Bombay Dreams is a contradiction. It serves modern Indian cuisine - in very old-fashioned surroundings. If you can get past the 80s feel of the decor, you can enjoy excellent food and service in this great gem of an Indian restaurant.

The Venue
Situated on Alma Vale Road, Bombay Dreams is situated up near the Alma Vale Tavern, just a few minutes walk from Whiteladies Road and Clifton.

Walking into the restaurant may well make you think you are in a time warp! Flocked wallpaper, pink table cloths and seriously kitsch art could put you off - but persevere and the food will pleasantly surprise you.

The Atmosphere
Bombay Dreams is mainly frequented by families, small groups of friends and couples (there is usually a separate room available for big parties). This gives the place a fairly tranquil and relaxed atmosphere.

Service is prompt but unhurried and you never feel pressured. Ladies - when you leave the restaurant after your meal, expect to be given a flower (usually a carnation) as a thank you by the front door.

The Food
The food is first rate. Starters are as you'd expect in an Indian restaurant, try a mixed starter plate (chicken tikka, sheek kebab and an onion bhaji) for £4.50.

Individual starters are also available - samosas, bhaji's etc - these are around £3 per head, and of course, poppadums are available with a choice of dips at 70p each. Starters are delicious and well flavoured, although the portions are rather large.

For main dishes you could choose between traditional old favourites like chicken bhuna and lamb madras, of more adventurous diners, how about a trout bhuna or ginger chicken? The menu is extensive and vegetarians are also well catered for.

Expect to pay between £7 to £10 for a meat dish. A range of rice is also available (plain rice, veg or mushroom rice, keema rice) costing about £3 per portion, and finish your meal off with a naan bread (costing about £2 each).

If you need any advice about what to choose, the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about the food and can help you to decide what will suit your palate. They are also happy to adjust the heat of dishes to suit your taste buds.

A few desserts are available, but these are ready made frozen deserts and pretty average (think sorbet served in a hollowed out lemon). Prices for these are just under a fiver.

The Drink
A fair range of drinks is available - served from a small bar area on the corner of the restaurant. Tiger and Cobra beers are both served, as is a fair range of white, red and rose wines available by the glass and bottle.

Drinks are a little steep on the side - a pint of beer is about £4 and a bottle of house wine about £15. A range of soft drinks, juices and spirits can also be purchased.

The Last Word
Bombay Dreams is a great place to go for a delicious Indian meal out. The decor in the restaurant is a bit out of date, but don't let this put you off the food which is really good quality, well flavoured and nicely presented - served by friendly and attentive staff.

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