Spice Bank in Gwynedd

Considering all the negative reviews, as my title says, 'speak as you find'. We had a lovely meal there tonight, 29th October. The waiter was very chatty and friendly as we're the other staff that were on duty. The only downside was that we were the only two people in there, I truly hope that this wasn't because of the reviews, and more to do with 'end of season'. If you are in Criccieth, please give it a try. I hope you won't be disappointed. Lovely building too.

Not the best, in fact one of the poorest meals I have had in some time and such a shame with a lovely building it could be and should be outstanding. Went with a mix aged 50+, group of 12 of us, staff just rude, felt like I was back in an Indian in Uni at 1.30am back in the 80s, lots of shouting, hassling to take orders, dumping food. Number of the main courses where inedible which we sent back. Worst chicken tikka I have every tasted. But even worse was the state of the restaurant, it is just disgraceful, see pictures. Will never go again unless there is a radical overall. Criccieth deserves better than this.

Visited here tonight. No awareness of gluten free dietary requirements at all. Initially the waiter said ‘what is gluten!’ and had a rather abrupt attitude. However there are notices and a message on the menu regarding mentioning allergies and intolerances. They recommended to avoid the naan but didn’t realise couldn’t have cobra! Wrong main brought which to be fair was soon replaced. Lovely old bank but not very clean including the ladies toilets- whole place needs a deep clean.

Best avoid. I'm surprised it's still a going concern tbh. Looks like an old village bank building, now a restaurant. Upon entering, there is an overwhelming smell of damp, with one side ceiling wall , newly plastered. The food was reasonably priced, but we ordered chicken korma as a main, and counted four small pieces of diced chicken, the korma curry was pale and thin. The poppadums had been prepared some time earlier, as they were cool and soft to the taste. The other main was pretty bland, and the three other starters pitiful in size. If your brave enough, a trip to the toilets is a test of bravery and endurance. A small unlit passage (don't look left to the kitchen area) is cluttered with cleaning products and other sanitary products. Upon entering the Gents, it was like Dancing On Ice, with all the floor areas slippery with grease or something else, but absolutely no excuse for the filthy condition. I made an error in choosing this restaurant, my mistake for not taking 10 minutes to do a little research. At this time of the year, with Criccieth full to bursting point, my instincts should have told me all was not right, when we walked into a totally empty restaurant at 730pm on a Thursday evening. I don't like being too critical of the hospitality trade, it's a tough business, but basic food and hygeine should be attainable as a must.

Friday night curry after golfing with the lads. Food was nice enough but the building is ravaged with damp and mould, especially around the ceiling and windows. Something they might want to look at before the Health Inspector makes his next visit

We got here quite late and they were able to accommodate us while all other restaurants in the area were busy. We had two mix grills and beer the food was good, tandoori chicken was a little bland. Service was good, overall a good experience and a decent Indian restaurant.

The staff are polite and attentive, our food was on time , hot & delicious . A nice relaxing atmosphere would definitely recommend.

Slim pickings in Criccieth includes this very mediocre Indian restaurant. Flavors were muted, some unrecognizable, and wholly without any acclaim for the seven dishes we tried. Go somewhere else.

This Indian Restaurant was recommended to us and I can honestly say we were not disappointed. We just turned up and we were taking straight to a table, which was amazing especially being Sat before Christmas. I have a Nut allergy so eating out can be a bit tricky sometimes, had quite a few main courses I could choose from, we ordered some popadoms wow freshly cooked and tasted wonderful. Main courses were of a good portion size and very tasty indeed. Drink selection was ok, not the best I’ve seen but not the worst either. Staff were friendly and not too over powering like some that you come across in other establishments. Only reason for not giving 5 stars is the lack of atmosphere, lovely building but it’s just lacking some warmth and ambiance. Even though there was many people in, it just felt a bit cold.

