Henley Spice Merchant Restaurant in Henley-on-Thames

Reviews

1. Stephen McK ★★☆☆☆

   Apparently there are over 300 lightbulbs in the Spice Merchants. And not your big standard 60w jobs. The expensive ones that cast as much light as a wet match. I can only surmise this is why it is so expensive. I sat on my own trying to make friendly conversation with the staff but would have for more response from the lightbulbs. My curry was ok at best - it was £19 and I have paid more for worse. But the dips for my popadoms at £1.50, bread £4 and plain rice for a fiver really do screw as much out of you as possible. The £8 for a Cobra I guess bought another lightbulb. And so the unwarranted service charge of a fiver. Could have had another bowl of rice for that! Of course I only had one dish so can only rate that and being a Tuesday meant the restaurant was deader than a dead end, the atmosphere wasn’t as good as I’m sure it can be. But then if the prices were more reflective of the product then there may have been more people in the place. Overall I’d not recommend this place unless dim lighting really is your thing and you’re keen to separate yourself from a good few quid. As good options at a much cheaper rate are available 2 minutes walk away.

   almost 7 months ago
2. Yasin Taxi ★★★★★

   I had an absolutely wonderful meal at Spice Merchant in Henley. From the moment we walked in, the staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed — perfect for both a casual lunchtime and a special occasion. The food was outstanding — beautifully presented and full of authentic flavors. Every dish tasted fresh and perfectly spiced, especially the winter warmers ,chicken tikka biryani. The naan was soft and fluffy, and the portions were generous without being overwhelming. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into both the cooking and the service here. Easily one of the best Indian restaurants in the area. I’ll definitely be returning soon and recommending it to friends and family!

   almost 8 months ago
3. Cheryl Adams ★☆☆☆☆

   Visited on a Sunday afternoon and ordered the vegetarian set menu. We were the only customers in the restaurant service was slow and not attentive waiting staff looking at the till screen and ignoring us. Bread and side dish were served separately when they should have accompanied the main course. As such the side dish was cold when the main course arrived and we had to ask for it to be reheated. Food was very average and we still paid a service charge despite the poor service. We will not be returning expensive average food and poor service avoid.

   almost 8 months ago

1. ValenciaHouse10 ★★☆☆☆

   Lovely place but the food was not up to much, chicken tikka masala souce was like a sugar sirup, sauce to lamb was flooded in nasty seed oil, onion barji was huge and inedible. For the prices they charge, you would expect the food to be at least average.

   almost 9 months ago
2. ed croft ★★★★★

   First visit since it moved. Food as good as every. More cosy than before. All that is missing is the river view.

   almost 3 years ago
3. krish kandiah ★★★★☆

   This restaurant has the best views in Henley. The staff are very attentive and helpful. But the food is definitely on the expensive side for an Indian restaurant. As an Indian I needed to ask for extra green chillies.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Mark Forchin ★★★★★

   Would be very surprised if anywhere could rival the Spice merchant for their fantastic dishes and their restaurant in general. The owner always seems to be on hand when you walk in and is really very nice and welcoming. Can't recommend this place enough!! One of Henleys treasures

   almost 3 years ago
2. Kevin James ★☆☆☆☆

   Absolutely appalling. A picture speaks a thousand words, so here is ours of a £61 curry for two (yes) where it belongs. Although, frankly, the food bin is starting to gag too. Where do I start? Probably first order of the evening, but it turned up cold? A salad that was a two-year old slicing inch thick slices of red onion, cucumber and tomato? A £6.50 mushroom rice? Food that had clearly been recycled from a quiet lunch? Simply the most shocking food that I have ever been served.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Sean H ★★★★☆

   Friendly staff, good location, nice ambience. Slightly smaller portions than you’d expect. For a main course of Tandoori tiger prawns at £21.95 you’d expect more than 5 on a plate! However the butter murgh was the best I’ve ever had. Deep, rich and complex.

   more 6 years ago

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