With long, communal dining tables, and an open kitchen, Gifto's offers interesting sights, sounds, and smells in addition to delicious Pakistani food. Without the slightest intent of eavesdropping, you hear the juiciest gossip about people you probably will never know. I've now been to Gifto's on three occasions, all at lunchtime, when the restaurant is not nearly as busy as it gets in the evenings. Everything I've tried has been fresh and delicious. The magaz (sheep brain) masala is the best offal dish I've had in many years. The ginger chicken and chili chicken have the perfect flavor profies. Among the breads, the roghni naan (with a very generous topping of sesame seeds) and the tawa paratha are outstanding. I could eat the tawa paratha every afternoon with my tea, and be a happy man. I've never had any issues with the service at Gifto's but I can see how it can come off as somewhat indifferent, especially for those of us visiting from the US, where service is generally oversolicitous. read more

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Travelled from Los Angeles Went to try some good food at this place Very disappointed with biryani and the chicken kabab. Biryani was just full of orange color with no taste and chicken Kabab was just plain with no taste read more

OMG I ate so much I thought I was gonna throw up at the table. I was visiting the UK for work and my boss took me here for dinner on a week night. The area is a little sketchy and parking is horrendous but the food definitely made up for it. I took pictures of the open kitchen because it smelled wonderful and was entertaining for me to watch them cook. We tried a little bit of everything and they all tasted fantastic. My favorite was the paneer and the okra. I can't speak for the price/value, since I'm not familiar with cost in the UK, but the food tasted great and I'm still thinking about it. read more

Gifto's Lahore Karahi - Open kitchen - Pakistani Near Me - Southall, XGL

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"Don't blame me. I'm just somebody who works here", she said defensively at my (mock) complaint. Hearing which, I burst out laughing. Not a polite smile or laugh when you hear something cute or funny, but the deep belly laugh one has at hearing something ridiculous: in this case, her unwarranted self-deprecation and the disconnect between her words and the reality. For I didn't see her that way at all. There's a reason why I begin this review with service. Personal ownership can uplift any experience. It was our server's sense of responsibility and concern that saved the day for us, for the customers on our adjacent table glowered furiously all around. They were kept waiting for their bread long long after their food had arrived - while a multitude of servers ignored them and their pleas for attention. Eventually, those guys were ready to wring someone's neck! As I see it, there's nothing that can damage this restaurant's medium to long term future prospects of printing money other than (most) servers frenetically running around like headless chickens - with no collective sense of personal ownership and apparently no system to guide them... I couldn't even be sure that there were section assignments! Seriously: what can possibly go wrong for the owners? They thrive on past reputation. The HUGE hall is always packed. So, they don't need to do any marketing. And, they clearly don't believe in branding. I mean what sort of name is "Gifto's"? (I don't even remember the words "Lahore Karahi" on their sign...) It's as if the owners wanted to test Shakespeare when he said "what's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell just as sweet..." Gifto's is yet another Pakistani restaurant that is still faithfully following the Indus Valley civilization business model for a good restaurant: great tasting, cheap food - with little thought given to ambience, atmosphere, or experience. Sarcasm aside, they do a fantastic job at executing on the model: this is the only Pakistani restaurant I've ever reviewed with a five star rating. The food, fresh and flavorful, is just THAT exceptional - and wallet friendly! My friend is a regular here and so he ordered the Chicken Biryani for a rice dish, and Chicken Tikka from the 'Bar-B-Que' selection. Uncharacteristically, I stopped him from placing his usual order. "Let's go with the Ginger Chicken (boneless chicken with green chillies, onions & chilli sauce) from the Tawa Specials... and also get a Roghni Naan (with sesame seeds)." I'm glad I always trust my gut. For, we literally inhaled the delicious Chicken Ginger and the Sesame Naan was the best I've had in decades... I doubt one can find better Pakistani food. The overall service, on the other hand... I wouldn't worry about losing those guys to the competition! ;) read more

I ha w been here several times both with business people and family and every time we have been served fresh tasty food. The mix grill was really good as the meat was well marinated. Will always refer this place. read more

