Taj Mahal II

The well-established, popular Taj Mahal II restaurant is located on the High Street in the charming older part of Poole. Step inside to find a modern interior with Indian art decorating the walls, and staff clad in Indian clothing, which all add to the restaurant's authenticity.

While studying the extensive menu, I sipped a chilled and refreshing glass of Cave de Masse, before settling with the duck purée starter which was enhanced by the mildly spiced sauce. For the main course, I chose the fragrant chicken tikka Badami accompanied by pilau rice; a deliciously rich dish cooked with chestnuts, cream and aromatic spices. I couldn't resist sampling the chocolate orange bombe dessert, with Belgian milk chocolate that melted on my tongue.

Customers can choose to eat inside or alfresco. On the evening of my visit, there was a beautifully decorated gazebo laid out for a wedding party, and everyone arrived in fabulous, colourful Indian clothing. Yet, despite the restaurant being busy inside and out, the service was consistently helpful and friendly and meals ordered arrived promptly. Did you know TV presenter James May has popped in with his film crew before, too? Taj Mahal II really does appeal to everyone