+44 1332 344786+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
17:30 - 23:30
Mon
17:30 - 23:30
Tue
17:30 - 23:30
Wed
17:30 - 23:30
Thu
17:30 - 23:30
Fri
17:30 - 0:00
Sat
17:00 - 0:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Indian, Asian, Balti, Bangladeshi, Vegetarian friendly
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Details
About
Award Winning Masala is a refreshingly modern but authentic Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurant located in Derby City Centre. At Masala we aim to serve fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared to long established authentic Indian-Bangladeshi family / regional recipes.The Masala management team has over 40 years of experience and tradition in running successful restaurants in Derbyshire and Leicestershire. Our Menu has been inspired by traditional regional and family recipes from the North East province of Bangladesh as well as scattered influences from the Indian sub-continent.Our philosophy is simple:•Source good fresh local produce—leave out the artificial flavours, preservatives or colours.•Blend it with time honoured traditional family/ regional recipes•Infuse with passion and a hint of modernity.
PRICE RANGE
£10.00 – £20.00
CUISINES
Indian, Asian, Balti, Bangladeshi
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Halal, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Table Service
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
420 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
55
Average
19
Poor
9
Terrible
10
Thirteen7
Derby151 contributions
Apr 2020 • couples
We really enjoyed the meal deal. This only seems to be available on Uber Eats, not Deliveroo, which is a shame. Two curries, tandoori chicken, bhajis, Bombay potatoes, nice, naan and poppadoms for £22 is fantastic. The curries are very tasty too. It would be good if they did a ‘deluxe meal deal’ for £25 where you could order speciality curries instead.
Thank you for giving us a Saturday night treat, Masala!
Written 24 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert Breslin
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • family
We arrived, sat down, it felt very cosy almost like they opened the restaurant just for us all. Drinks selection was great (I shared a bottle of Malbec right temperature for me too) starters came and were very nice indeed, most customers would say "the usual starters on an Indian menu" but for me it was the way it was delivered, presented, cooked and tastes. My main meal was a chicken madras which I suggested to 3 members on my table.. absolutely delicious with a lemon and chilli rice which just gave the meal the right kind of kick for me, I even tried my partners Lamb which was cooked lovely and to perfection. The service was unquestionable there, there were no issues as far as I'm aware either. I have been to an Indian restaurant the other side of town (celebrating) I ordered a "chicken Rezzela" which I've had before in other establishments fairly hot, but I received a korma (coconut/almond flavour) when I questioned this the waiter tried to convince me it was what I ordered but from a different region etc.? Suffice to say the restaurant pulled it off for everyone there. I heard no complaints from any family members just compliments which is great for saying the age range was from a 7 month old to young children all the way up to an "octogenarian" Anyway the bill came, we paid and left. Most went home, me my partner and 6 other family members went for a drink around the corner even though the football was on we were all talking about the meal we had which we would all eat again.
Well done MASALA you got everything right, beautiful tasting food beautiful experience well worth a visit after a night out or just a quiet "romantic" meal either way you forget the outside for while and enjoy where you are.
Yours
Robert Breslin
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TEZFRB
Derby67 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Usually frequent the Massala at least 2 or 3 times a month. The food is always perfectly cooked and plentiful. Bappi the head waiter really looks after you will a range for the chef to your food to be as spicy or mild as you like. All the staff are very friendly and helpful. We have been regulars for as long as the Massala has existed. Have tried most of the Indian restaurant s in and around Derby but always prefer this one. Please try it.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie C
Derby6 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Tonight we ordered a takeaway for 4 and all I can say it was cold and tasteless. I ordered chips and curry sauce for myself, the chips were cold and the curry sauce was like paste, the other 3 Currys were tasteless and luke warm. Will never again use this takeaway
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abbi678
Derby16 contributions
Dec 2020 • friends
A group of us a regulars at this restaurant. We visit every Friday and enjoy the round table dining. We’ve must have been coming to this restaurant for at least 15 years and never ever had a bad meal. Our waiter Bappi is always pleasant and polite who makes us feel at home. We often request fir things off the menu and Bappi is pleased to comply.
I am disappointed by the comments made by person who had a take away in December. I personally don’t believe his account of events as I have had these dishes many times at Masala and never been disappointed . All he had to do was phone up and ask for Bappi or manager Shahid. I think it’s a fake review or a competitor got him to write it to lower the rating.
We will all ways recommend this place as it is such a good value for money. Staff are very friendly . Ask for the lamb shank which is not on the menu but they will prepare on request . It’s mouth watering and the meat is so tasty and falls of the bone.
