from jwjlewis (76%) on November 8th, 2007 (1 year ago)

Mezbaan South Indian Restaurant, 14 -14A Brougham Street, EH3 9JH, Edinburgh

Review One:

A delightful restaurant. I went here with a friend who has long wanted to go, since it appears to be one of the - if not the - only south Indian restaurant in Edinburgh.

We went on a Tuesday and it wasn't particularly busy, but that was certainly no reflection on the restaurant. The service was friendly and prompt to start with. We had lovely starters - I had a kebab. Then came the main course and the purpose of our visit. We each had masala dhosa. For those who don't know (and until I went I counted myself as one such person) a masala dhosa is a a gram flour wrap (a very big one, like a crepe you get on holiday in France) stuffed with filling. In this case the filling was spicy mashed potato with other veg as well. And it was wonderful. Just the right mix of flavours, heat and spice. It comes with coconut chutney and something like dhal (I forget the name). These were the perfect accompaniments.

Once we had finished I had to go in search of the waiter to get the bill, but that wasn't an issue at all. I strongly commend this restaurant to you all. And definitely try the dhosa!

Review Two:

I went here with Andy and my girlfriend for a takeaway and it was delicious. The dishes all tasted slightly different to the usual (British) Indian food you get, and much better for it. They had a peculiar tang, which was scrumptious. The staff were friendly and the price was fine. They appear to have a standard, "that'll be 30mins", but then as we were walking out the waitress said, "oh, this'll probably only take 20mins".

Overall: Go here to eat in or to takeaway and you will not be disappointed. How does it compare to the other greats, like Khushi's and Voujon? It is simply different, and wonderful.

Useful?Useful(+4) Agree?I agree(+2) Funny?Ha ha!(0) Report?Spam

Sign up or log in to moderate this review

from Bryan (65%) on June 9th, 2008 (5 months ago)

Mezbaan South Indian Restaurant, 14 -14A Brougham Street, EH3 9JH, Edinburgh

Nice dinner here.

To start I had Idli (very popular breakfast dish in Chennai) and partner had Masala Dosa. These were good if not quite there in terms of authenticity. That could be an impossible dream anyway (to recreate Indian dishes here) but they had a good stab at it.

For main we had pilau rice with Chicken Chettinad and the fish special. Chettinad was good but nowhere near spicy enough. Also used fairly dull chicken breast rather than a more authentic thigh or leg. The fish special was excellent - filetted trout done in spices. A dry dish complementing the gravy of the other and every bit as nice as a Keralan fish fry. We had Masala Chai to finish and during the meal I had a beer. Total bill £38 which I think was very good value.

Useful?Useful(+4) Agree?I agree(+2) Funny?Ha ha!(0) Report?Spam

Sign up or log in to moderate this review

from profeta77 (64%) on September 2nd, 2008 (3 months ago)

Mezbaan South Indian Restaurant, 14 -14A Brougham Street, EH3 9JH, Edinburgh

Really Nice local restaurant.

It was really busy on a Monday, dinner time, which is always a good sign. Went with my girl friend we both had a "Thali" which a typical South Indian Dish. It comes in a large plateau , one per person, and you get: on portion of rice, one meat/fish dish in sauce or curry (choice between chicken, lamb, fish, prawn or veggie one), 2 vegetables sides such as dhal , a poppadom, one chapati naan bread, one onion bhaji, and a yogurt creamy sauce king of accompaniment. Followed by a delightful fruits and nuts rice pudding. £12.95 each and really really filling. Good value for money!

On top of that the policy is BYOB (bring your own bottle) without extra charge.

So £26 for a delicious, massive and unique South Indian dinner for 2 people. Can you beat it?

Will go again and again.

Useful?Useful(+3) Agree?I agree(+1) Funny?Ha ha!(0) Report?Spam

Sign up or log in to moderate this review

from smurfberry (36%) on September 8th, 2008 (2 months ago)

Mezbaan South Indian Restaurant, 14 -14A Brougham Street, EH3 9JH, Edinburgh

I have tried Mezbaan a couple of times since reading a review in the Independent and can recommend the vegetarian South Indian specialities in particular - Masala Dosa and Idli. I have never had either before so cannot comment on how 'authentic' they are, but both were delicious. The lamb curries are good too (have tried Gosht Khaas Bemisal Chaman and Andhra lamb). Pilau rice was good too and the free poppadom they included with the takeaway was superb, light as a feather and just melted in your mouth. The only disappointment was the nan bread - too many blackened and burn bits! (Guess they left it in a few seconds too long). Eat in with BYOB (£2 corkage) or takeaway (online ordering available). Friendly service. Recommended and a step-up in quality from the usual Indian restaurant fare.

Useful?Useful(+4) Agree?I agree(+2) Funny?Ha ha!(0) Report?Spam

Sign up or log in to moderate this review

from hungry (11%) on October 21st, 2008 (1 month ago)

Mezbaan South Indian Restaurant, 14 -14A Brougham Street, EH3 9JH, Edinburgh

I used to come here a lot last year but hadn't been for a while when I went in with 3 friends in Summer 08. The price increase was disappointing (can't remember the numbers but it was a good few pounds extra), as were details of the Thali changing. So, they used to bring your poppadom in advance with lovely chutneys, and this time it turned up with the rest of the meal and no chutney, you used to get your choice of main and now you don't. They used to let me ask for an alternative dessert to Gulab Jamen cause I hate it, but wouldn't this time.

I still like the food, the service is ALWAYS delightful, but it's no longer as special, or as much of a bargain. Now that Mother India is on the scene, I don't know if I'll be going back.

Useful?Useful(+2) Agree?I agree(-1) Funny?Ha ha!(0) Report?Spam

Sign up or log in to moderate this review