Tamarind Indian Restaurant in South Gloucestershire

Such a lovely atmosphere. Welcomed by all the waiters, even the young ones. Good food with knowledgeable advice from staff. Always ready to give me a doggy bag. They bought me a cake on my birthday with a candle on it - I was so shocked. Thank you guys for being great

Best Indian restaurant..I go there a lot and the service is excellent and very polite. It’s BYO. The food is excellent and the bag it for you if you want to take it home.

Just the best Best food Best service Best value So nice to see the style of service and to such a high standard I just wish they had a restaurant back home in Newquay it would be packed every day

Brilliant curry and very tasty, prompt service and very friendly!! We had no one rushing us ?? BYO which is good especially with Sainsbury’s across the road. I don’t get people calling them rude, it’s a busy place and they have lots of bookings so they need tables.

Have been here many times and still a favourite. The staff are great the welcome always friendly and the manager one of the nicest men I know. Not been for a while so popped in for and early treat ! Seated promptly and brought glasses as it's byo . Left at our leisure to view the menu and not hassled for our choices! The chicken chat starter was exceptional, our mains were presented when we were ready and each was delicious. I can't speak highly enough about the food or the service but some may consider me biased as I have never had a bad meal, collected take away during lockdown and always been an avid fan of this establishment. It's all about choice and personal taste but in my eyes this restaurant is fantastic.

I have been coming to this restaurant several years. I appreciate it is a BYO so they do not like you to stay in there for more than two hours normally. I called up earlier in the week and booked a table for two for 630pm and I understood that they needed the table back at 8:30pm. I called up a few days later to see if I could add an extra two people to the table and it was a point blank no, very abruptly he also told me that I had a table booked for 600pm when I know that it was 6:30pm. The person (perhaps the manager) continued to talk over me in a very rude way and then decided to cancel our booking and put the phone down on me.! I called back and said to him that he was very rude and that he should not talk over customers, but he didn’t even apologise. I know they are very busy and possibly stressed you need to value your customers. I will be taking my custom elsewhere. 😡

Great tasty curry, and lovely poppadoms & chutneys to start. Our table was required by 9pm, so we were a bit rushed, but was told this at the time of making our reservation. Staff were friendly. BEWARE! Corkage fee is PER GLASS, NOT BOTTLE! Which I thought was a bit cheeky!!

Don’t think I’ve ever experienced such terrible service. My friend rang the day before to try and an extra person to the booking and was met with a rude and abrupt response on the phone. We arrived for our meal at 6pm. By 6.15pm we were being rushed to order, despite being told we had our table until 8.30pm. Some of our table were stuck in traffic so we said we would text them to send through their order. 5 minutes later, the manager comes to the table and in a rude tone told us he would be taking away one of our tables as we hadn’t yet ordered. It was only 6.20pm at this point. We told him how rude we thought this was and he told us again that they needed the table back by 8.30pm. We explained that we were ready to order but he hadn’t given us any chance to do so before rudely trying to remove one of our tables. During the meal, the young waiters were attentive and polite. We finished our meal in plenty of time and the manager did not apologize for his rude tone. Will not be going back. Shame as the food was actually quite good.

Been using the tamarind for the best part of 16 years, the quality of the food is always first class, the staff are very courteous and nothing too much trouble. During lockdown it was great to find I could pre order online , food is always ready at stated time can’t wait to eat here again when lockdown ends

The rudest staff I've ever had the displeasure of encountering , they behave as if you should feel privileged to be in their restaurant , consequently they speak down to customers . They really need to revaluate their business model , It's not a michelin star restaurant , it's a humble curry house located on a dying high street . Hospitality is a vital component of the restaurant experience , it's non existent here . I would emplore you not to visit this restaurant , there are so many lovely restaurants in Bristol with amazing food and great service . Don't let the staff at the tamarind ruin your night

