East India Cafe in Cheltenham

Excellent food and excellent service. We collected a takeaway and five minutes later they called me to say that they had forgotten to put in one of the dishes we had ordered. Not only did they deliver it to our home, they sent a free bottle of wine. The true test of any business is how they handle mistakes: East India Cafe did it absolutely right!

A friend of ours recommended this place, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The staff are very friendly and add to the relaxing atmosphere. The service was over-and-above our expectations. The menu doesn't have a million confusing choices; what is offered is top quality, beautifully tasting, cooked-with-love, dishes. The wine and beer list is picked to complement the meals. This was, by far, the best Indian restaurant experience that I've ever had. 10/10!

First-class food and excellent service, we are not local but it was our second visit and we will certainly return. Good value all around

We had an amazing experience! The staff were very friendly and welcoming. The food and wine were exceptional! We couldn’t believe the price we paid, would have paid a lot more for the hospitality that was provided. This place should be more popular as I would say it’s one of the best restaurants in Cheltenham! Will definitely be going back.

Excellent meal for our wedding anniversary at the East India cafe. Each course from the a la carte menu was delicious with lovely amuse bouche and palette cleanser included. Superb service and lovely atmosphere. Thank you.

Absolutely fantastic food and brilliant service!

We went to this restaurant yesterday and the food and service were faultless. We had the set menu which starts at £22.95 for two courses and £29.95 for three courses. This also included an amuse bouche and a taster. The choices were excellent, my husband had sea bass (fish of the day) and I had chicken. We were even told to ask for more bread (paratha) or rice if we wished, which considering the price we paid, was appreciated. Really enjoyed the food and the staff were fantastic - highly recommend.

Food was awesome. Service was brilliant. They made our anniversary day special with on the house Champagne and a cake to celebrate.

Great location, great food and service. Railway curry is exceptional and presentation of all courses and accompaniments was great.

Amazing service with surprise amuse bouches and added extras . Food was plentiful and flavoursome. Relaxed and understated dining room . Highly recommended!

Excellent food and service. We were delighted with the quality, and by little extras like the sorbet before our main course. Would definitely go again if in Cheltenham.

Great service, taste menu is great . Don't be put off by the sorbet and fish it works.🤯

Excellent food and service as usual. We've been several times and it never fails to impress. Truly a delightful place to eat. Don't be put off by the exterior, so worth a visit. Staff really accommodating of personal requests.

Brilliant service and delicious food - would highly recommend- definitely the place to eat in Cheltenham- all meals were superb

Very impressed with both the food and service . Modest number of options, a good sign of fresh cooking and preparation in situ? Best Indian restaurant I have been to, despite unprepossessing entrance and location which looks like just the ground floor entry to a block of flats. Amuse bouche and sorbet ( both complimentary) were nice extra touches. Service attentive but unhurried . Will defintelybe back when next in Cheltenham Was quiet on a Sunday evening so slightly lacked ambience/ atmosphere for that reason only. Decor low key

Lovely atmosphere - small and cosy with warm, low lighting. Expect to spend more but for an overall higher quality experience. The food is very impressive and tasty. Both the texture and taste was extremely good for all dishes I tried. There were fewer options than a typical Indian restaurant but everything I tasted was delicious. Small extras were provided between our courses which was a nice bonus. The staff were very attentive (and very polite) and it was very easy to get attention whenever we wanted. Very pleasant evening! Current parking restrictions are only up to 6pm so if driving here for dinner then there are lots of on street spaces available all down Montpellier street, for free.

Such an amazing place and a unique experience off the beaten path in Cheltenham. More than just a restaurant.. feels like being welcomed into head chef Mijan's home for an authentic culinary journey. First class food and outstanding service. Highly recommended

All excellent food and great service. We love it here! A hidden gem in Cheltenham. Railway lamb amazing!

Excellent lunch with nice delicate touches. Starting with home made lemon juice,then amuse bouche and delicious curry. If you want more rice or mini nan , just ask for more. We have been twice for lunch, unfairly quiet. Worth a visit.

