Macs Spice Route in South Ayrshire

Recommended restaurant to my son as he was visiting my caravan in Prestwick with his fiancee. I now wish I never bothered they said takeaway they got was an absolute disgrace hard pakora tasteless runny South Indian garlic chicken and a traditional chicken curry where the chicken was tough and tasted like microwave food.She also suffered an upset tummy next day .I have no axe to grind as I ate here6months ago and enjoyed it but it seems standards have slipped greatly.Maybe takeaway is not there thing and if so then don't provide that option as on my recommendation my son had a nasty experience and wasted his money on food that ended up where it belonged in the bin.

Amazing food. Delicate tastes of yesteryear. Huge helping - after eating our starters we took the main home for later! Great service, clean and comfortable restaurant. Highly recommend.

My wife and I visited Mac’s Spice Route for the first time on Valentine’s Day.

My husband, stepson and I have been visiting almost once a week now for over a year. The service is first class and the food never disappoints! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend! All the staff are lovely and it’s definitely worth a visit.

Saturday night curry with her indoors. A wee drive down the A77 to Macs Spice Route which I haven’t been to in years. Thankfully we booked a table as the restaurant was very busy. Quick service and went for the table banquet. Your asked if you have any allergies and your preferences ie fish chicken lamb etc and what strength then it’s up to the chef..

Love sitting in at this place. It’s great. Takeaway delivered look warm. Now I’ve got the runs. Cause and effect? No idea.

Spent a great night with friends and we werent dissapointed.Food fantastic and service first class.If you enjoy a good curry this is the place.

...curry I have had in Ayrshire. From the pakora to the naan to the main, everything tasty and cooked to perfection. Would not hesitate to recommend.

Had a fantastic meal on Friday evening. It was a nice change from the average as there was a great range of fish and vegetarian dishes. Portions were generous and service was excellent. It was our first visit but we will be back.

We regularly get a take away from here, really enjoy the tea time special, the Garlic Chilli Chicken is in my view the best for miles around, well worth a visit and/or a take away

Wonderful tasty food, never fails to delight. Starters are starter sized (small by 'kebab shop' standards) but main courses are a good size and overall it feels like a good feed! Food tasty and dishes all feel very different. Recommend a visit.

Eight people enjoying the Indian banquet had a fabulous evening. Three diners did not look forward to Indian food - somewhat scared of spice. We all had the banquet which offers three consecutive starters of fascinating flavour and then our own choice of curry(choose the meat, and then the strength of the spice)

Haven’t ever sat in here as the take out menu/deals are fantastic. - starter from a choice, main of any choice and a side all for a tenner. Really cannot complain. Big portions too which easily does two people and depending on what we pick at times can have leftovers. In the past I have opted out this deal and chose from the carry out menu in general and again have never been disappointed.

Been coming to this restaurant with family as often as possible (we lived too far to come regularly, they do live nearer and do go more often) since not shortly after it opened. How it’s decor had changed since it’s first opening!

Great food provided by friendly staff. If you like Indian cusine you will NOT be disappointed, its worth the shory detour of the A77

We as a four some like to eat out regularly. As a result of which we 'get about a bit'. We have again eaten @ Macs Spice Route & yet again thoroughly our evening as the food was excellent, as ever,consistently good. That is why we go back. It is that good. We are very particular about where we go & would not go anywhere that was not constantly presenting food & service to a high standard. I have never eaten Asian food!!

I have been to this restaurant on many occasions before and thoroughly enjoyed it, however when I visited last night the service was poor having quite some wait between starters and main course. Staff could clearly see we had been waiting some time with most avoiding eye contact. Unfortunately when the main course came one of the meals was wrong and therefore we were not served at the same time. There was no apology from main waiting staff and no inquiry if we had enjoyed. Very disappointed.

This is a pretty decent Indian restaurant, but hard to get too with the road layout

Food was amazing and service was very good and fast. Would have been an amazing visit but we felt quite uncomfortable the whole meal as there were 4/5 staff members stood staring at us the whole time we were there, felt like they were just waiting on us finishing for something to do.

