The Sheesh Mahal enjoys a prominent position in Banbury town centre, close to the town’s famous landmark - Banbury Cross - and set back from the busy main road to Oxford. Occupying a handsome stone period building, the restaurant is bright and well decorated in modern Indian style. We were met with a smile by the proprietor, Mr Khalid and shown to our table and offered drinks and popadums. Table settings featured smart white plates and linen serviettes and each table had its own fresh flower display. There is a smart and stylish feel to the restaurant and Mr Khalid mixed easily with what appeared to be many of the regular clients who were dining at the time of our visit (a Thursday evening)
The menu is extensive and reflecting of the owner’s north Indian origins. Our party of four ordered popadums and pickles followed by entrees of prawn and mango puri, fish lahori, spiced potatoes and garlic mushrooms and chicken tikka. Main courses came from the Sheesh Mahal Specialities menu selection; chicken saag, makhani chicken, lamb pasanda and king prawn jhalfrezi, accompanied by fragrant pilau rice and nan breads. The food was truly delicious, beautifully cooked and expertly flavoured with many herbs and spices used generously by chefs, including cumin, ajwain, coriander, garam masalah, kalwanji, ginger, garlic and many others. Portion sizes were generous and satisfying, without being wastefully large. We had no room left for sweets but there are a number of popular choices, including fresh mango in season.
The restaurant has a substantial wine list and we enjoyed a bottle of the house white, very drinkable, and good value at £11.95. More expensive fine wines are available and good, cold Cobra is served on draught.
Toilets were spotlessly clean and obviously well maintained, in keeping with the rest of the premises.
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We have never found another Indian to match the quality and dining experience of the Sheesh Mahal and have absolutely no reservation in highly recommending it to friends, family and anyone reading this review!
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This restaurant is in a beautiful off building on south bar street. The interior is somewhat disappointing in comparison to the outside and we didn't feel that the overall ambiance was quite right. However, the staff were very helpful and friendly. The food was OK if a little bland. We think it could have be tastier and the accompaniments to the poppadoms could be improved. Overall a decent but not superb curry experience
