Dining Room in Swale

We visited on Sunday 25th August as we were staying locally for my wife’s birthday. We arrived shortly after opening, and were warmly greeted, and told to wait by bar. Whilst waiting they added birthday decoration to our table, which was a lovely touch. I booked after reading a gushing write up in a Kent newspaper, and whilst living in Kent my whole life, I had never heard of The Dining Room before this. I had high expectations, but it was a complete surprise for my wife. As we arrived early the restaurant was empty, but then started filling up as the meal went on. The food was incredible - genuinely some of the nicest dishes we have ever had. I had the lamb starter and my wife had the onion bhajis. Both lovely. Main course, I had the fish curry and my wife had the king prawn. Both were lovely, plentiful and very well served. With breads and accompaniments we were both too full for anything. As the food was too good to leave the waitress kindly bagged these for us, which we enjoyed a few hours later. We were very kindly offered a complimentary drink to celebrate also. I’m not often compelled to write a review, but this definitely earned it. Highly recommend visiting if ever nearby, or even fancy the trip out to Leysdown - you won’t be disappointed.

Read about this place on Kent online. It did not disappoint! The korma was delicious and the food presentation of every dish was just fabulous. Only downside was the wait for our starters and drinks took a bit long but there wasn’t a lot of staff on and the restaurant was quite full for a Tuesday evening.

What a great restaurant, lovely decor Friendly staff,beautiful experience. The food was outstanding the presentation was wonderful. We lived it definitely are going back.

An amazing meal, not your standard “Indian”, some fabulous dishes and flavours, recommend to anyone nearby - and also worth a trip just for a meal!

From the pre starter to the main the food was good with special attention to how the food appeared. I would say unfortunately the food did look better than it tasted. However the waitress was attentive and the venue welcoming and clean.

Good place to be , lovely food and friendly staff. Good vegetarian meals too. Could help with a bigger room but not generally a great place .

Nicely decorated room, pleasant staff and comfortable seating. Efficient service but with a tendency to upsell constantly. Mixed reviews on the food from our party, including: excellent, average, and “not what I am used to”. Not sure this place actually has a tandoor oven, judging by the unusual finish on the chicken tikka. Prices were noticeably higher most Indian restaurants, especially in this area.

This is a diamond of a restaurant in leysdown on sea . Excellent menu , well cooked and five star quality . Taste and presentation second to none .

We were staying at a nearby Holiday Park and knew from my research I had to try this a.maz.ing culinary delight, restaurant. We noticed from their website that they were only opening in the evening and was delighted to find on passing that they are now trying the lunch trade experiment, so we went in. The message hasn’t yet got out that it is now opening certain lunchtimes, as we were the only diners there, which is such a shame. We opted the the main menu though they now have a lunchtime menu as well, we weren’t disappointed. My taste buds exploded with the perfectly seasoned and spiced food. This isn’t your ordinary Indian Restaurant, this is for the food connoisseur. Presentation is of 5*+ quality. The food itself is 5*+ quality - please the photos. The ambience of the restaurant, quality of food reflects in the prices, so please don’t expect what you would normally pay for your local curry house, but for us, worth every penny. Would we come again on our next holiday? 100% yes!!!

Amazing food beautifully presented, but I thought it was a little expensive for the location, a bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc will set you back £30, however the restaurant is tastefully decorated and once you are seated the service is ok. The negatives:- our pre booked table wasn’t ready, had to wait about 20 minutes, so we stood around for a few minutes before being told we could sit at the small bar at the entrance. The bar area was untidy and littered with wine glasses and it was a good 5 minutes, we were the only customers, before we were offered a drink by the flustered waitress, who advised they were busy tonight and then couldn’t find the gin that I had selected from the drinks menu. Once seated we requested 3 times to place our order, 2 staff just didn’t come back, 3RD time lucky. We finally ate at 9pm our booking was for 7.30pm. Our table was a bit wobbly and a pint of beer was knocked from the table. We did tell the waiter, however it wasn’t,t cleared up, so we sat all evening surrounded by the aroma of beer, and we were charged for a replacement. I didn’t complain as I didn’t want to make a fuss. I was expecting so much more from an award winning restaurant. Would I go again, probably not.

Food here is absolutely stunning. A little gem of a place in an unlikely spot. Staff were so so lovely and the food was presented well, the only “a la carte” Indian restaurant in the area. The best Indian I’ve had ever! Only thing I can say I didn’t like was the blue lights on the tables, it made it feel cold in there.

