Kuti's Brasserie, Southampton (From This is Hampshire)

Kuti's Brasserie, Southampton

4:30pm Friday 14th July 2006 in

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RESTAURANTS forge their reputations on good food and good service.

It's perhaps why the reputation of Kuti's Brasserie continues to grow.

Serving Indian cuisine with a Bangaldeshi style, Kuti's has become one of Southampton's most recognisable dining venues situated in the heart of the city's restaurant row, Oxford Street.

It has recently undergone a refurbishment incorporating a fresh new look both outside and in.

Kuti himself has plans to extend the business with a restaurant due to be opened in Wickham later this year and plans in the pipeline to convert Southampton's disused Royal Pier building into a Thai restaurant after he secured a sub-lease from ferry operators Red Funnel.

So what is all the fuss about we decided to find out.

Kuti's has a distinctive touch, and that is most evident as soon as you walk through the door with Mr Singh, dressed in full regalia, providing the greeting to diners.

Purple is Kuti's distinguishing colour and we both agreed that why it would not be everyone's taste it sets a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.

Diners can chose from either the buffet (£14.95) in the Benali Suite upstairs (named after the former Saints defender) or the a la carte menu on the ground floor.

We went for the latter and what an extensive menu it is including duck, poultry, venison, beef, lamb, fish or seafood and an large vegetarian option with all dishes containing nuts clearly marked.

While chewing over the popadoms and dips we went for the chicken chat (£4.95) to share for starter. This yoghurt and spice marinated chicken cooked over the barbecue is bursting with rich flavours and really whets the appetite.

One of the great things about Kuti's is that if you don't see a dish on the menu you would like or if you prefer a variation on a dish then they are more than willing to accommodate your tastes.

We plumped for the jhinga palak (£11.30), chicken shaslik (£9.85) accompanied with bhindi bhaji (£3.25), takra dal (£3.25) and sylhety naan bread (£2.50) to share.

The large pieces of chicken shaslik with spicy chilli dip is fast becoming a favourite with its strong flavours while the prawns in the jhinga palak are just as sizeable and very filling.

The takra dal has a great smoky flavour, the bhindi bhaji (or ladies fingers) were cooked just right, while the sylhety naan is stuffed with sweet coconut.

The restaurant prides itself on the quality of its food and while that means it is not the cheapest it is certainly worth it. The food is cooked superbly and, if you ask nicely and the restaurant is not too busy, Kuti himself is always willing to let you visit the kitchens.

Deserts cost from £2.75 to £3.95 and while they are mostly ice-cream dishes, they include traditional Indian treats such as gulab jaman. We went for the coconut menorquine, which comes served in half a coconut and tastes fantastic. The menu itself could be a little more refined though as photographs of the desserts does not sit easy with the quality ethos of Kuti's.

A glass of Cobra beer was a fitting accompaniment for a great meal and a great night out. Look out for the magician on Tuesday nights.

With such a solid foundation it's no wonder Kuti's healthy reputation continues to grow.

Contact Kuti's on 023 8022 1585/8033 3473 or visit www.kutis.co.uk and make reservations online.