The Kismot is a family run restaurant in St Leonards Street, opposite the police station. It may seem out of the way, but it’s only a short walk from the Bridges and the Royal Mile etc.
I had wanted to dine here for ages so that I could try their chocolate nan ! But I also loved Indian food, so always happy to try somewhere new.
I can’t begin to describe how friendly the staff are here (without being over the top) and ample time is given on menu choice.
Since eating at the Kismot a few weeks back, their website now states that their corkage for BYOB is free now.
Since I am a big chicken when it comes to all things super spicy, I decided to not go for the Kismot Killer. On ordering you have to sign a disclaimer due to it’s hotness, but if you manage to eat it, you get it free. On asking about this challenge, the staff member told me – ‘my dad just gets a bit carried away with the chillies, there’s no way I would attempt it’. My dining partners were not going to take the risk with their weak western pallate (compared to his dad !!)
We hadn’t brought any alcohol with us, so settled for iced water which was served by the jugful.
We opted for 3 dishes, a honey fruity curry for me (to go with the chocolate nan), a lamb madras and a lamb bhindi. All the main dishes are around £9.25 but I thought the nan breads were a little expensive at £4.25 (2) and a portion of boiled rice at £3.25 (2) (update 27/08 nans now £2.95 and rice £2.75 – far more reasonable)
Lamb Bhindi
Lamb Madras
Honey Chicken & Chocolate Nan
My dining partners and I couldn’t fault the quality of the food at all, it was simply delicious. Their curries were suitably spicy and one had to be washed down with a lassi (bhindi). I didn’t say much as I savoured the sweetness of my curry, dipping my chocolate nan in the honey and almond sauce – could a girl be in a better sweet curry heaven ??
We actually had somewhere else to be that evening, so were in and out quite quickly, but I can imagine there is a nice atmosphere in there at the weekend and would definately love to try more of their dishes on the menu.
Kismot Bill
The total for the 3 of us was £45.25 with only one soft drink, so not the cheapest. If we had a rice and nan each, the bill would have been closer to £53, which for me is not suitable for mid week dining.
*update – 27/08 – prices have been reduced by 15% now, see comments from owner. With free BYOB these prices are in line with others around town*
As much as I love the service and food at the Kismot, I will have to reserve future visits for the weekend and make use of their free BYOB which will then make it a reasonable night out.
There didn’t appear to be any set menu or early dining menus which I am sure would bring more customers in.
They are definately unique in offering the Kismot Killer and chocolate nan, I am sure other restaurants will copy them soon. But for service and comfortable surroundings, I will definately be returning to the Kismot again.
Full take out menu also available
Suitable for disabled ? Yes, it’s on even ground and has a disabled toilet 
3 Comments
27/08/2009 at 14:10
Hiya,
Just a wee note to say thanks for the nice review.
Big point I wanted to say is all our prices have come down alot so about 15% so its really good value for money now.
Hope you could add that on.
Thanks
Akbar
(one half of the curry brothers from kismot !)
27/08/2009 at 19:19
Your email address came back as undelivered ?
I have amended the post with new prices, stating that they are now in line with other restaurants, but in my opinion you should do some early dining deal – it really gets the people in !!
Will be back soon for my chocolate nan fix and I have dared my boyfriend to try the Kismot Killer !
11/09/2009 at 22:47
I’ve dined in The Kismot and it’s brilliant. I often get takeaways though, i recommend anyone who reads this to try it out, it has so much to offer and there is a real family feel, brilliant banter with family too.
I’m off to pick up my Massalam as i speak
I’d never dare try the Killer though…