If you wish to be spoken down to by insufferably rude staff plagued by some form of authoritarian personality disorder this is definitely the perfect destination. Me and my partner booked a table forty minutes before arrival , the member off staff we spoke to sounded agitated and unwelcoming . His tone was rather abrupt but we gave the situation the benefit of the doubt as me and my family used to visit this restaurant regularly many years ago and we where never disappointed with the quality of service we recieved . As a result of traffic we arrived ten minutes late, we where very apologetic but where greeted with an unnecessarily hostile welcome courtesy of the Waiter. "Its 6pm " he bellowed infront of the other customers which caused us great embarrassment . He informed us our table was no longer available . We tried to explain we'd travelled a great distance hence being ten minutes late , we asked if any other tables where available to which he bluntly replied no . We where quite shocked at how rude the member of staff was to us considering we where potential customers , but considering the conduct of the individual we had spoken to when making the reservation it should of been expected . I expressed this to the Waiter to which he responded " I was going to get you a table , but now that won't be happening " . Very manipulative behavior considering he'd already expliclty stated none where available . We left and as a result waisted 40 pounds on taxi fair . We won't be returning , the mint room in Clifton Is far superior and the staff are very welcoming . They all respect social distancing guidelines , unlike the staff at the tamarind who do not wear facemasks

After being to the Tamarind a few times since moving to Bristol, my experience has been consistent. Good food, nothing spectacular but you leave with happy tastebuds. However, you also leave with a sour taste in your mouth from the frantic, abrupt and rude service. When something goes wrong on their end because they are busy you are made to feel like a nuisance. On a few occasions staff have snapped at me, namely the senior waiter, who has terrible customer service. You go for the food but sacrifice the experience and enjoyment.

Excellent food, great decor and reasonable prices. After a while away, it was great being back with Abdul and the team. Just a pity we had to leave at 22:00 because of the ridiculous curfew imposed on restaurants.

Have been eating in this restaurant since 2006. I can safely say this is the place I hurry back to. I used to travel up from Tiverton to see friends and each here. Now I drive from Langport. Consistently excellent food and the guys really know their menu. Thanks you once again for another great night. Even if we only had Cobra Zero......

My favourite place to go for a curry. Great flavours and speedy service. Love the hara chicken dish.

Thank you Abdul once agaign you have succeeded in good service and great food and I will always return to enjoy your company and service.

Was really looking forward to first indian meal since lockdown & half price deal, however although the service was good but a little too quick, the meal was extremely bland. Ordered a chicken Bhuna which should be a medium heat curry but hardly any spices in the dish at all. The mushroom rice was tastier! All 3 of us experienced the same with our meals & left very disheartened.Shame as nice restaurant & tables were distanced quite well.

Visited last week during eat out to help out, booked ahead & still struggled to get a table as so busy.Greeted & asked to hand sanitise immediately which was very reassuring, service was prompt and they run a very slick service delivery. Food was amazing & plentiful, highly recommend the Tamarind.Already booked for next week.Felt bad that the bill was so small so left a generous tip.

Visited with family after many years. Gets very busy and noisy. Food very good. Service a bit rushed at times. Will visit again

After the disaster that I had the last time (please see my previous review) I felt it only fair to go back and submit another review. As I mentioned in my previous review, we are a group of lads who have been eating at the Tamarind for quite a few years now and we have a lads catch up here 4-5 times a year. The last visit was just awful however I am please to say that our last visit was back to what we expect from this place. We were greeted very well when we entered and more importantly recognised which is always nice. Not only this but one of the staff who knew our group came around and shock each of our hands. Food came out quickly, was hot and tasted very good, I had the lamb saag this time and it did not disappoint. We were looked after throughout the meal and we had no issues splitting the bill at the end. A very enjoyable visit.

I am absolutely dumbfounded at the lack of care and due diligence regarding the food coming out of this establishment. I have been going to this place for many years as it's the place to go for a curry in downend but tonight has completely put me off. We ordered four mains and the chicken in one of the dishes was served raw after my partner had noticed the chicken texture was off. Alerted the member of staff to this and he replied with a clay oven we occasionally have a few pieces that are bkt cooked through. This is food standards hygiene at it's worse to serve members of the public raw food and pass it off as a usual occurrence. The meal was refunded as you would expect after being a health risk but the staff were very rude and abrupt when questioned more about why nothing else was taking off the bill. The managers response was well we have taken it off, too bloody right you should have as its raw food. Avoid at all costs and if you are in the area for a curry got to Tikka Raaz. I will be following up this review if my partner becomes ILL and will be reporting this place to the food standards agencey.

