August 2025 by anna
Such great food, friendly service, good value, and if you eat outside you get a lovely view!
August 2025 by Billy White
Excellent meal tonight with the family.
July 2025 by Colin Campbell-Austin
Having lived in the area for a year now, I?m mildly embarrassed that this was my first visit to Raj Indian Ocean in St Lawrence but I can confidently say it won?t be my last. In fact, I might just apply for Gold Executive Club status, because I?ll be coming back frequently.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn?t your average curry house. Set right on the water?s edge, the garden seating and dining area offer panoramic views across the Blackwater Estuary the kind of tranquil, horizon-stretching backdrop that makes you want to order a second cider and linger until the sun dips behind the sails.
We kicked things off with crisp poppadoms and all the proper trimmings chutneys, onions, pickles, mango magic everything perfectly fresh, not just a half-hearted afterthought. For mains, the mackerel coconut curry was a real standout rich, gently spiced, and laced with that silky southern Indian depth I?ve been dreaming of since my last Goa layover. The chicken skewers were juicy, chargrilled to perfection, and full of flavour. Naan breads were soft and slightly blistered in all the right places (not unlike my feet after a long-haul JFK turnaround), ideal for scooping and swiping every last drop of sauce.
Service-wise, the team hit the perfect balance: friendly without being over-familiar, professional without being stiff. It felt sincere the kind of genuine hospitality that?s increasingly hard to find. You could tell they took pride in what they were doing, and rightly so.
I may have spent years flying the globe and being wined and dined at 38,000 feet, but there?s something extra special about finding this level of flavour, service, and scenery just down the road with your feet firmly planted on Essex soil (and your cider glass never empty).
Raj Indian Ocean, you?re a hidden gem. I?m already plotting my return trip. Frequent flyer status pending?
July 2025 by Sonny O'Connell
very excellent 5 star meal from raj . thank you we are so glad you are in this village . best indian around .
June 2025 by Julie Griffiths
A great little Indian restaurant with sea views
Food one of the best Indians I have been to.The owner took great pleasure in explaining the menu and gave recommendations which were spot on
No drinks licence but simply buy a beer from the pub next door and bring it in
June 2025 by Robert
A must experience indian restaurant. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and some of the best indian cuisine I personally have ever had. The keema naan bread in particular was the best I have had. If you are in the area, you would be doing yourself a disservice not to visit. It is even worth the occasional drive from Southend, just to have a meal here. Cannot recommend enough.
June 2025 by o'leg you
Amazing taste! ?????
May 2025 by T Welham
We went for a family meal last night and the food was delicious, all plates were devoured and the owner even threw in an extra dish for us to try. Great food, great atmosphere, great location. Highly recommended we will be back!
May 2025 by Mark Nailer
Best Indian in Essex, all negative reviews are from jealous business owners. Everyone and thing i eat were wonderful.
May 2025 by Alex Nailer
Best Indian food in Essex
May 2025 by Clara m
The food was absolutely delicious!!! And so fresh! Yummiest naans and garlic rice. The service? Super friendly. The atmosphere? Lovely. Best Indian meal I?ve ever eaten!! When I say you could taste the freshness of the ingredients?.! Top class! And great value!!!!
May 2025 by Melanie Burgess
This was honestly the best Indian that I have EVER tasted. It was fresh, tasty and delicate. It was the right amount of Flavour and seasoning. There was 19 of us and the service was fantastic. You could tell the food was cooked with wisdom and love. The naan breads were so fluffy and light. Would definitely recommend and would definitely go back every weekend if I could!
May 2025 by Steve Farries
Absolutely fantastic meal, thanks very much Raj and Chef.. the chickpea special was truly outstanding. I visited all the way from North Vancouver Canada and was delighted.
May 2025 by C S
Lovely food, lovely people. The naan bread is the most unique I've ever had
April 2025 by Stephen Bennett
Highly recommended! This is one of the most authentic Indian restaurants I?ve come across. Amazing food and service. A nice arrangement with the pub next door for drinks and a lovely setting next to the river Blackwater also. Difficult to ask for more.