Have dined here several times in the past but not in the last five years. Took some friends as it was always a decent curry. Unfortunately it must have changed hands. Chicken Pakoras was over cooked and tough. Followed by a Nawabi Khana which was very bland and lacking any kind of heat. Also four bones in the dish so diners beware. Our guests had similar issues with overcooked chicken and bland flavours. Also found bones in food. The garlic naan was the highlight of the evening brilliant. Needs to improve quickly if they are going to remain open. Suggest the staff visit a curry house in Bradford just for comparison.

Food was very good though it would have been better to have the curry kept warm thoughout. Eating the last part of the curry cold spoiled the experience. The atmosphere was ok but playing the same song over and over again drove us out of the place.

Not great. Sauces all taste the same and even poppadumms were damp. Service is ok but not a great atmosphere

We popped in to get a take away. Staff friendly and polite. Had a drink while we waited. The food was very good and we all enjoyed our dishes.

Picked up a takeaway (couldnt eat in as we have a dog). Food was hot and delicious. Highly recommend.

We have visited Spice Bank many times and always really enjoy the food. Highly recommend the Royal Tikka Bhuna! Ate as a family of 4, poppadums/chutneys, 3 main dishes, one side, 1 rice, 2 naans and 4 drinks for under £65. Feels like good value to me. Will return!

We had a takeaway from Spice Bank. We were going for a walk along sea front so ordered and paid to pick up later. Highly recommend it was delicious. Between 2 of us we had poppadoms and chutney, onion bhaji, royal mixed kebab as starters with chicken bhuna, pilau rice and onion naan. Just under £30 and plenty of food

Just popped for an evening meal on the way back to our holiday cottage. Food was average but the service was pretty terrible. Quite rude staff and made us feel very unwelcome.

The food was very good. The choice is large. The prices are completely okay. The service was good, but the waiters are constantly walking up and down the restaurant, so you feel a bit watched.

Went to Spice Bank whilst on holiday in Criccieth with my and a friend. Our food was excellent and the restaurant has a nice atmosphere. Staff pleasant but not particularly engaging. I can't praise the food enough. Very tasty. Prices reasonable

Visited for dinner on the recommendation of a local. Lovely food, extensive menu but all seemed freshly cooked and good quality. We arrived quite early on a Wednesday evening and were the first there but within half an hour the place was full. Both really enjoyed our meals. Prawn Bhuna Puri is my favourite and this was one of the best I’ve had. Only let down was that we did feel rushed by the staff, and the toilets needed a good clean and stocking with loo roll, soap etc!

Quite possibly the most uncomfortable we have felt in a restaurant. Waiter just kept walking about... around our table, up and down. There were only two tables taken, so there was just no need. Food was just about Okay. As we left we bumped into a group of 3 people who were looking to eat who had been told to wait outside..... as I say 'Bizarre!'

Friendly welcoming staff, food is absolutely delicious. We had the set meal for two, very good value for money. We look forward to visiting again soon.

The chicken shashlik was over cooked and very dry, naan bread the same. Prawn jalfreizi had plenty of prawns and was hot. Waiters seemed sullen and disinterested so decided not to complain and eat what I could. No one asked at the end how the food was otherwise I would have told them. Building internally needed a lot of TLC.

Called in about 1630 because the web site says they are open from 1300 to 2300 but was told they did not open till 1700. Went back at 1705 and they assumed I wanted a takeaway but told them I want to eat in. Anyway...

Ordered a takeaway from here last night Husband had a chicken Naga I had chicken Saag mushroom rice and onion bhaji and popadoms Chutney tray to share Food was delicious hot and flavoursome highly recommend

Phoned to book day before - rather think they did not take our name Busy and table not ready. We arrived at on time and an hour and 90 mins later we had had drinks and poppadom We were all frozen by this time. No...

Good food but cash only and the restaurant was so cold we left with borderline hypothermia toilet colder again

Only place open in Cricceth serving food. The place was empty and cold despite the portable heaters. The chutney tray was very watered down. We ordered a rogan josh and a butter chicken, the rogan josh was very grainy and oily, so much like a...

