning soon!! Bring your own Alcohol is a plus!

Food is very good here! I always order takeaway from here, comes quick and hot and always tasty. I had a few dishes and they taste great but i almost always get the lamb biryani because IT'S AMAZING! ❤️❤️

The food is delicious and the service is outstanding

The restaurant is delicious and beautiful, and the food is a little hot, but not hot at all. Brother Jahed is polite and his behavior is very nice.

The food is always the mutts nuts! If we’ve got something to celebrate we come here, a family favourite.

The best Indian I’ve had in a long time. Quick service and lovely staff too.

Restaurant recommended to us and we really enjoyed it. Starters were delicious but we probably should have shared as main course was delicious but filling. Overall a good choice.

Called in from up North . Beautiful food. One of the best Indians I have had.

Authentic indian food. Really enjoyed the biryani. Highly recommend!

Awesome place, biryani excellent. Jahed very good. Highly recommend.

Food was delicious and different from other Indian restaurants. Flavours that we have never tasted before that were a wonderful surprise. Service was very good and decor and atmosphere were pleasant.

Food was absolutely amazing, tender and absolutely delicious

I dined here for dinner with 2 other guests, the food was absolutely delicious. Every dish has great flavour, not too spicy but there is the option to add more heat. The staff are very attentive

Best indian I've had, every dish has something to offer. And lovely staff. Would always recommend.

This is our favourite Indian restaurant in Portsmouth. The food is fantastic and the staff are very friendly.

One of the best curry's I've had. Made my trip down to portsmouth lovely

Excellent food. Really good. No alcohol though

Great food and service. Authentic taste. Priyanka is an awesome server.

Great food and lovely service!! Sakshi was wonderful🫶🏻 I recommend everybody to try their Rose Lassi.

Lovely restaurant. Staff were really great. Sakshi was really polite and friendly

The saag paneer here was literally the best spinach dish I've ever had. It's elevated and its soul food all at the same time. Only our second time here (cos we live in Cornwall) but as soon as we knew we'd be landing in Southsea for the first time in three years there could be no other choice. Beautiful and in my top three curry houses UK wide (probably top two, to be honest!)

Amazing food and atmosphere. Loved the humble biryani and paneer. The services were super fast by sakshi and she was super sweet.

Amazing food and really friendly service.

Good service from tanvir and lovely real Indian food

Really lovely food, lots of options on the menu to have small and large plates, everything was delicious. Great atmosphere too!

Amazing food, without a doubt the best asian food in Portsmouth! Really well presented aswell as tasting gorgeous! Service was brilliant & the decor is lovely! Highly recommend!!

Delicious food, truly the best in the South, no place like it! Fantastic service by Priyanka and Deepali who made every effort for a wonderful meal

We did have a great evening 👌. The food was very delicious and well presented. It is such lovely atmosphere too. Thank you for a friendly service and delicious food 👍😊

Priyanka deepali and sakshi you’re doing very good job @desi.👍

Lovely Meal, great service from Jahed. Thoroughly recommend!

Definitely returning here again.

Brilliant food as always. House chaat and Kerala fish are my favourites. We were served by the lovely Sakshi who even made friends with our 1 year old.

Brilliant food, brilliant service. All round 10/10!

Food was impeccable, service was very attentive. Top tier.

Lovely Indian restaurant/cafe. Food excellent quality using food quality ingredients. Really like that they used chicken thigh in some of the dishes as adds more flavour to the sauce. Very good friendly service. Decor stylish in a colonial way reminiscent of th Dishoom style.

Chai need to be with less spices

Best Indian restaurant I had in a long time. The food is full of spices and flavours. We were served by Sakshi who hosted us wonderfully.

A great restaurant. Amazing attentive service.

Just amazing!!!! Perfect. Best restaurant on the planet

Super friendly service, we were served by sakshi and she was very attentive and helpful. I would definitely recommend this place to family and friends, the food.

Lovely food, really fresh, aromatic flavours. Great service, quick and friendly. Will definitely be coming back.