Gifto's used to be a long standing Asian supermarket and probably about 15 years ago they diversified into the restaurant business. The original supermarket has closed down probably 7 - 10 years now. This place could be 5 stars but its the inconsistency that lets it down and the way staff are treated. Firstly the inconsistency, the first time I ate here and ordered the tandoori chicken it was a revelation, the best tandoori chicken I've ever had. The second time I had tandoori chicken it was dangerously undercooked to the point that you could see the blood inside. On Saturday night the tandoori chicken was dry and overcooked to the point that I had to smother it in the mint sauce they provide just to get it down. As for the staff they lack training and do run around like headless chickens, as another reviewer wrote the tips go to the owner and on the receipt in huge letters its written service not included almost to guilt trip patrons into leaving generous tips. Looking at the demeanor of the staff I wonder if some of them have the legal right to work in the UK and work for below minimum wage. A number of other restaurants in Southall have been caught out in immigration raids for exactly this type of activity. read more

I was a bit torn as to whether to give this place 2 or 3 stars but I was feeling generous! Once upon a time, there was a restaurant in Southall that offered fantastic Pakistani food, great grills, fresh tasty food with a pretty snappy service! Over a period of say 5 years, the food has not changed too much - still great grills, great fresh food but the service has gone from awful to appalling! This coupled with the rises in their prices has left me feeling rather disillusioned. HOWEVER - the food is excellent - well worth a trip down the M4 for a taste of pure authentic Pakistani cuisine! A bustling, busy restaurant with a simple decor, unpretentious and relaxed - not really making a statement in terms of service or culture - rather letting the food do all the talking. Very tasty! read more

This is the best place in Southall. Sometimes the service suffers due to them being so busy, but the food here is better than everywhere else, and you don't go to a place like this for anything but the food. If you want a posh dining experience you're better off going to some fancy place in Central London but if you want proper authentic punjabi food you can't go wrong with Gifto. If you're in West London generally, the Hounslow branch (not the Southall one) of Mirch Masala is also well worth a visit. read more

I would give this a zero.They give you LEFTOVER RETURNED FOOD that is BURNT. The smell of the chicken is APPALLING it is UNFRESH and this often happens since we visit frequently.There has never been a time when the food hasn't been BURNT . I recommend you to NOT attend to this restaurant. Absolutely Disgusting Food read more

Came here with a group of ten for a family dinner. Started off with apps of meat. Food came pretty out fast and was tasty. order the mango lassi- it's the best I tasted. We ordered a slew of small plates, veggie and meat. All was good and the portions were proper. For dessert u can't beat the feluda! read more

Indian BBQ at it's best. Tikka ovens and open kitchen reveals the mastery in food preparation. If your looking for a quiet place this is not it, tables are bench style so you may be sitting next to someone you don't know. But the food is excellent and watching the cooks work the Tikka ovens is fun. The homemade Naan bread, made in the ovens right in front of you, is fantastic. Parking is difficult, but you won't be sorry once you bite into a lamb chop..mmmm. read more

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This place is delicious! Everything was good, grilled items are the best from kabobs to chicken boti. We also had the matka kulfi for dessert, it came in a cute little matka : ) This is a nice family friendly place and clean. The kitchen is see through with large glass windows. We have visited twice now as we live in the states and this is a must eat for us! They also seat you promptly. It is located in Southend.. so there are lots of other desi options from fresh jalebi to buying your next Eid outfit in one of the many reasonably priced shops. I found desi attire prices to be cheaper here compared to the States. read more

Went there with my partner the other night. Not the best area in town, but it's worth going for the food. The place has many tables and can be a bit crowded, but the food is one of the best Indian food we ever had. Big portions, good service. Must try the desserts. read more

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This restaurant is not too far from my mates uni, so we decided to hold a surprise party here. If you want a table, you will need to call and reserve a little in advance, stating how many people. We had 20 and they were great as they put a few tables together so we could all sit together. It was a great night. I think i had a prawn puri for starters, which was absolutely amazing. if you dont like your food too spicy then tell then whilst ordering as the prawn puri was really hot. For the main course, i had the usual Chicken Biriyani. I always order this for some reason. I just think im a little too chicken to go for something i dont know. The biriyani was nice but the sauce that came with it was amazing. Good enough to eat on its own. When it came to desert, we had bought our own cake, and they were good enough to dim the lights and bring it out for us, free of charge. A very clean and modern place, i would definately recommend this place if you are going as a group on a fun night, or even if you want an intimate date there. A great place and would definately return with a doubt. read more