Amazing food and experience… thank you

Great location, great food and service. Railway curry is exceptional and presentation of all courses and accompaniments was great.

I just love East India Cafe. Grandfather, father and grandson are all there to make sure the experience is as fantastic as possible. It is the very best of Bangladesh cuisine. I had been before when the weather was very cool and the atmosphere in the restaurant was warm and cosy. We felt so special.5⭐️

Been to this spot twice - once for lunch to celebrate Father's Day and more recently on Friday. Needless to say, the family had a great experience. Whilst I recommend you book tables for this restaurant, husband and I were cheeky and dropped in on a very busy Friday night (couldn't stop thinking about their Railway Lamb Curry), luckily, they were able to sit us. The staff are very friendly. Apart from your starter and main, you get a welcome drink (lime-based and with mint) as you sit down, two amuse-bouches (tangy tamarind-based one on a crisp and another with rice and noodles - surprisingly great combination) and a palette cleanser (refresing mango sorbet). The Railway Lamb Curry is exquisite, not much sauce as it's meant to be a dry dish but there's nothing dry about it. Portions are generous and you can ask for extra rice, bread, lentils, etc. when you have your main. The spiced scallops starter was excellent although instead of the usual three scallops, I only got 2 whilst the duck starter was very generous. The chocolate dessert was also exquisite. When husband couldn't finish his lamb, they neatly packed this for him to take home. This is definitely becoming a local favourite! Only downside - very little choice regarding cocktails (had the vodka cocktail - was yummy but very strong!) and non-alcoholic drinks.

An excellent evening. God was superb. So tasty and the little extras added to the balance of the menu. Not a cheap option but really good for a special occasion or just a meal that's a bit more special. Has been on my list to visit for quite a while. So pleased we made it. Will definitely return! Michelin quality food and service without the hefty price tag!

trying to provide quality dining experience but food lacking in some areas baked samosa heavy pastry not fried lemonade flat needs some work cant beat spice house in Gloucester

Lovely dinner at this gem in Cheltenham. Tasting menu for two. Wonderful flavours. Would highly recommend

Fantastic food, bijou so a little cramped and slightly noisy but not in a way to put you off. Great service.Nice simple menu but quality. taste and presentation cannot be faulted. A must place to eat in Cheltenham

Excellent food at The East India Cafe and excellent value for money. We'll definitely be visiting again in the future. Service was excellent and all the staff were friendly. The owner was even walking around, greeting everyone and asking if things were ok. You can tell they care about their customers

This was honestly the best Indian cuisine experience we have had to date. Service was exemplary, food was sublime and the atmosphere was spot on. We opted for the tasting menu. You aren’t left feeling short changed or empty bellied. My partner is coeliac. The chef / waiting staff were reassuring, accommodating and adapted dishes to the same standard meaning that she didn’t miss out on the experience (if you are coeliac / gluten free., you’ll understand). Couldn’t recommend this place more, 5/5 and will be planning to return!

We had such a treat eating here last Sunday lunchtime. First time we had visited (been meaning to for years!) - and it was for an anniversary celebration. We were well looked after and enjoyed every minute. Top notch food, very reasonable bottle of wine,...

Taster menu all good. Railway lamb large portion. Wines nice and reasonable price. Recommended.

We decided to try this restaurant for lunch based on the excellent reviews it had received. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch. Food was very tasty and well cooked. Service was excellent and friendly. It was a very relaxing experience. We will return.

Fabulous meal and very attentive and friendly staff. always a wonderful experience . The Railway lamb is fabulous! Has to be one of the best restaurants in Cheltenham,

Why did I leave it over 5 years to return to this wonderful restaurant! Lovely grub and great staff. It is the best indian restaurant I've ever been to.

The food here is spectacular - creative, delicious and beautifully presented. The service was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. This is Indian cooking as you may never have experienced it. We recommend the East India Cafe unreservedly.

