Spice Merchant Cookham, Cookham, Berkshire

Spice Merchant Cookham

4.7

113 reviews

£26 to £40

Indian

Top tags:

As the first restaurant Spice Merchant Cookham was the beginning of the success of this award-winning group. Ever since Bashir Islam opened it in 1982, it's had a superb reputation for fine Indian cuisine.

Ancient 15th century coach house, which offers a historic setting that has been tastefully modernised to ensure a fantastic dining experience. With its wonderful low ceilings, three separate rooms and restaurant upstairs or private dining, which are the original design of the building, has a unique intimate and cosy atmosphere.

The menu here is very traditional, with pot cooking and flame grilling as the main cooking methods. This restaurant is for those who are looking for something new!

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No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

1 Oct 2023

19:00

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Indian, South Indian, Asian
Hours of Operation
Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Lunch Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
01628 522584
Website
http://www.spicemerchantgroup.com/cookham
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Anil Singh Bisth
Catering
Our sister company Feast-online is available for customers requiring fine dining event or corporate catering. Please enquire within the restaurant.
Private party facilities
Two luxurious private dining rooms, each tastefully designed. Seating for parties up to 20 or 40 guests. ideal for that special occasion or corporate event.

Location
High Street, Cookham, Berkshire SL6 9SL
Area
Cookham
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
Waking distance from Cookham station.
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Sheek Kebab
Minced lamb, ginger and mixed herbs and spices. Cooked on a skewer
Black Pepper Chicken Tikka
Chicken marinated and cooked with black pepper
Vegetable Samosa
Triangular pastry filled with spiced mixed vegetables
Lamb Chettinad
Succulent lamb marinated in freshly ground coriander, pepper and red chilli topped with creamy coconut milk
Murgh-Makhani
Clay oven roasted chicken with traditional aromatic makhani gravy cooked with fenugreek leaves
Lamb or Chicken Karahi
Medium spiced cooked with green pepper, ginger, garlic and coriander
Paneer Tikka Masala
Tandoori baked paneer cooked in onion and tomato masala with ground almonds, coconut and a hint of cream
Bombay Aloo
Deliciously spiced potatoes cooked in the traditional way
Mushroom Saag
Mushrooms cooked with spinach
Pilau Rice
Aromatic basmati rice flavoured with cumin and saffron
Naan Bread

Festive Menu #2

£34.95 per Person

Tandoori Ocean Tiger Prawn
Marinated with sun-dried tomato and ginger
Pakora
Spring vegetables mixed with aromatic herbs and spices bound together with gram flour. Served with a tomato and chilli dipping sauce
Roasted Paprika Chicken Tikka
Chicken marinated in fresh paprika and roasted
Malai Prawns
Juicy king prawns in a rich and creamy sauce with spices
Lamb Chattinard
Succulent lamb marinated in freshly ground coriander, pepper and red chilli topped with creamy coconut milk
Karahi Kebab Khyberi
Diced succulent chicken cooked with sweet tomatoes, green peppers and khyberi spice. This dish originates from the khyber-pass region
Tandoori Paneer Shashlik
Diced paneer marinated in herbs and spices with peppers, onions and tomatoes. Roasted in the tandoori oven
Sabz e Bahar
Selection of vegetables with herbs and spices
Bread Basket
A selection of three different flavoured breads