Popped in for a takeaway on Saturday at tea time. Ordered 2 tea time specials Prawn Poori, Chicken Tikka Chasni (best I've tasted yet and it's my fave dish) & Pilau Rice the other Channa Bhatura, Garlic Chilli Chicken Tikka & Pilau Rice and a Garlic Naan as extra. Hadn't been in a while for a takeaway and can honestly say it was the best meal I've had from here, every dish was so fresh and tasty, will defo be coming back more often now!

Had a delicious meal here tonight. Starter and main course. They do smaller portion sizes, which means I could manage two courses - just! Would highly recomend this restaurant.

We decided to do things differently this Christmas Day and went to Mac’s Spice Route, near Hayes Garden World off the A77 at Symington. This is a regular haunt of ours but we didn’t know what to expect this time. We needn’t have worried. A five course banquet meal made with a twist on the traditional one usually served throughput the year. Course after course of exquisitely cooked food, served with warmth and friendliness from all the staff. Starters of Bel Poori (sorry about the spelling Mac!) and spiced onion, chickpea and shredded chicken in a tasty sauce and the lightest pakora of salmon, onion rings, chicken skewers and vegetable patties, followed by lamb and chicken curries made to our particular taste with chicken fried rice, raita and two types of naan. Dessert was two types of chocolate cake and a cheesecake brought to the table (my only request here is could we get to choose our own out of the three next time as there was some serious negotiation about who got the cheesecake?). We thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas meal, and Mac’s Spice Route on the A77 will definitely remain our favourite Indian restaurant. Thanks Mac and team.

This is a great Indian restaurant with a good range of authentic dishes. The staff are very attentive and the ambience is quiet and conducive to meeting with friends for a conversation over dinner.

We Love coming here for dinner - we love having the banquet - they ask what type of food do you like and whether you like it hot or very hot which gives a lot of choice to please all

A visit which should have been wonderful had left a bad taste

Great fresh food full of flavour varied combinations tailored to our tastes ,friendly attentive staff

Located in between Kilmarnock and Fenwick just off the main road, it’s a testament to the quality of the food that the place is consistently busy.

I visited here as I have on a few occasions, and normally enjoy the food, however on this visit I had a fly in my rice, which was rather off putting, but I was also disappointed as when I received my bill they didn't even offer to make a deduction, and the waiter actually made a joke about not charging me for the fly, which I felt was unnecessary.

Thought I would give it another try after a very bad experience years ago when under different management but again very disappointed. Food was very average very expensive and altogether very disappointing. Had much better locally and will stick to them in future. The atmosphere when I collected was rather odd. Take away had been ordered 2 hours earlier for a specific time but still was not ready. Waiter rather surely and the searing area looked a bit down market compared with last time I as there. Very poor all round and won’t be back.

Popped in for a Curry enroute to the nearby Premier Inn . A little difficultly in working out how to get access to the car park (from rear of building) but figured it out eventually . Very Friendly Service and Nice Tasty Food. Reasonably Priced too.

The staff were very friendly and our table ready for us when we arrived. Waiters and waitresses attentive and not overbearing to take the drinks and then food orders.

Not a great fan of Indian food and was last here when it was called Balbirs.

We came here for a takeaway for a birthday party. We were welcomed by the kind waiter. If you don’t know what to pick just tell them what you like. I had chicken chasni. One word. Delicious. It took 20 minutes (for quite a big order). We are local and been to many other Indians and this is the best one we’ve ever been to in this area. Overall, tasty food, friendly service, fresh food and I highly recommend.

Always guaranteed super service, friendly staff and tasty food. Definitely recommend for take away as well as sit in.

I’ve been going to spice route since it opened so couldn’t believe it when I was told on Saturday night that they’ve been in situ for 15 years now! Where did that go?!

This is one of the best Indians I’ve ever eaten in. The service is good & the prices although slightly dearer then any of the others in our area well worth it. There prawn tandooris are brilliant & there lamb is very tender. They have also just recently started delivering carry outs . I would highly recommend a visit.

This building you pass on main road but access was difficult via another direction.

My first visit to Mac's spice route! Surprise visit with my husband Sunday, wee had a starter each, husband then had fish curry and rice, I had aubergine and potato curry and rice, sweet nan bread, 2 lagers and 2 soft drinks, £57 , I think this could be a regular place for us to go for a meal, can't fault it, restaurant was Very clean, the staff were lovely 10/10 lovely.