We have eaten here so many times over the years with different friends & every time it is a good experience. The restaurant is lovely, always a friendly welcome & the food is so good. Our friends came over from Clifton last week as nothing there compares to Tamarind. We will be back soon.

I made an online booking for 4 on a Friday in January, which was rejected by email. I then had a phone conversation with an unbelievably angry member of staff who when I asked what alternative time they could offer, told me I couldn't possibly expect to get a table at only a weeks notice, then hung up. To be clear, this is a local curry house, not a Michelin starred restaurant!! I'd heard locally that the staff at Tamarind are famous for rudely hovering at tables waiting to clear up and move you on the moment you finish your meal, but the level of attitude to a potential customer was really surprising.As a result, I'm unlikely to make a future booking - not that I could if I wanted to!!! ;)

Took wife here, it was fantastic food. Extensive choice on menu and great advice from table service. Very well looked after and food was top notch. More than happy to recommend

Got a takeaway the naan bread was okay, however the rest of the food was very bland & taste like microwave meal, will be the last time I will be going here.

Food was good BUT went on weekend and All they were interested in was getting you fed and on your way so they could fill table again.. Ruined a nice evening Won’t be going back

Visited Saturday evening at 6.45pm very busy. Food was very nice but service not great. We were constantly being told we only had the table till 9pm. The waiters kept hovering over our table and even attempted to take a plate before we’d finished eating. Very rushed and it seemed they’re only interested in getting as many people through the doors.

A very nice curry !!!! My husband and myself had a chicken tikka masala. This place is so so busy and the restaurant was full by 7.00pm on a Saturday night so probably best to book.

We order regular takeaways, always on the weekends it's busy. I like how the Manager is super-fast and deals with customers straight away. We've had the chicken a few times, it's always been a bit too dry. The lamb is amazing, recommended for any dishes!

We booked a table on a bank holiday Monday and we weren’t disappointed. Not much to say apart from excellent food and excellent service

Usually visit Tamarind for birthday meals. Always nice hot food at a reasonable price and good service.

Food is always tasty and hot, staff always very polite and friendly. Have used many times and quality is always excellent.

Tamarind offer an extensive menu of all the typical Indian dishes, as well as some delightful specials. We booked for a Saturday night and I am pleased we did as it was very busy, but the service was still slick and timely. They also do takeaways.

We have been here 4 or 5 times before, although not for a few years, but chose it for a family meal for 12 on a Sunday evening. We were welcomed at the door and shown to our table and the drinks order was taken. The decor is first class and service good. However, it was a bit of a mixed bag with the food. My wife and her sister, who are vegetarian, thoroughly enjoyed theirs but me and my son and 1 other were disappointed with the chicken dishes we had (madras, garlic chicken and chicken chilli garlic). The chicken was overcooked and dry and seemed like it had been cooked separately and chucked in the sauce for the last 10 seconds as it had no taste of curry at all. Other said theirs were average or good. As this is one of the more expensive Indians I expected more and left disappointed.

Myself and 10 friends went there mid week and this restaurant was very busy . We all had starters and mains with sides . Everyone agreed the food and service was outstanding . I highly recommend this Indian . 10/10

We just love this place. Always a warm welcome & the food is great even when they are very busy. Good portions size and piping hot. We have friends who come over from Clifton as it is that good.

I had stopped going here last year following a poor food hygiene inspection but they are now 5* again! We started return in March and have now had a couple of visits and 2 or 3 takeaways. The food is excellent here and the service is now very friendly and warm. This is our favorite curry house!

Booked a table last minute. Could not fault. Staff friendly and attentive. Food excellent. Have already booked to come again!