Without a shadow of a doubt the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted in my life. Incredible staff who go above and beyond to ensure you have an exceptional dining experience. Very highly recommended.

A first class restaurant with absolutely delicious food and the loveliest of staff! We had the 3 course lunch and it was tasty from start (a perfect bite-size amuse bouche) to finish (coconut rice pudding) with a palate-cleanser between starter and main. Can't wait to go back!

We were given a meal for two here as a birhday present from our family. We chose from the a la carte and every course was amazing. An amuse bouche and a mouth cleansing sorbet were both welcome and delicious. Service too was excellant.

Excellent food and reasonable price. Nice atmosphere.

The East India Cafe is possibly not exotic as its flashier rivals in Cheltenham but do not underestimate the quality of food and service offered by this little gem of a restaurant. They have set their stall out to achieve the highest standards and I...

Excellent food, great staff polite and welcoming. We both had the tasting menu what had was delightful. They were very accommodating as my partner does not eat fish and the East India Cafe team were more than happy to sub those dishes out.

Food was good but the service was lousy for large groups. Trouble was that some of the table members were allowed to have the tasting menu, and others weren't. So service didn't work. In the end we had to say we are leaving if the good doesn't come in the next ten minutes as some had a long drive home! Front of the house staff were not trained. Food was expensive and not value for money. There were 4 people not drinking on the table but the bill still came out at £69 per head.

Excellent food and customer service. Wonderful evening with polite staff. Restaurant decor welcoming and each little surprise between each course was fantastic. Thank you.

We have been to lots of the best Indian restaurants in London & I have to say the East Indian cafe was even better, we had the tasting menu every dish was outstanding, the staff were very friendly and explained the dishes perfectly. Will definitely...

Faultless; excellent food, attentive staff and a charming environment in which to enjoy it. Not sure however, why it was so quiet for a Saturday night - only half of the tables were occupied. Friends told us recently that they had been there in midweek...

Another excellent meal at the EIA. Dined here in November for my birthday and immediately booked for our wedding anniversary. Travelled from south Wales today and once again we were not disappointed. Service was prompt, friendly and efficient. Food was tasty and excellent. Cannot fault...

Best Indian food to date. Amazing flavours and proper service. Authentic and very different.

ate here last night just WOW WOW WOW, best indian we have ever had. From start to finish A star ++ The home made lemonade with mint followed by two amuse bouche then the starters were just superb. Then the railway curry (lamb) was another...

We visited whilst staying in Cheltenham for a few days, and we are so glad we got to experience this amazing restaurant. We had the 7 course tasting menu and every course was fabulous, bursting with flavour and delicious. The service was lovely, attentive with...

First time for a business lunch and all worked to perfection. Great food and service. Will go again.

This was my first visit to this restaurant. After the complimentary amuse bouche and palate cleanser and 2 courses of the best Indian food I’ve had there wasn’t room for dessert, sadly. There is an extensive gin menu , choices are presented beautifully with just...

Excellent evening. The service was attentive but not oppressive. Menu is not large, however offers an excellent selection of starters and mains. Three had Railway Lamb and one had Beef Rezala. All served with a selection of sides which are topped up at request. Shared...

Was not expecting such a wonderful meal even after easing all the positive reviews. Impeccable service from the start. Two or three course options are excellent value with extra items courtesy of the chef! I will be going back to try the taster menu.

Wonderful 2 course dinner. The railway lamb is superb. The Guinea fowl tikka masala fragrant and delicious. This is the best Indian food I’ve ever had.

I concur with so many of the reviews on here, that the EIC serves exquisite, flavoursome Indian cuisine. They manage to mix deep traditional indian flavours with modern contemporary ideas. Railway lamb was wonderfully deep and intense and the duck was to die for. The chef came out when we explained that my partner needed to be careful with fatty foods as she needed an operation soon and he couldn't have been more accommodating

Railway Lamb is beautiful, superb food

Obsessed with this place and can’t wait to get back here!

