Simla Tandoori in North Dorset

Made delicious butter chicken for us.

Every now and again, for a change or when these guys are closed, we drift away towards some other indian takeaways, locally or further afield. But after trying a few different ones on multiple occasions, Simla is still my top choice and the most consistent. 👌

Not the best curry i have had. The chicken was very dry I ended up leaving half my curry due to the meat being so dry and tasteless. The atmosphere in the restaurant was quite dull and lifeless. The online menu is misleading When working out the price of our meal prior to booking a table using the prices on the website, we were shocked to find when given a menu once sat at our table the menu prices were a lot more expensive. When querying this with the waiter we were told that the prices on the website were actually take a way prices. We pointed out to him that this should of been stated and made clear on the website. For those people who use taste card. This restaurant is STILL listed on the taste card scheme website. However we did not get the 25% taken off our bill as the staff member we spoke to claimed they are no longer participating in the taste card scheme and therefore we would have to pay the whole bill. This is not a restaurant we will be revisiting when we holiday in this area next year.

We had our curry delivered. It came very quickly and was absolutely delicious. Best chicken dansak I have ever had.

Can't fault anything, food is glorious, I go in on my own because I must have a curry there, I've been a few times and 2 evenings in a row even! Great food, reasonably priced! (Billy no mates! 😂) In again 23rd April, lovely mixed kebab starter, Chicken Jalfressi main with rice and Bombay potato's, plain Naan bread, superb as usual, highly recommend this Indian restaurant!

Very nice people and delicious foods and good service good prices 👍👍

Had a super evening 30/12/23. Good food...good service.

It's not bad and it's not good. Its okay. We ordered the butter chicken, and it was the strangest butter panner I have had with coconut throughout instead of the cashew, tomatoes and fenugreek base. Sides were ok, however the samosas, in my mind, were store bought fillet and not the real deal short crust. Service was great. I have to say.

Just looking for somewhere to eat on Thursday night. Had walked past Simla earlier and it was empty, as it was when we walked down later. Thought this can't be good, but hey went in and what a surprise, the food was absolutely delicious, I could have happily licked my plate. The staff are excellent as well, very polite and helpful, first class. Totally recommend Simla - one of the best curries I have had the pleasure to devour!

Food was sensational but delivery time was awful! We ordered at 7pm, quoted 8:40pm delivery but it arrived at 9:25pm. The food was honestly one of the best Indians I've had, so my advice, don't order delivery go and collect!

The food is always top notch here. Fresh, tasty and a really varied menu. The staff here are really accommodating if you have dietary requirements or any preferences. they really couldn't do enough for you. Highly recommend the saag paneer, sag King prawn and the chicken/lamb zafrani. We love eating in or having a take away so thank you to Abs and all the team!!

Lovely food Lovely customer service

Excellent food, excellent Service highly recommend coming here.

The server was amazing, always happy and extremely friendly! 10/10 food as always

Whilst the service is attentive and friendly and the food is served fresh and piping hot, the atmosphere could be better with some more Asian themed pictures and background music. No alcohol served, so take your own. Glasses provided, and they even offer to keep your drinks in their fridge.

Fantastic service, delicious food and very good with dietary requirements. Nothing was too much and they were happy to accommodate me. If you want alcohol with your meal you have to bring it yourself but the corkage fee wasn't ludicrous. Very enjoyable meal

Food is generally good here… however the service is rubbish especially if you’ve ordered a takeaway, always a long wait even when collecting. No alcohol licence so charge an extortionate amount corkage if wanting to sit in!

Popped in here on our way back from the coast. Service was outstanding, our main interaction was with Hib, a really attentive and cheerful waiter who made the whole visit a joy. The food was very nice, and very well priced. If you're ever near to the restaurant, pop on in.

Food was really good, however the service was not so great. No napkins on any of the tables and when we asked for some with our meal we were brought a few cocktail napkins. No alcohol is served there (we were having a celebratory meal) but we didn't find this out until we were already seated as no one mentioned it when we made our reservation. We were the only table in there and felt the guys really took their foot off the gas. No one came to check on us or ask how our food was. Had to leave the table to find someone to bring our bill and Togo containers. We had a LOT of food left over as a table of 4 and had to keep asking for more boxes and bags as only 3 boxes were provided. We all enjoyed the food but the lack of service,attention and atmosphere really let them down.

Really good tandoori Indian. Lots of choice and the food is good. Clean. Friendly staff. Take your own drink, at the time of visiting it was £2.50 corkage fee, which was fine.