It was the last day of Ramadan and we called in advance to make sure the wait wouldn't be long. They assured us it's a 10 minute wait. We got there 30 mins prior to Iftar and the line was literally out the restaurant! It was super disappointing. We ended up waiting in the rain for an HOUR AND 45!!!! We had to break our fast super late and the inside management took no accountability for this mishap. Dozens and dozens of people were waiting outside, hungry and cold. They could've brought out appetizers or even bread for their customers waiting to break their fast. It was really inconsiderate. I believe on days or times that they understand it will be busy, reservations should be required!!! The lack of management inside really lost them stars in my eyes. However, one thing I will give them is their food is fantastic! We ordered their char si lamb, which is more than enough for 2-3 people. It was the best I've EVER had!!! Their vegetable biryani and tharka dhaal was so fresh and flavorful. My favorite was their naan!!! I preferred the garlic but the plain one was nice as well. I personally don't think the appetizer platter of pakoras was worth it because it was literally a handful if that. Overall, the food was 5 stars but the chaos and lack of empathy and lack of organization from management was a 2. read more

Yum. Yum. Yum. The food at giftos is delicious. The masala fish and lamb chops were my personal favourites, with the haleem also deserving a mention. And the falooda. And the lassi. You know what it was all good. We didn't have a single disappointing dish. The price is really good too. This would have been a five star review if we hadn't found out the owner keeps the tips that are meant for the waiting staff. read more

Gifto's is a great restaurant that makes delicious, fresh, flavoursome food. It's a family favourite and never fails to deliver. My favourites are the butter chicken, curry masala and chicken biryani. The bread is always fresh and they have a wide variety on the menu for people of all tastes. The waiters are also really friendly and have a sense of humour, and are apologetic about any mistakes (e.g. our table wasn't cleaned enough once and they sorted it out immediately) Would definitely recommend! Atmosphere is lovely. read more

Hey yes greatest kebabs in southall , plenty of meat for your money , service is kurt but quick and cost is fine maybe £8 per head depends on your belly read more

Probably the most renowned indian restauant on the Southall Broadway. The decor is very plain and basic and it does look abit cheap when you have been there regularly but i guess the most important thing is the food which is what has kept customers making Giftos a regular place to dine when in Southall. The range is varied and the standard of food is pretty good. I would stronly recommend the butter chicken dish with either plain or keema naan bread. Prices are reasonable and a family of 4 can usually eat for under £50. read more

I went here with family and really enjoyed the food - very spicy and tasty and service was excellent. Although it was busy when we went the staff never panicked or stressed and kept checking to see if we were ok. Even when i needed to pray, they found a space for me to do so. Very accommodating and very delicious food. The Peshawri naans are to die for althoigh the biryaani i had wasn't as good as elsewhere. Because we were in a group, we mixed and matched and got to taste a bit of everything - definitely recommend the chicken karahi and the butter chicken. Overall very nice (and clean) place to take the family for an evening out. read more

Good variety of Dishes, Fast atmosphere, Waited for a while for dishes to arrive but was definetly worth the wait, Kebabs Sheikh, Paratha, Chicken Karahi Recommended read more

This is a review of the branch in Feltham, which is not listed for some reason. No frills restaurant, just good food even if it is a bit on the pricey side. Incredibly consistent standard, have been going there for years and have never experienced an off day. I agree that the service isn't the best, but I go there for the food, not to be pampered! read more

I went there with my toddler daughter feb 2018 for lunch around noon staff was seems very rude we got the table and set my daughter start to play with silverware, without ask or anything one server come with IKEA plate and and took glass plate away and next two minutes I wonder what just happen hear. then my daughter food serve in Ikea plate and extra IKEA glass for her. I order NIHARI which was not impressive at all tandoori roti was good. and top of that while me and other guest was eating there food two people was keep dusting sealing of the restaurant. I felt disgusting just like I'm not in London I'm seating in PAKISTAN. and full time we eat there two server continue stand next to us and stare us. two time try to touch my baby also. I was tourist there from USA so that all was super strange for me. I never give Review this long in my life but for this restaurant I felt I have too. I will not recommend anyone go there in till they learn about germs and hygiene n some behave. read more

Good food at a reasonable price in a decent environment. I love places where you can see the kitchen and this is one of those places. Clean bathrooms and toilets make the experience good. It is not as good as some of the places in Whitechapel but after walking Southall's mail street is a good place to relax and refuel on some good grub. I always tend to go for the chicken bhoti and perhaps seekh kebab. If lassi is available that is always good. Make sure you try this. Would recomment this place to one and all. Friendly staff and good service as well. read more

excellent prices, tasty food, shortage of space. great for take away but not for party.