Shapla Tandoori Restaurant

kmacphail

Slight fall from the top 2nd December 2008

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This was, for the past three years, my favourite Indian restaurant in Inverness, I was there that regularly that I was on first name terms with a few of the waiters. However, recently this place has taken a bit of a down turn. The staff are still the same and the décor is still clean and appropriate. The location is quite exquisite, on the corner overlooking the river Ness, this is something quite special on a clear winter’s night in December. The staff are helpful and very friendly and there is a good selection of wines, beers and spirits; yes they have 70/~ on tap (so rare these days in a restaurant) and a decent selection of malts. Each time that I have been I have received a drink ‘on the house’ after the meal. They also provide a hot towel and a selection of sugar-coated aniseed after the meal.

How has this place fallen? Well the curries are not as good as they used to be, I like a hot curry and on the three occasions I have visited this year the same curry has become milder each time, the flavours have also become more conservative. Don’t get me wrong, this is still a great curry house; but a year ago I would have given it 5 stars, but this year has shown a drop in form. I hope that this is only temporary, but I will try it again next year and re-review it should there be an improvement.

Re-review 08 January 2009

I was in the Shapla on the 30th December 2008 and I was exceptionally disapointed. The menu was still the same but the quality of the food has deteriorated significantly I really was disapointed. I asked for my usual, a lamb Naga, however what came was a very tame, beefy tasting curry, it reminded me of a curry that had been made from a packet. The naan was still very good and the popadoms were fine; however I still feel cheated by the poor quality curry I received. Another major dispointment was when I asked for a pint of 70/~ (they have the tap) I was told they had none. The Shapla has been going downhill recently and this is the most disapointed I have been yet. The place was empty and now I realise why, very poor, complete fall from grace.

heide1

Meal with a view! 9th September 2008

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The Shapla restaurant is located on the banks of the River Ness with beautiful views of the Inverness skyline and beyond. Very special at sundown. The exterior of the building is dated and unattractive but don't let this deter you from sampling the food from the menu. This is quite a large, spacious restaurant but the window tables would probably offer the best views. The menu is extensive and I can vouch for many of the dishes here. We have always found the staff to be very welcoming and friendly. We have also had take-away from the Shapla - just as tasty.

bimblejim

3rd September 2008

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This place is EXCELLENT. The food is beautiful and I'd recommend just about anything off the menu as I've sampled most dishes by now probably! Having both eaten in the restaurant and experienced their takeaway service on many occasions now, I can highly recommend both.
The restaurant itself is lovely - nice and clean and with a great view over the river ness. The staff are very nice - really friendly and welcoming.
My only negative comment would be the occasion when I went in one scorching summer evening having walked round town for hours and was offered a drink while I waited and opted for a nice cold glass of sparkling water. Whilst I wasn’t on the lookout for freebies, I was disappointed to note later on that I’d been charged for this. Considering I’d just spent £40+ on a carry out meal it would have been a nice gesture to waive the cost of the glass of water!