Throughly enjoyed the food which was reasonably priced, however the service was very fast. We did visit on a busy Saturday night but it seemed like everything was against the clock (The waiting staff practically ran around like headless chickens) and rather rushed. It was good that we got our dishes quickly but on the other hand I would of preferred a calmer atmosphere.

I have been coming here for years and have always enjoyed myself, the staff and the food however in our recent visit I felt that there has been a massive turn around and things have gone downhill.

Amazing food & service! Visited it tonight was busy but the service was fab and the food was delicious! Loved it, thank you!

It’s been a while since we visited this restaurant.

We ordered and collected our Christmas eve supper from the tamarind and I can honestly say it was one of the best in the Bristol area.

Ordered food was told it would be ready in 30mins picked it up only lived 5 minutes away got home food was stone cold food was tasteless never order from this restaurant again they charge high prices aswell overpriced cold food don’t order from this restaurant.

Over the years the food has been consistently good but the service has gone down hill with a few members of staff being a little on the brisk side.

Work Xmas party. Lovely service in general. Unfortunately ordered Bhuna (house specialty, medium hot on the menu)...but no spice..sampled by 2 friends who only like Khorma - no spice...waiter very supercilious, telling me 'that's how Bhuna comes madam'...no apology, nothing...from recent reviews also 1 out of 5 for hygeine...wish I had seen that! Only wanted a simple sorry, but made to feel uncomfortable. Not good. Ruined all the rest of the good food and service as the other waiter was great!

We used to eat here 2 or 3 times a month. Their service has been slipping the last couple of years, to the point it was getting rude, so we just ordered takeaways to avoid the annoyance of poor service. Their food is very tasty so we stuck with it. After the last take away the wife and I both had dodgy stomachs the next day but thought nothing of it! This week I found out that they have a Foood Hygiene rating of just 1 out of 5 which is such a disappoint given they make such tasty food. We feel let down by the owners for letting this place slide and we're now trying other local curry houses!

My partner and I come to eat here regularly. It’s our favourite restaurant, the food is delicious and the staff very friendly and attentive. We will be moving away from the area soon and really hoping that we can find a new local restaurant that’s as good as this place

On Sunday, I went here and got a brilliant meal. The staff were very attentive and very helpful. I would definitely go back. It was very very tasty.

Nice food. Very busy so booking is recommended. Waiters were nice enough. I’m quite a whingy person but I can’t really knock it.

Despite the restaurant being busy on a Saturday night they found a table for two. The service and food was first rate

Such a busy place for a Thursday evening reservation is a must!! Swift friendly service and an extensive menu. The hot dishes really are hot so take care if you prefer a milder curry!

Haven't been here for a couple of years but it did not disappoint Great crab starter and very tender lamb main. Would highly recommend a visit.

Lovely evening in Tamarind. Staff are very attentive and knowledgeable as always. Some reviews have stated that the service made their experience feel rushed, however, just simply tell them you're not finished or ready to order and they leave you to enjoy your meal whilst ensuring you're never waiting to have drinks topped up, extra dipping sauces, takeaway boxes for unfinished meals etc!

The Tamarind is the best Indian restaurant in or around Downend. The menu is extensive and the quality is outstanding.

Was looking forward to a curry with friends, as soon at we got into the restaurant the waiter was rushing to take our orders before we had time to look at the menu. He was back again 5 minuets later. The food was ok but nothing to rave about, the rice was greasy and the medium spiced curry was bland. Half way through our meal the waiter asked if we had finished, and came back 5 minuets later!! As soon as we had finished our meal the bill arrived. I know they want to turn the table over to increase custom but that was rude and very unprofessional. I won’t be back and would not recommend this curry house there are far better ones in the area.

Rang them and asked “what is your timescale to deliver tonight?” and was told very abruptly before I had even finished my sentence that they do not deliver and “you have been given the wrong information - Goodbye!” They ended the call before I could even ask whether it’s possible to collect!!!

Love this place a lot, but resently got a takeaway and the guy serving was very rude to me and other workers. It was the way he spoke which I found rude. I understand you’re all busy and work really hard. But without your customers and staff your nothing! Not sure who the man was and maybe could be having a bad day, but think before you speak..

