Benares or Cinnamon Club?

[screwloose]

Just after recommendations really as to which is best. Any experiences of either?
Or if anyone can offer an similar alternative Indian restaurant in London.

many thanks.

[TomOSmith]

I wasn't that impressed with the food at Benares (the bill however). Cinnamon Club was fine (as is Cinnamon Kitchen). Alternatives include Tamarind or Cafe Spice Namaste.

[tamore]

cinnamon club was very nice, and a good alternative would be mint leaf.

[Johnniem]

Are you looking for a posh venue or just genuinely good indian food? Cinnamon Club is great although a little expensive, Cafe spice is also good but certainly less posh than CC. If what you want is top Indian food but don't care about the venue too much then try Lahore Kebab in Umberston St East London or Tayyabs, also in East London but cant remember the street name (Google is your friend!)

Whatever you decide, enjoy!

[tamore]

Johnniem said:

Are you looking for a posh venue or just genuinely good indian food? Cinnamon Club is great although a little expensive, Cafe spice is also good but certainly less posh than CC. If what you want is top Indian food but don't care about the venue too much then try Lahore Kebab in Umberston St East London or Tayyabs, also in East London but cant remember the street name (Google is your friend!)

Whatever you decide, enjoy!

not 100% sure, but if you called the food 'indian' in tayyab, there's a chance of losing teeth!

[screwloose]

Its for this Sunday- Valentine Lunch - so would need to be a bit special. thanks guys.

[Fittster]

Johnniem said:

Tayyabs, also in East London

Really don't understand why people rave about this place, starters are good but the mains are just typical curry house fodder.

[Bullett]

You are aware this is Sunday right?

If you've not booked yet don't get your hopes up and take whatever you can get.

[kryten]

The food at Benares was very good but exceedingly expensive. Doubly so as we took the kids!

I'm honestly not sure it was worth the cost...

[GregE240]

I agree with Benares. The food was good, but my word you paid for it. The service was also a little slow, maybe I'm being ultra critical. I've never eaten at Cinnamon Club, but have only heard good things about it.

[screwloose]

Both still have sittings available for lunch.

[bga]

Fittster said:

Johnniem said:

Tayyabs, also in East London

Really don't understand why people rave about this place, starters are good but the mains are just typical curry house fodder.

I agree. There are plenty of other places that are as good for the money.

ETA, probably help listing a few of them!

Kastoori & Apollo in Tooting
Kocum near Wimbledon

Edited by bga on Friday 12th February 11:44

[Kneetrembler]

What about Londons oldest the Veeraswamy, I always have found that to be very good.

Anyone tried www.tommymiahsrajhotel.com in Islington, restaurant & hotel

[tamore]

Kneetrembler said:

What about Londons oldest the Veeraswamy, I always have found that to be very good.

Anyone tried www.tommymiahsrajhotel.com in Islington, restaurant & hotel

had a great meal in veeraswamy a few months back. it's one of those place where you think you might have to get a cheeky chicken shish on the way home, but end up absolutely stuffed by the end of it.

[Kneetrembler]

tamore said:

Kneetrembler said:

What about Londons oldest the Veeraswamy, I always have found that to be very good.

Anyone tried www.tommymiahsrajhotel.com in Islington, restaurant & hotel

had a great meal in veeraswamy a few months back. it's one of those place where you think you might have to get a cheeky chicken shish on the way home, but end up absolutely stuffed by the end of it.

Have been a few times and always had great food.

[Pferdestarke]

If you try Benares make sure Atul Kochhar doesn't burn the place down again!

http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2009/09/28/3...

[fatvik]

We found CC's food a bit more western... in that what you got to eat, how it tasted and the way it was presented wouldn't have looks out of place in a good British or French restaurant. (the same with their sister restaurant in the city) - the taste was awesome tho.
Baneres felt more like a curry house normally does... you know lots of little currys you can order and share... food was lovely.
Out of the two, for a Valentine meal I'd go CC [a bit more civilised old chap ]

Have fun
-FatVik

Edited by fatvik on Saturday 13th February 10:03

[ibisti]

Rasoi near to Sloan sq is excellent but is quite pricy as it has 1 star but is the best Indian food I have ever had but very quite and intimate and the mint leaf near the haymarket is also a great place with more atmosphere.