Ishaas Indian Eatery Kelsick Road, Ambleside. LA22 0BZ Tel: 015394 31250 Date of visit: 19th January 2024 I have been thoroughly blessed this week with quality Indian Restaurants. Today I found myself wandering round the delightful Lakeland town of Ambleside. Apart from the weather, this time of year is probably the best time to be wandering round anywhere in the Lake District, before the thousands of tourists hit the spot! Today I sampled the delights of Ishaas Indian eatery on Kelsick Street. This smart spacious 100 or so seater, clean, modern and very comfortable has a lot to offer. Friendly smiling staff and food that is on another level. Fresh crispy pops with the pickle tray and an extra Lime pickle. I would recommend the Chefs special starter, with a soft succulent Chicken Tika, perfectly spiced Sheek Kebab, with a crispy tasty Onion Bhajee. Next on the order was a Chicken Madras, again fresh soft succulent chicken and a very tasty madras sauce. Pilau Rice and a gorgeous sweet Peshwari naan completed the order. I could tell as a former chef, that the spices had been freshly ground and held that vibrant fresh taste. It makes all the difference. Presentation was up there as well, the staff, especially Syd, or Syed or even Sid, passed some time with me chatting about some of the other well established Indian restaurants in the area. Carparking was no problem with two or three car parks in the immediate vicinity. Price was £35.55 but for the quality and service perfectly acceptable. And it’s a big 9/10 from me.
OnAir59201244338
After walking from Ambleside to Grasmere with our four & seven year old, we got the bus back later on & basically fell into this restaurant. We were also with friends & did not have a reservation. We were warmly greeted & taken to a nice large table in a friendly & warm environment. The waiters (& I assume owner) could not have been any nicer. Really attentive to our two tired children - they soon woke up! The food was top draw & all 6 of us thoroughly enjoyed it. Service was also excellent & the restaurant was nicely filling up as we were leaving. I’ve been to several Indian restaurants in the UK & this is definitely one of my favourites. Can’t wait to return on our next visit from East Yorkshire to The Lakes.
Steve S
Came in as a couple on a Thursday night over Christmas. Big place and initially not busy but filled up later. Tables when we got there were filled with a certain political leader and his support entourage but all very pleasant. Good authentic food. Owner and main Chef from West Midlands and know how to serve up a proper spicy Indian. Will return undoubtedly - £60 including drinks for two.
nikon camera s
When i entered the restaurant one of the staff was asking, yes my friend what you want ? What is mean by that ? people coming to restaurant for what ? Then I said i came for eat,again he asked do you have reservation i said no. He said you have to do reservation because of christmas. But the restaurant was empty.
Dave B
This restaurant is simply the best i've EVER been to in the UK......They madfe mw a Salmon Tikka Dhansak......which was outstandingly good....LOADS of Salmon and the taste was exceptional. Great services too.
Tony R
On first impressions the venue was a little lack lustre. It was like dining in a waiting room. The food was below average, lacking in flavour, prawns and chicken overcooked. The toilets are disgusting and need a deep clean and decorating. Unfortunately we won’t be visiting again.
Freedom09546635559
We had two great meals. The service was excellent. The only thing that let it down was the decoration leading down the stairs to the toilets. The toilets themselves could do with being cleaner and redecorating. I would of given them five stars.
Rhian C
Found this place by accident and as we like Indian food decided to go. The outside is in need of some serious TLC not very inviting. Inside is odd, not like any other Indian we have been to. Service was quick and professional, the chicken bhuna and chicken pathia were tasty, although on the smaller portion size. The naan was not like any other naan we have had. More like a flatbread and cut into quarters. Was certainly not the soft elephant ear sort. On the whole okay but wouldn’t put as my fist choice for a meal out.
stephensT6902AD
We have visited Ishaaz many times and have never had a bad meal. The guys here are the best - nothing is too much for them. Sid and H are truly the best of hosts. Tonight, we visited to celebrate my wife’s birthday and we’re absolutely delighted with the food and welcome. Five Stars - could not have hoped for better. Thank you to Sid, H and all the guys at Ishaaz.