This is by far the best Indian restaurant I have been in for food. The staff are very friendly and the food is amazing especially the lamb chops.

Faultless. It was our first time here and can only highly recommend, we will definitely be back.Ever so friendly and attentive staff, lovely ambience. We had lamb, chicken and king prawn dishes that were well presented and could not fault.

This was the first time we dined here. There was nothing at all we could criticise, everything was perfect. We will definitely be back. Looking forward to visiting again

Fantastic experience! From start to finish wow. Week worth the drive. Will return for sure. Food was fresh cooked to order and put simply amazing

What a fantastic meal tonight.Know wonder they won an award.Everything was spot on.Nicola was so lovely and answered all our questions.The food was amazing and everything was exceptional.Just wish you were nearer to our home in Stafford.Carl & Lynn.

What an incredible dining experience we all enjoyed at this wonderful establishment. Not just any Indian restaurant. This is undoubtedly many levels above and beyond. Staff welcoming and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. Very attentive but discreetly so. Food was absolutely delicious and not like anything ever experienced before. Presentation and service, impeccable. Thank you all for such a wonderful evening.

Stunning food , lacked ambiance. Service fabulous. Definitely high end Indian cuisine. We had the canapés, Sheema kebab , chickpea tart , fish curry . Fabulous from start to finish .

1st impression wow! Met Al, lovely guy, really genuine & passionate about the place, beautifully decorated, service perfect, food absolutely gorgeous. Beautifully presented & tastes wonderful. I can not praise the Dining room enough. It has been an amazing experience which we will repeat again & again. Just brilliant . Thank you for a brilliant night.

The Indian menu is very good and the friendly service makes for an enjoyable evening. A little more expensive than some local Indian restaurants, but worth it.

Probably the nicest Indian takeaway we’ve ever had. Fresh, hot, very tasty & reasonably priced too (you get what you pay for). Friendly atmosphere while we waited with our children, & the interior decor is very fancy. Highly recommend.

How lucky to be able to dine at such an amazing restaurant. From start to finish everything is exquisite... Service, food, ambiance is everything you wish for and more.. The accolade of winning such a prestigious award is so well deserved at the recent ARTA awards for Fine dining restaurant of the year 2023. Thankfully it's our little local with huge talent Congratulations to all 🏆

Great food, lovely friendly, helpful staff. Beautifully clean. Definitely worth a visit. Not expensive for fine dining. It’s Indian with a difference. No wonder they won award this week for best Asian restaurant in uk.

Our Son wanted to go here for his 7th Birthday. They decorated with banners and sparkles on the table.. The staff were so welcoming. They even surprised him with a birthday cake and the whole place sang happy birthday to him. The food was excellent and we were not rushed at all. Thank you for making a memorable birthday for him.

Food was lush, beautifully presented. Best Indian by far. Lovely decor and ambience inside. Should be called the Indian Jewel of Leysdown because it certainly is!

First time visiting the dining room after hearing only good things from friends and fellow locals and wow it didn’t disappoint the ambiance sets a lovely intimate feel straight off the bat and the service faultless, but lets move on to the food which was...

Just had a meal here with friends, it's the best Indian meal I've ever had. The place is beautifully decorated and is spotlessly clean, staff are amazing.., will definitely go back

This restaurant is up there with the best,staff were 2nd to none and the food was simply delicious I had the chilli chicken starter serve in a filo pastry basket and fried noodles on top,mains I had the lamb chops which were plump juicy and...

Excellent, food and staff faultless, lovely atmosphere and easy parking, would highly recommend it. 👍

Been looking forward to our The Dining Room takeaway tonight all week. Yet again fabulous food amazing flavours, fantastic service, worth every penny & not to be missed! Too hard to choose my favouriteout out of it all! So you don't need to miss out...

We are so lucky to have this restaurant on our island. The food is amazing, the restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere and the staff are welcoming and friendly. They go out of their way to ensure everything is perfect for their customers. Highly, highly recommend,...

A fabulous meal with super service and atmosphere. A party of 6 didn't make for slow service..Food was 5* and very high standard.. Extremely enjoyable like nothing we have every had before..Cocktails were really nice and some were different to what we have ever tried...

This must be the 4th time we have dined here, and every time we have been very much impressed by the quality of the food and the genuinely warm welcome from all the staff.

Amazing takeaway with the recent launch of The Dining Room Takeaway Menu, we decided to make it our Saturday night treat. Afghan Lamb curry melts in your mouth, Chicken.Korma so tender & delicious, wonderful.Saag Paneer all of ot was perfect . Don't miss out order...

