The Merchants of Spice in Norwich

Was looking forward to quiet meal with my wife. Reserved on quiet wet Wednesday night. Went in and found it crammed to rafters by all male groups. Discount for stag parties and rugby clubs? Very noisy and guaranteed covid. We left immediately. Avoid

Arranged for a group of work colleagues to meet here for an after work social.Booked the table for 6pm but arrived just before 5:30 for pre meal drinks… no such luck the door was locked so we went around the corner to another place that was prepared for service.Once we we’re in the atmosphere was nice, warm and cosy. We we’re sat on the table furthest from the door. Food was enjoyed by all, arrived hot and was delicious although the portions are a bit on the small side.I agree with some of the comments regarding service, it needs slight improvement in order to make the flow of the evening go more smoothly. One of our table ordered double gin a tonic and it was served in a whiskey tumbler when a highball glass would have been much more suitable. Another person from our party ordered a vodka and lemonade and was given vodka and tonic… it was replaced.In all I will be returning and recommend you give it a try, but be forgiving of the service staff if they make a small mistake… they’re only human.

I can only comment on the dishes I sampled - all vegetarian. The other guests I dined with all had meat and fish dishes and were more than impressed.All in all, the service and entire place is amazing - well lit, decor, nice smell, feels special, but just needs a bit of improvement on vegetarian dishes and flavours. My veg biriyani was more or less just like boiled rice and the tarka daal with it was ordinary too. The paneer starter lacked any distinct or interesting flavours.Just like the decor and ambiance - looks the part and overtly impressive, but that's about it.Willing to return again for another try in a few months time to see if there is any improvement or this was just a one-off...

Another excellent meal. Naga chicken left a glow and the 5 of us all had really good food. A few new and rustic dishes on the menu would be good but we were very satisfied.

I'm going to start with the fact that the main meals were fantastic. My lamb madras was probably the best I've had and my partner who had a korma said hers was delicious although she did say it was spicy somehow.Unfortunately the food was ruined by the fact that for every minute we sat there, a deliveroo or just eat driver either entered or left, slamming the door and wafting the cold January evening air over our table. This made for a bad atmosphere.We also asked for a taste or a reasonably priced bottle of red wine with the intention of buying it and drinking it, but were told no?! So we left it. Very poor service.The poppadoms were lovely but the poor quality pickles and dips were not good at all. In fact I believe I have bought a jar of the "mixed pickle" from tesco and binned it. A massive shame.In summary, I would happily order a take away but I won't be returning to the restaurant.

First visit to this restaurant and it was very nice. One of the best Indian meals I've ever had and great service and atmosphere. 👌

We had a table booked for 18.30, we walked in and the restaurant stank of BO - and it was really strong. Despite this (I didn’t want to upset my son who placed the booking) We took our seats and ordered two double Gins, when they came they were singles, we said to the waitress these are singles, she went away and came back with the same drinks in smaller glasses.Did they think we were stupid or drunk? If you pay for two doubles you should get two doubles. More importantly the smell was getting worse each time a member of staff moved around the area, so we left it was a shambles. The staff were awful, the restaurant stank and the service was abysmal.

Lovely food, great restaurant. I would definitely go back. Covid rules followed well. Food came quickly and hot. I did feel a little rushed at times by the staff but they were friendly and polite.Definitely book as it was very busy and we've been caught out before by just turning up. At least it shows the food must be good if it's always busy.Not a very big place but it has a nice atmosphere. Would have given 4.5 stars ifi could.Nice place.

Fantastic! One of the best curry houses I've been to, portions were small for a norther ;) but I was still full after my meal. Great flexibility as they catered for my veggie friends who wanted edited dishes. Side dishes and starters all looked great and the naan was perfect.The staff were friendly and attentive and the restaurant itself was lovely, it's not often you can take your leftovers home for free which is a lovely touch.Will be returning soon as its definitely one of the best restaurants in Norwich!

Amazing Indian restaurant. Myself and my partner went on Saturday night for a overdue date night and we are so glad we booked here. Can't fault a thing,food was amazing and staff we're so professional and polite. We can't wait to return!