Sometimes there’s nothing better than going to a curry house and filling yourself up with tasty Indian food.

There’s plenty of places in Dorset that you can feast on a curry, enjoy some onion bhajis or share some tasty dishes with friends and family.

Most of us have a local takeaway within a short walk or drive of our house. But why not push the boat out and try some of the best in Dorset?

Tripadvisor has named the best places to eat a curry in each area of Dorset based on user reviews rating their visit out of five.

Some of these places have been dubbed ‘delicious and filling’ with some food’s flavours‘ like it is dancing on my tongue like a party.’

These are the highest-rated curry houses and takeaways across Dorset according to your reviews on Tripadvisor.

Blandford Forum

According to Tripadvisor, Simla in West Street, Blandford Forum is the best place for a curry in the area.

One glowing review states: “Called in to The Simla on the way back from a day out whilst on holiday.

“The manager/owner was charming. I was only ordering a takeaway but the service was excellent.

“The restaurant was very clean and clearly followed good Covid protocol. The food was really tasty.”

Bournemouth

The highest-rated curry house in Bournemouth according to Tripadvisor, is Dilli Haat.

Based on Seamoor Road, the restaurant is in the Westbourne area of the seaside town.

One stand-out review said: "The taste is dancing on my tongue like a party.

“It's a family run small restaurant. The service is great and the staff so friendly.

“I wish I could pick the restaurant up and put it in London.”

Bridport

With the most reviews, Taj Mahal has been dubbed the best place for a curry in Bridport.

It has a four-out-of-five rating and is based on East Street.

One review said: "Myself and my wife were passing through Bridport on our way to Cornwall.

“We ate at the Taj Mahal, the food was delicious, generously portioned, priced extremely reasonably, the staff were lovely, the restaurant very authentic and very comfortable.

“I would highly recommend to anyone looking for delicious Indian food.”

Dorchester

Based on High West Street in Dorchester town centre, Rajpoot has been ranked as the best Indian restaurant in Dorset’s county town. 

The restaurant has a four-and-a-half rating from 624 reviews and it’s easy to see why.

One notable review said: " Probably the best curry I’ve ever had as a takeaway.

“Came very delicious could taste the flavours of the spices very very good quality”

Gillingham

The Gillingham Tandoori has four rating from 92 Google reviews, with users praising its food and service.

One review reads: “The best Indian around, regularly visited for their Monday evening banquet deal.

“Been using the takeaway service of late and always the same great tasting dishes piping hot and ready to collect when they say they will be!”

Lyme Regis

Amid the various excellent places to eat in the seaside town, Lal Qilla is the best place for a curry.

The Broad Street restaurant has a four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on 574 reviews with vast majority positive.

One review said: “Went in without a booking when a happy mistake meant we could not go to the restaurant we originally planned to visit.

“No regrets though- they found us a table and the really friendly and attentive staff served us quickly.

“The Specials menu was really good alongside the usual favourites.

 “Food was good quality, delicious and piping hot. It’s BYOB but we didn’t mind.”

Poole

Top of the list in Poole is The Gurkha Spice with a five-out-of-five rating from 79 reviews.

The restaurant, based on Ashley Road in Upper Parkstone, has attracted reviews that claim it is among the best takeaways in the area with other reviews praising the staff and service.

One user wrote: “The Gurkha Spice doesn't look too fancy from outside. But don't judge a book by its cover, the food is absolutely delicious.

“They offer a great selection for vegetarian dishes with veggie momo (dumplins) is the usual Nepali highlight whilst also the curries were great.

“The portions of the main dishes are huge and it's nearly impossible to finish.

“The staff was helpful, attentive and friendly.

“Warmly recommended if you're in Poole area and like South Asian food.”

Portland

While it’s the only Indian restaurant on Portland, it is still a place that offers some delicious curries.

One review said: "Every time I visit Portland I can't resist a take away from Balti Island.

“Yummy. Not expensive and surprisingly good!”

Shaftesbury

Chutneys, based on Salisbury Street, has four-and-a-half rating after 392 reviews.

One review, entitled ‘takeaway delight’, reads: “Lovely treat from here over the weekend. Great food , very hot and so tasty.

“The flavours were very distinctive and there was more than enough in each portion.”

Sherborne

Rajpoot Tandoori, based on Half Moon Street, currently has a three-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on 169 reviews.

Reviews have commented on its ‘excellent curry’ and called it ‘very friendly staff’.

One reviewer wrote: “Really good curry - Chicken Vindaloo with very tender chicken. Very comprehensive menu.

“Exceptionally friendly waiter who made it a really interesting experience.

“Very reasonable prices in a restaurant right in the centre of town and next to our hotel.”

Sturminster Newton

Mumbai Bay currently has four-out-of-five rating on Tripadvisor based on 14 reviews.

One review reads: “The best and quality food in town. We ordered Hundy Chicken, King Prawn Dopiaza and Chicken Korai.

“Every dish had its own taste and unique flavour. The price was reasonable and the service was world class.

“Will visit again.”

Swanage

The coastal town has a few curry houses to choose from Nihal Spice has been dubbed the best in the town according to Tripadvisor.

The restaurant has a four-and-a-half rating based on 100 reviews on the site.

One reviewer said: “Stayed at the nearby Cumulus activity centre (which is great) and had a takeaway from here.

“They deliver so they brought it up the road, really friendly staff, food was excellent tasty hot and good value.

“Definitely call in again when next in area.”

Wareham

The 29029, based on Sandford Road, boasts a four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on more than 1,000 reviews.

One tourist’s review reads: “We visited this restaurant when on holiday to Dorset after hearing positive reviews and it was by far the best Indian food we have ever eaten!

“Everything was full of flavour, well presented and absolutely delicious.

“We had the Nepalese style MoMos and onion bahjis, papadums and homemade chutneys and the Old Delhi Style chicken curry with saffron rice and plain naan.

“It was so tasty and different to the usual Indian restaurants we have visited in the past. It's definitely worth a visit when visiting The Isle of Purbeck and Wareham area.”

Weymouth

For many, there is no surprise that Chilli’s is the top-rated Indian restaurant on the site from Weymouth.

The Queen Street restaurant has a four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on 965 reviews with a vast majority of reviews deeming it ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.

One review reads: “We booked Chillies on the basis of the Tripadvisor reviews... and they were correct.

“The food was tasty and very well presented, we had no complaints at all.

“A special shout out to the several young local waiting staff who were pleasant, well turned out and very efficient.

“We will definitely return when we are in the area again.”