On a rare night off, decided that cooking wasn’t going to happen so we went to Simla. It was not a mistake ! We booked online and within a few minutes Ibadun had phoned to confirm and to let us know that it is a bring your own drink restaurant, which wasn’t a problem. Upon arrival we were greeted by Iba who showed us to our table, we’re we ordered some poppadums for the table, glasses and a bottle open were delivered at the same time. Our main order was taken by Sumon, we ordered 3 curries, 2 rice, 1 chips( against my will) and 3 naan breads. When it arrived all were hot and tasted amazing. The naans were probably the best I have had! Iba was a great host, with a great personality and spent time talking to us. When paying the bill I even met the chef or Dad as he was known as. Thank you to all st Simla. We will be back. Paul, Sarah and Madison

It's an unlicensed premises so BYO! We had a superb chicken tikka biryani which was enough for two people and we were hungry! With 3 pops the bill came to £17.55. Can't wait to go back.

Price they charged for the food was not the same advertised on the website, £36.90 for a standard curry for one and after speaking to others they all have been over charged or they have tried!

Food is amazing and staff are very friendly...

A very good venue. Friendly accommodating staff. Delicious, fresh and very tasty food. Range of vegetarian options. I would strongly recommend Simla and would advise booking a table. Cheers Nigel

Had several takeaways now since moving to the area. Food is always fantastic 👌 and service really friendly😁.

Went there on a Wednesday night, hadn't booked but we managed to get a table. Now it is BYO only which is fine, no corkage charged. The food was great, cannot fault. Tasty, hot and didn't take long to be served. Most impressed with Abs and the service provided. Very welcoming and friendly interaction with the diners and it was easy to see that everyone enjoyed the personal attention they were given. They do a very busy takeaway service but on this occasion we were pleased we sat in. Bravo. We'll be back. Recommended.

Food rather nice 😀. Prices quite reasonable. Was a little empty but it was a Monday night. Music nice. Staff friendly. I couldn't finish my food but I tried 😂

Great food! Staff were fantastic

Best curry we have tasted in years, the staff and the chef were very friendly and polite will go there again and have a meal there.I will be telling all my friends and family if you are at Blandford Fourm any time pop in for a meal.

Delicious food and excellent customer service! I went down with my dad for a meal and we had a lovely evening. Highly recommended!

Fabulous food, great hosts, good banter and world class music......

Horrific. Phoned at 7:20pm placed order for delivery and told 30-40mins. An hour passed by so we rang to ask there it was, told it’s on its way. Rung at 9:20pm to ask where it was and was told it’s on its way, when asked to explain why it’s taken 2 hours I was then told they thought it was collection and didn’t take take my address down. Man on the phone too quick to put the phone down and not listen which clearly causes issues.

on holiday in Blandford Forum, anniversary dinner. staff were so friendly right from walking in the door to when we left. the food was absolutely gorgeous, one of the best!

Very friendly service, good vfm, lovely food. Order online not available until restaurant opens which is annoying as we had to wait 90 minutes for our pickup time allocation.

Fantastic food, excellent service, one of the best Indian restaurants i and my friends have visited food wise. No alcohol, but not a problem for us. The staff were friendly and the prices very reasonable. I would return if in the area

Friendly staff, tasty food, would thoroughly recommend a meal here. Just be aware to bring your own alcohol and it takes time to produce such tasty food.

Always great food. Great portions and great staff

Food good. Service not so. On the hottest day of the month was looking forward to a cold glass of wine. Only to be told once we were seated that they don't serve alcohol, but feel free to go out to local shop and buy a luke warm bottle. Um not what I wanted. So opted for water which was luke warm even with ice!! Then bill came without being asked if dessert or coffee was required. The Simla we knew also gave hot proper towels and fresh orange. Sorry won't go again.

Ordered a delivery from Simla whilst staying in a holiday cottage just outside of Blandford. Delivery could have been an issue, although staff made sure they could deliver - brilliant service and the individual I dealt with over the phone was excellent in terms of his customer service skills. I should add that the food was very, very good. Arrived on time, hot and fresh. A decent curry indeed! We’ll be back…

Very friendly staff. Main course took a long time to arrive - it was Saturday night and every table was taken. However the food was worth waiting for. Very nice. Just be aware that at the moment they dont sell alcohol, so take your own beer and wine. They do provide glasses. Would recommend and would have given 5 stars if not for the long wait.