What 113 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

113 Reviews

g
garys
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 6 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always this restaurant delivers Service was exemplary and professional Food of a high quality We have been going here for 30 plus years and it never disappoints
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Berkshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 25 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful local restaurant. The food is always delicious and the staff are always attentive and friendly. A fantastic local restaurant. Would highly recommend.
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DD
DonnyD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 25 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Spice Merchant in Cookham is pure class. Delicious food well served by friendly and efficient staff. My favourite place by miles.
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NK
NicKy
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 18 August 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
A tasty meal with good service, but the table for two could have been a bit bigger to accommodate the dishes better.
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CP
CPRob
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As soon as we walked in we felt welcomed the manager (I think ) greeted us was extremely polite and helpful , nothing was too much trouble the food was excellent , we definitely go again !!!! Thank you
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CB
ClareB
Berkshire
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 5 August 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is just immense, we are always blown away with how delicious it is.
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UB
UtterlyBonkers
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 July 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food and good ambience. Always loved love it!
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DR
DominiqueR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 4 July 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always The Spice Merchant in Cookham was amazing - delicious food, great service and a lovely ambience!!
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CB
CharlesB
Buckinghamshire
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 3 July 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
A great location, A modern restaurant laid out in a very modern way, spacious and comfortable. Good service and excellent, I and my team will be sure to be back.
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WL
WolfLaMoy1
London
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on 26 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another fabulous meal at the Spice Merchant Cookham. Friendly & professional customer service throughout the evening completed a perfect dining experience. Look forward to dining again with family and friends very soon. Best regards Christian Wolf-La’Moy
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CC
ChelseaCrew
Detroit
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on 18 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent Dal and Tandori chicken. Attentive service. Rose petals on the napkins. Lovingly maintained hundreds year-old building. We visit every time we are in Marlow.
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k
kpuk
Buckinghamshire
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on 12 May 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food so much above the standard of most Indian restaurants. Each dish has its own, very specific approach, rather than the usual. Truly well-balanced spicing, and very high quality ingredients. The service is friendly and genuine. I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough. There's another very popular and well-known restaurant a short distance away, but it's lacking in the service in comparison. The Spice Merchant is very much worth visiting.
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JB
JulieB
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 1 April 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food with excellent service. Would recommend
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MH
MrsH
Buckinghamshire
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 13 January 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Spice Merchant menu has some very tasty dishes and a good variety to select. Service is always good. Group of 6 went and all enjoyed our meals. Our 2nd visit this year.
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B
Bigmac
Berkshire
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 4 January 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Really excellent food. I keep coming back because it stands out in the area as excellent. Not a cheap meal but you get real quality.
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SP
SalilP
London
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on 31 October 2022
overall4food4service3ambience3
Really nice food and very obliging staff. I would say one of the best Indians in the area.
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T
Tilly
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 29 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
When I booked the restaurant I mentioned it was my husband’s birthday celebration. On arrival the staff wished him a happy birthday and directed us to our table that had a happy birthday greeting on it. The staff are very polite and friendly and never rush you to order or finish your meal. The food was very tasty and thoroughly enjoyable. They make the best poppadums and naan bread we’ve ever tasted. An excellent meal with first class service.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
London
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 22 October 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
First time of dining here. First impressions was that the restaurant was very busy and a good atmosphere. However, the tables are too close to each other and limiting space. The service was excellent and once ordered the food was delivered quite quickly. We started with onion bhagi which was the largest we had ever seen. The main courses followed and were more than ample.
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h
hannahh
Oxford
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 October 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
amazing service and brilliant food, best Indian restaurant in Cookham
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VL
VivL
Berkshire
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 9 October 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Terrific food. Attentive service. Can’t fault that. Big chairs that make getting in and out for the table a bit tricky but there wasn’t a rush. Will definitely go back.
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MI
MIKEB
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 3 September 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic as always. Only one curry house in cookham . The spice merchant. Need I say more
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Buckinghamshire
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 3 September 2022
overall2food4service1ambience2
This was meant to be a birthday dinner ruined by a rude, unprofessional manger. (Sarwan, name I was provided) As soon as we arrived they tried to seat us in a tight corner (for being the only “indians” in the restaurant) he shouted at his staff in his language which my husband understood, until we asked to be moved, then ignored because we didn’t order dinner & starter at the same time (nobody even mentioned this) a shame when your spending in the regions of £200 for food & for an occasion we were celebrating after two years, so very disappointed & annoyed that we were treated like this so no stars for experience but food overall was of a good quality.
1 person found this helpful
A
Ajay
London
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 23 August 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I am indian and this is really authentic and delicous!
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C
Chris
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 6 August 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really tasty, great food. Would recommend to curry lovers
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VP
VeryPoor
Oxford
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on 9 July 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
We asked if we could order starters first and main course later. Told that as it was a Saturday, they wouldn’t do that because it was busy, but said they would tell the kitchen to wait half an hour between courses. This didn’t happen and the main was served immediately after the starter. It never got busy either. There were several empty tables the whole time we were there. Our table was next to the phone which was really loud and constantly going off. The food was far too salty, particularly the tandoori chicken which was almost inedible. Over priced (£130 for two people). 10% service charge added on to the bill without checking with us first. Service was nothing special, especially with bringing our main meal out far to early. Very disappointed as we were out on a special occasion. There is too much local competition to be this bad. We definitely won’t be going back.
1 person found this helpful
V
Vallie
Berkshire
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 26 June 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Excellent authentic Indian cuisine. Helpful, knowledgeable staff. Delightful setting. The only drawback is trying to find a parking space in Cookham.
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AC
AliC
Berkshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very lovely service and exceptional food from start to finish
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MA
MARY
Buckinghamshire
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 19 June 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
The beer was flat, wrong dish was delivered and a dish arrived that had no resemblance to the menu. A staff member was rude, indifferent when we try to explain... WOULD NEVER GO BACK AND WILL DEFINITELY SPREAD THE WORD
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L
Lest
Berkshire
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on 18 June 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Nice food, service a little slow but very expensive for a curry. Kind of standard pricing for Cookham though.
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BB
BeverleyB
Gloucestershire
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 1 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely restaurant and always great food! Quick service and very friendly
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WL
WolfLaMoy1
London
37 reviews
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on 24 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful Sunday lunch with my mother 👍
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SB
SueB
Berkshire
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 17 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful food and lovely friendly staff made this a really nice evening for us. Simply perfect.
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NH
NickH
Berkshire
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 March 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Couldn’t fault the meal, service or ambience highly recommend
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MM
MikeM
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 March 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've loved and eaten curry for over 40 years and have travelled around India so I don't say this lightly. This is the best Indian food that I've ever had. The Salmon starter is simply WOW. Wonderful restaurant, fabulous food and I will be coming back
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KM
KristinaM
Buckinghamshire
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 25 March 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Lovely food and waiter very accommodating . They made up a passanda curry for my husband but it was not great tbh. My curry was very nice and would order that again. Staff very nice and would def go back.
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AM
AnitaM
Buckinghamshire
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on 19 March 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Two meals out of four were very poor. One was super salty (one waiter told me that they cook to their own palette and that it wasn’t, luckily a more experienced front of house realised there was a problem and took it off our bill and gave us all a free drink). We didn’t complain about the other meal, but it was just very hot without much taste. This is a real shame as we have had some wonderful food here over the years. Thank goodness the more experienced waiter was about, or to be honest we wouldn’t go back
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RW
RossW
Berkshire
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 19 March 2022
overall3food3service2ambience4
Food was ok, my starter was a shrimp based dish which was pretty lacking in shrimp as was my friends scallop dish lacking scallops. (12 and 13 pound starters. My main course of Lamb rajastan was pretty average, the lamb was far from the promised ‘tender’ and the sauce lacked any real subtlety or finesse.
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MM
MurdochM
London
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 19 March 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
First time visit to the Spice Merchant in Cookham and I would highly recommend it. The menu is very extensive and the amount of choice was very daunting initially. The staff were excellent and very attentive to our requests and provided very good guidance on our meal selections. The food was delicious and we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we visit again.
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H
Hazzabo
Berkshire
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 11 March 2022
overall4food5service2ambience3
Food really good, service not so good. Very hot in the side room.
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SC
SteveC
Norfolk/Suffolk
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on 25 February 2022
overall3food3service3ambience5
Slow but very polite service. Expensive draught beer at £6.20 a pint. Excellent menu with dome unusual items. Seafood platter starter was over-cooked to the point of dryness. The Rajastan lamb curry was very good but hotter than expected. All problems were addressed politely and to our satisfaction. We probably wouldn't return as Cookham has many other restaurants.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Spice Merchant Cookham using the Order Online button. Spice Merchant Cookham also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Spice Merchant Cookham also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 01628 522584.

