The Shapla in Winchester

A great restaurant with excellent authentic food. We came here on a Friday night and it was very busy, but the staff set up a table for us in the bar area before a proper table became available. The service was very good, and the staff were very friendly and accommodating. The garlic chilli chicken is delicious with a peshwari naan 🤌🏻. Thank you very much, we will be coming here again soon!

Me and my boyfriend came here for what we hoped would be a yummy dinner - sadly it wasn't. My boyfriend lives locally and has been coming here for many years so when I suggested getting an Indian, he said he knew the perfect place to go. When you first walk in, you are hit with a damp almost stale scent - not very appetising - but I let it go as this I had heard this was a very old building and the initial atmosphere of the place was alluring. Alas, when we received our food my already low expectations were dropped to the floor. Food was bland and lacked any flavour. The poppadoms we were given originally tasted foul, as if the oil they were fried in was months old. This alongside the damp and stale aroma of the restaurant was not a pleasant combination. When buying Indian food, I expect to pay more than average, but when the food is so poor and unappetising I cannot justify spending £40 each (myself and my boyfriend) I have read the other reviews of this restaurant and hope that we just went on a bad day, but I do not think we back anytime soon.

This is a very nice and established Indian restaurant in Alresford. It’s beautifully decorated and the staff are very friendly. As with almost all Indian restaurants its actually Bangladeshi cuisine. I ordered a sizzling dish which was lamb tikka, but that was a mistake because I prefer a nice curry with a sauce and it was quite dry . Food was plentiful and so very hot, so no hesitation to recommending this restaurant.

Me and my family have been coming here for years, and this is by far, the best. The waiters are helpful, friendly and always ensure excellent service. The food is amazing and always has been. I highly recommend to anyone, even if Alresford isn’t local. I guarantee that you wouldn’t regret spending your evening here for dinner!

Always love a take away or to eat in. Always fresh produce and Always great tasting dishes. Also lovely staff.

The food here is delicious, fresh and exciting Always a pleasant experience! We mainly go for takeaway, but have also sat in the restaurant. Lovely service, lovely staff 😊

The restaurant and food is lovely. Unfortunately the waiter really needs some customer service training! We walked in at lunchtime and he seemed put out that we wanted a table and barely communicated with us throughout the meal. He was also streaming videos just behind us while we were there!

A fantastic meal Excellent service from the owners son & daughter - he should be a very proud Dad as they are superb hosts Food was one of the nicest curries I have had in a long time and I was at Dishoom last week Thankyou to the team at Shapla 🙏

Interesting restaurant in a nice old building. Highlight for me - the white fish in a green sauce. Good naan z as no excellent paratha.

Good food. Only cobra beer, nice wine, staff friendly.

Food was delicious and friendly staff.

Great Indian food and generous portion sizes. Nice atmosphere and NO BACKGROUND MUSIC - well done! Staff were polite and helpful: the young lady in particular was very knowledgable about the menu. No niggles at all: thanks!

First time visiting this was place and was very impressed. A cosy home atmosphere with a family run vibe throughout, food was exceptional and my only minor critique would be that the Menus did not really align with the style and were a bit sticky which you would not have if these were upgraded to leather case menus and would enhance the diners experience. Would still highly reccommend.

Naz and the team are so attentive and produce consistently exceptional food. They will meet dietary needs, make room for large parties and each dish they serve is full of vibrant and distinctive flavours. If only we lived closer!

Seriously the best King prawns and lamb methi I’ve ever had in restaurant

Dropped in last night as passing on route. Made very welcome and had a really lovely dinner. The food was served hot, with hot dishes (a real treat). All the food was excellent - full of flavour and a pleasure to eat. We so enjoyed our evening - thank you.

We meet family at Shapla a couple times a year. It's halfway between our homes. We keep coming back because it is consistently excellent . The dishes are flavourful and distinctive, everything is fresh and of the highest quality. We'd come for the food alone but the service is superb, attentive but not intrusive. This last visit I was on a very restricted medical diet and called in advance to see if they could provide anything. Well the manager took such care and the chef created an incredible dish, best thing I've had in ages. He truly is an artist and a magician!

I called ahead with a very restricted medical diet and they produced magic. Delicious food, great balance of flavours, a very fresh. And the staff are so attentive and informed. They took brilliant care of us.

Fantastic food the staff are very helpful and service was great

I recently visited Shapla with a group of good friends for late dinner and we had a wonderful experience. The manager and staff were very attentive to our every need from the moment we arrived and even accommodated special ordering requests (adjustment of spice strength). The place was clean and tidy, including the facilities, with pleasant but non obtrusive background musics. At no point were we left wanting for drinks and everything was handled in friendly and professional manner, even assisting with our taxis at the end. We would certainly recommend this to others in the area.

When we asked the owner who wasn’t attending to anyone if we could order some drinks he said, yes yes I’ll send someone over, we still waited. When the waitress eventually came over we asked for a certain lager, she said that they didn’t have it but then didn’t suggest an alternative! Once we had finished and asked for the bill, the same waitress came over with a sour face and asked if we like to give a gratuitie, we said that we would leave cash as a tip, her face showed that she was not impressed! The food was good and the other waiter and waitress were friendly enough. I can only think that our faces didn’t fit with the proprietor? Needless to say, we won’t be returning.

We love a curry here. Always big portions, delicious sauces, & very polite service with a smile & local to where we live. Been going here for many years. Fab

I have been to this restaurant a few times now ( only one in Alresford) and I have to say the food is getting worse. I feel I have to write a review the currys are very runny and its like the chef has taken no pride in his cooking the saff are okay not the most friendliness and the decor and especially the carpet needs updating. Its a shame as I don't think management would take advice time will tell

We have been going to the Shapla for 10 years its fantastic, I recomend it to everyone in the area! This is the curry house I can not match wherever I go. The staff are fun and friendly and always there to help if it's getting another drink or for advice on how to cook their meals. Eat in or takeaway your wont be disapointed

Fantastic curry served here. Shame it's not local to me.

Great night out at our beloved Shapla. Food excellent as always, and beautifully looked after by our young servers, smiley and attentive. Why does a restaurant last over 25 years? This is why.

2 star hygiene rating, up from a 1 star a year ago. Not good enough to do so little about this. Would love to go back there as the service and food were always good but as soon as we discovered this, we’ve avoided.

Top restaurant, we were a table of 9 and the service was outstanding. Great food and attention to detail. Thank you so much, we’ll be back.

Tje good is pretty good but the opening times listed are wrong.

Absolutely fantastic food!! Best curry I’ve had in many years, would highly recommend!

The best indian restaurant in Hampshire. We travel to Alresford every Friday, from Winchester, to collect our takeaway. Friday night is curry night! The Shapla is far superior to anything that Winchester has to offer. Chicken is always tender, unlike most popular Winchester restaurants.

Service very helpful happy to help us always when our booking got confused and we sent drinks back and stayed friendly

Another great restaurant to visit or take away. With its unique menu, it's authentic, and the produce is fantastic. I love the choices on the menu. You can try something different every time and not be disappointed if you're a meat or fish or vegetarian lover you'll be happy to try this very relaxed and clean restaurant. Prices are very good and the staff are lovely.

Loved it, lively meal nuce staff but abit squashed in a corner

An enjoyable evening out. Nice food. The restaurant was busy as they also cater for take away food. My first visit, thanks.

Food okay but they are so busy its a bit rusty. So 29/4/22 Cauliflower hard not a Dansak what we ask for. Great food but drums rolling always another Indian on the horizon ,,,,,

I normally judge a place based on their lamb madras but I decided to have the Mumbai style lamb and it was excellent! Curry and rice portions are a good size but the naan are a bit small.

