Koko Gorilaz, Cardiff restaurant review

*Update - this restaurant is now closed*

When Mrs G’s lab colleague recommended I check out the Indian food at Koko Gorillaz, I did a triple take. 

Ok, make that a quadruple take.

I mean, Koko Gorilaz… the tatty student bar in the heart of Cathays with sticky floors, dingy lighting and fridges filled with Brazilian WKD (apparently it’s limited edition)?

However, she's definitely onto something.

When they’re not busy cooking all day breakfasts and scampi & chips, Koko Gorilaz’s team of Indian chefs are dishing up interesting Indian food from an entirely separate menu. 

When we visited on Saturday lunchtime, Italy v Scotland was showing on the big screen. We placed our food order at the bar and returned to a table with the requisite wooden spoon in a pint glass.

We began with a couple of Indo-Chinese dishes. Whilst a £5 starter doesn’t sound like a bargain, both dishes were absolute whoppers – the size of generous mains.

Fish chilli (£4.95) comprised of tender white fish fillets in light batter, stir-fried peppers and onions, and a ginger, garlic and chilli packed sauce. The only let-down was the heavy-handedness with the soy sauce and corn flour.

Gobi Manchurian (£4.50) was fairly similar tasting. Battered cauliflower florets were coated in a garlic-charged, soy based sauce. 

Mains brought the biggest success.

Paneer Tikka Massala (£5.50) combined four generous pieces of charcoal-licked cheese in a richly spiced sauce, dotted with green peppers and onion. 

Fluffy rice (£1.50) was served in a huge portion whilst a decent Tawa Paratha (£1.50) lacked its distinctive flaky layers. 

The curry at Koko Gorilaz is well-worth checking out.  Sadly, the venue is devoid of any charm.

However, if you want to watch the Six Nations whilst munching on Tandoori king prawns, or you fancy combining a Saturday night session with a boozy curry, then Koko Gorilaz should definitely be on your radar. 

The details:

Address - Koko Gorilaz, 7 - 9 Miskin Street Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4AP

Telephone - 02920 341 767