Written 27 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justaboutuseful
Atherstone624 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
As a last minute decision of where and what to eat we came across Masala which was just around the corner from our apartment (see other reviews). We were the first in there at around 7pm and the place was cold. The staff sensed were quick to put the heating on and it soon warmed up.
We were served by ‘Ray’ who was friendly and our starters were served quickly and very fresh (we had poppadoms and dips). For mains my partner had a chicken pathia with rice and I had a Balti mushroom with a garlic nan. Although he felt the pathia wasn’t the flavour of his usual taste he did enjoy it and it was very flavoursome and the chunks of chicken were lovely and soft. My Balti was also really tasty and something you seldom find was the mushrooms in quarters rather than slices so you actually got to taste them!
The bill was a little more than expected, they add a service charge and I’m pretty sure they charged us for the water too…..
It was a lovely meal however so no complaints here.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Duncan F
10 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
In this lockdown period it is fantastic that we can still buy top quality Indian food to eat at home. Tonight’s meal was superb, a mixture of meat and vegetarian dishes with cheese and garlic nans. The flavours were subtle and full, the textures of the paneer, lamb, chicken and vegetables exactly what you want. The team made me feel safe and welcome when I collected the meal. Excellent value for a thoroughly enjoyable meal. Many thanks.
Written 6 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison G
Ripley79 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
Saturday night, very quiet in the restaurant We were surprised. We had the early evening menu although had to ask for it, we were served lovely crisp poppadoms and pickles , crispy, freshly cooked onion bajias, samosas and tasty mains with good rice and nan.
Attentive staff who explained the menu , nice clean bathroom, couldn't fault it for what we paid, would definitely return if in Derby.
Written 15 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haaan05
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • family
It was our first time eating at Masala after being recommended by friends. The food was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend the lamb chops starter and chicken karahi. The naan breads were fantastically light and the curries were very tasty, lovely flavours and not oily in the slightest. We have been to many different Indian restaurants, but Masala is one of the best. The staff were really friendly and the service was great. Absolutely couldn’t fault the food. Fantastic! We will come back soon.
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deolv
Derby60 contributions
May 2022 • friends
Anyone who visits here please look out for the hidden service charge! It was on the bill between the rice and Naan, couldn’t read it and so asked what the £9.30 was for. A service charge should be clear and warned about it on the menu. Very sneaky! Food OK. Pickle tray sauces watery and weak. Staff friendly and professional.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan Fleet
Uttoxeter6 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Service was friendly but not pushy. Plenty of time between courses; not too short and not too long despite being busy. Food was excellent in all respects; perfect balance of spices, plentiful portions, fresh, beautifully cooked.
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy B
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • family
Myself and family use Masala regularly and the food is top quality. When you ask for a cheese nan........that's exactly what you get. I've had so many issues with other places and you ask for extra cheese and its just like a normal plain nan. The specials are excellent so can highly recommend 👌👍😀
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon M
Derbyshire37 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
Ordered a takeaway, the person who took my order was rude and argumentative, I didn't actually order what I wanted because he was unable to go away from the menu. The curries were bland and I would go as far to say tasteless. Masala used to be a very good reliable Indian restaurant. I would say now that it is one of the worst curries I have had in a long time. There are definitely much better tastier places to visit. But with the attitude of the person on the phone, I won't visit there again out of principle.
Written 11 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martyfarty69
Depew214 contributions
Aug 2023 • solo
Tandoori Chicken Masala is my favourite Indian Dish ever and while I'm originally from Derby, I live in the USA now and that particular dish is impossible to come by.
While on vacation in Derby I made it my mission to eat this dish a couple of times. I ordered from Masala based on reviews and they offered it on the menu.
Picked it up in about 20 minutes, parking is difficult based on their location, I parked on Curzon St and put my hazards on, lo and behold I got a ticket parking there for just 2 minutes while I picked up my food. Be careful there is an On-The-Buses Blakey wannabe just sitting in wait for people to park up.
Unfortunately when I got home and ate I was disappointed. The curry was bland and I've had better from non dedicated Indian Restaurants ( 3 Chefs ) and the Keema Naan was equally bland with minimal meat.
Not bad, but not great.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam
1 contribution
Jan 2021 • family
My wife and I ordered a set meal for 2. There was so much food we had the remainder the next day. The Garlic chilli chicken and special lamb Karachi was very tasty . I asked for lamb Karachi to be slightly hot n it was beautiful. I would order again as the value for money is very good. It’s was recommended by a friend and I am grateful for the recommendation.
Written 27 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 419
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing