Mahdi Lounge in Rother

Fantastic curry house busy and vibrant with great food. Highly recommend the lemon chicken dish. We went on a Tuesday with no booking and although they curry house was full the staff found us a table and the service was fast and good despite the amount of people - in my top 2 if not the best I have been too

Excellent food, fresh ingredients and a varied non standard menu full of choice. Karim the owner and his staff seemed to really care about what they're doing. Thanks, we will be back! Tejen

We’ve recently moved to the area so hadn’t tried Mahdi Lounge. I have to say it’s one of the best Indian meals I’ve ever had, delicious! 😋 The staff were courteous & the owner gave us free drinks as it was my Son’s birthday & it was our first meal. I normally have the same thing, but the owner recommended something different which I will definitely have again. I love coriander so he had extra added for me & increased the spicy heat! The layers of flavour were fantastic & portions were a decent size. If you haven’t tried it yet, I would highly recommend it. 😊

Great food and exceptional service.

The best Indian by far in and around that area.

Rarely had better Indian food and never had it so beautifully presented

Attractive restaurant, owner & staff were very attentive & helpful with choosing from the menu. My husband had the special in a clay pot & I had fish jalfrezi. Both were delicious. Wish this restaurant was local to me highly recommend

We have just had a meal here and was fantastic, all our dishes were packed with flavour and delicious. The staff were very friendly, fitted us in even though they were packed out and very attentive. When we visit Rye again we will definitely be back. A big Thank You.

As high street Indian restaurants go this is exceptional. It is actually Bangladeshi and, with most continent recipes available, the house specials are superb. The presentation is outstanding and, for Rye, the prices are reasonable.

When I'm around... Remains the tastiest

Really tasty, good service and polite staff! Thank you.

Great service, hard working, helpful staff and fantastic food.

We have just had our delivery, after a nearly 2 hour wait, thought we would try again as for years we have been ordering from lydd as terrible after taking over from ghandi!! and I was absolutely shocked at how bad our food was after spending £77.40 on a takeaway. The madras was brown water, the potato from the bombay aloo is out of a tin, tikka bhuna was just hot and and had no flavour, the dhal was absolutely flavourless, and could of been any old slop in the plate. Thought things would have improved after all these years but, the worst Indian takeaway we've ever eaten, or not as it mainly went in the bin.

My partner and I had had a three course meal here tonight and it was superb. Service was brilliant, the food fragrant and fresh and the atmosphere calm. A lovely place for dinner.

Really friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere with amazing food will definitely go back when visiting the area again

Amazing food, fabulous staff! Went above and beyond to make our visit special. We will be back.

On the whole the ingredients of good quality. The sauce on my Rogan Josh these evening was extremely watery!! Diluted 80% from the essence of the richness of the paste, tomato ,vegetables etc. Also rice portion extremely small. Highs and lows throughout. Please don't cut corners as you obviously have a good product behind it all.

Lovely Indian restaurant in rye, good food, good service, nice owner. I would recommend this restaurant.

Great food first time had Indian really enjoyed it

We have been on holiday visiting friends and we had dinner here on our last night. The food was wonderful and the staff were friendly and we were well looked after. We have a wonderful memory to take back to Somerset with us. I’m sure in the future we will be back. Thank you for the wonderful service.

Very good food! Friendly staff...love to come again!!

There were very small portions, food for me was very average.Not really worth the money we spent. Service was excellent

The food was delicious and portions were generous. The staff were very kind and service was not too slow or fast. Very good.

Such amazing customer service by the manager. Also the food is amazing. The best Indian restaurant I have ever been to by far.

Didn't manage to eat here as not wheelchair accessible

Had a takeaway last night, chicken was pink and uneatable, lamb was well undercooked, we are now both very unwell this morning. Only good bit was the mango chutney and throwing the rest in the bin

Delicious Indian food, made with care and well presented. The dishes were tasty and flavoursome. Being from Australia I found the vegetarian options a bit limited and onion heavy, however they were still nice. I will happily return to Mahdi Lounge when visiting Rye.