We went following a recommendation from friends. The food was excellent and the staff were courteous. My husband had the fish curry which he said was the best he'd had. I had chicken korma which tasted wonderful. We will definitely go there again

This restaurant beats any local . If you want quality - if you want class - come to this restaurant asap

There was a group of 7 on a Saturday night . From start to finish a very good experience. The Restaurant is probably the best in our area in my opinion. The staff excellent, the food presentation and taste excellent. Would definitely recommend a visit,...

4 of us went to the dining room in leysdown for the first time tonight, all I can say is wow, staff very attentive and friendly, and the food was really good, the best Indian food I have ever eaten. Will definitely be back and...

Both my self and my partner had birthdays in the same week and we decided to spend both of them at The Dining Room. We live local and it's so good to have such a fantastic restaurant on our doorstep. We have visited 4 times...

Well presented but average tasting starters. Everything else just about average. Nice crystal glasses but I think the chef needs to concentrate on taste over presentation. I won't return

Absolutely delicious, I was a little apprehensive when I saw the prices however it is worth every penny, lamb chops were fantastic and really worked with Indian spices there are no negatives here.. Everyone else in our party of 9 people feel the same and...

My wife and 40 club members 14 th December beautiful meal great service however -4 outside requested the heating turned up cold inside radiators only mildly on but request ignored nothing like siting in a cold eating area ruins the atmosphere with eating hot food...

First time at this restaurant. I went with a large group of friends (43) for a Christmas meal. The staff were extremely patient, ultra polite with a sense of humour. The food was some of the best I have ever eaten, beautifully cooked, beautifully presented....

Made a late booking to eat here as a couple. So glad we did. Unassuming from the outside, magnificent on the inside. Beautifully presented food, calm, friendly ambience. Great choice of dishes (menu changed two or three times within the year). Service second to none...

Had the most amazing meal and the cocktails are absolutely amazing, trying to get through the cocktail list , all staff are so pleasant and really can’t do enough for you

The venue is worthy of Michelin 3 stars. We ate on a cold, wet evening, but as soon as we stepped into the place the warm welcome of ALL staff was appreciated. The food was simply the best I have ever sampled in a restaurant....

What can I say about The Dining Room in Leysdown, other than, visit, you will not be disappointed! First class cuisine, staff that are very attentive, but not intrusive, and by far the best Indian meal we have ever had! This food was presented more...

Ignore the previous review. This place is fantastic. Great food and service. Samosas were ace and the Jalfrezi was the best ever. Can't wait to go back.

The photos on the website of the food look amazing and was what enticed me to try this restaurant out. When I arrived the decor was beautiful, did not think much of the background music. Service was good, very attentive. I could not wait to...

Decided it was time to visit the Dining room again. It seems a long time since I last went and I am going to make sure this doesn't happen in the future. From you go through thr door the service is first class. The restaurant...

The best Indian fine dining in kent The food the service the atmosphere are just amazing from the pomperdoms to the chicken madras a first class experience a must try!!!! We will be bringing our friends!!!!!!10/10.

The decor is fabulous very impressive as soon as you walk in. The staff were all lovely and made us feel very welcome. And as for the food it was top class and both myself and my friends thoroughly enjoyed it. I was in food...

I’ve eaten in Michelin Star restaurants, This tops them all. I don’t live locally, wasn’t sure what to expect. From the moment I walked through the door I was delightfully surprised. The decor is beautiful! Very modern and chic whilst still holding on to elements...

Food and presentation was superb, the staff very attentive and the decor is beautiful. A real gem. Not overpriced it was a really lovely experience

This is 100% the stand-out restaurant in the area. The food was outstanding as was the service. The TG King Prawns: Delightful, and that was the starter, and so it went on!! Our congratulation's to everyone at DR...Faultless and we will be back. £170 for...

This is now my favourite restaurant on the island. Big compliments to the chefs and all the staff here. Food is delicious and presented so nice. Staff are friendly funny and welcoming whenever we visit. Cocktails by mackenzie are amazing. Service by Al, T &...

Very impressed with this restaurant, food absolutely delicious- Indian cuisine with bells on! Lovely welcoming efficient service in beautiful surroundings, excellent all round Will definitely be back.

easily the best restaurant on the island it never fails to dissapoint excellent food and excellent service

We saw this restaurant and didn't know what the cuisine was so researched TripAdvisor it was fine dining Indian restaurant. We booked a table and was amazed at the interior of this hidden gem. Excellent service from all the staff. The food was exceptional Canapés...

