JJ Caterers
137a Southampton Way SE5 7EW Tel: 0800 077 8712
JJ Caterers has turned into a word of mouth hit. This popular takeaway opened its restaurant recently and the gastronomic community immediately started to cite it as one of the best restaurants in Camberwell, and the best Indian restaurant in South London. As such, and with hope in our hearts, we tracked it down on Southampton Way. What we found was essentially a takeaway with some canteen-like tables and chairs added in, next to the glass food counter, making the atmosphere transitory rather than intimate. It was with misplaced scepticism that we sat down. We waited a while to be noticed. Eventually the waiter spotted us, and exuded hospitality that was exceptionally friendly (possibly even intrusive, depending on your mood and temperament). He made enthusiastic recommendations, luring some of our party away from their more conventional choices. The complementary poppadoms were crisp and tasty, with delicious dips starting off the meal very nicely. Our main meals were delicate and unusual, and extremely pleasing. The paneer was as good as any we have tasted in India, and the fusion of spices worked very well indeed. The recommended baby pumpkin was deemed “amazing”, and the reviewer who ordered her chicken korma staple was very happy indeed. Wine was bought from the shop next door and corkage was not charged. The bill for three people came to just over £15. It may be in a less than popular area of Camberwell, but the food is spot on, the price is impressive, and we all left - satisfied and clutching their takeaway menu. Cycling past more recently, we see they have entirely done up their dining area so that it now looks a much more glamorous place to eat. A fantastic option.
Food: 4.5
Service: 4
Ambience: 1
Gay Friendliness: 2