I am rubbish when it comes to spicy food - anything hotter than a korma and my head feels like it's at the back of a sauna, coughing madly to escape! My other half loves spicy food, and I'd heard good things about Mac's so we went for his birthday. We were not disappointed.

I eat here on regular basis and the food is amazing but tonight had the banquet and it was just awesome. So many fantastic tastes and textures in perfect portion sizes. The staff here should be very proud of what they produce and the service they provide. I am leaving a very satisfied customer. Many thanks to all Gavhindra, Abby and Morven especially.

My fiancé and I visited the restaurant for the banquet option. You can choose which options you would like to share for starters and main courses.

My partner and I made a last minute reservation and I’m so glad we did. Our food was amazing. We had the mixed pakora, chickpeas and a sweet and sour chicken dish to share for starters. All of them were full of flavour and delicious and we ate everything on the plate. For mains I ordered a korma which I couldn’t see on the menu but this wasn’t a problem to make. My partner had the lamb on the bone which he loved. The waiting staff were extremely attentive and helpful. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and can’t wait to return for more yummy food.

Very good food and fair prices especially the teatime menu between 4.30 and 6.30 Service was good except for the non smiling older waiter but at least he was attentive if non engaging P.S I did try Well worth a visit

Best Indian restaurant (and takeaway/delivery) for miles. Characterised by lightness of the food, rare in Indian cooking. Never disappoints. Teatime meal-for-one deal great value (and enough for two!).

We really enjoyed out food we chose 2 dishes and shared .

Visited here recently for a family meal and the food is amazing! Service was good and the staff friendly recommending dishes based on taste etc. Definitely worth a visit!

We took advantage of a special early dinner offer. The service was very good without being over-attentive (one of my pet hates is constantly being interrupted while eating by staff asking if everything is ok - if it wasn't, I would tell them). The menu isn't like most other Indian restaurants: several dishes had names we hadn't heard before. Food was freshly cooked and very tasty. Our waiter advised on dishes which we might enjoy and steered us away from the extremely hot dishes. On a summer evening there is a lovely view over the countryside. The early bird dinner menu offers excellant value and extras can be added.

Have eaten in the restaurant many times, opting for the "banquet" menu where the waiter asks what type of curry you like/dislike and they create your menu from this. Have also used the take away service fairly regularly, the quality of the food is always great. They have also recently started a delivery service which is super handy.

actually food was average and price was really high in compare to food quality. staffs were nice but food was not what we expected to have. so wouldn't think about returning.

We arrived without a booking late on Sunday evening and got seated immediately. A busy restaurant with very good food and service. Highly recommend eating here.

Visit 25/08 - Main meal excellent but customer service not so good.

Visited here on Wednesday night for my mothers birthday... excellent meal and service from beginning to end. Banquet is delicious and you tell them your likes/dislikes and every dish comes out spot on. 6 of us all had the banquet and drinks for £150... absolute bargain as far as I'm concerned.

Visited this restaurant numerous times whether it be to sit in or takeaway and have never been disappointed. The food is lovely, always cooked fresh and delicious!

Decided to try Macs Spice Route as our regular Indian restaurant in the area is now awful.

it's not easy to get a good takeaway in Ayrshire, especially for veggies so I'm delighted that this place is so good! I haven't eaten in so can't speak for the staff, etc but we got a huge takeaway for 6 people and no one could fault any of it. we'll definitely be back!

I absolutely love my curries but it takes a lot for one to tick all of my taste boxes. The biggest problem I have with the majority of curry restaurants and takeaways in this area (and many other areas for that matter) is that everything pretty much tastes the same, with the same base sauce seemingly used, the only thing that varies being the amount of "heat" and which bits are chucked in.