The customer service was excellent. I am disabled and every care and assistance was given. Met with two old friends who had never been before. We were all delighted by the food and service. The let down was the inadequate heating, really very chilly despite...

Quick service . Poppadoms were awful,very stale . All enjoyed starters and main courses . Bill came ,quite difficult to work out if there is a large group of you.. Conveniently the card machine had no signal and had we all had to pay the...

Nice Indian take away and decent value , would recommend. great tarka Dhal , and nice home made chapattis. Spicing was a touch mild , but tasty nonetheless.

Delicious from start to finish - the venue could do with warming up a bit, but otherwise all was lovely. I had the lamb balti and the lamb fell apart, the flavours were lovely and the staff very helpful…all in all we would definitely recommend.

Phoned for a lamb vindaloo, pilau rice and onion bajis. I class myself as a curry guru and must say the curry and bajis are some of the best I have eaten. I come from Congleton Cheshire and our local Indian Kingfisher cooks superb curries....

Booked a table for 6.30pm, given table near a put up curtain due to work being carried out, and staff constantly walking past to get into kitchen, asked to move which seemed to be the biggest problem the only thing is the restaurant was empty!!!...

A real unexpected treat. Service very good, but naan breads are just awesome. Actually, there was nothing served that if this restaurant was in a major city wouldn’t have queues out the door. The people of Cricceith are just so lucky. Would also highly recommend...

I love curry. I have never ordered a curry I didn't like. I'm happy to take a chance on a curry I haven't tasted before because that's how you find your new favourite. I like to choose from the speciality part of the menu, because...

Couldn't be bothered cooking tonight, so popped in here, reasonable prices, varied menu, food hot and tasty.

We managed to bag the last table on a busy Friday evening. The Restaurant was packed, but the staff were attentive and the food was really good. The Lamb Pasanda and Chicken Tikka Dopiaza were both exceptional. My daughter also said the Paratha was the...

Ordered a pretty simple meal for me and my son. 3 portions of scampi, 3 portions of chips, and 3 poppadoms. Not only did it arrive raw, but it also arrived chicken balti.

Can’t give any more superlatives to the food in this lovely place! Absolutely fantastic, fresh, hot, excellent quality! Thoroughly enjoyed!

Excellent food and service. Would definitely recommend it to anyone. Very good quality selection of dishes and great service.

This was our third visit to Spice Bank. Its still a bit shabby and needs updating and made a bit more cosy. The food was ok, it wasn't particularly hot (temperature wise). The samosas starter were tiny. For the main meal, no one enquired if...

Had a great take away from here. Rang and it was ready when they said, the food was really tasty and reasonably priced. The Rogan Josh was hotter than our usual but really delicious.

We had two excellent meals here during our stay over a long weekend. The food was excellent and good value and we had friendly and prompt service. Would recommend.

Following a days golf we decided to try the restaurant spice bank and had a nice meal with friendly staff and a good choice of food and drink which was a good price. Would definitely recommend.

We had booked a table, realised that we were going to be late. Phoned ahead to change arrival time. No problem. Good food range of tastes catered for, from hot spicy Sri Lankan Lamb curry, to mild korma. Good value no problem with payment using...

Good food - Bombay potato was delicious. Didn't need to book. Would recommend. Reasonably priced. Enjoy!

I’d heard (on the local ‘grapevine’), that this restaurant likes cash… and it’s true! I’m not suggesting that they don’t declare everything to Mr Taxman, but the grapevine was proved correct! We’d booked a table (6 people) and to make sure we didn’t need cash,...

Arrived early, straight to the table, quick drinks order arrived and 5 minutes later order taken.10 mins and starters arrived. Lovely presented but for 2 bits of chicken, 2 bits of tough lamb and a 3” kebab a bit small for £4.95,I actually thought they...

We enjoyed our meal. No alcohol free beer or tea & coffee. When we came to pay their credit card machine would not work so had to cobble together the cash as the cash point down the road was not working either.

