MANY locals have long-hailed The Gate of India Tandoori Restaurant as one of the best curry houses in Poole.

It is usually packed on Friday and Saturday nights and is wonderfully positioned for a night out in the town’s vibrant Ashley Cross village.

The restaurant, in Commercial Road, is split into two rooms – one with the bar, waiting area and seating, the other able to cater for larger parties.

The menu, a mix of the curry lovers’ favourites and house specials, has something for everyone. Booking is not essential, but because of its popularity I’d recommend it before heading out.

It offers a decent wine list with bottles or by the glass competitively priced.

We went for a mid-range merlot to accompany our poppadoms and pickles, a must pre-starter for any Indian meal.

The atmosphere was buzzing by the time we arrived around 8pm on Friday night. The poppadoms were how they should be – crisp, warm and not greasy in any way.

Pickles included the expected mango chutney, a couple of pots of sliced onion and the ‘love it or hate it’ lime pickle, which was lapped up enthusiastically on our table.

Next came the mixed kebab starter in a tasty, cooling yoghurt sauce. At £3.95, it was a steal. I recommend keeping the sauce on the table for your main course.

I’ve been to this restaurant before, so I must confess normally it would be lamb Madras without question for my main. The Gate’s Madras is, quite simply, one of the best I’ve tasted in many years.

But this time the Gate of India special fish caught my eye. This scrumptious salmon in spicy sauce dish, which came with rice, went down a treat.

My girlfriend opted for the Tandoori king prawns which were big, numerous and meaty, and we shared a nan bread and my rice, which was plenty for the both of us.

What I particularly liked, aside from the great food, was the lack of pressure from the waiting staff. Indeed, when we asked for a break between starter and mains, they happily obliged.

The Gate of India has been one of the gems of Ashley Cross for years. With such great food and top service I cannot see anything changing in the near future.

My Gate of India bill:

 

  • 4 poppadoms and pickles £3.20
  • Kebab cocktail  £3.95
  • Special fish  £13.50
  • Tandoori king orawn £12
  • Nan bread  £1.90
  • Merlot (bottle) £14.95

TOTAL:   £49.50