Due to our plans on Father's Day we had planned to drop into Spice Route on the way home for a nice take away for a special meal for my dad. After hearing reviews from people we had high hopes, however what we experienced was something different. I phoned in and placed the order and I was told it would be 20minutes which was fine. However when I arrived at the restaurant I was left waiting for a further twenty minutes. When we took the food home and starting dishing it up we noticed there was no salad or sauce with the pakora, and the pakora was an extremely small portion. Also, we had ordered chicken tikka tandoori off the bone - we were served it on the bone. We asked for the accompanying sauce to be a medium spice - but it was so spicy we couldn't eat it. The two curries we ordered were acceptable, ingredients tasted very natural - just not big portions. Rice was nice, naan bread was a bit dry. Overall, I do not want to dismiss this restaurant - it had good points as well as bad. However, it will need to improve before I return.

I have dined here on a number of occasions. The menu is varied with an excellent 'Taster' option. The food, on each visit, was of excellent quality with the dishes beautifully spiced. The heat within the dishes was changed to suite the diners preferences when requested.

Popped in here on Sunday for dinner, didn't booke, but still got a table. Ordered from the teatime special menu, which is good value.

I have eaten here on many occasions but have not been in the restaurant for a while as we have had take away( which is very good!)

We have been for take away for the fist time as we are new to the area. Fantastic food, no colours used which easy noticable, great portions and freshly cooked.

Absolutely amazing food and service. The menu is so different from run of the mill Indian restaurants in the area, and the price of a meal here is no more than you'd pay anywhere else (for poorer quality!)

I have used this restaurant many times, mainly because my family prefer it more than I do. I prefer regular local styles of Indian meals but this restaurant does the menu with some twists. The ingredients are good quality so the price is slightly higher than a regular Indian restaurant, but not too much more. The early bird menu is very reasonable. The restaurant is nicely decorated and welcoming. It can accommodate large parties and I believe there is an overflow part of the restaurant too. On all occasions I have been there it has been busy, so booking may be needed at weekends for larger groups. There is plenty onsite parking but the access road to the restaurant can be a bit confusing due to lack of signage.

Still a great place for a curry. We were early and managed to eat from the menu that offered two courses for around £12. Great value for money for quality food. Cobra is a great pint on draught.

First time we tried this place and we were not disappointed. We are not big fans of Indian food, maybe because we hadn't tried a good restaurant but we have now changed our opinion. Ordered a takeaway and it was amazing. The best food we've eaten in a long time! Next time we will book a table and bring the family! Fantastic! Well done!

A nicely laid out and welcoming restaurant, albeit a bit difficult to get to with the new road layout!

The carry out menu is very small portions for the price I gave it a try and can honestly say not a patch on the Taj Prestwick

Decided that as a change from Ayr India we would try Spice Route for a change. Decor, service and ambiance were really good. I was surprised that the food was average at best. We had the banquet. First course a type of bombay mix with coriander and a spicy sauce through JT with poppadoms. Was OK bit unusual but didn't dislike, second course was chapatti with spicy chickpea. I'm not a fan of chickpeas but again it was OK. Third course I had a chicken skewer which was really tasty and enjoyable my mate had salmon which he thought was good. The main courses however were disappointing. We had asked for two medium dishes and one medium to hot 2 chicken and 1 lamb with rice and Nann. I like the idea of several small portions but they were not very tasty and certainly nowhere near medium hot, very salty which meant we only ate about half. All in all probably not worth what we paid but not horrendous either, we allowed them to choose dishes in banquet if I went back I would choose for myself,

I'd noticed the universally positive reviews of this place, formerly Balbir's, located just off the M77/A77 not far from Kilmarnock, and decided to try it. Despite being a challenge to find the entrance, with sign-posting very poor and no longer direct access from the main road, my first impression when entering the restaurant was extremely positive. It looks really smart, lovely décor and welcoming staff. I decided to go for the reasonably-priced banquet option. First came mini-poppadoms with a curious bowl of what appeared to be Bombay mix and chutney... unusual. Next a plate of chick peas with chapatis, which was exactly as it sounds. Third course was a small piece of charred salmon with salad and dips, which was decent enough. Sadly the main course was the biggest disappointment. Portions throughout were most generous, but the three dishes to be shared between my colleague and I were quite bland and far too salty, despite us requesting medium to medium-hot strength. I mentioned the salty taste to the waiter and he assured me the dishes are very popular. I guess I must have been mistaken then. I'll probably go back again and try something else, because the service was generally good and environment very pleasant, but this first experience was a little disappointing.