Visited this place a good few times over the years and never been disappointed, had another lovely visit last week everything was gorgeous, and plenty of chillis on my nan, plenty of everything even took it home for the following day, many thanks Spice Bank

Very disappointed. Firstly it was freezing in there. Everyone was sat in their coats! We found a fan heater which we plugged in and switched on followed by a cheer from other customers! Secondly tables far too close together. It was fairly empty in there...

Terrible awful can’t describe really how bad , starters were popodums which were stale , sauces all watered down oinions looked like they had been in the fridge for days , mains chicken tikka masala which was like water with no flavour whatsoever, rice was...

Stopped for an evening meal here are the choice is the town is pretty limited out of season. Not disappointed the food and service was excellent and very reasonably priced. Would highly recommend.

My family and I having a mini-break in Criccieth and went to Spice Bank before heading back home to Nottingham tomorrow. Have to say, great food, excellent service and very reasonably priced. This is a proper Indian restaurant! Give your taste buds a treat and...

Firstly their on line facility for booking a table doesn’t work. Booked a table for 18.30 yesterday by calling into restaurant and being told that online booking didn’t work. Our food was bland and tasteless we only went there as choice of restaurants in Criccieth...

There had been some negative reviews recently so we were not sure what to expect. The staff were friendly and the service was good. The food was really very nice, lovely flavours with each curry very distinct. It was also extremely good value for money,...

We pre-booked a table for 3 of us (2 adults and a 3 year old toddler) on a busy Saturday evening. The restaurant was packed and the tables were so close together they were almost touching - no privacy at all and a bit worrying...

Food wasn’t the best. Very bland. No taste plus the rice wasn’t cooked properly it was hard. The venue was cold. Won’t be returning

Booked here and food and service was absolutely fantastic, one of the best Indians I have had the pleasure to try. Had a very hot main course and tasted great, a nice fusion of spices and chillies and not just racked up with chillies. Gorgeous...

We hadn't booked, and walked into a completely empty restaurant at 5pm. We asked for a table for three. The waiter seemed very unhappy about this, and went away to pore over the bookings for several long minutes. Eventually, he grudgingly took us over to...

Recommend for a takeaway as there is a good menu choice and food was excellent. Restaurant is quite small so if you wish to eat in then you probably need to book a table

Busy place but I managed to get a reservation with 90 mins notice. Quality house red wine, friendly and quick service. I had the most flavoursome Indian meal I can remember and would be happy to recommend. Many thanks from Tony

Although we had made sure we have booked a table, when we turned up, there had been no table reserved for us. That meant we had to wait to be seated and received our starters an hour after arriving. The place is also lackiing in...

Short notice booking but they got us a table. We had to wait for about ten minutes to be seated but we were in no hurry. They were very apologetic. Staff were great. Good range of food and although my choice of meal was pleasant...

Our first time at Spice Bank but - most definitely - we will return. A varied and enticing menu; friendly and engaging staff; and a maitre d who was very, very funny. It was lovely to see a restaurant so busy. Great atmosphere; great service;...

Four of us ate at this curry house and all of us felt we had eaten one of the best Indian meals we've ever had. All of the dishes the flavoursome, saucy but not too greasy. The service was prompt and friendly, and the wait...

Only place we could get into. So glad we did. Lovely polite staff and excellent food, though quite big portions!

Staff seemed a bit stressed and grumpy! Food was ok although all the meat was overcooked. Reasonably priced though. Wouldn’t rush back!

Food lovely, staff friendly and good service. Would recommend and would eat here again when in the area.

We pre booked a table for two the night before for my birthday for 5:30pm. However despite ordering a bottle of wine, the minute we declined poppadoms or a starter we were ignored for 40minutes. The restaurant was half empty and there were numerous take away customers being served whilst we sat waiting. After 40mins my husband asked about our meal. The waiter appeared within minutes and literally just slammed down our meal. The handles on the metal pots were scorching hot, and we struggled pouring the contents onto our plates. If i hadnt kept a napkin back when they hastily removed our starter plates, we wouldn't have been able to pickup the pot. The little service we did receive was poor and unfriendly.