Absolutely delicious food and wonderful service in an elegant setting. We will be back for more soon!

Went for my brother’s birthday meal, food was amazing and the staff are so friendly. It’s my second visit and will definitely be going back

I visited Mahdi Lounge for the first time tonight with my partner and we were very pleased! Customer service was amazing, the food was brilliant and the atmosphere was so cheerful. We will DEFINITELY be returning!

Soooo…I’m a regular visitor here and today was the first customer to try a new dish! The Madhi Lounge Chicken Satay! Crispy chicken marinated in home-made Indo-Thai sauce, cooked with fresh garlic, ginger, mixed peppers and served with complimentary intercontinental rice! Definitely one to try and one I will return to! Amazing! 🤩 Thanks to you all and for my lovely pot of tea!

Absolutely great - went with my dad for his 79th birthday and it was just the right vibe. Fantastic food, interesting flavours and really well presented - also really attentive service that just made the whole thing feel special.

We love cooking and eating Indian/asian food so we like to feel we have a pretty good idea of what makes a good curry - and we can definitely say that this restaurant makes superb curries! It’s the best we’ve had for a long time and very authentic. The food we had was so tasty, the textures were great, it wasn’t oily, the spice level was increased for us using fresh chillis (rather than just chucking in more chilli powder). I had a regional dish cooked in a clay pot which was absolutely delicious - I couldn’t stop eating it, even though I was full! My Dahl was off the scale as well. The owner, who served us, was very friendly and he was once the chef so he was so knowledgable about the dishes and very happy to adapt them to make them spicier. Thoroughly recommend this restaurant and just wish we had one like this near where we live in Surrey! (Wish I’d taken photos but I was too focussed on my food!)

Great Indian restaurant. Food and service superb . Excellent quantity

When for wife birthday, great service, staff friendly,

I have eaten many curries over the years in London and elsewhere, this is easily a delight to eat here. Abdul the owner and staff are very welcoming, i can honestly say the score out of 10, I'd rate it 12,truly delicious, infact suffice to mention its possibly the best I've tasted anywhere.

It's an amazing restaurant, I honestly can not fault a thing. The service was good and the food fantastic. We were there as a birthday treat for me and it really was a treat. I would recommend this restaurant without hesitation.

Only had take away from here but has always been nice. Our favourite from Rye.

Really nice restaurant Food very good Staff very professional

Just moved up from London have to say one of the nicest take away curries we’ve had in a long time. Not many places get the onion bhaji’s right. Everything was lovely

The best curry ever. Amazing staff

The food and service was excellent, one of the best Indian / Banglideshi meals I have had in the UK. Worth visiting Rye just to try it out. It was busy on our visit (Thursday evening) so may be worth booking in advance for weekend visits.

Nice family run rsstaurant, very generous.

Amazing food friendly atmosphere and very good service

Did not like the dinner menu at our hotel and Decided on a curry at Mahdi Lounge. The staff were attentive and we had the best curry ever - exceptional flavours.

Absolutely fantastic evening 4 of us, treated to try a couple of new dishes, that hopefully will be going on the menu soon as they was delicious. 1st class service very friendly family run business

What a gem of a find whilst on holiday. Top service and attention and a very warm welcome. The food was true Indian flavours. My husband said his Lamb Tikka Vindaloo was one of the best ever. A really top experience and fully recommended

The best Indian meal experience ever! The service was exceptional and very friendly. All the dishes were delicious. We visit a lot of restaurants as we travel around the country and this was definitely the best.

We were staying in Rye for the weekend and had a wonderful meal full of flavour and would certainly recommend a visit if you’re in Rye. The staff are very hospitality and keen you ensure that you had have a wonderful experience

Wow. What an experience. Probably the best Indian food I have had. My partner and I couldn't fault it. Superb food, service, and atmosphere. The lamb chops were lush, staters fabulous, the chutneys delicious. A definite next time we are in Rye booking.

