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Pataka
- Food served: Mon–Sun noon–2pm, 5.30–11.30pm
- Pre-theatre times: N
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
- Delivery: Free within two mile radius on orders over £12
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions
- Music on stereo: Indian music
- Capacity: 33
- Largest group: 33
- Open since: 1991
- House wine: £10.95 per bottle
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Pataka means a flag or banner for a welcome or celebration, and the welcome is certainly warm here. The cosy interior is enhanced by private booths for groups, although the Mackintosh style, with austere-looking high-backed chairs that are actually comfier than they look, and iconic pink roses painted on the walls, implies a fusion menu. Nevertheless, Bengali cuisine dominates the menu. A generous assortment of kebabs as a starter includes tender tandoori chicken and lamb, an interesting spiced salmon, and a vegetable pakora, but this selection is slightly let down by pieces of heavily battered cauliflower. The main courses are staple favourites. A well-spiced chicken bhuna is not overly hot nor too oily, and an aromatic pilau rice complements the fragrant lamb passanda. For something different try the heady aromas of the North Indian garlic chicken. Poppadoms, like the humble naan bread, are hot and crispy. Vegetarians are not ignored here and the side dishes are also worth trying, in particular a mixed vegetable curry and aloo gobi. The candle-lit hot plates are a nice touch and allow for longer lingering over a bottle of the tasty Pataka house white.
- High point: Friendly staff who aim to please
- Low point: Avoid the heavy batter
Reviews of Pataka (190 Causewayside, Edinburgh)
- 4. Currry lover, charterhall – 8 April 2011, 11:52pmPatakaReport
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was in Pataka last week with a group of friends, we were very pleased with our meal and the service, staff were very friendly, and the food was of great value! definitely looking forward to going back! recommend it to everyone!
- 3. 2manycooksinthekitchen, South edinburgh – 7 January 2011, 12:46pm
PatakaReport -
Sorry, decidedly overrated restaurant. Very average Indian food.
- 2. ex causeway side, leith – 27 July 2009, 2:04pm
PatakaReport -
Quite simply the best curry house in Edinburgh. No where comes close.
- 1. I Love Edinburgh, Edinburgh – 17 May 2009, 9:01pmPatakaReport
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Another lovely dinner in the Pataka at Causewayside. They specialise in Indian and Bengali food.
I have eaten here more than a few times and have yet to find another Indian / Bengali which has such delicious dishes in such nice surroundings. They have table and booth style seating amongst Charles Rennie Mackintosh inspired decor.
Three of us were dining and we started with some poppadoms with a chutney and pickles tray (mango chutney, lime pickles and onion salad). They came out piping hot and the pickles tray was ample for the 4 poppadums .
The candle-lit hot plates are a great idea, especially for the main dishes so that the food keeps hot whilst you are enjoying your meal.
We weren't in a particularly spicy food mood, so opted for the more mild dishes on the menu (although those with a desire for hot dishes have plenty to choose from) and shared 3 between us. We opted for the Red Fort Special chicken (diced chicken, mild ground herbs, yoghurt sauce, garnished with almonds and fresh tomatoes) at £8.95 and a lamb passanda (lamb marinated in special ingredients and cooked in a mild creamy almond sauce) also at £8.95.
The Red Fort chicken was just so flavoursome and delicious, we finished this one first. The lamb in the passanda was so tender, it was easy to eat without being chewy and again, the flavours were wonderful.
We had 2 sides of pilau rice (£2.60) and the third of our dishes was the chicken tikka massalam at £8.95.
The chicken was beautifully cooked in a mild sauce with herbs and spices. In addition we had a garlic nan and a peshwari nan - £2.60 each and raitha (cucumber yoghurt) £2.25.
We were all in agreement that the quality of the food was fantastic and were all completely satisfied at the end of the meal.
The Pataka has an extensive wine list, but we had beer with our curries.
With no room for dessert (a first for me!) we asked for the bill and found it to be reasonably priced for such a good meal on a Saturday night. It came with lots of 'after eight' dinner mints which was a nice retro touch as opposed to the usual mint imperials.
The restaurant was pretty much full all evening, so booking is advisable at the weekend, but they also do the whole menu as takeaway (cheaper than sit in prices) so if you don't want to eat in at the Pataka, you can have the delights of the menu in your own home.
I thoroughly recommend the Pataka, the staff are efficient and friendly and remember you if you dine there more than once.
I live in the North of town, but don't mind the journey across town to come away satisfied every time
:)
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