Tandoori Cottage Indian Restaurant

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  5      Service  8      Value  9     

We tried the Tandoori Cottage on a recommendation from a friend and were extremely pleasantly surprised. We only had take away, however, the food was excellent. A delicious Chicken Jahlfrezi and Channa Dahl with nan and pulao rice. Slight disappointment as I was hoping for the flock wall paper and banghra when I picked up the food but happily no grey lumps of something resembling meat in a watery brown goop in sight. A hidden Indian gem.

Feb 03, 2011 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  10     

This is one of the best Indian restaurants I go to, I totally diagree with the previous review by papasmurf, the restaurant is under the same management. I was there last week and the food was good as usual. Saag ghosh is the one of the dishes I go there for it just melts in your mouth. Lovely.

Dec 02, 2010 

5.3 Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  6      Value  5     

Used to be one of the best in the area, but recently they appear to have changed hands. I'm now looking for an alternative.

Mar 14, 2010 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  8     

Excellent Tandoori dishes at a reasonable price. We came here for a quick meal a few months ago and were so impressed we returned with a dozen guests a few weeks later, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed it. We've since been back for takeaway several times and haven't been disappointed.

As with many Indian restaurants they pay more attention to the food than the ambience, but dining in is certainly a pleasant experience: the lighting is subtle and the venue is small but not cramped. I echo one of the previous reviews commenting on the lack of warmth/smiles, though this is more reflective of the young staff than the culture of the restaurant.

In the end it all comes down to the food, and you'll have to travel far before you'll find anywhere to match the excellent flavours at Tandoori Cottage.

Mar 22, 2009 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  9     

I've lived in Malvern East for 5 years and frequented Tandoori Cottage not only to dine in, but also take-away and delivery. I think the service experience of the October review soured the overall ratings which I believe is poor reviewing, however, moving onto my review of Tandoori Cottage.

Food, I've always rated Tandoori Cottage's food highly, their curries are tasty ranging from a creamy malai kofta, to the "Western-friendly" Butter chicken, and dishes like Saag Gosht (spinach with lamb) that are sometimes odd to people who haven't braved indian cuisine before. I've not had 1 poor dish from Tandoori Cottage yet.

Ambience, The place is not big enough to really be a fantastic dine-in experience. The lighting is soft enough to be forgiving for the lack of space, but the acoustics are good so that you can have conversation without other table noise bouncing off your ears.

Service, Many of the service people are indian, but they all speak very good english and sometimes their sturdy serious expressions can be misinterpreted by sensitive individuals but they are all friendly and eager to ensure your meal is great.

Value, I rate Tandoori Cottage highly for value, as the combination of great tasting food, good prices and hard working service has stood the test of time for me. If I could get them to smile more that would be great. Please do try Tandoori Cottage, one of the best in the area in my opinion.

Feb 20, 2008 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  9     

Although a little small, the atmosphere is friendly, the service attentive and the food fantastic. If you do not want to feel lost in a sea of tables and to be presented with a tremendous meal, then Tandoori Cottage is highly recommended!

Nov 13, 2007 

4.3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  3      Service  3      Value  6     

Definitely not the best Indian place we've been to. Restaurant overbooked so we were placed right next to the kitchen in front of a draughty door. Order took an hour to get to us, ended up leaving restaurant after 2 hours. Food was ok, but definitely not the best we've had. Naan was particularly nice, as well as Kulfi dessert. Mains were average, not particularly spicy. Overall a disappointing experience with average cuisine.

Oct 13, 2007 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

Brilliant food and service. The best Indian I have had in Melbourne with really friendly staff. We had a group of 14 and all the food came out quickly and was great.

Mar 27, 2007 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  7      Service  10      Value  10     

Definitely a great place for Indian food. Great food at a great price. Lacks a little in ambience but makes up for it with Melbourne's best kulfi. BYO alcohol.

Jan 30, 2007 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

A wonderful little place. I was recommended by a friend to go there and was not disappointed. The venue may be just a little small (however not cramped), but the excellent value, kind service and delicious food, sure make up for that! Mmm.. now I'm thinking of going again.

Jan 08, 2007