COLCHESTER has a new Indian restaurant - but is it any good? 

Kaveri Modern Indian Kitchen and Bar, in St John's Street, opened its doors to the public only a few days ago, so I thought I best try it out.

As one of the restaurant's first customers, alongside my hungry parents, I was intrigued to see how my experience would pan out. 

Gazette: History - the Roman wall runs through the restaurantHistory - the Roman wall runs through the restaurant (Image: Newsquest)

I arrived at Kaveri at lunchtime and after trying to enter from the back entrance in Sir Isaac's Walk I embarrassingly went down the nearby steps to the front entrance, which is opposite Wetherspoons. 

Upon entry, we were invited to sit down anywhere in the restaurant but were drawn to the 'cave experience' on offer.

The Roman wall runs through the shop and there is an area underneath it with quaint seating and ambient music. 

Gazette: Seating - the cave areaSeating - the cave area (Image: Newsquest)

We were well catered for as soon as we sat down with menus and a smiling waiter, who was very polite as he took our orders.

The lunchtime menu had an understandably small and less spicy array of options. 

I ordered a chicken korma with steamed brown rice and the Kaveri special salad.

My parents ordered a chicken tikka masala, Bombay potato, mushroom garlic rice and steamed vegetables.

Gazette: Tasty - the shared starterTasty - the shared starter (Image: Newsquest)

Due to the lunchtime offer, vegetarian meals were £9 and non-vegetarian meals were £11.

We also ordered mutton kothu paratha, which was £8.99.

As we waited for our food we were given a plate of poppadoms, mango chutney and a small salad, for no extra charge. 

Gazette: Tasty - the mutton kothu parathaTasty - the mutton kothu paratha (Image: Newsquest)

Around 30 minutes later our food arrived and it smelt delicious.

Each dish was separated into three bowls which were served on a big plate. It was all steaming hot.

The sauce was the right texture and the flavours from each dish mixed together beautifully.

Gazette: Delicious - the korma curryDelicious - the korma curry (Image: Newsquest)

For an affordable lunchtime meal, I think the food was amazing and well-cooked.

My favourite part about the venue was the Roman Wall which stands proudly on show as soon as you walk inside. 

Its rustic brown and red look contrasts nicely against the greens, whites and browns of the traditional Indian décor. 

Gazette: Amazing - the tikka masalaAmazing - the tikka masala (Image: Newsquest)

To find out more information about Kaveri Modern Indian Kitchen and Bar kaveri-restaurants.co.uk.