Really delicious food, great atmosphere...really enjoyed it

Found a table when we hadn't booked, nice food, good service

Excellent meal last night and I am very picky. The salmon was probably the best fish curry I’ve tasted and the okra amazing.. We did wait over an hour for food to come and my friends needed to leave to get to Heathrow (a hotel as flight in the morning) so I was getting worried but the meal was well worth waiting for. I don’t know the cost as my friend paid so I’m guessing what it cost..

A great Bengalí restaurant, therefore good fish curry

Every now and again we revisit Shapla and are always disappointed. Food has previously been ok but this time a Tesco ready meal would have been better. Then there's the rude front man (manager?) who will not make eye contact and never says please or thankyou. Don't waste your money here, drive a few miles to The Saffron in Four Marks and eat somewhere where your custom is actually appreciated.

Good Indian restaurant, we had a great dinner at this place for the first time .

About 15 years ago I used to go to Shapla once a month and I absolutely loved their food. I'm guessing that since my last visit all those years ago it's changed hands, a chef has left or that their standards have gradually slipped. Whatever it is it just isn't the restaurant that I remember. Their prices are very average but the food was no different than you'll get from a thousand Indian takeaways and not what I'd expect from them. 15 years ago it would have been a solid five but unfortunately it's now a three. Distinctly average in every way.

Four of us came for dinner and all agreed that this is the best Indian restaurant in the Alton/Winchester area. Friendly, attentive service in a lovely setting. Drinks were good (though no mango lassi sadly) But the star attraction was the food! Everything was cooked to perfection - the chicken had been marinated all the way through and the lamb was melt-in-the-mouth. It couldn't have been better. Breads were excellent, rice was spot on, curry sauces were absolutely on point. I definitely recommend Shapla for a great Indian meal - can't be beaten within 15 miles! I'll be back 👌🏻

Good food, clean place, bit pricey

Great selection of very tasty food with good service.

This has to be the oddest Indian restaurant I’ve ever been to. Firstly, the food was ok….. BUT, the atmosphere of the place was so strange. There was no music (normally Indian music playing). Secondly, in every Indian restaurant I’ve been in, they couldn’t do enough for you but this place, it felt like I was putting them out asking for food. Plus when talking to the waiter, he would just listen to you then walk off without acknowledging me. Not the most welcoming place! Also, the food was put on the table like it was a frisbee. 😂

Every time we go we get fantastic food and excellent service. Out of all the places to get food in Alresford this is my favourite.

Sadly we were disappointed with the service. The meal was okay but not the best we have had. The staff could hardly smile or speak to us. However were able to very easily add the service charge when we asked to it to be added. When the phone rang this was more important than giving us our receipt or even saying thank you for the payment. We shall think twice about returning, which is sad as we used to enjoy our visits to the Shapla.

Went there for our Xmas get together ,the meal and service were very good. I would recommend if you are after a curry .

Superb meal last night Had lamb & spinach with potatoes cauliflower mushroom rice best I,'ve had Gavin

Lovely meal and great staff will be going again soon I hope

Our first visit to this restaurant. It had a lovely atmosphere and very friendly welcoming staff. We enjoyed the poppadoms and chutney etc. Mixed special platter starter, Chicken Rogan and Chicken Bhuna. We will definitely be going back.

Wow......excellent food and friendly service, all in a beautifully stylish restaurant. Highly recommended.

Allegedly the best "Indian" in the world. I wouldn't disagree with that.

Old reliable restaurant, very nice, and takeaway is good too.

In my honest opinion, the Shapla is the best Indian takeaway in Hampshire (but it is my local, so there's a strong possibility that I'm biased). My favourite dish is the chicken jalfrezi.

Fantastic service from Daniel and his colleague from Bangladesh. Amazing food and very helpful kind waiters who took their time to answer answer any questions. We are looking forward to our next visit.

A decent menu and excellent meal quality made up for an often patchy service in this New Alresford curry house. A round of applause for the kitchen!

