Looking for a restaurant to impress that special someone this Valentine's? Beautifully furnished, richly colourful and atmospheric, Ignite is loved by just about everyone. View our hitlisted review and our critical acclaim. Book now to reserve your place and Ignite your passion this year.
KoolBa
- Food served: Tue–Thu noon–3pm, 5–10pm; Fri/Sat noon–10.30pm; Sun 3–9pm. Closed Mon.
- Pre-theatre times: Tue–Thu noon–6.30pm; Fri/Sat noon–6pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 5
- Private dining: Up to 40 covers
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Traditional Persian music
- Capacity: 130
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 2003
- Average price:
£11 (set lunch)
£16 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: £12
- House wine: £12.95 per bottle
Send us more details about this place.
The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
KoolBa’s Persian-influenced Indian restaurant sits fittingly among the cobbled streets and cultural vibes of Merchant City. Against its bold red canvas lie rich colours and textures in natural wood and weathered stone, while a canopied ceiling, wall hangings and cushions enrich the senses with rustic romantic charm. This cosy and informal setting attracts an eclectic crowd whether for a light lunch, set pre-theatre menu or à la carte dinner. KoolBa’s passionate ethos lies in delivering authentic, fresh and nutritional dishes, free from preservatives, colourings and GM products. A zesty shirazi salad starter is a refreshing bite but is perhaps more suited as a side dish. The speciality main dishes include tender lamb rogan josh, garlic chilli chicken tikka and king prawn achari, while the more traditional korma, biryani, dopiaza and bhuna dishes each include a vegetarian option. The tangy salty pickle of the prawn achari finds balance in a subtly sweet coconut peshwari naan and fluffy light basmati rice. Carefully selected wines and local and continental beers will keep discerning drinkers happy, while the honey sweet baklava is reserved for health deviants.
- High point: Colourful healthy cuisine and cosy welcome
- Low point: Chewy prawns
Reviews of KoolBa (109 Candleriggs, Glasgow)
- 3. TM, Edinburgh – 17 December 2010, 5:33pm
KoolBaReport -
Very good food - you can tell it was made with fresh ingredients. Friendly staff and you get a chocolate with your bill :). It has a great selection of beers (and wines) from around the world. Will return and would definitely recommend it.
- 2. TM, Edinburgh – 17 December 2010, 5:31pm
KoolBaReport -
Very good food - you can tell that the food is made using fresh ingredients. The prices are reasonable and they have a very good selection of beers from around the world (and wines). Will be returning and would definitely recommend it. The staff are friendly and you get a chocolate with your bill :)
- 1. Hussey, Glasgow – 26 August 2009, 3:31pm
KoolBaReport -
My boyfriend & I were first introduced to Koolba by the wonderful £10 tasting menu that they used to do. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to book it for my 30th birthday meal.
The food is delicious - so fresh and flavourful! My favourite starter is the garlic mushrooms however the aubergine and the pakora are equally as good. The main courses, whether you choose a curry or a kebab are wonderful.
The staff are so attentive and very patient, especially when we had 16 people and needed to move the tables! They even gave me a lovely bottle of sparkling wine for my birthday!
I love this place and would highly recommend it to anyone.
To post a review you'll first need to log in: Forgotten your password?
Not registered? Sign up – it only takes a minute.
RSS feed of these reviews