Gordon Stevenson
Great food, just don't ask them to call you a taxi. Firm that they use ripped us off £22 for a £8 fare. Not the restaurants fault, but call your own taxi. Food and service is first class.
Staying in the area for the weekend and went on chance. Very clean and immediately shown to our table. Waiters were all spotless. Someone took our drinks order very quickly. Food was also ordered quickly. I had the chicken Madras my wife had the saag paneer. Great service and the meals were both hot and very tasty. Great staff, really nice place. We will be going back next time we are up here
travelpig_9
Found down a side street at the bottom of Ambleside, the outside of the building is in need of a lick of paint. The dining area within is like a large dentist's waiting room with green feature ceiling lighting and loud music featuring lady singers with strident voices it sounds not unlike you are eating at a Thai boxing match. I was greeted at the door by a rarther surly man of about 45, who unsmilingly stared at me and said "Yes?" I gave him my booking details. He simply pointer to a chair in the area by the door and walked away. The rest of the meal consisted of 3/4 of an hour wait, watching later arrivals served first. The food was ok in parts. Naan and rice were reasonable. The main dishes were rather grim. The cuts of chicken breast appeared to be from some old boiler. They were both tough and shot with chunks of gristle. The sauce on the tikka masala was the colour of a babybel cheese wax cover. The Balti was like something made by students, lacked the light freshness of fresh ingredients apart from some coriander and tasted salty You can expect to pay about £25 a head for a single dish with boiled rice and naan. The toilets looked as if they had not had a good clean in months, the seat mounting was broken and loose. Goodness knows what the behind the scenes hygiene is like. A truly forgettable establishment...
bubby1969
Turned up at 8pm, had to wait for a table which was fine but wasn't offered drinks whilst waiting. Food was below average and the service was very poor. I should have walked out earlier as the place was also quite dirty. The Thai restaurant was so much better in every way.
carobead
Visited on a rainy Monday night, warm welcome received from the staff. Had a set meal and it was really good. Would recommend this restaurant
Queencava
Had a wonderful meal, best we have had in a very long time. Was recommended the lemon rice to go with one dish, it was delicious, really made the meal. Service was exemplary, food superb. Thank you all the staff for there attention to detail and recommendations.
Ishaas Indian Eatery Kelsick Road, Ambleside. LA22 0BZ Tel: 015394 31250 Date of visit: 19th January 2024 I have been thoroughly blessed this week with quality Indian Restaurants. Today I found myself wandering round the delightful Lakeland town of Ambleside. Apart from the weather, this time of year is probably the best time to be wandering round anywhere in the Lake District, before the thousands of tourists hit the spot! Today I sampled the delights of Ishaas Indian eatery on Kelsick Street. This smart spacious 100 or so seater, clean, modern and very comfortable has a lot to offer. Friendly smiling staff and food that is on another level. Fresh crispy pops with the pickle tray and an extra Lime pickle. I would recommend the Chefs special starter, with a soft succulent Chicken Tika, perfectly spiced Sheek Kebab, with a crispy tasty Onion Bhajee. Next on the order was a Chicken Madras, again fresh soft succulent chicken and a very tasty madras sauce. Pilau Rice and a gorgeous sweet Peshwari naan completed the order. I could tell as a former chef, that the spices had been freshly ground and held that vibrant fresh taste. It makes all the difference. Presentation was up there as well, the staff, especially Syd, or Syed or even Sid, passed some time with me chatting about some of the other well established Indian restaurants in the area. Carparking was no problem with two or three car parks in the immediate vicinity. Price was £35.55 but for the quality and service perfectly acceptable. And it’s a big 9/10 from me.
After walking from Ambleside to Grasmere with our four & seven year old, we got the bus back later on & basically fell into this restaurant. We were also with friends & did not have a reservation. We were warmly greeted & taken to a nice large table in a friendly & warm environment. The waiters (& I assume owner) could not have been any nicer. Really attentive to our two tired children - they soon woke up! The food was top draw & all 6 of us thoroughly enjoyed it. Service was also excellent & the restaurant was nicely filling up as we were leaving. I’ve been to several Indian restaurants in the UK & this is definitely one of my favourites. Can’t wait to return on our next visit from East Yorkshire to The Lakes.