Haven't been for a while but the last time went here the food was sublime and so tasty. Need to go again.

We visited Tamarind after being recommended by a couple of different people. We booked early on a Saturday night at 7pm as we had been warned it gets very busy and booking is advisable.

Visited out of the blue for an early dinner. It was before 6pm but they took us in and served a drink while we waited for them to open.

I live in Downend and have regularly eaten at the Tamarind and recently visited with friends. All 6 dishes were enjoyed by all, my food was very tasty and consistent with the other times I’ve eaten and ordered a takeaway (collection) from there. The staff are friendly and attentive and the atmosphere is buzzing as it’s usually busy. A good selection of beers and wine too. Definitely recommend!

Tamarind did not fail to impress friends from France. The food was gorgeous and presnted beautifulky. The red wine from Chile was excellent. Service was impeccable.

great food, excellent service, always a friendly atmosphere and great prices, have recommended to lots of friends and family.

Very pleasant restaurant, excellent menu. Staff very pleasant and attentive. Food arrived in good time and was delicious. 3 of us dined, 3 starters, 3 mains and 3 drinks all for less than £60. Would definitely visit again.

Good atmosphere although very busy on a Friday night. Service was ok but always seemed a bit rushed and manic

Love the food here The staff are good always good service Don’t have to wait long for food or drinks

Probably the best Indian Restaurant in Bristol. Fantastic menu, air conditioning for those who like the hotter dishes :-)

You can’t fault this restaurant- the food is tasty and the staff are great. The best Indian food I’ve had for a long time

Always enjoyed a consistently good experience. Never had a poor takeaway from them. An definitely recommend.

I have been there several times and each time the food has been very good. Excellent choices and courteous service. I highly recommend this place.

I have been coming to the curry house for years. The standard and service has always been excellent and value for money thanks fo Abdul and his team of friendly staff.

Eat a lot of curry and this place is genuinely good. Lots of people put off by the frantic Manager but overall he delivers and cares about his business. Some people can’t understand that certain dishes may not be the same as other take aways...

Great food and service . This place is always busy and service is very quick . Great choice of starters and main courses .

We went here for valentines day, thought we would change the norm ! We found the food excellent, however we found that with the exception of the man at the end of the meal taking the payment, we found the service a bit rubbish and...

Went in to order take away after a long day moving house, when I asked to look at the menu I was told not to bother. Staff very rude. Will not go there again

We visited here on Saturday evening. We telephoned our order through and was told it would be ready in 20 minutes. On arrival we were shown to the bar area and within a few minutes our order arrived. It was very hot when we got...

Visited on a Friday night with 3 friends. Food was delicious, well cooked, good portions, very tasty. Couldn’t fault the food.....but service, not great! Felt we were being rushed which stopped us relaxing. Unnecessary as we had pre-booked and wanted to catch up over the...

Frequent visitors to the orestaurant but decided to have a takeaway meal from Tamarind on Saturday for a change. Rang to place an order and received very courteous service, told meal would be ready within 30 minutes and it was. Friendly staff greeted us, meal...

Best Indian Restaurant ever. Exceptional food and atmosphere but superbly managed by Abdul.👍 Nothing is no trouble and over 15 years never been disappointed.

Me and my friends went on a Monday night and it was my first time coming here and I really...

Nice meal in nice surroundings, I have eaten here a few times now, this time was better than the last...

Visited this restaurant and found food and portions good,this is the only place we’ve visited in downend more than once,looking...

I like the Tamarind the service is always good and it has a good atmosphere. It is always busy and...

I have heard so many good things about this restaurant and I was looking forward to a nice evening. I can honestly say I didn't feel that these reviews lived up to the experience we had. From start to finish we were rushed. The waiters more or less threw our plates at us, the food was delivered with the same haste. I felt as though regular customers were made to feel very welcome. We however were not. It's a shame because the food was good. It was a poor show I'm afraid.

Superb restaurant. We have the best meal with the best service time after time. This is s busy and popular restaurant, but standards never slip and Abdul; the owner is always friendly, welcoming and professional.