Only ever had takeout from here. Every time excellent highly recommended

Expensive!!! The starter was great....the biriyani was underwhelming. Not worth the £50 we paid for it. What upsets me most was the service...I like to leave a decent tip - if service has been good- Now bear in mind we were the only people eating in the restaurant- everyone was getting takeaways. The drinks ordered- had to be asked for again as our starter had come out. Had to ask for ice in my water twice. Had to ask twice for the bill...it's like they just couldn't be bothered.... I hate leaving an okay review as I want to be able to champion local business....but this deserves the okay.

Beautiful food and lovely atmosphere!

Great place located on New Alresford main road through. Offering take away due to Covid19 but have a lovely restaurant which normally is the main business, nice people great food.

We collected a takeaway menu this evening and it was absolutely fantastic- delicious! The flavours of the Tandoori King Prawns were so good as was everything else we chose, Calamari, Chicken Korma, etc etc. Fabulous . So easy and efficient a system to order and collect. Highly recommend.

The best Indian restaurant, wonderful food, great service and people. Take away open in lockdown.

Had our first takeaway here and it did not disappoint! Will definitely be going back! They made my dish extra mild but it still had a full flavour, and my partner really enjoyed his dish too. First Indian takeaway I’ve had for a long time that hasn’t left me feeling heavy and bloated the day after!

Absolutely delicious, by far the best curry in the UK. Such fresh, clean, tasty flavours and immaculately presented. Lovely atmosphere inside, very warm and cosy. The bill was extremely reasonable given all the dishes we ordered, highly recommend!

Food was nice if a little hot for my liking, so go for something milder than you normally would..........As for the COVID precautions, no one took our names or phone numbers, or anyone else’s that I saw. Downstairs the tables are far too close together and the staff only don masks when they feel like it. Good food does await but so may something else!

I am completely unimpressed by my meal this evening, it’s cold and definitely does not taste good! There is hardly any flavour in the curry’s, everything Is under seasoned and greasy! Will not be returning!

Excellent and highly reliable Indian food takeaway throughout plague curfew/house arrest March-June 2020. With groundbeating online ordering system too. Clever independent businessmen shining in the face of adversity. Britain.co.uk at it's best.

Our first visit back for a few years where we have had some generally excellent curries in the past. This visit was not up to the previous standards in any way. The lovely old grammar school building housing the restaurant looks in need of some major external TLC and when we arrived the waiting staff came across totally confused about our booking and where to sit us. This overall confusion on what we had ordered persisted for the whole evening. The menu itself looked a cut above the average offering but the food when it (eventually) arrived was very bland and worthy of a more "traditional" curry house experience. One of our friends even sent his main back to get it spiced up!!! The drinks menu boasted only Cobra with no alternative lager offerings or an IPA which is now pretty common in other local curry restaurantsAll of which against a background of pretty high prices compared to other similar local restaurants.The sense was that the Shapla is living on past glories and needs a major revamp if its to retain punters like us.

Superb curry.! I can highly recommend the Dhansak and Patia.

I can highly recommend the Dhansak and Patia. My colleague had the chili chicken which was also spot on.!

went to the shapla with my partner on Valentines day. haven't been for years and was very pleased i chose to revisit. the decor is lovely the food was excellent and the staff were absolutely lovely. now my favourite indian restaurant.

This review is one I didn’t want to write. We’ve returned to Alresford after some years away and wanted to get to know the Shapla again(a place we used to love). We ordered a takeaway around 7 on a Friday evening and it was not good. The food was very bland, except for the chicken dhansak, which had a weird chemical-like taste, as if someone with no cooking experience had thrown in some spices on the off-chance they might do and then forgotten to cook them properly. Nothing tasted good, even the tarka dhal, which is a hard dish to get wrong. The place was empty when I picked up the meal and, in hindsight, I can’t say I’m surprised. If the owners of the Shapla are reading this, you need to get a new chef. If the regular chef is off ill, you need to get a competent replacement OR advise clients that the kitchen may not be up to scratch that day. I’m very disappointed by this experience and will not be going again, at least until a flurry of good reviews convinces me otherwise!