They have a limited menu at lunch. My wife and I opted for the two courses. The food is exceptional. I guess this a more traditional experience. The two causes included extras including a mango sorbet palate cleanser. For the £25 per head Inc and none alcoholic drink I would definitely recommend. I had chicken and my wife had lamb (which melted in the mouth). If you get the opportunity, go.

New to the area we tried this restaurant and opted for the tasting menu. The gins we ordered to start were presented beautifully. Each course of the tasting menu was amazing. Deep layered flavours made the dishes delicious. I wish I lived here as I’d...

A group of us did the tasting menu for a friends birthday. The staff were all lovely, the setting is really nice and the food was delicious.All of the dishes were beautifully presented and tasted amazing. Staff checked to see if we had any allergies...

We came here for our anniversary dinner & we were blown away by the tasting menu. Impeccable and thoughtful service from all the staff. Thanks for a wonderful evening!

Best food I've had in a long time. Couldn't pick a fault in it 5 stars all the way.

What a fantastic place to eat. Food was delicious and piping hot, the service was attentive without being overbearing and everything I saw outside of our tables order looked just as good as our food. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend trying this place out.

Went as a special treat on a Saturday evening for my birthday. It didn’t disappoint! Ended up having to have a doggie bag for the lamb curry…it was sooo rich. The whole thing was delish & the service great too. What more could you want?!

We had a very different Xmas last year and went to East India Cafe on Xmas day for their Indian Banquet. Didn't know what to expect - and it was fabulous! The food was absolutely delicious, service was excellent and the atmosphere was lovely. Wholly recommended and we're looking forward to returning.

I'd wanted to dine here for at least 3 years, but covid got in the way. Finally, we managed to make it last night and were not disappointed. The food was so beautifully flavoured without any of the usual over the top stuff that is...

An exceptional experience from beginning to end. Service was faultless, and the food was truly amazing and beautifully presented. Would definitely return and recommend highly to others.

I visited with my wife today, and the first time we have been here. What a delicious and exciting meal. The flavours were incredible, and very well presented. The service was absolutely first class, and very friendly. A high quality restaurant at reasonable prices. Fantastic!...

Really great time here, food was outstanding and the service was impeccable. Guinea fowl tikka masala was amazing, can’t wait to come back and have it again!

Don't go here and expect a typical Indian restaurant menu. Personally very disappointed. Did stay and eat and the staff tried really hard to please. Not impressed with the food that we ordered. Having said that the restaurant was full and many people seemed to be enjoying it. Just not for me or my friends.

Believe all the rave reviews, this was comfortably the best Indian food we have ever tasted, and some of the best food of any cuisine. From start to finish the experience was a delight, with exceptional food coupled with friendly and attentive staff. And to top it off, the cost was probably about half what you might pay for similar quality anywhere else Would recommend this to anyone visiting Cheltenham, or frankly passing anywhere even close!!

A wonderful and private wee place to wait for my coach. Lovely service and welcoming.

Amazing Food ... The tomato chutney they served with the masaledar curry was absolutely epic Would definitely like to come again.

This place looks very unassuming from outside but once inside it’s on another level. The attention to detail from the staff was second to none and the food was to die for. We were presented with various aperitifs on the house which we unlike you’d...

Situated just off Cheltenham's Promenade, East India cafe is a friendly space with sufficient space between the tables to enable private conversation. The evening started well with an amazing glass of gin that contained herbs and ice cubes encapsulating bright flower petals - attractive and...

Attentive staff and great food. Lots of little extra touches, such as an 'amuse bouche', and a palate-cleansing sorbet. Lots of interesting flavour combinations. Would highly recommend.

The staff were really attentive. Top quality food and swopped dishes out to cater for my fussiness. Was a truly delightful visit and will be back again

Based in an atmospheric basement, East India Café serves some very interesting and unusual dishes, not typical Indian restaurant fare, but delicious nonetheless. Service is very good, but be aware that the portions are generous.