Good flavours and well cooked food. Great service and atmosphere

Lovely food, great atmosphere in the heart of Southsea, Sakshi looked after us very well. We had onion bhajis, paneer tikka masala, rice and corn starter - very authentic flavours. Reasonable price as well. Does not sell alcohol which is actually a nice change, I recommend the mango and coconut lassi

Everything good 😊 nice tea , very friendly staffs 🥰

Whenever I want Indian, this is the only place I order from. I only order delivery as I'm usually alone. Since I moved to Portsmouth in 2022. Not sure why I didn't post reviews earlier. But the food is always so good from here. Quality is good everytime. Packaged so neatly and no spillage everytime. Veg biriyani comes with a whole tub of house dhal. Chicken Tikka comes with salad and 2 portions of Bombay bread. Also love the railway lamb! Tasty, flavorful food everytime. And they don't make you wait long for delivery orders. Amazing

My son & I came down for the weekend from Yorkshire to take in some football. Looking for somewhere to eat. Came across Desi. Friendly staff, found us a table even though we hadn't booked. Food was great. In fact my son commented: "It's probably the best curry I've had." 😊

never disappoints in all areas.

Very well kept place and kind staff

Our first time and won't be our last. Fantastic food full of flavour and attentive, friendly service.

Had a fantastic dinner, everything we ordered was delicious!

First time ordering from Desi Cafe for takeaway. Even though my order was for lamb biryani it was chicken instead which was disappointing. Nonetheless, the biryani was good I cannot fault it and to top it of the dhaal was also very authentic. Overall you will not be disappointed with the food from this place.

Best Indian in Portsmouth by far. Me and my partner came across this restaurant and we haven’t been able to stay away since. Definitely recommend and thank you to the very great service from Tanvir. Thanks again

The food was amazing and the atmosphere is very relaxed. The service was perfect, our waiter was Jahed and he was lovely. Obsessed with the sev puri!

Wow! So so nice. Fresh, tasty, lovely spices. Best curry in Southsea. 100% going back

We've just enjoyed a wonderful dining experience here at Desi. Polite, friendly and helpful service from our waiter Jahed. All the food and drinks were delicious. Highly recommended. Thank you.

Such a lovely spot, my favourite place to eat in the whole of Portsmouth!

Amazing food and particularly incredible service! We were a big group for my brother's birthday which can always be difficult with bug orders however the waitress was so amazing at remembering everyone's orders and delivering them directly to the person who ordered that meal. Really well done. We had a fantastic meal, thank you!

Service is a little slow but food is really good.

Last Friday we visited Desi Cafe on Elm Grove, Southsea. This place has been on my radar for a while so I was looking forward to trying their Indian food. I want to start off by saying that the quality of the food in this restaurant is unrivaled to any Indian that I've eaten at recently and I would highly recommend visiting. The menu is modern, fresh and varied and the portion sizes are very generous. The decor is absolutely beautiful and the staff were warm and welcoming. We were seated quickly and chose our drinks, Desi Cafe does not serve alcohol so we opted for a Pina Cola mocktail & a 0% Peroni. We started off with some poppadoms & a chutney tray of Bombay Ketchup, Pineapple Chutney & Tzatziki. These made a refreshing change to your standard Indian chutneys and I'd choose them again over your bog standard ones as they were fresh & delicious, the perfect way to start your meal. We had a small plate of Sev Puri which was recommended to us by the staff, I've never had anything like this before in an Indian restaurant, we were told to eat them whole (I struggled a bit with this as they were quite large!) I'm not 100% sure what the filling was but they tasted incredible, you can't visit Desi Cafe without trying these! For mains we had... ⭐️ Konkani Chicken ⭐️ Karachi Karahi ⭐️ Yakhni Pulao Rice ⭐️ Bombay Bread ⭐️ Gunpowder Potatoes The curries were absolutely beautiful, the best I've had in a long time. The Konkani Chicken had a subtle heat to it and the Karachi Karahi had quite a kick. The meat in the Karahi was lamb which just melted in your mouth. The sauce with both curries was rich & thick, perfect for mopping up with the Bombay Bread. The rice was absolutely packed full of flavour and the Gunpowder Potatoes were cooked perfectly. Thank you SO MUCH Desi Cafe for a wonderful meal, I will 100% be returning.

We came here for dinner after a long day. The stuff was very friendly. The food was really delicious and we would totally recommened the restaurant.

Amazing!!!!!! No booze available but you will leave curry drunk it’s so good!

Excellent service. Food outstanding. Really flavoursome. Outstanding menu. Genuine south east Asian cusine. Lots of dishes to choose from. Highly recommended.

Very friendly service (thank you Sakshi) & great food! Definitely recommend dining in this restaurant, especially if you like spicy original Indian food

Astronomically overpriced tiny portions. The chicken tika wrap was tiny, barely the size of a bread roll and they charged £10 for this! A basic side portion of simple pulao rice was £6!! They charge at least double what any other indian charges for sub par food. Do not get this. Much better off with anywhere else!

Great food and service Very recommended