The chicken sizzler had meat that was very tough and difficult to eat, I left most of it as I was wondering how the6 may have achieved this hard rubbery texture… the options were not a great thought

This is a great place to go for a special occasion. The staff are attentive and efficient. The food is fabulous. The décor is also lovely.

Although the restaurant was busy, they managed to find room for us without a reservation, so it would be worth dropping in on the off chance. Fabulous meal, beautifully presented, and so much of it! We would have liked desserts but couldn’t fit any more food in. Starter was poppadoms, with 6 different dressings. Then we both had a biryanis: him the house biryani with a mixture of meats, me the vegetable biryani. Both were great.

friends who I take there wish they had an Indian of this quality where they live. Consistently great food and service. By

Lovely visit tonight. We've just moved to the area and have a tradition of visiting a lovely Indian on our first night in the home. Tonight was fantastic. Excellent service from all the staff and great food. Mixed starter could have benefited from being slightly bigger but was tasty and the message written on the plate was a good extra touch. I opted for the Lamb Jalfrezi and it was flavourful. Wife had the chicken biryani and she said it was great. We will be back😋😋😋

One of the best Indians in the area. Have visited here multiple times and the service and food are always fantastic. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys an Indian.

Lively place, with a very interesting menu. Superb food and helpful service. Unexpectedly good for a small Sussex town, so we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Welcoming, efficient staff. Excellent choice of food cooked to perfection. We make a point of coming here when in Rye. Don’t hesitate!

We are currently visiting Rye and just had an excellent meal at the Mahdi Lounge. We went as a family (with two children aged 12 & 10). The staff were very friendly and welcoming and the food was delicious. We started with popadoms, followed by starters of chicken tikka / onion bhaji / samosa & prawn purée and then mains of korma and lamb bhoona. We do eat curry fairly regularly but we all agreed that it was the best curry we have had in a long, long time. So tasty as well as being very well presented. Just disappointed we live far from Rye and can’t go back on a regular basis! Thank you!

Sadly the waiter and chef had no idea about allergen needs and would have provided food that would have made my partner unwell if we didn't have the knowledge ourselves. Menu looks good if you don't have any allergies but we had drinks and left, having been told various dishes were dairy and gluten free, when clearly they were not

This restaurant is superb. We went with friends and two children who enjoyed the experience as much as we did. Service and food are both exceptional. The restaurant was very busy but the quality of the food never slipped. I had a Panir and tomato curry which was absolutely delicious!

Beautiful place with amazing food and brilliant customer service. Fully recommended

A return visit to one of the best restaurants I know. Always busy (table reservations essential at peak times) but great food with beautiful presentation and impeccable service ensures a delightful meal. I don’t think it appears on the menu but we were recommended to have the garlic and chilli keema Nan bread - well worth a try!

We celebrated my husband's birthday here while we were on holiday. A lovely restaurant, attentive, friendly waiters plus the best Indian food I've ever tasted.

Now Rye is packed full of classy eating establishments, and you might therefore think twice about heading out to a simple curry house for a bite. Do yourself a HUGE favour, though, and give The Mahdi Lounge your serious attention, especially if you relish inventive cooking, stunning, subtle, balanced flavours, generous portions and wonderfully attentive service. It’s all good, but if you’re after recommendations, you absolutely must order the ubiquitous popadoms for the clever pickles they come with (let them know if you have a nut allergy, though…almonds are involved in at least one of the pickles). I’d also give serious consideration to the Naga Chicken, which is hot but sophisticated. The super-creamy dhal or the wonderful saag paneer works well to balance all that chilli thump. Best dish on our table though- a one pot biryani- like dish (Dum Achni, I think it was called) served in a sealed clay pot. You’ll be wanting the lamb version. For goodness sake- when you’re out and about in Rye- give Mahdi a chance to excite your tastebuds and fill you up with wonderful things.

