Review: Butler’s Balti House

The Place
Situated halfway down Broad Lane, just a stone’s throw from the University roundabout, Butler’s Balti House has quickly established itself as one of the premier destinations for Indian cuisine in Sheffield. Its high repute was clear when entering the restaurant on a Tuesday evening, the rest of the city centre eerily quiet, and finding almost three quarters of the tables taken up. We were greeted at the door with a smile and led straight to our table. The atmosphere was sociable but relaxed with families, couples and large to small groups of friends dotted around the room. Décor-wise, the restaurant has a smart and contemporary design with black leather seating, gleaming tables and a spacious open-plan dining area, also boasting a glassed off VIP section at the back for those feeling a tad more exclusive.

The Food
First course and we were already struggling to pick – a mahoosive selection of seafood, meat and veg starters to choose from had us stumped. We ordered the traditional poppadom and pickle tray and Cobra Beer to drink – a perfectly smooth accompaniment to spicy dishes – as we decided. Eventually we opted to get the best of a few dishes with the mixed starter consisting of seekh kebab, chicken tikka, onion bhaji and tandoori chicken wings. The dish arrived in good time with the meat sizzling atop a bed of fried onions and the bhaji on a separate plate. All was well presented and delightfully tasty – especially the lightly spiced bhaji and the very moreish tandoori wings which stole the show. For the main, I went for the chef’s recommendation of Lamb Methi Gosht; my partner consulted our ever-obliging waiter who suggested the Balti Shahi Masala. Throw in some rice and a garlic naan to share and we were good to go. Once more we were not left waiting long before our food arrived, and both dishes looked fantastic arriving in the large Balti pans. My lamb was tender, the sauce medium hot and the overall taste superb; the Balti Shahi was another success, with my partner commending the rich sauce and the fresh ginger spices.

The Verdict
With its friendly service, pleasant atmosphere and superb food, it would seem that Butler’s reputation as one of the best Indian restaurants in Sheffield is here to stay. There was the option, as many other diners had done, to take home what you couldn’t finish in a takeaway bag. For us, no need! The pans were left pretty much spotless with not a morsel left to waste.

Head to www.butlersbalti.com for more info