Venue Snapshot

Name:

The Spice Merchants

Location:

Osborne Road, Southsea

Visit date:

Friday 21st November 2025

Type (restaurant / café / pub / bar etc.):

Indian Restaurant

How we booked/found it:

Walk in

Website:

https://www.spicemerchants-portsmouth.co.uk/

Getting There

Parking:

Just off Osborne Road, a public car park

Ease of finding:

Very easy. Well-lit frontage.

Accessibility (steps, ramps, loos, prams, dogs):

No issues with accessibility for people or prams. 

First Impressions

Décor & vibe:

Modern Indian décor with warm lighting and the unmistakable aroma of garlic and spice drifting from the kitchen. Mostly local families and groups. Welcome was pleasant.

Atmosphere & crowd:

Quiet, mainly local families and groups

Welcome on arrival:

Pleasant and with a smile

What We Ordered

Food & drink ordered:

Cobra (Beer), Poppadoms, Chicken Tikka & Mixed Kebab Starter, Garlic Chilli Chicken, Lamb Dopiaza, Musbroom Rice, Keema Naan and Tarka Dall

Presentation:

Attractive and tidy plating.

Flavour & quality notes:

The Garlic Chilli Chicken had proper heat but didn’t scorch the palate. Tarka Dall was garlicky, buttery and comforting. Lamb Dopiaza was also full of flavour

Cost (incl. any service charge):

£83.70

Staff & Service

Friendliness:

Friendly but not overly chatty. Courses arrived at a comfortable pace.

Speed & attentiveness:

Reasonable. Did not have to wait too long between orders or courses

Knowledge & recommendations:

No recommendations sought

Anyone to mention by name/role:

NA

Facilities & Practicalities

Toilets (cleanliness, accessibility):

Very small – single‑use only; could cause queues at peak times near the kitchen pass.

Seating comfort:

Perfectly comfortable and plenty of room

Noise levels:

Quiet & relaxed.

Outdoor space / extras:

NA

Value for Money

Rating (1–5 stars):

★★★★☆

Why this rating?

Good quality dishes and reliable service.

Insider Tips

Best tables/areas:

I would avoid the right side of the restaurant at the rear (as you look inside) as it can be part of the ‘flow’ to and from the kitchen.

Must-order items:

Garlic Chilli Chicken – generous spice without being overpowering.

What to avoid:

NA

Best times to visit:

Around 8pm for a relaxed atmosphere.

The Verdict

What we loved:

The quality and flavour of the dishes.

What we didn’t:

The cramped toilet facilities.

Would we return (yes/no & why):

Yes – The food was well worth the visit

Overall rating (1–5 stars):

★★★★☆