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CILANTRO - PUTNEY (Authentic Indian Restaurant)BWorth Trying
244 Upper Richmond Rd, London SW15 6TG
· Indian restaurant, Indian sizzler restaurant, Indian sweets shop
· 4.8/5 Google (516 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Modern Indian spot in Putney with standout curries and warm service, good value promos, but uneven consistency and a few food safety red flags mean pick carefully.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Cilantro delivers strong food quality with rich, well-balanced curries and warm, attentive service that regulars genuinely appreciate. However, inconsistent execution—including isolated but serious food safety reports spanning two years—prevents a higher grade. The restaurant excels as a reliable neighborhood favorite with solid value, but occasional lapses in food safety and portion consistency mean diners should approach with realistic expectations rather than as a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
On Upper Richmond Road, the room feels cozy and low-lit with a friendly team that regulars praise by name. Diners call out rich, clean-tasting curries and fluffy breads, and one guest raved that the seafood curries were "on another level." Service warmth is a strong suit, even if the floor can feel stretched at peak times. The cooking leans elevated traditional rather than experimental, drawing from North and South India with crowd-pleasers like butter chicken, laal maas, and creamy dals. The culinary approach feels contemporary yet grounded: thoughtful spicing, clean execution, and a chaat-forward brunch that invites snacking. Value is solid for the neighborhood, especially with FirstTable or brunch deals, though some diners report portion variability and occasional bland or undercooked misses. For families, there are kid-accessible staples like naan, rice, and mild butter chicken or paneer, but experiences are mixed—one review felt unwelcome with a baby. Based on the current menu, simple breads and mild curries should work for many kids, yet the brunch rules (refills only on the same chosen item) and occasional spice heat mean parents of picky eaters should choose thoughtfully and ask staff to moderate spice.
At a Glance
- Rich, non-oily curries with standout seafood and dal
- Warm, attentive staff with strong local regular base
- Good value via FirstTable and bottomless brunch
- Inconsistent execution including a few serious food safety reports
- Understaffed periods can slow service and affect experience
- Brunch refills limited to the same selected dish each course
What Sets It Apart
- bottomless_chaat_brunch
- broad_regional_indian_menu
- strong_local_regular_base
What People Love
- Clean-tasting, rich sauces without oil slicks
- Fluffy, satisfying breads for scooping
- Servers who remember guests and guide choices
- A chaat menu that is fun and generous when running smoothly
Points of Concern
- Occasional but serious food safety incidents (raw chicken and post-meal illness) reported by multiple independent diners
- Service bottlenecks when one waiter covers the floor lead to long waits
- Portion size and pricing feel uneven to some without discounts
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (very high five-star share and templated responses) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- For elevated-traditional cooking, adventurous spice lovers may still find certain dishes milder than expected
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£35-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a rich curry (butter chicken or laal maas) with a dal and naan for balance; add saffron pulao if sharing.
- Vegetarians: Paneer Butter Masala plus Smoked Mixed Dal and garlic naan makes a comforting trio.
- Chaat fans: Start with Papdi Chaat, but expect brunch refill rules.
Perfect For
- A casual curry night with flavorful classics
- Locals seeking a reliable neighborhood Indian with promos
- Small groups who enjoy sharing chaats and curries
- Seafood lovers curious about Indian-spiced scallops or prawns
Location Insights
Area: Residential Southwest London high street with a mix of locals, families, and young professionals; casual dining culture.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked high street environment typical of Putney; standard urban awareness applies.
Nearby: Near shops and pubs along Upper Richmond Rd; close to rail and bus links; street parking with paid bays reported as costly.
PutneyPutney offers a vibrant yet relaxed dining scene with a mix of traditional pubs, modern cafes, and diverse restaurants. The area is popular for its riverside walks and community feel, attracting locals who enjoy casual dining and socializing in a safe, accessible environment.
East PutneyEast Putney, near Upper Richmond Road, features a blend of independent shops and eateries catering to a community-oriented crowd. It has a slightly quieter, more residential vibe compared to central Putney, with a focus on neighborhood dining spots and local convenience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:30
Tuesday17:00–22:30
Wednesday17:00–22:30
Thursday17:00–22:30
Friday17:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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