MUCH like Doctor Who’s Tardis, I was taken aback how large this Winchester restaurant was after stepping inside.

It was a Sunday evening and my girlfriend and I wanted to try out some Indian dishes at Rimjhims on City Road.

It’s modern, contemporary, has dimmed lighting and beautifully laid mahogany style tables surrounded by an abundance of potted plants. There is also a separate bar where diners can enjoy a drink.

We arrived just after 7pm and were greeted by the sight of around half a dozen couples eating in hushed tones. We were seated by a friendly, smiling waiter towards the back in a raised part of the restaurant that allowed us to observe others from a vantage point.

Describing itself as serving “contemporary Indian cuisine”, we didn’t find any traditional kurmas, bhoonas or vindaloos on the menu here. But fear not as these traditional dishes are prepared on request by the chef for £8.95.

We ordered some poppadoms which came in a basket with four petite little dishes consisting of raspberry, onion and coconut salad, chutney, onion salad and cucumber and yoghurt mint sauce. Very more-ish.

For my starter I ordered the Mixed Grilled Platter (£9.50) which consisted of sheek kebab, harryali kebab and chicken tikka. This was delicious with succulent, chunky portions. The presentation was top class with the chef writing Rimjhim’s in a flamboyant style on the plate.

My girlfriend opted for the Goan Style Beef (£5.75) morsels of beef fillet stripes, tandoor grilled, seasoned with dry ginger, rosemary in a mélange of yoghurt and fresh mint. She described it as “melt in the mouth” tender with lovely subtle spices.

For the main course I chose the Hydrabadi-Style Fresh Herbs Chicken Curry (£9.95)-chicken breast cubes marinated with fresh green herbs: coriander, dill, mint, basil paste then cooked some green chillies, garlic and ginger with tomato. Although it didn’t look that appetising, it was very flavoursome.

My girlfriend chose the Madu Murgh (£9.50)-chicken breast strips marinated in yoghurt, cooked with coconut, mild spices and dry fruits, garnished with crispy parsnip. She said ingredients such as raisins and parsnip crisps made it exotic and different to the Indian food she normally tries.

We also had side orders of Garlic naan (£2.95), Lemon rice (£3.25), an extremely tasty bottle of Merlot Reserva (£20) followed by caramel ice cream and cheesecake.

The quality of food, which is locally sourced, was top-notch, but there was not as much variety as traditional Indian restaurants. The service was excellent and made the experience very enjoyable. The atmosphere was quiet, but cosy, although it was Sunday evening to be fair.

There is a Sunday buffet at £5.95 during the day and £12.95 for the evening, as well as a set summer meal for £13.95, which allows you to explore the menu without pushing the boat out.

A lovely restaurant.

Winchester: 01962 868352. Colden Common: 01962 713389. Port Solent: 023 9237 0720. Website: rimjhim.co.uk.