The Taj Cafe
The Taj Cafe
The Taj Cafe

The Taj Cafe

Indian, Vegetarian, Vegan

The Taj Cafe is a unique family owned restaurant that prides itself on introducing traditional Village Cuisine and their Indian Culture to their patrons Their award winning Chefs come from India Los Angeles with more than 20 years of experience The Santa Barbara Independent Los Angeles Times voted them the highest honor with the title for Best Indian Restaurant by LA Merill Schindler and Edmir Dillis They have also been reviewed several times in Gourmet Magazine.

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Location and hours

Location

Location

574 E Main St , Ventura, CA

(805) 652-1521

Hours

Hours

Monday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

More details

Delivery
Dine In
Reservations
Takeout
Pickup
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Accessible

Reviews

Overall rating

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4.5

(99 reviews)

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Reviewed on December 13, 2019 Verified Purchase

Knowledgeable staff prices are good food is delicious

JN
Julian N.
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Reviewed on December 13, 2019 Verified Purchase

Knowledgeable staff prices are good food is delicious

JN
Julian N.
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Reviewed on December 13, 2019 Verified Purchase

Knowledgeable staff prices are good food is delicious

JN
Julian N.
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Reviewed on August 25, 2019 Verified Purchase

The fish was good. The lemonade was a good summer substitute for chai in winter.

KF
K F.
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Reviewed on August 25, 2019 Verified Purchase

The fish was good. The lemonade was a good summer substitute for chai in winter.

KF
K F.
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Reviewed on July 29, 2019 Verified Purchase

Great Food ! Great Location! Cozy restaurant! Good service!

DR
Delilah R.
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Reviewed on March 6, 2019 Verified Purchase

Felt like we were overcharged on our total cost of the meals!

RG
Rolando G.
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Reviewed on March 6, 2019 Verified Purchase

Felt like we were overcharged on our total cost of the meals!

RG
Rolando G.
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Reviewed on February 4, 2019 Verified Purchase

The rack of lamb was good. I cannot recommend the deserts at this restaurant.

KF
K F.
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Reviewed on January 13, 2019 Verified Purchase

This restaurant has the best rack of lamb in town. Today the lamb was ever better than usual.

KF
K F.
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Reviewed on January 13, 2019 Verified Purchase

This restaurant has the best rack of lamb in town. Today the lamb was ever better than usual.

KF
K F.
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Reviewed on January 13, 2019 Verified Purchase

This restaurant has the best rack of lamb in town. Today the lamb was ever better than usual.

KF
K F.
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Reviewed on August 27, 2018 Verified Purchase

Delicious curries (try the coconut or korma) & a killer carrot pudding for dessert. Great place to eat before or after a movie (theatre right across the street).

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Kathleen S.
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Reviewed on June 6, 2018 Verified Purchase

Tuesday nights are not busy. We were able to get served quickly, and make a 5:30 pm movie. The food is very flavorful.

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Joel G.
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Reviewed on May 24, 2018 Verified Purchase

We love going to the Taj. We go there about once a month. We live out of town but we absolutely love the food, the waiters know us, and the place is always so clean. The flavors of the dishes are yummy and we always bring something home.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 7, 2017 Verified Purchase

Yes very happy w ith service

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Default U.
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Reviewed on October 7, 2017 Verified Purchase

Great service and they are accommodating with wheelchair access.

DU
Default U.
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Reviewed on July 16, 2017 Verified Purchase

Fantastic food, wonderful service, we will be back!

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Marc Y.
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Reviewed on June 25, 2017 Verified Purchase

Taj is very conveniently located; it is across the street from the Century Theater. We caught an early movie, and got a table without waiting. The food is very flavorful, and consist quality, as always. They always bring you a free appetizer and desert.

JG
Joel G.
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Reviewed on May 22, 2017 Verified Purchase

Taj is always amazing, incredibly friendly and just as tasty! Just make sure to ask for a spice level you will be comfortable with!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

The service was fine, but the waiters are a bit stoic...they need to be more personable...that's why I didn't rate TAJ as excellent.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Excellent food. Server did not ask if I wanted more soda and cleared the glass. I don't know if there are are re-fills, but it's extremely rare not to have them in this region.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Excellent food. Server did not ask if I wanted more soda and cleared the glass. I don't know if there are are re-fills, but it's extremely rare not to have them in this region.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Excellent service and food

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2017 Verified Purchase

Food over priced lots of sauce and very little meat

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Billie F.
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Reviewed on September 21, 2016 Verified Purchase

The food was delicious and the service was exceptional. We look forward to dining here again.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 12, 2016 Verified Purchase

Good service. Excellent food.

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 5, 2016 Verified Purchase

The food and service were excellent. The restaurant was full as it was a Friday night. The server brought us a free appetizer.

JG
Joel G.
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Reviewed on August 22, 2016 Verified Purchase

Excellent Indian food in a lovely setting with Bollywood music. The host graciously added several items gratis, including a very tasty garbanzo dish and rice pudding.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 31, 2016 Verified Purchase

Service seemed slow although there were only 3 other tables with people. We waited a long time for our main course to arrive.