I've always been a lover of Indian food but some places can be a bit hit and miss. I've been coming here off and on since way back when it was Balbirs and if it's possible it's even better now!

Have been here once before, but when visiting Scotland had to come back again as food is absolutely amazing, so fresh and tasty, tantalises your taste buds. Well done n keep up the great food. Haven't tasted such fresh food with so many different flavours.

We have visited this place over a dozen times since my first visit and review. It is by far the best quality food I have ever had from an Indian, and I have tried many hundreds of places over the years.

Love this restaurant. There is a great menu and something for everyone. The portions are nicely sized and you can order extra spicy if that's your thing. The staff are nice and service is prompt. When we visited, the restaurant was quiet but it was warm on a cold night !

Having visited several times find the tea time special great value for money and plenty of choice to pick from.

The food is great, the staff are friendly. Worth a visit. Can be a wee bit on the pricey side - however don't be put off by this.

We have a holiday home not far from Macs Spice Route and use it primarily as a source of great Indian takeaway after the long drive up from England. There's the usual trad stuff but it pays to be brave and try some of the more unusual dishes. I don't think we've ever had a duff dish or been let down. Portions are large, it's reasonably priced and there's a great teatime deal of 3 courses for under a tenner between 4.30 - 6.30pm. What's not to like?

Had heard good things about it since it was taken over - not that it was bad before. Neither of us like spicy food and we picked well. Chose 4 small dishes to share, one starter and a bread and this was plenty. No room for dessert.

Stopped here after an evening concert and even with no booking the staff very helpful and found us a table. We opted for the banquet which was excellent. Only one dish not quite to our taste and the rest of the meal was very enjoyable. We will be visiting again.

What a find. A good old fashioned flavoursome curry - not the generic flavoured usual stuff! We used to love a good curry but got so bored of everything tasting the same, but this little gem of a place is awesome.

I called in here when travelling south from Glasgow and was amply rewarded for doing so. The food was excellent and was obviously freshly prepared and cooked perfectly. The drinks were served in good time and at the correct temperature, as was the food. My fellow diners were equally pleased with their food and drinks.

Passed this place many times and finally tried it Got the evening menu. Tasted great, every dish. Portion size was just right too, although of you have a big appetite you might want more!

Been here a few times now and the flavours are awesome. Everything is nice and fresh and the sauces are rich without being heavy and gloopy like a lot of other places. My only comment for improvement would be that the waitresses engaged a wee bit more with the customers - even just a "Did you enjoy that?" or a "You're welcome" when being thanked for clearing our plates would make it a little more friendly, especially for older guests.

Went to macs for somewhere different and after reading some great reviews decided this was the place , finding it proved to be a trifle difficult but definitely worth the trouble, we had planned on trying several of the smaller portions to be told they stopped at 6 , but not deterred we ordered our food in normal size , might be worth mentioning those who like there portions to be practically overflowing their plate this may not be the place for you , but if delicious flavoursome food is your thing this should fit the bill nicely, and when you add fast efficient service all the boxes are pretty much ticked . Next time wee fancy an Indian we will happily make this trip again

Decided to try Macs Spice Route after reading previous reviews on trip adviser. It didn't disappoint. Attentive friendly service from the staff didn't wait long for food to arrive. As a veggie I'm usually wary of vegetable curries but the Vegetable chasni was delicious my partner had garlic chilli Chicken and said it was the best sauce he'd tasted as did our friend who had the same her hubby had chicken tikka and all plates were empty. Plenty of rice delicious garlic and Peshwari naan. Would recommend and would definitely eat here again. Busy restaurant which is always a good sign too.

Have been to this restaurant a few times now and have always been impressed by the friendly service. The two course early menu is great value, and as the main course is smaller it means you can enjoy all the various starters.

Great service and excellent food. Fantastic selection of food here - mushroom pakora is excellent! Main courses have a great selection too and prices are reasonable. Naan bread is delicious as is thinner than usual so much easier to eat.

Have eaten here several times. It was Balbirs before and the first visit after it changed name I was disappointed. However recently visited again and everything is at least close to previous good standards. Very good food and service.

We have been going to Macs Spice Route for a long time now and have always found the Staff friendly and chatty . The food is always to a high standard and hard to beat in this surrounding area . The décor has just been upgraded and is looking good .