Myself and my fiance has been going to the Tamarind for years and it is always consistently good. We love our curries extra spicy and ask for it on request and they never disappoint. Very friendly staff and good atmosphere.

Don't really have any particular strong opinions on the Tamarind, either good or bad. All pretty average and par for the course. We didn't send a lot of food back, so it did its job.

I booked for a large party. We were told we would have to wait until 9.30 pm for a table. When the group turned out to be 14 people rather than 20, the person to whom I spoke was very offhand. The food that I ordered was bland and sugary. I could have done better myself. I won't be visiting this restaurant again. There are much better Indian restaurants in nearby Kingswood and Winterbourne.

Lovely food excellent customer care x would definately go back x when we can afford it was a little bit more than i would have liked to pay even tho my husband and I shared a curry because we both had starters. We dont eat out very often. Thought £60 in total was a bit pricey.

Food ambience etc first class. My only problem was that there seemed to be a lot of waiters with no coordination between them. At one stage I was asked by three different waiters if I needed another drink as my glass was empty. Would go there again even though Indian food is not my favourite. I would imagine you would have to book for a week end table.

Have visited this curry house for a "Ruby Murray" a few times.It is pleasant enough, reasonable prices for food/drinks but lacks something to make it a great place to eat.Someone described the taste of their curry "bland" in an earlier review.... I wouldn't go that far, but I have been left wanting when ordering tandoori style dishes and prefer to go to my local restaurant in Stapleton if I want to eat an authentic tandoori or balti style meal.Very much, the experience relies on the taste so I have marked this restaurant down, but for service etc I have no complaints.

As always, excellent food, service and extremely clean restaurant. The staff look and act very professional and are prompt to take orders, clear tables bring the bill, when asked. It's as though they have eyes in the back of their heads! They don't appear to be watching but they always seem to know when their service is required. Although it was very busy and telephone/take away orders were being taken constantly it did not affect the eating in service. Meals look great, are beautifully presented with lovely chunks of meat and vegetables. We have visited many times as a couple and as a large group and have never been disappointed. I would definitely advise you to book, even if you are going early evening. But try anyway, even if you haven't booked. You won't regret it.

Great Indian.Always packed - tells a story!Been several times. Whether you want a vindaloo, shashlick, korma or balti, this place is fabulous.Great service from the plentiful staff, always eager to top up your glass and ask if everything is ok.Will make this place a regular revisit.Garlic chilli masala with green chillis is brilliant.well done Tamarind.

Excellent meal with my family which we all enjoyed. Service was top notch. I had the lamb tawa which was excellent and would have again. To put the icing on the cake (pardon the pun) they surprised me with a birthday cake which was even more impressive as no one had told them. We can only assume they saw me opening a present.Will certainly be back.

I visited here with my girlfriend and her family whilst staying with them. When we arrived, the restaurant was reasonably full and this was a good indicator for the night ahead. The menu had a wide variety of choice and catered for those who wouldn't choose to order a curry. I ordered a chicken rogan and it was delicious! The food was reasonably priced and the portions were big! We all struggled to clear our plates albeit after a round of starters and poppadoms. I also enjoyed the decor of the restaurant and the staff were all very friendly. The only problem with this restaurant was the service as it was quite slow. This didn't prove to be an issue though as it gave us more time to socialise and a larger gap between courses.

I probably get takeaways from here once or twice and month and the food is excellent. My only grumble is the service can sometime be snappy and bordering rude. A few friends and complained at the service of this place but since i generally get takeaways are not so exposed to it. The times i've eaten in the service has been a little slow but ok given the place is normally fully booked!

I have only used take away at Tamarind and on each occasion have been impressed. There is a good choice on the menu and look forward to dining in at some point. There's plenty of seating and it seems quite vibrant. Prices are competitive and the food was ready on time. Would recommend.

Recently moved to Downend and had a couple of takeaways from here - been really impressed with the flavours and quality. Next step - to dine in.

We had an excellent Indian meal at this very attractive restaurant. The staff were friendly and efficient, and not 'pushy'. The food was reasonably priced and there was a good selection of drinks available.