For a small town in the Cotswolds, Cheltenham has an impressive range of Indian restaurants. From high-end to classic Bring Your Own Booze spots, there is essentially an Indian restaurant for all tastes in Cheltenham. No matter what kind of curry house you like, if you’re after a passanda or a fiery phall, there really is something for everyone. Without further ado, here’s a breakdown of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Prithvi, Bath Road
Without a doubt one of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham, Prithvi serves up fine dining with South Asian flavours. A special occasion restaurant that offers a memorable dining experience, you’ll be seriously impressed with the level of detail that goes into each visit. Prithvi aims to offer classic Indian dishes with a creative twist. There’s a plethora of colour and flavour in everything you order. For starters, don’t miss the lightly marinated cod with lentils and Keralan curry. For mains, you’re spoilt – the barbecued lobster and creedy carver chicken curry are truly to die for.
Searching for a great meal out in Cheltenham? Check out my guide to the best restaurants in Cheltenham.
Bhoomi, Suffolk Road
Priding itself on focusing on Indian food inspired by the country’s south west state of Kerala, Bhoomi is another of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham. Bhoomi’s original Indian restaurant is located in the upmarket Suffolks area of Cheltenham. It has become so popular, there is now an Oxford branch which has recently been awarded Michelin status. At Bhoomi, you’ll find traditional one pot curries through to delicious Keralan style barbecues. Don’t miss the wonderful range of thali on offer, and incredible main plates including chilli chicken and duck mappas with coconut milk and green chillies. It’s a wonderful dining experience for all the senses.
Kashmir, Albion Street
A traditional curry house in the heart of Cheltenham town centre, Kashmir is one of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham. Specialising in Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, Kashmir puts a modern spin on each of its dishes. With friendly staff and good food, it’s an ideal spot to bring a group of friends and family to enjoy a decent Indian meal. There’s a tasty array of speciality biryani, balti, and tandoori dishes. A personal favourite is the chicken lasani with all the traditional Indian accompaniments. If you’re after a drink, there’s an extensive beer and wine menu on offer.
The Mahal, Montpellier Drive
Located in a beautiful building near the classy Montpellier district of Cheltenham, The Mahal is as majestic as its food. Here you’ll find top service and excellent cuisine in one of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham. Arrive early so you can enjoy a cocktail at the bar before enjoying some incredible Indian food. You can choose from a magnificent seven course tasting menu and an a la carte menu. Get things started with a tasty appetiser, like the tandoori ratan – chicken tikka, lamb cutlet, and king prawn with mint and coriander chutney. Move onto wonderful mains, including Welsh lamb rogan josh, lemon sole with brown shrimp kedgeree, and Herefordshire beef with masala jus.
East India Cafe, Promenade
Located on Cheltenham’s beautiful Promenade, you’ll find East India Cafe, one of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham. Describing its dishes as ‘fashionable Anglo Indian food’ from the British Raj era, they serve excellent traditional plates with a twist. Here, you’ll find deliciously fresh ingredients in a wonderful ambience, full of colonial antiques and vintage artwork. Feast on incredible starters like red mullet fillet, pan fried with onion, bell peppers, and a special homemade sauce. There’s a mouthwatering choice of main courses too. Try the incredible Railway lamb curry, or the beef rezala with West Country brisket, stir-fried spinach, ginger, fried kale, and chilli salsa.
Mowgli, The Brewery Quarter
A British chain serving wonderful Indian street food, Mowgli is an incredible eatery and one of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham. Located in the Brewery Quarter, it’s adorned with fairly lights and swing seats from which to enjoy your meal. One of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham, Mowgli dishes up unique takes on classic Indian street food. You can’t visit without trying the treacle tamarind fries, the crispy gunpowder chicken, and the deliciously rich house chicken curry. The dishes are fairly compact, so order a variety and share with your loved ones. It’s a real explosion of flavour, no matter what combination you pick.
Indian Brasserie, Bath Road
A contemporary restaurant conveniently located on Cheltenham’s bustling Bath Road, Indian Brasserie is a great spot for a traditional curry. One of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham, they pride themselves on serving fresh southern Indian cuisine using natural ingredients. Boasting a range of speciality dishes, whatever you choose will likely be delicious. Grab a beer as you peruse the menu. Favourites include the spicy Kholee Piaz Mirchi – chicken cooked with green peppers, green chillies, and onions. It certainly packs a punch. The tandoori garlic chilli chicken is delicious too, served with an incredible yoghurt sauce.
Looking for somewhere to grab a drink? Check out my guide to the best bars in Cheltenham.
Curry Corner, Fairview Road
Located on the outskirts of the town centre, Curry Corner has long been one of the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham. A must-visit for anyone looking for fine Indian cuisine, the restaurant even previously reached the final of Gordon Ramsay’s F Word. An excellent family run Bangladeshi restaurant dating back to 1977, you must try their feature dish – Port of Looe monkfish in saffron cream curry. This Indian restaurant has even catered for the likes of Michael Palin and Richard Branson as testament to their excellent dining.
That’s my guide to the best Indian restaurants in Cheltenham! Are there any others I should know about? Let me know in the comments below.
