The Verandah Tandoori

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• Average price 2 courses:
   £5.95 (set lunch)
   £20 (evening meal)
• House wine: £10.95 per bottle

• High point: Classic curries done with care
• Low point: Lacklustre side salads
• Food served: Mon-Sun noon-2.15pm, 5pm-midnight
• Delivery: free; minimum order £15
• Open since: 1981
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of menu), Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Take away

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

Despite numerous foodie awards over the years and visits from the stars (Clint Eastwood and Sir Cliff Richard), the slightly faded frontage of this curry house gives more than a hint as to what's inside. An early-1980s colonial feel pervades, with green cotton tablecloths, crisp linen napkins, wicker chairs and wooden blinds, and it still looks smart, if a bit dated. But the friendly welcome and huge menu of Bangladeshi and North Indian dishes draw in a mix of local residents and passers-by attracted by its proximity to Haymarket train station and nearby hotels. To start with, sample the delicately billowy chicken puri (deep-fried unleavened bread) or the light and fragrant pakoras. For mains, a subtle and sweet pista pasanda combines tender, marinated meat, almonds, pistachios and cream with style. If you fancy something spicier, the lamb shatkora packs a real chilli-citrus kick, ideally balanced by the smooth, cooling lentils of the dhal tarka. The slogan on the water glasses sums this place up perfectly: 'Superb traditional and tandoori dishes made from the finest ingredients in a unique setting.'