Visited here as a party of 9. From the minute we entered everything was fantastic. Staff are so friendly, polite and helpful. Food was amazing, couldn’t fault it. We arrived at 6pm, by 6.30 this place was packed out, so would definitely advise to book if you plan to visit

Popped in here for a very quick dinner before catching our train. Lovely staff seated us super quick and brought out some delicious dishes. I'd highly recommend the meat samosas, coconut rice and lamb madras - all standouts!

We had a lovely meal here. The restaurant is lovely and the staff are very friendly. They have a good selection of dishes to choose from and service is about right - not rushed or waiting too long. The food is excellent and portion size is generous. It was quite expensive but an excellent meal.

THIS place was a very good find I love Indian food and this place has never failed in any area from service to quality. I highly recommend you try it. I visited quite a few times with my partner and 2 children we love this restaurant. The owner knows how to deliver.....

Absolutely beautiful food and 1st class service. We will be returning soon.

I had a booking with a group of friends. We were warmly greeted at the door and asked if we had made a reservation. We were primptly asked if we would like anypoppadoms and dr8nks which these arrived swiftly. Being a Saturday night, we made sure we had reserved a table 8pm and secondly, as we were a big group. We arrived in plenty of time for our booking and were happy to wait for the table. The restaurant was full, which is lovely to see I the current economic climate. The fine detail of fresh flowers on the table and in the waiting area added a personal touch and ambience. The staff were very helpful with talking trouugh the menu and especially the lovely young lady that asked us what heat and spice level we were used to. She had a great knowledge of the menu and was able to talk us through the dish, and suggested that if we like the sound of a dish then they could ask the chef to cater for thier own level of spice as the dishes were made fresh to each individual order. The food was of. Excellebt quality and great portion sizes. As well as the presentation was outstanding , and going the extra mile was aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The dish wee had was a mixture of the lounge specials Dum Akhni, Dum Gosth, Lamb Chop Bhuna, and salmon tikka with a mixture of vegetables side dish and nans We all shared and loved the great food. Will definitely be visiting you again, soon rather than later. Thank you so much for a lovely, enjoyable evening.

From the minute we stepped foot into the restaurant we were greeted with the warmest of welcomes! We were promptly asked if we would like a drink and popadoms and these were swiftly given to us. Staff were knowledgeable about the menu and were able to tell us of certain dishes could be made without ingredients as all good is cooked to order! The food was unbelievable, the chicken in both the curries and chicken tikka starter was delicious and it melted in the mouth! The excellent service continued throughout the meal as were we regularly checked on and asked if we needed any more drinks when our glasses were getting empty. All the food was brought out quickly and we didn’t have to wait long after ordering although the restaurant was very busy. If you want a delicious curry, this is the place to come! Our whole experience at Mahdi Lounge was amazing, it was definitely worth the hours drive! We can’t wait to return and bring family with us so they can have a great experience as well!

It was my husband's birthday and we were looking forward to having a lovely meal at Mahdi Lounge to celebrate. Sadly we had to wait a long time for a table and an equally long time to order. Also, I am dairy intolerant and was under the impression that they had a variety of dishes for me to order, sadly, there was only one rice option as all the others contained dairy. When our food finally arrived it was tepid and with very little flaviour. The staff, when asked, also had no idea if dairy was in any of the pickle and chutney presented with the poppadum, as a precaution I didn't eat them and was charged anyway. Disappointing evening all round and not the birthday celebration we had wished for. We won't be returning.

