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The Verandah Tandoori

The Verandah Tandoori
17 Dalry Road,
Haymarket
Edinburgh, EH11 2BQ
Phone: 0131 337 5828
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  • Food served: Mon–Sun noon–2.30pm, 5pm–11.45pm
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
  • Delivery: Free; minimum order £15
  • Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Takeaway
  • Music on stereo: Quiet, inoffensive and vaguely Indian music
  • Capacity: 44
  • Largest group: 45
  • Open since: 1981
View larger map of EH11 2BQ
  • Average price 2 courses:
     £7.50 (set lunch)
     £18 (evening meal)
  • House wine: £10.95 per bottle
Nominate this restaurant for
The List Reader Award 2010
Eating & Drinking Guide 2009

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.

When The Verandah opened 25 years ago, the avowed aim was to introduce a new sophistication to Indian dining in Scotland. Now, more than two decades later, that mission statement remains proudly emblazoned on the menu, with a raft of awards and celebrity footprints from the likes of Clint Eastwood and Sir Cliff Richard to attest to its success. Outside the plate glass windows may be Edinburgh’s Haymarket, but inside, slatted wood blinds, colonial-style rattan chairs and folded napery create a relaxing retreat, while the staff’s gentle mantra, ‘is everything perfect?’ makes you feel thoroughly cosseted. The menu’s Bangladeshi and tandoori specialities are described in reassuring detail. Best of all, the flavours are as promised, so the freshness of herbs and fenugreek are the dominant notes in the lamb methi gosht, while the tandoori roasted chicken or lamb in the ‘mild’ pista pasanda is bathed in a delicate-but-far-from-dull amalgam of nuts, cream and fragrant spices. For those whose age isn’t in double figures, Punky the Penguin and his wee scoop of vanilla ice-cream may be irresistible; for the rest, add side orders of puffy nan and enticing fresh vegetable specialities to your plentiful main and desserts won’t be missed.

  • High point: Soothingly sure-footed
  • Low point: Lights too bright for romance

Comments for The Verandah Tandoori (17 Dalry Road, Edinburgh)

1. John Robertson, Edinburgh – 11 July 2009, 10:55pmReport

I took my girlfriend at The Verandah Restaurant in Dalry Road, for her birthday as a friend in the office said it was the only place in Edinburgh where you could have a curry and be totally romantic. It was, she loved the décor, all the flowers. We sat in the window table, we had a table that felt so far from anyone else, it was like I had planned it to perfection.

When we arrived we were treated like royalty and that didn't stop the whole night through, the service was fantastic. The food was also magnificent with a whole delightful range of modern Indian food such as much kebabs for starters and a mouth-watering lamb shatkora with the most amazing sauce for main. The wine list was pretty good too with a wide range of rather lovely if not expensive looking wines.

I'd definitely recommend it, in fact we're taking the in-laws when they’re in Edinburgh.

2. Catherine Finlay, Edinburgh – 5 October 2009, 3:42am(5s)Report

I went to the Verandah Restaurant with high expectations after reading a lot of hype over the last few years. I was not disappointed one bit, situated on Dalry Road, Edinburgh. The greeting was warm and attentive with a classy yet relaxed feel.

We started with king prawn puree and my partner a mach kebab both very tasty and just the right portion size. Mains of shatkora chicken and murgh e ada with rice, peshwari naan. All I can say, Indian fine dining at it's best. I have nothing but the greatest compliments for this unbelievable restaurant, it was quite superb and an experience well worth the cost. The service was absolutely perfect and spot-on attention to detail.

I can see why this place has been around for over 25 years and will certainly recommend it and will return with family and friends soon.

3. M Smith, Edinburgh – 9 October 2009, 12:52pm(5s)Report

My family had a great meal at The Verandah Restaurant on Dalry Road, This little restaurant lies almost across the road from Haymarket Station. the restaurant is pretty spotless and the walls are a source of entertainment, adorned with photographs of the famous. The food is Indian and they serve the best dhal in Edinburgh. My favourite dish is rogon jhosh, lamb cooked with tomatoes and garlic and fragrant with spices, but not those of a fiery nature. Their nan bread is good and lamb pista pasanda is also delicious. Service was excellent.

4. Jane Hellewell, Edinburgh – 13 October 2009, 6:30pm(5s)Report

I come to the Verandah restaurant frequently and the welcome, cleanliness, service and food are consistently excellent. From entering into the restaurant to leaving it the staff are always very friendly and polite offering first rate service. The food is always fantastic and if anything it is almost too much, however I always manage to finish it. I will definitely recommend it to friends and family.

5. Stewart Johnstone, London – 17 October 2009, 12:29pm(5s)Report

On a recent business trip to Edinburgh, I was craving for some delicious indian food, and I have to say I was happy when a colleague recommended Verandah Restaurant in Dalry Road, for a memorable dinner!

We ordered the Chana Puree and the Sheek Kababs for starter, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed these. There are a lot of exquisite entrees for the main course. The prices are pretty reasonable, and the portions are substantial too. Lamb Korma, Murgh Massala, Shatkora Chicken and the Methi Gosht were particularly good. Peshwari Nan was excellent.