Came in as a couple on a Thursday night over Christmas. Big place and initially not busy but filled up later. Tables when we got there were filled with a certain political leader and his support entourage but all very pleasant. Good authentic food. Owner and main Chef from West Midlands and know how to serve up a proper spicy Indian. Will return undoubtedly - £60 including drinks for two.
When i entered the restaurant one of the staff was asking, yes my friend what you want ? What is mean by that ? people coming to restaurant for what ? Then I said i came for eat,again he asked do you have reservation i said no. He said you have to do reservation because of christmas. But the restaurant was empty.
This restaurant is simply the best i've EVER been to in the UK......They madfe mw a Salmon Tikka Dhansak......which was outstandingly good....LOADS of Salmon and the taste was exceptional. Great services too.
On first impressions the venue was a little lack lustre. It was like dining in a waiting room. The food was below average, lacking in flavour, prawns and chicken overcooked. The toilets are disgusting and need a deep clean and decorating. Unfortunately we won’t be visiting again.
We had two great meals. The service was excellent. The only thing that let it down was the decoration leading down the stairs to the toilets. The toilets themselves could do with being cleaner and redecorating. I would of given them five stars.
Found this place by accident and as we like Indian food decided to go. The outside is in need of some serious TLC not very inviting. Inside is odd, not like any other Indian we have been to. Service was quick and professional, the chicken bhuna and chicken pathia were tasty, although on the smaller portion size. The naan was not like any other naan we have had. More like a flatbread and cut into quarters. Was certainly not the soft elephant ear sort. On the whole okay but wouldn’t put as my fist choice for a meal out.
We have visited Ishaaz many times and have never had a bad meal. The guys here are the best - nothing is too much for them. Sid and H are truly the best of hosts. Tonight, we visited to celebrate my wife’s birthday and we’re absolutely delighted with the food and welcome. Five Stars - could not have hoped for better. Thank you to Sid, H and all the guys at Ishaaz.
Great food, just don't ask them to call you a taxi. Firm that they use ripped us off £22 for a £8 fare. Not the restaurants fault, but call your own taxi. Food and service is first class.
Restaurantji Recommends
Staying in the area for the weekend and went on chance. Very clean and immediately shown to our table. Waiters were all spotless. Someone took our drinks order very quickly. Food was also ordered quickly. I had the chicken Madras my wife had the saag paneer. Great service and the meals were both hot and very tasty. Great staff, really nice place. We will be going back next time we are up here
Found down a side street at the bottom of Ambleside, the outside of the building is in need of a lick of paint. The dining area within is like a large dentist's waiting room with green feature ceiling lighting and loud music featuring lady singers with strident voices it sounds not unlike you are eating at a Thai boxing match. I was greeted at the door by a rarther surly man of about 45, who unsmilingly stared at me and said "Yes?" I gave him my booking details. He simply pointer to a chair in the area by the door and walked away. The rest of the meal consisted of 3/4 of an hour wait, watching later arrivals served first. The food was ok in parts. Naan and rice were reasonable. The main dishes were rather grim. The cuts of chicken breast appeared to be from some old boiler. They were both tough and shot with chunks of gristle. The sauce on the tikka masala was the colour of a babybel cheese wax cover. The Balti was like something made by students, lacked the light freshness of fresh ingredients apart from some coriander and tasted salty You can expect to pay about £25 a head for a single dish with boiled rice and naan. The toilets looked as if they had not had a good clean in months, the seat mounting was broken and loose. Goodness knows what the behind the scenes hygiene is like. A truly forgettable establishment...
Turned up at 8pm, had to wait for a table which was fine but wasn't offered drinks whilst waiting. Food was below average and the service was very poor. I should have walked out earlier as the place was also quite dirty. The Thai restaurant was so much better in every way.
Visited on a rainy Monday night, warm welcome received from the staff. Had a set meal and it was really good. Would recommend this restaurant
Had a wonderful meal, best we have had in a very long time. Was recommended the lemon rice to go with one dish, it was delicious, really made the meal. Service was exemplary, food superb. Thank you all the staff for there attention to detail and recommendations.