Much more than your average neighbourhood Indian. Characterful Bengali dishes - the tandoori duck was excellent. Very fast and attentive service. Housed in an old bank, which adds additional character. The bill was extremely reasonable.

We had an enjoyable meal at Spice Bank recently, though it did start rather strangely. My husband tried to book us a table online but this appears as an enquiry form rather than a definite booking so we were expecting an email confirmation which never came. The day before our booking, my husband rang to ensure that they had our reservation. The person on the form seemed a bit confused and I think booked us in again rather than finding an existing reservation. When we arrived on the night, the man didn't seem to be expecting us but found us a table non-the-less. The staff were all very lovely - making jokes about me ordering a vindaloo (when I had ordered a very mild korma) and a double vodka (instead of a coke). They were polite and professional with a good sense of humour too. Food arrived promptly and was very enjoyable. Overall, it was a nice meal that was good value for money.

We had just arrived in the area, for a holiday, and were famished! Staff were lovely, and the food was fine, but we waited for 45 minutes at least for it to arrive! My raita was just a dish of plain yoghurt, but otherwise, curries, nan bread, rice etc... were all fine, and prices are reasonable. Staff were very apologetic re: the wait for food, but it's hard to be positive when you're tired and hungry!

Beautiful little place with a amazing historic building. Cracking place with a good choice of typical Indian dishes, ordered some typical dishes and a couple of new ones. All delicious. Very friendly staff and made to feel really welcome. One of the best Indian’s I’ve had for a very long time.

Our family had an amazing meal here on Thursday night! They were incredibly busy but we were served quickly and the staff were so friendly. Everybody enjoyed their meals and the starters and popadoms were also delicious! I hope we return to Criccieth and if we do we will come back to Spice Bank!Thank you!

Called in hoping for a table and only kept waiting a few minutes. Delicious food and very courteous, friendly service. Wish we lived nearer!

The food here is high quality. We loved our meal and the waiting staff were extremely friendly and helpful. If we are in the area, we will definitely go again.

Lovely food snd great service. Been here twice now when visiting. Menu has a good choice and every dish we had was lovely.

Do not eat here. Waiting times are terrible, tables crammed, loud atmosphere, very limited drink choices, waiters will ignore your attempts to get service, food was bland and waiter argued with us, so we ended up paying for food we hadnt even received and left.

Excellent food. Service could be a little quicker however staff were lovely and willing to help. Would recommend for a family meal very nice.

Ordered takeaway, food was ready and correct on collection.Portions were all generous and great tasting. From the mains to the sides their were no complaints everything was very tasty and a good quality, Only in the area on holiday but if return would definitely eat here again.

We were have a two night stay in Criccieth, and saw details of Spice Bank on TA - I sent a reservation on their online form but didn’t receive a response and phoned to be told that their online forms didn’t work We arrived and were soon seated - it was quite busy for a Tuesday night and ordered drinks and then our food . My wife selected a chicken Pasandra and I had a lamb Malay, both with friend rice. The food was well cooked and delicious and good value for money . We would have scored a 5 if they were more covid regulations requirements. We were not asked to list contact details on entry. One one waiting staff wore masks during the evening , and I would have a preference that paper tablecloths are changed rather than sanitised/ wiped .

Booked for a table of 8 consisting of 6 Adults and 2 children under 11 and checked that we would all be sitting together. On arrival we were told we could only sit as a 6 and 2 or split into 2 tables of 4. Despite showing the staff the current guidance from the government website (see attached pic as can’t post links on Trip Advisor)They were having none of it and so as not to make anymore of a scene we sat as two sets of four. Good service from the waitress, good curry.Found it hilarious that they were so rigid on enforcing their own (incorrect) rules yet saw it fit to simply wipe down the “disposable” table cloths prior to the next service on each table. Ours came complete with its own curry stains, hopefully COVID free….. Would eat here again though as it was a tasty curry. Once the regulations have stopped confusing business owners that is….