Spice Merchant Cookham is rated 4.7 stars by 113 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

1 Oct 2023

19:00

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

High Street, Cookham, Berkshire SL6 9SL

Additional information

Area
Cookham
Hours of Operation
Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Lunch Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Indian, South Indian, Asian
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
Waking distance from Cookham station.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Anil Singh Bisth
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.spicemerchantgroup.com/cookham
Phone number
01628 522584
Catering
Our sister company Feast-online is available for customers requiring fine dining event or corporate catering. Please enquire within the restaurant.
Private party facilities
Two luxurious private dining rooms, each tastefully designed. Seating for parties up to 20 or 40 guests. ideal for that special occasion or corporate event.

Spice Merchant Cookham

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

Festive Menu #1

Sheek Kebab

Black Pepper Chicken Tikka

Vegetable Samosa

Lamb Chettinad

Murgh-Makhani

Lamb or Chicken Karahi

Paneer Tikka Masala

Bombay Aloo

Mushroom Saag

Pilau Rice

Naan Bread

Festive Menu #2

Tandoori Ocean Tiger Prawn

Pakora

Roasted Paprika Chicken Tikka

Malai Prawns

Lamb Chattinard

Karahi Kebab Khyberi

Tandoori Paneer Shashlik

Sabz e Bahar

Bread Basket

What 113 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Spice Merchant Cookham offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Spice Merchant Cookham restaurant rated?

Is Spice Merchant Cookham currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information