| Cuisine : | Indian, Pakistani |
|---|---|
| Open for : | dinner, lunch |
| Type : | cafe, restaurant, takeaway |
| Tags : | byo alcohol, child friendly, private dining room, suitable for large groups, vegetarian choice |
| Average price : | Main course £8. Three courses £14. |
| Website : | http://www.gifto.com/ |
| Short URL : | http://iate.at/lLR |
Known locally simply as "Gifto's", the restaurant started as a small grocers (the first in Southall) 50 years ago. Over the years, the business evolved and although it's still a well respected importer of Pakistani produce, it is best known for the 250 seat canteen style restaurant.
Food is produced in the open kitchen which dominates the left hand side of the restaurant. The kitchen (which sits behind a glass screen to protect the diners from the fierce heat) houses several tandoor ovens, charcoal grills and tawa's - and small army of chefs who produce an incredible volume of food given the relatively small space available. The food is generally simple dishes - many of which are familiar "restaurant" dishes - but there is also a wide selection of traditional Pakistani dishes such as a lamb and lentil haleem, paya (lambs trotters in a hot, thick gravy), quail masala and magaz masala (Lahori style brains).
Gifto's is particularly suitable for large groups, and it's not uncommon for entire extended families to eat there on a Friday or Saturday night. For those wanting a private space to enjoy their meal, the restaurant's private dining hall can accommodate up to 70 diners.
The restaurant does not serve alcohol - but diners are welcome to bring their own.