We visited on New Years Day after a day at Cheltenham Races. We opted for the 7 course tasting menu and it was absolutely delicious. Each and every course was exceptional - cooked, seasoned and presented to perfection. We loved every dish. We had gin...

We came across this little gem by accident. They had only just opened for the evening and we were the first (and only) customers for a while. The service was exceptional - silver service standard. It was an a la carte menu and not your...

Without shadow of a doubt the best Indian food I’ve ever eaten. Staff were fantastic. Would highly recommend the Beef Rezala.

This restaurant is on another level to your traditional Indian curry house. The food was delicious, so many different tastes to enjoy. The staff were friendly and attentive and made the evening even more special. Timing between the courses was perfect! Will definitely be going...

I really enjoyed a meal with my family. I had veg roll starter and a chicken curry main and it was delicious. The staff were also very attentive. I will definitely be returning.

Don't come here if you want a chicken Madras and are planning to split a rice and a naan. This is a proper restaurant - delicious food excellent service and all at a fair price. Three of us had different starters and mains, all delicious...

An amazing menu which did not disappoint. Staff were attentive, friendly and informative; the food was delicious; and my gin and tonic a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. This restaurant is not cheap, but the food and the service more than justify the...

Great food and excellent service.

Simply amazing food and service. We had the menu option for £37 and had red mullet and deconstructed vegetarian samosa to start and railway lamb and chicken breast for a main which came with the lightest bread and rice. We’ve eaten a lot of Indian...

Excellent food Excellent Service Cooked to order 👌🏽 Great atmosphere and intimate surroundings Nice touch was lots of intermediate tasters and palette cleansers

Nowhere near as good as our first trip here a couple of years ago. Great service but the management have overpriced. It was nicely presented food but essentially the components of a standard curry dressed up into a tasting menu. Not bad tasting but I will always choose Prithvi in future for fine dining.

Visited East India Cafe 23rd Sept for birthday celebration with my daughter and both opted for the seven course tasting menue. Venue - a small, clean and tastefully decorated basement restraunt 100yds from Queen's Hotel on the Promenade, opposite the floral Beer Gardens. Service -...

While not strictly a fine dining restaurant, a Michelin Guide featured restaurant needs to provide a seamless dining experience in several aspects, beyond the food. I found the tasting menu to be flavourful and imaginative, with the beef stew and the lamb dish some of...

Wow! Incredible food, amazing service, it was a quiet night so made our wedding anniversary special, free glass champagne and impromptu little cake and candle, fairly priced wine, best g&t I've ever had.

This is a fantastic restaurant, a large group of us ordered nearly all the dishes and everyone loved them. It’s not your typical Indian so don’t expect all the usual dishes but what you will get will be much better. Each element was excellent and...

I wish I'd found this little gem earlier. What a fantastic dining experience. Great flavours and outstanding presentation and attention to detail. Can't recommend it highly enough. A real 'fine-dining experience! I'll be back...

Everything the other reviewers have written praising this charming little restaurant is true. It’s definitely not a cafe, it’s a fantastic fine dining Indian restaurant in relaxing surroundings with lots of lovely extra touches that elevate the whole experience. The food is completely delicious and...

Enjoyed an excellent meal in pleasant setting. Service was excellent and food was delicious. Great variety in the menu.

A very nice restaurant experience, the staff were really attentive and didn't leave to guess anything they told me everything I needed to know about eating at the Restaurant, the food was another level compared to anything I've had elsewhere, if you ever visit Cheltenham...

Fantastic meal - great modern adaptation of Indian cuisine and coming back to try the lamb. Scallops, duck, salmon and beef all very nice, and palate cleansers in between a treat.

We went for the tasting menu and it was delicious! We had 7 courses from the vegetarian and meat tasting menu. The staff were really attentive, friendly and informative. Highly recommended for a special occasion or treat.

I was visiting Cheltenham for work and booked this as a treat based on reviews. So glad I did. The food was excellent and the service impeccable. I felt very comfortable as a solo diner and will happily come back the next time I am...