I don't think I'm the only person who would score Majliss highly for food and a complete shambles on the organisational front. We ordered a takeaway on a Friday night, which was foolish in retrospect, and were told it would be half an hour. When we turned up to collect it it was impossible to get anyone's attention, and when we finally did it seemed suspiciously as if they hadn't started on the order yet. The space near the door was absolutely chockfull of people waiting for tables or takeaways, and I guess the owner just doesn't have the heart to say no to anyone, or book tables for long enough to give the diners time for their dinner.
After 50 minutes of waiting in the restaurant we got our food. The staff member changed tack abruptly and offered rather over the top apologies and also a free bottle of beer, which was a slightly odd choice given that I am heavily and quite visibly pregnant.
The food was good. We had a sag aloo dosa, and I do recommend their dosas (filled rolled pancakes) as an unusual offering which most Indian restaurants don't have on the menu. They'd be a good lunch food, if a little expensive for everyday. Pathia was a good balance of spicy, sharp and sweet. The korai was also good - tender and rich.
Ever since we went fairly soon after they opened and tried the crazy curry of chicken and strawberries I've rated Majliss as inventive on the food front, and clearly other people feel this too. But the competition on Cowley Road is stiff, and they desperately need to get some organisational structures in place. The staff looked completely frantic and must end every night totally exhausted, not to mention the number of free drinks they must give out to disgruntled patrons. However good the food, on balance it would take special circumstances to lure us back.