The service was fast and efficient, and the waiting staff was courteous and educated about the menu options.

6. J Gyle, Edinburgh – 20 October 2009, 2:55am(5s)Report

I went to the Verandah Restaurant in Dalry Road with my friends, We are always confused what to have so I asked the waiter to give us what he thinks is good. For starter he brought us Verandah Mix, which had mixture of Pakura, Sheek Kebab, Lamb Kebab, Chicken Kebab and Fish Kebab. For Main he brought us Shahjani Murgh, Sag Lamb and Vegetable Sambar with Pulao rice and Nan. I must say everything tasted FANTASTIC.. Service was EXCELLENT too.

7. Simon Cowell, Glasgow – 31 October 2009, 11:39am(5s)Report

Verandah restaurant serves the best Indian food in Scotland. I have visited many restaurants over the years, and I have never tasted anything as good as what I had in Verandah.

We ordered mushroom puree and Verandah mix for starter, for main course, Shatkora chicken, sag gosht with rice and nan. It was Excellent ! Excellent ! Excellent !.

Staff very friendly and attentive. Table well laid and attractive, very clean, welcoming, pleasant background music. Good choice on menu. Good hot plates. Would recommend to friends. Have been before and would come back.

8. S Jones, Dundee – 8 November 2009, 4:29pm(5s)Report

Verandah is a smart and stylish passage to India which serves traditional Asian cusine within contemporary surroundings compleate with linen clad tables, fresh flowers and modern wood interiors. Food and service was 10/10.

9. Ann Lerche, EDINBURGH – 14 November 2009, 12:13pm(1)Report

I find these comments rather suspect. It is not 'smart and stylish' actually needs a doing over about 5 years ago!!! One light had a bare elctrical wire hanging out!
Also, I find it hard to equate 'best indian food in Edinburgh' when the main meal was cubes of meat heated up in a jar of sauce and swimming!
Took firends there as a treat and what a dissapointment. The meal was only luke warm and as we were the hosts did not like to send it back. It had been sitting for a while as there was a skin on the curry.
Can't remeber the cost of coffee, but to see the waiter boiling a kettle and putting a spoon of Nescafe into a cup behind the bar was funny?? Also a waiter came and took away the cream and sugar after we were given it as he needed it for another table. My husband commented was this the only ones he had and I think he replied yes.
This place is past its sell by date and I do question the authenticity of the above posts. 1/10

10. James McPherson, Edinburgh – 14 November 2009, 3:32pm(5s)Report

Usually, we are not overly partial to starters. But Verandah’s king prawn puree is sui generis, one of a kind. Made from large prawn, fresh coriander etc, it makes a fine beginning to a meal. Make sure, you don't miss this yummy starter.

Two fairly common vegetable curries Vegetables Karai and Mutter Paneer turned out to be tasty delights at Verandah. Unlike at most Indian restaurants, Vegetable Karai did not come swimming in a pool of oil. It was well seasoned with a medley of Indian spices as was the Mutter Paneer.

We enjoyed these two vegetable curries with some flavorful pieces of Garlic Nan as well as rice.

On the meat side, Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Pista Pasanda demonstrated the chef's talents yet again. One bite into a chunk of tender Tandoori Chicken was enough to give us a glimpse of Nirvana. Although a little mildly spiced for our tastebuds, the Lamb Pista Pasanda gave no room for complaint.

The service was friendly and polite and the atmosphere in the restaurant was the same.

All in all, our meal at the Verandah was a delightful experience.

11. Tessa Jenson, Bathgate – 18 November 2009, 11:01pm(5s)Report

Was in Edinburgh over the weekend visiting friends and we decided to have an Indian meal for a change. Looked around the internet for some suggestions and idea's on where to go. I came across the Verandah Restaurant a quaint little restaurant near Haymarket railway station. I booked a table for 4 people over the phone before going out. Arrived at 7.00PM and was welcomed in to the restaurant by a very friendly waiter who showed us to our table. For starters we ordered popadoms with a selection of chutneys and sauces. My main course selection consisted of chicken jalfrezie extra hot which was exquisite beyond words with rice and garlic nan and chilli pickle downed with red wine from the selection of house wines. My friends really enjoyed there meals i guess going to the Verandah was the best decision i made for our girlie night out.

12. simontata, Edinburgh – 26 December 2009, 7:07pmReport

After having read all of the reviews i find the somewhat suspect as did one of the reviewers.Is it possible that there is a Marketing Company behind this or perhaps the owner has many fake e-mail addresses.Please be aware as i have eaten in this establishment and can not relate to the reviews.I find this tactic very desparate,perhaps this is a result of the strong competion in the area .

13. Adam Ferguson, Edinburgh – 2 February 2010, 2:03am(5s)Report

Verandah serves the best Indian Cuisine in all Edinburgh. The restaurant is easy to get to – near Haymarket station. The owner and staff are the most generous and gracious hosts I’ve ever encountered. If you’re craving Indian food Verandah is definitely the place to go.

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