Viceroy is an Indian restaurant in Virginia Water that feels like a dependable local staple.
We visited twice, once midweek and once on a Friday night, with the same goal both times: a low-effort dinner where the food does the heavy lifting.
It felt like a fair test of whether it holds up as both a relaxed weekday option and a busier end-of-week choice.
First Impressions
On our Friday visit, the room was close to full, and the energy reflected that immediately.
There were plenty of larger tables, groups catching up, and a noticeable buzz that tipped into loud at points.
The decor leans traditional and functional rather than memorable, which sets expectations early.
Staff were welcoming and clearly used to managing a full house, but the noise level meant conversation required some effort.
There is enough space between tables to avoid feeling boxed in, but it is not a quiet room by any stretch.
What We Ordered
We began with poppadoms served with onion salad and dips, followed by Onion Bhajee, which arrived far larger than expected.
For mains, we ordered the Chilli Chicken Masala from the chef’s specials, Chicken Balti, garlic naan, and pilau rice.
It was a fairly classic order, but enough range to get a sense of how the kitchen handles both heat and balance.
The Standout
The Chilli Chicken Masala was easily the strongest dish on the table.
It carries real heat, so it’s best suited to people who like a curry with a bit of a kick to it.
The spice builds properly, and the flavour holds up alongside it, which explains its placement on the specials board.
This is not one to order if you are avoiding chilli, but it rewards anyone who enjoys bold dishes.
The Onion Bhajee is also worth calling out.
They are thick, crisp, and substantial, well above average for the price, and realistically one portion is enough to share unless you are especially hungry.
Service and Atmosphere
Service was efficient throughout both visits.
Food arrived quickly, even on a busy night, and staff stayed polite and attentive without lingering.
The approach felt practical rather than personal, with a clear focus on keeping things moving.
That works well for a packed restaurant, but it is not the place for a slow, drawn-out meal.
The crowd skewed slightly older, though it would not feel awkward bringing older children.
A small but welcome detail is the chocolate offered as you leave, which adds a pleasant final note.
Value for the Area
For the area, Viceroy sits comfortably in the affordable bracket.
Mains come in under £14, though rice and sides are extra, which pushes the total up if you order generously.
Even so, it still lands firmly as a casual option rather than somewhere you would reserve for a big celebration.
Drinks are standard and sensibly priced, with nothing unexpected on the bill.
Who It’s Best For
Viceroy suits families, groups of friends, and larger get-togethers far more than quiet dinners for two.
The layout and atmosphere are geared toward conversation and turnover, and weekend bookings feel essential.
It is not a destination for a hushed or lingering evening, but as a reliable, busy local that handles crowds well, it does exactly what it sets out to do.