Excellent meals and good wines serves by very pleasant and helpful stuff in a new, top class, restaurant with a great atmosphere.

This restaurant is superb. The food is absolutely delicious, the staff friendly and attentive and the ambience just wonderful. We are so lucky to have this on the island. Not a traditional menu, more a limited menu but everything cooked and presented with absolute perfection.

From the moment you set foot across the threshold you feel relaxed , welcome & comfortable. Service 10/10 food 10/10. Presentation of food is outstanding & their attention to detail is unbelievable. All of the dishes are freshly prepared & one of the dishes (lamb)...

4 of us ate here last night and all agreed was the most amazing food, environment and staff! Had a great time and will most definitely be returning in the near future. Thank you for living up to the great reviews!

We found this amazing restaurant by chance. Everything about it was just outstanding from the food to the wonderful service. Probably the best Indian food I’ve had in a long time, the presentation of the food was stunning. Thank you to Al and all your...

Step through the door and you are transported to a whole new world. This place blew us away from start to finish. Every interaction with the staff was delightful and the food was superb definitely Michelin star worthy,

From start to finish we would recommend this wonderful restaurant. The staff demonstrated the skillfull balance of looking after the customer. We recommend the Indian Cabernet Sauvignon and the sea bass, the espresso martini's were perfect too! Thank you for an evening to remember.

Food was very tasty, full of flavour and cooked perfectly, the staff were very welcoming and great atmosphere. Made a special evening for a family members Birthday.

Decided to give The Dining Room a try for a friends birthday party. The staff could not have been more helpful or friendly and the food was delicious. From start to finish it was brilliant. I shall be recommending this place to all my friends...

Amazing food presented well! Good service and nice cocktails. What else would you ask for? Definitely going to become regulars.

Inexperienced staff food not up to standard as described the lamb was tough portions small for the price atmosphere loud no attention to customer service I could go on will not return

Family birthday meal, all four chose different starters, mains & deserts so we were able to make a fair judgement on the quality of the menu. this is no ordinary Indian restaurant, fair to say top class at a reasonable cost

Hard to explain this place. Nothing seems to fit together out of the food, décor and location. However, the food is superb. Weirdly the order is taken n a reception area and drinks were served there. Then we moved to our table where gratuis starters...

Our first visit last Saturday and we just can't wait to go again! It was an hours journey but we will definitely be regular visitors. I really can not rate this restaurant highly enough. The decor is amazing, the service from start to finish friendly...

What can I say but fantastic evening our third visit with another already booked , superb food , great staff ,cocktails, everything about the dining is just so good you must try this gem .

First but definitely not the last visit to this amazing gem on the isle of sheppey. From start to finish it was a definite 10/10. Staff were so welcoming, informative and friendly, happy to explain the menu to you, with complimentary hors d'oeuvres served. Inside,...

First visit tonight absolutely stunning food. The meat bags are unbelievable and Panjabi chicken curry was the best curry I’ve ever eaten. Complimentary mango sorbet was divine and complimentary trio of starters just amazing. Naz the chef and Al front of house are so friendly...

The best food , atmosphere, great staff, you have to eat in this place to enjoy the whole experience, great cocktails. Just stunning .

We went to the Dining Room in Leysdown tonight. I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful this place is! A true hidden gem of the island. Food was stunning, cocktails were lovely and the staff were attentive. What more could you ask for? BEST...

Absolutely delicious, the taste of every dish was excellent, the menu was very good, the vegetarian dish I had was amazing, the tastiest dish I’ve had with paneer cheese.

Kim went here mid week and could not stop telling me how good the food was. We booked to go Friday night. I was surprised how well the restaurant was presented. Tables are not to close and seats and lighting are nice. The service is...

Wow amazing & to be honest I am hard too please. Fantastic food I took my Mum for her 74th birthday & she said the king prawns were the best she had ever eaten! Lovely staff, wonderful ambience can't wait to come again & it...

we decided to go here as it was my neighbours mothers birthday. there were 5 of us in the party and for us it is walking distance from where we live. the resturant has had a total make over and it is tastefully done. with...

Lovely new Indian restaurant in Leysdown. Beautiful decor, and excellent service with freshly cooked meals presented beautifully and complimentary canapes to start. Advisable to book, especially Friday & Saturday evenings. Looking forward to going back and working through the menu. We had a lovely gentleman...