From the minute we stepped foot into the restaurant we were greeted with the warmest of welcomes! We were promptly asked if we would like a drink and popadoms and these were swiftly given to us. Staff were knowledgeable about the menu and were able to tell us of certain dishes could be made without ingredients as all good is cooked to order! The food was unbelievable, the chicken in both the curries and chicken tikka starter was delicious and it melted in the mouth! The excellent service continued throughout the meal as were we regularly checked on and asked if we needed any more drinks when our glasses were getting empty. All the food was brought out quickly and we didn’t have to wait long after ordering although the restaurant was very busy. If you want a delicious curry, this is the place to come! Our whole experience at Mahdi Lounge was amazing, it was definitely worth the hours drive! We can’t wait to return and bring family with us so they can have a great experience as well!

Oh my goodness, my new favourite Indian restaurant. The dish they serve in the clay pot is quite sensational, the flavours and spices are really intense and the meat succulent, I hope I can get my local to do this.

It was really so nice place and the employees are very friendly. The price is a little bit expensive but it was nice

Sunday lunchtime. Really beautiful restaurant and the food is probably the best Indian cuisine we have had. Will definitely return.

Didn't book but managed to get last table..what a gem of a restaurant..highly recommended...

Delicious food best curry I've had in a very long time.

Got a takeaway. Very good and value for money. Lovely veg curry and biryani great jalfrezi and good dhal. Wish we had gone back here instead of Marcos.

This is a five star independent restaurant from start to finish situated in Ryes main high street. We were greeted so warmly on a Friday evening and despite not having a reservation were quickly seated. The owner came over and also greeted us and gave us some recommendations from the menu. I have the say the service was excellent. Attentive without being invasive. The food was beautifully prepared and tasted exquisite. I would definitely return!!

Loved our meal here! It wasn't on the menu, but I mentioned really loving achari curry, and the staff made something special - one of the best curries I've had in a long time. I'll be back!

Food is ok and not very matching to the Indian standards

Disappointing. Small portions. Bad value for money

Great curry in a friendly atmosphere. Well wortj a visit.

We absolutely loved everything about Mahdi! Very warm welcome, the restaurant is spotless (white tablecloths and napkins too), and the entire meal was truly delicious. We also loved all the dips that came with the fresh papadum flat bread. Great overall experience!!

We absolutely loved everything about Mahdi! Very warm welcome, the restaurant is spotless (white tablecloths and napkins too), and the entire meal was truly delicious. We also loved all the dips that came with the fresh papadum flat bread. Great overall experience.

Highly recommended. Best indian restaurant ever. Food is so delicious.

Fabulous food and presented in a high-end way. There were 3 of us enjoying a Monday evening curry and I was delighted that I had booked a table in advance - the place was packed and people queuing for take-away meals. Best dishes, the special lamb dish and the lamb balti warmed to Phall strength using fresh green chillies (offered as a substitute to chilli powder by the restaurant owner when he took our order). Well worth booking.

Best Indian meal we have had for years. Staff welcoming and efficient. Tasty, well presented and if lived closer would make it a regular eating out place.

Brilliant service and amazing food

Really nice meal. Friendly and helpful hosts. Good price. A cut above the standard local ‘Indian’ (Bangladeshi specialities here). The chutney selection which clearly didn’t come from the cash and carry was the hint that the meal would be good… and I wasn’t disappointed.

This is just the best Indian Restaurant I've ever eaten in. Every visit we pay to Rye includes a visit here to eat the incredible food. Just top dollar throughout, Owner, staff waiting, and kitchen

What a fabulous place, The staff looked smart, service was great and food ,well what can I say ,tasty, very tasty ,would 100%recommend this place to have a great Indian 👍🏻

Excellent food even better service.

Fantastic food, service was excellent, explained dishes we didn't know about and we didn't feel rushed.

The staff welcomed us to the restaurant and showed us to a lovely clean table near the window. Menu were provided promptly but we weren’t rushed. We’d had some recommendations and these were fully explained to us. The food was absolutely delicious. Service was efficient...

Outstanding food in a lovely environment

Fantastic food Fantastic service

Fantastic. Since the beginning until end. All perfect. The staff really hospitality professionals. The food amazing. To repeat.