We had always wanted to visit this restaurant and we did eventually. The staff were fantastic and the food was well cooked and very delicious. Won't take as long to visit again.

We were told, we must visit 'Macs Spice route' for a meal before leaving for home, our work colleagues were insistent we go, we did and it was the best decision we made. We had the Banquet and what a selection of food never seen before, every dish was splendid and each complimented each other. The staff were amazing very attentive and polite. '

We went out for a celebratory dinner with 5 people. Quickly seated and sorted with drinks. Friendly and polite service all through the night. Never left with an empty glass. Plenty of servers working. Excellent decoration makes for a great atmosphere. Opted for the banquet , which I highly recommend, we were given 3 large starters and countless meals with sides. Well worth the money and an excellent way to try something different. The food was incredible , very fresh and great portions. A healthy mix without all the food colourings from the usual Indian meal. All in all a terrific dining experience and will definitely be back regularly , highly recommend to anyone. The manager is always attentive and interacting with his staff and customers alike. 5*

As always the food was excellent. The disorganised way it was served was ridiculous. We were in somewhat of a hurry and decided to skip starters and just have 2 courses and my young daughter some pakora (off of the appetiser menu) and a portion of bolied rice. "Do you want them to come all together ?" - oh yes please .... the pakora duly arrived by them selves .. no sign of the rice (or our meals) ... despite requests for the food at least her rice - nothing... except two lonely chapatis..... an hour and no sign of our food... chapaties sent back. Finally the food did arrive... and the offer of a complimentary bowl of chips (?) - " No thank you" - The chips arrived - "no thank you" only to be told again that they were free ! and put right in front of my kids !!! No means no. It may sound grouchy but I do not want chips with fine Indian food. So an hour and forty minutes later we finish and leave - no apology. Sorry Mac get a grip - and use experienced staff to take orders

Friends suggested this restaurant to us and I must say we were very impressed. The food was wonderful and the service was fantastic as was the ambience. We will definitely be back and recommend it to everyone who loves fresh flavourful food.

Previously known as Balbir's have been going past the restaurant for many years but never managed to go as it's on the A77. However decided to go yesterday and was very pleased with the food.

We had not been to Macs for far too long as we are a way away. Will be back soon as I had forgotten just how very, very the food at this restaurant is As is the service. We took with us another couple who had not been before & they were very impressed. It may be a little confusing to find it the first visit but, I promise you will find it very worth you effort to do so as the food & service will draw you back many a time. At current prices it is also very good value as the food is so very full of flavour & fresh tasting.

Fantastic food amazing service friendly staff great value for money. There is a tea time menu that is very good value for money. To be honest the food is so good it would be worth it arrives twice the price

This is a very good value Indian restaurant. The food is always up to standard and is great for pick up or sit in. The restaurant itself is very atmospheric through the use of lights and music. It is very well maintained and clean. The menu also tells you how spicy the dish is making the choice relatively easy. This is our favourite Indian restaurant by far. You should definitely eat here if you are a curry fan.

Dont be put off trying to locate this place it is easy to find and well sign posted. We went for a meal and booked a table for 8pm on a Saturday. We parked easily enough and the greeting is warm and friendly.They took our drinks order very quickly and also brought the drinks over quickly.The menu has a feature for small plates but these are not available after 6pm friday to sunday so we opted for the banquet for two.This is where they come over and ask you what types of foods and spices you like then provide you with three starters and main courses of their choice.My other half who is vegitarian raved about the chickpea starter which I have to agree was great but we could not fault any dish.All in all a great meal and the staff are fantastic, we will be back.

Had a meal with family here. Food and service were excellent. The staff were so pleasant and friendly. Be back again soon

Food really excellent and quality always first class. Mac and his team are so attentive and welcoming in this lovely, relaxed and comfortable restaurant. They can advise you on dishes and tweek to your personal taste. Just ask! We have eaten here many many times and the food is delicious. The lamb dishes are so tender it is "melt in the mouth". We visit as a couple and often with friends. If you enjoy authentic healthily cooked Indian food we cannot recommend Mac's Spice Route highly enough. We are headed there again tonight.