Kottaram Restaurant offers an authentic South Indian dining experience in Nottingham's city centre. The menu features traditional Kerala dishes such as Malabar Fish Biryani, Chicken Pepper Roast, and a variety of dosas and appams. The restaurant caters to diverse dietary preferences, providing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The interior boasts a warm, contemporary design, suitable for both casual meals and special occasions. Additionally, Kottaram offers takeaway and delivery services, ensuring guests can enjoy their meals at home.
What each source says
- Google 4.8 677
- Tripadvisor 5.0 180
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Accommodating Special Occasions Kottaram goes the extra mile to celebrate special occasions, offering complimentary desserts, cards, and vouchers for birthdays, making it a memorable choice for celebrations.
- Authentic Pan-Indian Cuisine Kottaram offers a diverse menu spanning North and South Indian dishes, with a focus on Keralan cuisine, providing a unique dining experience compared to typical Anglicized Indian restaurants.
- Excellent Ambiance and Decor The restaurant boasts a pleasant and clean environment with attractive decor, including artwork from Kerala, providing a comfortable setting for various occasions.
- Exceptional Flavors and Quality The food is consistently praised for its complex, well-balanced flavors and high-quality ingredients, moving beyond basic curry house fare to deliver a memorable culinary experience.
- Friendly and Attentive Service Staff are consistently described as welcoming, friendly, and attentive, happy to explain the menu and accommodate dietary needs, creating a warm and personalized dining atmosphere.
Criticised
- Inconsistent Food Temperatures A few reviewers noted dishes not being served hot enough, requiring them to request a fresher, hotter portion.
- Menu Not Entirely Keralite Focused While specializing in South Indian cuisine, the menu includes dishes from other regions, which may disappoint diners seeking a purely Keralite experience.
- Portion Sizes Can Be Small A few reviewers felt that the portion sizes, particularly for the price, could be larger, potentially leaving some diners unsatisfied despite the high quality.
- Potential for Order Inaccuracies There were a few comments regarding junior staff providing inaccurate information when taking orders, leading to potential confusion or errors in the meal.
- Slightly Oily Dosa A reviewer noted that the dosa was a touch too oily.
The longer read
Kottaram Restaurant distinguishes itself with its diverse pan-Indian cuisine, featuring both familiar North Indian dishes and less common South Indian, specifically Keralan, specialties. Many reviewers highlight the authentic flavors and the use of high-quality ingredients, setting it apart from typical Anglicized curry houses. The restaurant is particularly praised for its seafood dishes, including the Kottaram Special Fish Pollichathu and seafood platters, with the beef kizhi and kerala chicken curry also receiving high marks. Several customers recommend the Hara Bara kebab, Mumbai street food, and the extra coconut chutney with dosa. The biryani, especially the Bamboo Biryani, is frequently mentioned as a must-try. While one reviewer found the dosa slightly oily, most others rave about the balanced and rich flavors. Diners appreciate the option of having dishes served in courses and the menu's extensive variety, catering to different tastes, including vegetarian, seafood, and meat options. Many reviewers describe the service as attentive, friendly, and welcoming, with staff often going the extra mile, such as offering birthday celebrations with complimentary cake and vouchers. The restaurant's ambiance is consistently described as clean, beautifully decorated, and striking a balance between cozy and vibrant, suitable for both casual meals and special occasions. The air conditioning is noted as a plus, particularly on hot days. Several reviewers, including those familiar with Indian cuisine, consider Kottaram the best Indian restaurant in Nottingham, with some even ranking it among their all-time favorite dining experiences. Its location on Maid Marian Way, Nottingham's "curry mile," makes it a competitive choice, but the unique menu and high service standards help it stand out. A few reviewers noted the early bird promotion as a great value. The availability of parking nearby is also a plus. While a few reviewers mentioned portion sizes could be larger, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the delicious food, excellent service, and pleasant atmosphere. Repeat visits are common, with many reviewers eager to explore more of the menu's offerings.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 958 0115
- Website
- kottaramrestaurant.com
| Mon | 17:00 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 17:00 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 17:00 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 17:00 - 22:30 |
| Fri | 17:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 13:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.8 against a median of 4.5 across the 9 places to eat we hold for Arboretum, where the most-reviewed is Slug & Lettuce - Nottingham Market Square.
Still deciding?
- Which signature South Indian dishes at Kottaram Restaurant, such as Malabar fish biryani or chicken pepper roast, are most recommended for first‑time guests?
- Does Kottaram Restaurant provide comprehensive vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free choices, and which menu items best suit those preferences?
- What is the interior ambience like at Kottaram Restaurant and is it suitable for celebrations or more casual dining experiences?
- Can customers order Kottaram’s South Indian meals for takeaway or delivery, and what areas of Nottingham does the service cover?
- What is the typical price range for main courses at Kottaram Restaurant and does the quality of food and service provide good value for money?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.