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Bombay BrasserieA-Worth Trying

Name: Bombay Brasserie
Address: Opposite Gloucester Road Tube, Courtfield Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4QH, London SW7 4QH, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.4

Opposite Gloucester Road Tube, Courtfield Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4QH · Restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (1173 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Bombay Brasserie delivers refined Indian cuisine in a stunning setting, but expect high prices and occasional inconsistencies.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Bombay Brasserie delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional setting appeal and strong service attentiveness, positioning it among the area's respected dining destinations. However, inconsistent food quality and portion sizes prevent grade A territory, while premium pricing (£60-80 per person) limits broader appeal. The elegant ambiance and creative Indian menu make it ideal for special occasions, though reliability concerns temper enthusiasm for regular visits.

Restaurant Summary

Bombay Brasserie is a South Kensington institution, blending elegant surroundings with a menu that celebrates the breadth of Indian cuisine. Step inside and you're greeted by a stunning interior—think soaring ceilings, lush greenery, and a bar that begs for a pre-dinner cocktail. The vibe is refined yet welcoming, making it a go-to for special occasions, business events, and family celebrations alike. Service is generally attentive, with staff who know how to make guests feel cared for, though a few diners have noted lapses during peak times. Culinarily, Bombay Brasserie walks the line between classic comfort and creative flair. The menu is a tour of India, featuring everything from crowd-pleasing butter chicken and tandoori lamb to inventive starters like mini masala dosa and artichoke chilli fry. Vegetarians and gluten-free diners are well looked after, and the buffet brunch is a particular highlight for those who want to sample widely. Prices are firmly in the 'special occasion' bracket—expect to pay £60-80 per person for a full meal, with mains often topping £30 and sides extra. Portions can be inconsistent, so come for the flavors and ambiance rather than a bargain feast. For families, the restaurant is genuinely accommodating. Several reviews mention staff going out of their way to meet children's dietary needs, and the menu includes approachable vegetarian and mild dishes. High chairs and pram access are available, though the formal setting may not suit every child. If your kids are adventurous eaters or happy with classic Indian fare, they'll be well catered for. If they're strictly chicken nuggets and chips, you may want to look elsewhere.

At a Glance

Stunning interior and elegant ambiance—perfect for celebrations.
Wide-ranging menu with creative regional Indian dishes and strong vegetarian options.
High prices (£60-80 per person for full meal) and inconsistent portion sizes.
Occasional lapses in service and problem resolution.
Buffet brunch is popular—book ahead to avoid disappointment.

What Sets It Apart

stunning_interior
buffet_brunch
event_hosting
creative_regional_menu

What People Love

The beautiful, spacious dining room and lush conservatory
Signature dishes like butter chicken and tandoori lamb
Attentive staff who make celebrations feel special
The variety and quality of the buffet brunch
Creative vegetarian and regional specialties

Points of Concern

Pricing is genuinely expensive (£30+ mains, £48-£60 brunch) which may surprise casual diners.
Some guests report inconsistent portion sizes and occasional blandness.
Problem resolution can be lacking—complaints about lost items or poor follow-up.
Service lapses during busy periods, with some guests feeling rushed or pressured to order drinks.
For adventurous/fusion menu: Some dishes may be too creative for conservative palates.

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£60-80 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Try the Mini Masala Dosa or Artichoke Chilli Fry for a unique starter.
Seafood lovers should consider the Chingri Malai Curry or Tandoori Monkfish.
Vegetarians have a strong selection—Dal Makhani and Achari Bhindi are standouts.
Buffet brunch is a good value for variety, especially for groups.

Perfect For

Celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary
Hosting a large family gathering or wedding
Impressing out-of-town guests with upscale Indian cuisine
Sampling a creative buffet brunch with friends

Location Insights

Area: Upscale, cosmopolitan area with a mix of affluent residents, international visitors, and professionals; elegant and lively but not rowdy.

Safety: Very safe, well-lit, high foot traffic, and well-maintained; typical of South Kensington.

Nearby: Close to Gloucester Road tube, major museums (Natural History, V&A), hotels, and residential streets; popular with tourists and locals.

South KensingtonSophisticated urban neighborhood featuring world-class museums, prestigious educational institutions, and a refined dining scene with upscale restaurants and cafes

Gloucester RoadVibrant sub-area with excellent transport links, characterized by elegant Victorian townhouses and a cosmopolitan dining and shopping atmosphere

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:30–22:30 Tuesday17:30–22:30 Wednesday17:30–22:30 Thursday17:30–22:30 Friday17:30–22:30 Saturday12:30–22:30 Sunday12:30–22:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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