Excellent service, excellent food and incredibly delicious curry.

Honestly best Indian around. Staff were super helpful and nothing was too much. Had a delicious Vegan meal which the staff were really helpful with allergy information.

The food was delicious and service was really friendly and helpful, would highly recommend.

The food was great and the staff very friendly, what let it down was the long wait for our food. The restaurant has recently stopped selling alcohol and we didn’t get told when we phoned, I don’t think it would be a problem to take a few beers, it’s just a pain when you arrive and then have to go back out.

Always good food and new decor to boot!

This is our local Indian restaurant and I had to come online to say how absolutely wonderful the team are there. They are extremely friendly and always have a smile to greet you with. I’ve never had any experience to the contrary. The food (we had a delivery) arrived on time and yet again a smiling gentleman at our door. The food tasted beautiful, with the spices and sauces, and tasted so fresh. The size of the chicken (I had tikka) was whopping and they do not skimp at all on your dish and portions. Extremely high standard and the best Indian food I have ever tasted. I’m a very picky eater and so for me to be saying this, it had to be good!!! Thankyou Simla for what you do!!!!

We went to this place and ordered some vegetarian food. It was fresh and delicious, the staff were very customer friendly and helpful. I would recommend anyone to at visit this place if you are in this area.

The owner- Abz takes great pride in ensuring that the food and service is always great! A lovely meal and only £15 a head. We'll done Simla, we will be back.

Ordered meals at 6:30, they arrived 7:45. No alcohol licence so told directions to Morrisons. Asked many times for napkins. Food served from end of table and over our friends. Visited toilet, one had sign saying 'out of order' the other toilet had water up to the rim so couldn't use. All in all, incredibly poor service despite visiting them many times in the past and having great service.

Collected for takeaway after ordering and paying on the website. Food was on time. Really nice people there and the food was awesome. Had a lamb madras and it was great, just about spicy enough to be good without blowing my head off. The food was all cooked fresh to order.

On holiday in the area, decided to have Indian takeaway on our last evening, was an incredible meal!! Highly recommended, staff very polite and helpful, meal just divine!!

Being in the world were living in at the moment and it’s all about takeaway and delivery, Lovely food, very polite, but found on 2 occasions the delivery has been delayed as on both occasions we have had to wait 20-30 minutes after are order time 🤔

Absolutely lovely birthday meal! Very kind and attentive on the phone even though I was ordering takeaway! Food arrived promptly nice and hot. So glad that local business’ have remained open for takeaway! Birthdays would be a poor show without them! Glad we were able to support local business. I would provide photos of the meal - but it was too yummy and I forgot to take some! Have to take some next time 😉

New to the area and wanted to try an Indian. Searched on Google and this had the best reviews.... I must say we were not disappointed at all. Good price and food was excellent! Highly recommend and will definitely be back !!!!

Bit of a wait but they were really busy. Food was amazing as always though.

Excellent food and service. Really enjoyed our evening

Good food, unfortunately had to wait a bit

Always a cracking curry at the Simla... Moved to Blandford 4 years ago and as this is my local I use it on a regular basis... Service whether takeaway or restaurant is always prompt tasty and well cooked... A good choice on the menu... Saag and Biryani are my particular faves... Their Naan breads are always rasty too. I'll soon be in again for another dinner :)

Abs is a great host and very funny and welcoming. Rest of staff are lovely too. Food is amazing and great service. 10/10 love from Mr Bollywood’s eyebrows and fam. 💜

Great delivery service and the vegetable Badami is incredible.

Fast cooking, easy to find, delicious food at a great price, thoroughly recommend getting a takeaway!

Great service and well set out tables, very well cooked and tasty curry.

Good portions, great service and atmosphere in challenging post COVID environment. Great value for money.

Never had a bad meal here good flavour and served by friendly staff. At times it can get busy, you can phone your order and collect.

used to work in simla 30 years ago...lovely people...my first full time job...what an experience!...loved it while i was there

Very friendly staff, waited nearly three hours for food however were warned of a delay due to a lack of drivers. Food arrived very hot and was delicious. Generous portions and flavourful meals. Would definitely recommend.

Not busy at all. Ordered chicken tikka masala but after twenty min they said it was off the menu and corma was available. Asked for the menu but they said corma is the one to try. Think that’s all they had!. My thoughts were they were too lazy to cook anything else as that is all they had in their saucepan. Definitely won’t go back there again.

