A polished, highly praised Indian restaurant with inventive regional cooking, generous portions, cocktails, and generally warm service, though isolated recent criticism and a few value concerns merit realistic expectations.
Spice Indian Cuisine & Bar delivers strong food quality and attentive service that consistently earn praise from both regulars and visitors, with particular strength in flavor execution and menu knowledge. The pleasant, well-designed setting supports the experience, though modest space comfort and setting appeal keep it from approaching the very top tier. Solid execution across all dimensions makes this a reliable regional destination.
Spice Indian Cuisine & Bar is a polished downtown Bethel destination that makes a strong first impression: thoughtfully decorated, warm rather than formal, and energetic enough for celebrations without feeling like a party venue. Reviewers repeatedly describe attentive servers, chef check-ins, and cocktails that are treated with as much care as the food. One recurring sentiment is that the restaurant feels surprisingly special for its small-town setting. The cooking goes beyond a generic curry-house template. The menu reaches across northern and southern India, with Kerala-style seafood, South Indian dosa, tandoori lamb, smoky eggplant, regional specials, and a Sri Lankan coconut custard. The result suits diners who enjoy familiar favorites as well as curious eaters willing to explore. A few reviewers found the experience pricey or encountered an occasional miss, and one recent diner alleged review solicitation; management denied that claim and invited details for follow-up. Families can dine comfortably, especially with familiar choices such as butter chicken, naan, rice, lunch boxes, samosas, and mild curries, while the menu also offers vegetarian and vegan dishes. It is not a dedicated kids' restaurant, and some regional preparations may be adventurous for picky eaters, so groups with conservative palates should order a familiar dish alongside more exploratory plates.
Area vibe: Small-town Connecticut downtown with local shops, restaurants, and civic amenities.
Safety: Generally safe and quiet with modest evening footfall; typical suburban downtown comfort.
What's nearby: Near Bethel municipal buildings, small retailers, commuter rail station a short drive away, and local eateries.
A strong order can combine tandoori meat, Kerala seafood, smoky eggplant, and a Sri Lankan dessert, with lunch boxes offering a cheaper route.
Plan for an energetic special-occasion setting and potentially high total, especially if you add drinks or premium seafood and meat.
The room balances warm, polished design with celebratory energy, attentive service, chef interaction, and carefully made cocktails.