The nicest Indian food I have had in a long time, very reasonably priced, genuinely shocked as it’s in the middle of a sleepy costal town in Wales!

Staff were very friendly, the food was delicious and good value We had onion bahjee starter that was really tasty and 1 had Chicken Naga, my wife had Chicken Madras. Both were delicious. Would definitely recommend

Midweek dinner for two and the restaurant wasn’t too busy. Promptly shown to our table and drinks order taken. Not the best selection of beers and wines but very well priced - you get what you pay for. Don’t expect a top quality wine for what you are paying but the bottle of Pinot Grigio we had was palatable. Food was good but we’d have preferred a bit less ghee. If we’re back in town we’d eat here again.

First time we’d visited after a Google search. Lovely building (a former bank) and great starters and mains. Staff friendly and efficient. This will be our local when we stay in Criccieth.

Have not enjoyed an Indian meal this much in a long time. Very good menu- lots of choice.Had the Duck Hash starter which was exceptional and chicken pakoras , also excellent. Mains were Chicken Tikka Massala and Lamb Saag both really really good- lamb very tender.Service very good, would highly recommend

We haven’t eaten an Indian meal for some time so had nothing to compare it with, however everything we ate was delicious, filling and good value . The staff were efficient and friendly. Would recommend

We were visiting Criccieth for the weekend and I pre booked our table for four people (my mother, sister and brother and myself) for our first night. I was particularly looking forward to trying their nagga lamb curry and it certainly didn't disappoint!! it was fiery, tasty and the lamb was very lean and cooked to perfection. My family also really enjoyed their dishes and starters. The restaurant furnishings were a bit "tired" but certainly not a problem and great value.

OK, so we walked out of here last year becasue it did not feel Covid safe. This time I was with a mate and we called in for a curry. What we received was pretty dreadful. The garlic shashlick looked great, arriving in a sizzling iron serving dish but actually tasted of nothing except the crazy amount of garlic it came with. I like garlic, but there were thick slices of it and it was daft,.,..poor quality chicken and lathered in garlic. not great at all. The garlic rice was dry and dire. The keema nan had almost no meat in it and my mate reported his biriani to be dry and generally poor and tasteless. The poppadoms were great, to be fair, but we were not the only customers commenting on the food. The icing on the cake was the waiter eating his evening meal whilst stood at the bar...you could not make it up. I won't be trying them out again. We had a laugh but it was because it was kind of bizarre.

The food I had was really nice and better than other Indian restaurants in the area. Lovely light crispy onion bhaji. Soft tender flavoursome seekh kebab. Tandori prawns good too. Chicken saag was just how I like it. Nice thick green sauce. Chicken good too. I would go back here again. I must add this was a takeaway at 630pm ish and it was quiet inside.

We ate here a couple of times while on a golf trip. The staff were hilarious, really friendly and had a laugh with us. The food was absolutely brilliant, we wish we had a curry house like this near to us! Try the Chicken Naga, packs a punch but so, so tasty

Excellent Indian. Very tasty. Naan breads exceptional. All of us really enjoyed our dishes.would go again

We were just after a couple of take away starters to accompany our home made curry in the motorhome. The onion bhajis and chicken pakora did not disappoint. Because of Covid lockdown we could not eat in but the place has a nice comfortable atmosphere and se hope to return for a full dining experience here when the rules allow.

Great service fast too the extensive menu was excellent 👌 order was perfect and tasty. Definitely order again from them

Interesting old building,I'm told it was a bank hence the name. Good menu choice,including 6 English dishes. Because of covid 19 ,the only " sit down " indoors locally. Roomy,with polite staff and excellent food.

Ate here 1 night as staying next door at the Lion Hotel. Good food and excellent service. As with most Indian restaurants your bill can very quickly mount up. They do offer a good deal set menus.

Myself and partner had a great curry here...top quality.The decor was fantastic and very clean and welcoming.the staff were very friendly and on the ball.