I took a friend to this restaurant, as I live locally and have eaten there a few times over 10 years. I haven’t been for a year or so but was really embarrassed having told my friend how good it was (or used to be). My curry was bland and looked like chicken covered in a pale brown coloured sauce. My rice had been reheated. I think in a microwave, as it was completely overcooked. I didn’t say anything as my friend was paying but I won’t revisit. The new Japanese restaurant in Alresford is meant to be amazing so that’s where I will try next time.

NYE celebrations - excellent freshly cooked food, very friendly service, if you haven't tried it put it on your 2020 list!!

Always superb, food is served hot and fresh and the staff are wonderful, especially Fiza, she is amazing! Great service

Had our first time take away from Shapla, it was excellent, all lapped up, nothing left over!

Went here for my friend’s birthday party and the food was so delicious and the staff were very friendly.

Great atmosphere friendly staff. Good food. Good value for money.

We’ve eaten in and had takeaways. Sometimes the food is great and other times not so. Last time we ate in we were disappointed by the meal we had but previous takeaway was great!

Brilliant as always, this so the best Indian I believe you can get in Hampshire, or even the UK. My family eat here most weeks and are very polite and friendly. We have been going here for over 20 years and they are always improving and refurbishing, beautiful new clean bathrooms too!

Nice restaurant in a lovely village with helpful and attentive staff. Excellent meals. Good gluten free range too. Only criticism is that the toilets require some attention.

Love it. Gona coming back here.

Second visit - all good - had bombay spuds/ prawan curry ( puria ) ,garlic naan and pillau rice all very good . sweet spicy but not too hot !

Clean & inviting environment. Wonderful staff & service. The food here is excellent & they happily tailor the dishes to your needs. Wheelchair accessible just a small lip on the threshold. Take away or eat in, you'll never be disappointed. Best restaurant I've been to in many months. Always busy so another good sign.

Everything here is really fresh and well seasoned. My son drives to the restaurant from London, that is how good it is. I really like the Shapla mixed platter to start with as this has all my favourites and the bhaji is supreme. The family rave about their different curries etc but I love the tandori salmon - just excellent. The service is warm and friendly and we always have a good evening here.

What a find, delicious food and great attention to detail. Clearly a local favorite as full with happy eaters.

We went on a Saturday evening and we were lucky they still had a table next time we will definitely book. The food and service was excellent, it is also good value for money. What impressed me the most was that there was a great variety of dishes not just the bog standard every day curry dishes, we will certainly be going back on a regular basis. Highly recommended

Great food, friendly attentive staff. Yum!😀

Excellent as always. Not cheap but very very good, and consistently so.

We eat here regularly. Saturday night we popped in without booking on the off chance after Alresford Show. Food was the usual fabulous standard and Fiza who served us gave exceptional service. Think the guys should start getting worried ;) She is fantastic. Thank you again. As always we had to take some home but it’s so yummy it’s nice to have some the next day.

We enjoyed a lovely meal here with our friends in this spotlessly clean restaurant. Service was very good indeed. The prices were reasonable. Slightly irritated at the acoustics, it can be a little noisy.

Amazing food and service as always. We have been coming here for years and it never fails to deliver.

Great evening at the Shayla as always! Great food and made all the better by our waitress Fiza. Love it!

Genuinely fantastic food and service.

Alresford is a really smart village and the Shapla restaurant is perfectly placed. The meal was excellent and the service faultless. I had the best onion bahji ever. Beware the portions are extremely generous but the prices are reasonable. Highly recommended. Jonathan Ralston

This is a lovely little Indian restaurant set in a old village school/ house. It’s quite intimate and when not busy it’s hard to have a conversation because the tables are quite close together but when it got busy it was a great atmosphere and easy to chat away in your own little world. Can not fault the amazing food or good service.