Generally poor experience with average food. It took several minutes for a member of staff to acknowledge us as we arrived. I appreciate on a Saturday evening the restaurant is busy, however this does not mitigate a complete lack of acknowledgement whatsoever, leaving us stood in the doorway like lemons. Asked by waiter if we were ready to order, to which we replied affirmatively. Cue waiter disappearing for next 15 minutes without taking order. Chased up food after 45minutes, treated with disdain by waiter who seemed to suggest it was our own fault for not booking, despite having a reservation. Service generally poor, anaemic banter from staff. Unwelcoming. Food average. Left without acknowledgement from staff much in the same way as we entered. Overall sense that our custom was more of a nuisance than something to be valued. Will not be returning.

Lovely food and great service at a reasonable price. 😁

The food here is always delicious. Really friendly and welcoming staff.

Been going for about 19 years and the food is still the best I have had from any curry restaurant.

Really good food and friendly service

Really good food, I have been a few times and haven't had a problem

Super friendly service, perfect portions and great prices for eating in. King prawn garlic masala was amazing!! Take-out also good, have a half/pint while you wait or pop next door to the Crown

Great food but not consistent, staff can be a bit off at time's

Lovely food and lovely staff. Really enjoy this place

Very good! I had the spicy chicken masala, it was delicious and had a good level of spice, and the proprietors were super friendly

Fabulous, great birthday treats thankyou

Wicked food best curry in blandford by far top staff always go back

Really nice and clean place. It was a quiet Monday, Abs, the owner is really friendly man and makes everyone feel welcome. I had some papdoms and then a Tarka Daal, Vegetable Dopiaza and some Naan. All the food was very tasty, I'd definitely go back when I'm down here again.

Very friendly staff and good food. Reasonable prices too!

Really nice food one of the best Indians I have been to, and come along way to go to. really good curry’s and good prices

Been here a few times, tasty foods.. Good service. Unfortunately the last couple of times we've ordered take away food (to collect!) have ended up waiting over half an hour longer than told. If food is going to take longer than would be just better to say when to come back instead of overpromising and having to wait. It's a shame as the guys there are all friendly and the food is good but will try a different place next time.

Always good food and attentive service.

Always good food & well looked after.

Really Indian taste, Enthusiastic staffs

nice enough and staff friendly. but far too large portions and too expensive.

Absolutely great service, staff went above and beyond to make sure we were having an enjoyable visit. The food was delicious, staff were friendly and the waiting times were minimal. Excellent change from when we visited last year

Long delay for food, cramped table waiter continually got order wrong, stressful experience,, nice food when it finally arrived

Waited ages for our dinner . Had to get very firm with the staff to get some sort of service . Would not recommend this place . Frankly the worst service we've ever had in a restaurant . All in the restauant were fed up with the lack of service. Never go there again

Absolutely appalling service! The ONLY thing that I am giving this two stars for is the food when it eventually came. Table booked at 7pm, food order taken at 7.45pm and told we should expect a wait of 45 minutes. After asking two different waiters whether our food was coming (and getting a rude reply from one) it eventually turned up at 9.15pm after being told the order was put through lasy meaning a large table that arrived after us received their food way before us. I understand Saturday nights can get busy and I would have had no complaint had we been kept informed of how long the wait would be and perhaps an offer of a round of drinks but nothing. We had to ask 3 times for a jug of water. I've never been spoken to so rudely by waiters! Manager comes over to try and make things better after we complain about the service and almost recovers the situation but ends up making it even worse by swearing all the time (in front of an 8 year old child sat at our table) and calling his staff rude and inappropriate names. Highly unprofessional and would not return if someone paid me!! I feel sorry for the chef because actually the food was good. However, they are lucky we bothered paying the bill in the end. Not recommended at all.

Very good food and friendly staff

Food was exceptional and waiters were very polite, only downside would be how long it toke we arrived at 18:30 didn't get our mains until 19:45 and then didn't leave the establishment till 22:00 so prepare to spend you whole evening there as this was just for 2 of us although it was a Friday night!

Great food, good service, happily go there again

The foods nice but it's had the same menu for the last 12 years. Can we have a new one please.

The food was cooked to perfection and the staff very helpful

The take away service uses to take longer that they say. Food is ok. Frinedly staff.

Popped into Simla on a week night for a meal. The service was quick and polite and the menu has a good selection. The food comes in generous portions and is very nice. The food and service is good, but the prices are a little higher than other similar places in Blandford. I would consider eating here again.

A really nice place to go for a curry great food and great service