Review: Indian restaurant Lazzeez on The Avenue, Southampton

I was greeted with big smiles and friendly faces as soon as I walked through the door - always a great start.

The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, not just from the staff, but also from the quiet relaxing music. Just what was needed after a busy day at the office.

The staff were very attentive and asked me if I would like to kick it off with a poppadom and chutney set, which of course I did.

At first I was a little surprised there was no onion salad - a personal favourite of mine, however I was very quickly made up by the pepper chutney. 

This was the first pepper chutney I have had the pleasure of trying - it was full of flavour to be pilled up on pieces of crispy poppadom and more than made up for the onion salad.

After making short work of the poppadom set, I ordered a Lamb Rogan Josh, mushroom rice and chilli naan.

Chef Ravi's recommended Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh and chilli naan bread (Image: Ross Marshall)

I did appreciate that I was asked how spicy I wanted each dish. This allows for those who are a little spice sensitive to try dishes that may have otherwise been too hot.

READ MORE: Indian restaurant opens on The Avenue

The meal itself was absolutely outstanding - packed full of spice and flavour. Along with my Rogan Josh, I was also fortunate enough to sample the Vindaloo and Lamb Bhuna.

Not only was each curry mouth-wateringly good but also had very distinctive flavours and ingredients that made each dish completely singular.

The meat in each curry was very tender, the texture was perfect and the taste was downright delicious.

As a lover (and regular eater) of Indian cuisine, I often find that the bottom of my naan bread is a little burnt - a fairly minor gripe - but Lazzeez passed the test with a soft and fluffy naan, with no burnt bottom.

The portions were also a good size.

Overall the experience was very pleasant and I would highly recommend.