This place claims it was voted the best Indian food in Britain, but it doesn't say who or which organization gave him that ranking. The menu spans from India to Persia, which tells you something about their lack of focus. It's in a nice location and very reasonably priced. I let the server know I don't do dairy, but I suspect they still added dairy to some of my dishes.
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Before you go
- Chef / owner
- Run by two Iraqi brothers, one of whom cooks (The Scotsman).
- Style
- Indian curry-house menu alongside Persian specialities, especially kebabs (Joojeh, Makhsoos, Soltani).
- Setting
- Contemporary, upmarket dining room (The Scotsman) on Candleriggs, opposite Merchant Square, City Halls and the Old Fruitmarket.
- Awards
- Glasgow finalist in the Curry Capital of Britain, 2010, when Glasgow won the title (per the restaurant); 'Best Curry Restaurant in Britain', 2015, by public vote, and Curry Capital Ambassador appointed by the Lord Provost (per the restaurant); VisitScotland Silver award, three years running (per the restaurant; years not stated)
- Known for
- Indian and Persian menu, Curry Capital of Britain involvement, Merchant City location
- Signature dishes
- Chicken (Joojeh) Kebab, Majestic (Makhsoos) Kebab, Royal (Soltani) Kebab, Homemade chicken pakora, Peshwari naan
- Good for
- Corporate and group dining, Lunch, Takeaway
- Lunch
- A diner review on the restaurant's site mentions a £15-a-head set lunch, with poppadoms extra.
- Booking
- Book by phone on 0141 552 2777, by email at info@koolba.com, or through the online booking form. Reviews recommend booking at weekends.
- Book online
- Open booking page
- Drinks
- Licensed: beers include Kingfisher, Arran Blonde, Arran Dark and Paulaner, plus a selected wine list.
- Closed
- Monday
- Also
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 12pm–10pm; Gift vouchers available for dine-in; TripAdvisor rating 4.7 from about 2,500 reviews
Glasgow restaurant
KoolBa
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Overview
KoolBa is an Indian and Persian restaurant at 109–113 Candleriggs in Glasgow's Merchant City, across from City Halls and the Old Fruitmarket. A Scotsman review reports that it is run by two Iraqi brothers, one of whom does the cooking. That is why the menu mixes Indian curry-house dishes with Persian kebabs such as Joojeh (chicken), Makhsoos (Majestic) and Soltani (Royal). The Scotsman says the name means 'oasis', or somewhere to relax. The restaurant has been part of Glasgow's Curry Capital of Britain bids. Its own site says KoolBa was one of four Glasgow finalists (with Balbir's, Mister Singh's India and Mother India Café) when the city won the title in 2010. The site also claims that in 2015 KoolBa won 'Best Curry Restaurant in Britain' by public vote, was made a Curry Capital Ambassador by the Lord Provost, and won a VisitScotland Silver award three years running. All of these award claims come from the restaurant itself; I did not confirm them independently. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm–10pm, and closed on Mondays. Bookings are taken by phone on 0141 552 2777, by email at info@koolba.com, or through the website's booking form. A diner review quoted on the restaurant's site mentions a £15-a-head set lunch and recommends booking at weekends. The drinks list includes Kingfisher, Arran Blonde and Arran Dark beers and a selected wine list. TripAdvisor shows a 4.7 rating from about 2,500 reviews, and reviewers often mention the chicken pakora and peshwari naan.
Reviews
KoolBa is a fantastic Indian restaurant in the heart of the city. The food is delicious and diverse, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Highly recommended!
Read on Google MapsOur team of 30 colleagues had dinner here after a day of meetings... They catered very well for us, for such a large group, with only minor glitches in the food appearing within a reasonable time! 10/10 for service and friendliness, I had Chicken Tikka Bhuna and it was absolutely delicious!
Read on Google MapsI don't care what the other reviews say, this place was abysmal on multiple levels. We were sat at our table with high hopes. When we started the ordering, that's when the plethora of disappointment commenced. Every dish we seemed to ask for they told us they did not have - it was only 7pm, how could they have possibly ran out of so much on a weekend service? Their employee in charge of ordering supplies clearly needs some training. When we eventually managed to order food that was in stock, well... awful. The starter we ordered was not what was served. Upon challenging the staff on this, we were met with defiance, unwilling to listen to our explanation and was met with blame on us, not understanding the menu. We tried to explain that a plate of lettuce leaves and slightly warmed cheese did not equate to a mixed starter, however more hostility was fired at us. My partner had a lamb kofta dish that was bland, dry and cold. I ordered one of the most expensive items on the menu - monkfish tandoori. I was assured the monkfish was fresh, however it was over cooked, had the texture of cotton wool and had no flavour, it definitely gave the impression that it was frozen - despite their denial. To top the dire experience off, when we came to pay (despite our better judgement, we just wanted to get out and end the terrible ordeal - i just walked out, my partner was the one willing to pay something), the bill was wrong! They had double charged us for drinks and rather than talking about it, they just keep pointing at the receipt stating that was what we owed - a bill coming to an outrageous £115. Never again KoolBa. Terrible food. Terrible service. Terrible experience. I rarely complain about anything and never feel compelled to leave a review. Shame on you Koolba.
Read on Google MapsReally lovely place. Great service from the minute you step in the door. Food was delicious and delivered fast. Absolute bargain with the £10 set menu. The chilli chicken curry was perfect. Very friendly staff.
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