Al-mirage

My favourite restaurant in London!!!!! Loved the Aloo Gobi

CURRYBOND #8

The anticipation of the new and improved Bond leg has clearly inspired the CURRYBONDers, we arrive at the agreed earlier kick off to not one but three CURRYBONDers raring to go! The Spring sunshine might have also had something to do with escaping the office on time! Looks like we're odds on for our first daylight curry finish.

Our venue for CURRYBOND #8 Al Mirage. Another excellent location at the heart of Tooting High Street, it also sits next door to the more established Mirch Masala of CURRYBOND #4, we'll see how it fares against it's local rival. The early start time doesn’t seem to favour the rest of the Tooting curry masses with unadulterated access to every table in the restaurant...The venue is split over two levels and we're treated to the most elaborate of vertical ascension options with both a spiral staircase and a lift! Now they just need enough patrons to make use of them…

Al Mirage gets a venue score of 4.7/10.

A third of the way in, it seems we should evaluate the front runners for the most prestigious CURRYBOND award for Best Attendance. With a 100% record of 8 full CURRYBONDs is Jobbers, though hot on his heels comes Shethers at 7.5 CURRYBONDs but is the crown beginning to slip, the official start time comes and goes, it seems TFL has betrayed Jobbers...he makes it before the mains to maintain his 100% record but with imminent trips half way around the world will he hold on?

We promptly get ordering, a quick glance a the drinks menu disappoints some CURRYBONDers, no alcohol and no BYOB policy, it's our first "dry" curry, thankfully we'll be in a pub in a couple of hours...So it's mango lassies and soft drinks all round, fortunately the mango lassie is delicious, rich and creamy with plenty of tropical cheer. Next up come the starters, Popadoms (obviously), Samosas, Chicken Spring Rolls, Dahi Bhale and Onion Bhajis. They are pretty much all delicious, the Bhajis are a highlight with another entry in the crustacean style, this example is equally crispy, spicy and importantly freshly cooked.
Certainly a contender for best Bhaji, they get a score of 9/10.

The Dahi Bhale, is a curiosity. Ordered by Gills always keen to try new things her face was one of trepidation when what looks like an ice cream sundae arrives at the table. Fortunately it is a savoury affair, consisting predominantly of yoghurt with a dumplingy thing with some kind of tamarind sauce. The consensus is interesting, but once is enough.

Jobbers makes his entrance just in time to order the obligatory Chicken Jalfrezi, this was accompanied by Lamb Peshwari Gosht, Lamb Bhuna, Butter Chicken, Tikka Lamb Chops and the standard Chicken Tikka Masala. Sides of pilau rice, garlic naan and our second CURRYBOND cheese naan, which is clearly the highlight for one NE based CURRYBONDer...The mains all look good, sizeable portions, vibrant colours and fragrant aromas. The Peshwari Gosht is spicy and moorish with tender chunks of lamb. The CTM has juicy chicken pieces and is certainly tasty but not the best reference CTM we've had. Overall there are positive murmurings all around the table. The consensus is, delicious, the scores are high.

Al Mirage get a food score of 8.1/10.

So with Roger Moore calling we ask for the bill which comes in at £78.60 that’s just £9.83/CURRYBONDer breaking the £10 barrier is impressive.

Al Mirage gets a Value score of 8.1/10

So with only the venues lack of patrons and a no alcohol policy holding it back Al Mirage is an unexpected contender for best Curry, it's neighbours should take note.

Al Mirage gets an Overall score of 7.7/10.

Sajid. Al Mirage was recommended to me by my friends from "Uni" who live in the tooting area. I decided to here with my family. We were met with a curtious waiter and sat down. We saw another table being served with a mixed grill and hot naans which smelt soooo good so we ordered the same. The mixed grill came smoking on a platter and was a pleasure to eat. We then ordered the pahari ghosht (lamb on the bone) mixed veg, peshwari ghosht and mango lassi's.
The whole meal fantastic and a really good atmosphere in the restaurant. Since then I go there every week. You must try it there believe me you will get addicted !!!!!!!!!!!

MISS INFORMED. I have just read Lora's review and her comments about the healthy choice issue. I am part of the management at Al-Mirage and wish to clarify the points Lora has made. She obvoiusly hasn't noticed the "Heartbeat Award" given to us a couple of month's a ago from the NHS and Wandsworth Council for healthy food. If Lora wanted to eat healthy she should have selected the healthier dishes. The waiters do not work in the kitchen and preparation of the dishes and therefore do not know completely the ingredients used. The best person for Lora to have spoken to would have ben the Chef or myself. In the first three years of trading we have won the "Tiffin Cup" for Tooting's favourite restaurant voted by local residents and awarded by Sadiq Khan. Lora should also be aware that it would have been illegal for us to advertise something that wasn't true. Maybe she ought to have looked at this more clearly before putting comments like she has on the website.

We decided to give Al-Mirage a chance. We had a lovely meal, with fantastic service, in very nice and clean surroundings. A table was set up for us in 2 minutes and we had a very very enjoyable night. As a party we spent a fair whack of money on a feast. Thank you again, we know NEVER to go to Lahore Karahi, and always to go to Al-Mirage!!!

Best in Tooting. Most unusually for a curry restaurant in Tooting, the staff here are friendly and very ready to make suggestions from their excellent menu. That, and the excellent food, make this my curry restaurant of choice. Definitely try the fish - and listen to the waiter (I haven't been steered wrong yet).

What we like at Al Mirage is the modern, clean style. You have room between tables, something that cannot be said for most restaurants we’ve tried in this location. The staff are friendly and efficient too

The food in this restaurant is consistently excellent. Flavours are complex, intense and well balanced. Food is clearly freshly prepared to order and it's totally worth the short wait as good things come to those who wait ;) We also love the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Staff is always friendly and attentive.

I have been to restaurant with my two friends today and I had some couple of dishes : 1.Nihari 2.chicken tikka masala creamy 3.Tava chicken 4.Lamb Bhuna There was absolutely Tremendous beautiful and it was worth of prices We have tried some other restaurants like Lahore karahi Dawath which lacks in authentic taste My rating is 5/5

I love the food here. I find the variety of the menu brilliant. I love their samosas in particular. Their are very few Indian restaurants in London that serve authentic Indian food, so you must try this place. I have to agree with one of the reviewers about the food not being good if you get a take away. They take long to deliver. I am giving this place a high rating based on my experience when I have eaten in. The naan bread is the best I have ever had. I do not advise you to get a take away, but go their in person and experience some good authentic Pakistani food.

Me and my friends visited this restaurant a couple nights ago and we were greeted by lovely, warm customer service and a wide variety of options to choose from. The chicken jalfrezi and lamb biriyani were succulent and full of flavour, especially with the fresh garlic naan. I really recommend this place!!

The lady waitress was exceptionally helpful and friendly. The premises are clean and the food is excellent. We come to Tooting a lot to eat but have never tried this place. Glad we did because it's a new favourite. Updated.... watch the chap who minds the till because they don't provide an itemized bill and he has a habit of overcharging !