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Patricia H.
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Reviewed on July 3, 2016 Verified Purchase

Their food is outstanding and their service terrific!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 5, 2016 Verified Purchase

Attentive staff, willing to give suggestion or offer extra spices to your own palate. Many free appetizers to try were offered.

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 19, 2016 Verified Purchase

The service could NOT be nicer! Everyone is so sweet and helpful!

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Warren W.
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Reviewed on May 9, 2016 Verified Purchase

The food was excellent but the math on the bill was creative.

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 29, 2016 Verified Purchase

Very tasty malai koftas & coconut curries. Save room for dessert & order the carrot pudding; even non-carrot fans will love it.

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 28, 2016 Verified Purchase

They were very gracious and - for whatever reason - gave us a couple of "freebies."

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 25, 2016 Verified Purchase

Service was great, food was ok, bugs on the wall ruined my appetite

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 15, 2016 Verified Purchase

Servers were very nice and made us feel very special and they went beyond. The atmosphere was very inviting to having romantic night.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 27, 2015 Verified Purchase

We had a great experience from the time we called to confirm Restaurant.com participation to our last bite of dinner on the Taj Special Platter, Vegetarian Combo and Chutney Sampler which were outstanding in flavor and aroma!!! We will be coming back for the Lunch Buffet.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 20, 2015 Verified Purchase

Excellent food and wonderful service. I did not give it 5 stars, because they charged me $10 more than they were supposed to. I realized this once I got home. I want to think that it was accidental and that they got confused when I presented the Restaurant.com voucher. However, my advice is: Review the bill before presenting the voucher and after the voucher, to avoid overpaying.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 12, 2015 Verified Purchase

Great authentic Indian food and excellent service

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 10, 2015 Verified Purchase

Great kormas, delicious sag paneer & malai koftas, plus dishes you can't find at any other Indian restaurants in the area. The carrot pudding and mango ice cream are to die for, so save room for dessert.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 1, 2015 Verified Purchase

This a great Indian restaurant. They serve authentic Indian cuisine using high-quality ingredients. Portions are generous, the ambiance is very nice (especially the semi-private alcoves at the front surrounded by plants. You feel like you are dining in a garden - very romantic), and staff and management are very gracious. We don't live nearby but try to get here whenever we can.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 25, 2015 Verified Purchase

Delicious food, attentive service. Leave room for the carrot pudding or mango ice cream for dessert, along with a hot masala chai.

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 6, 2015 Verified Purchase

Great marsala. I wanred buffet but couldn't have it on this deal so lunch still cost $15 with tip for one! Too much.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 18, 2015 Verified Purchase

We were given an appetizer and 2 desserts on the house!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 28, 2014 Verified Purchase

Loved the soup, the Curry Chicken, the fried rice with vegetable and the Chicken Tika Masala.

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 27, 2014 Verified Purchase

What a treat to receive complimentary appetizers and dessert. Everyone at Taj is just great!!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 22, 2014 Verified Purchase

The service was excellent and we were waited on by 3 different waiters! They brought us appetizers and desert for free.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 17, 2014 Verified Purchase

The coconut curry on the specials menu was delicious but the fish tikka masala was out of this world! We were treated generously with special appetizer and dessert as well.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 16, 2014 Verified Purchase

The always treat you like an old friend!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 16, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great food, and very nice people.

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 11, 2014 Verified Purchase

Taj is my very favorite restaurant b/c of ambience, location, AND delicious and inviting authentic food choices. They are generous w/ tasty potato pancake appetizers, warm naan bread, main entrée, AND dessert!.

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 18, 2014 Verified Purchase

We were so impressed with the service and really enjoyed the food so much-everything was so tasty.Getting a free appetizer and a free dessert was an added plus!!!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 7, 2014 Verified Purchase

We like to use our restaurant.com certificates when we travel. We love this place & will tell others about it so when they travel, they too can enjoy it. The owner was very pleasant, food was excellent & the sevice was good.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 7, 2014 Verified Purchase

Excellent

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 7, 2014 Verified Purchase

Excellent

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Reviewed on August 25, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great service. Appeared to be all family run and they were all courteous and kind.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 13, 2014 Verified Purchase

Exquisite!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 29, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great service! Fresh, authentic Indian food. Will be celebrating their 10 year anniversay this year.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 3, 2014 Verified Purchase

Beautiful setting, friendly staff, delicious food. Michael, the manager or owner, treated us kindly and generously, with a free appetizer and dessert. Both of which were delicious.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 1, 2014 Verified Purchase

I thought I waiter was rude and very abrupt and he kind of spoiled our over all experience.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on May 4, 2014 Verified Purchase

Though the servers are competent they come off as abrupt.the last 3 times we have dined there we have had the same treatment.nevertheless,we will eat there again as the leg of lamb was wonderful.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 22, 2014 Verified Purchase

The service was amazing and so was the food. They brought complimentary appetizer of potato cakes; delicious.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on April 4, 2014 Verified Purchase

We've been to India and love Indian cooking and the Taj is really good. Could be a little spicier, but we could have asked for medium... The saffron Lamb was wonderful.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 29, 2014 Verified Purchase

The food was superb and they gave us a free dessert.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 24, 2014 Verified Purchase

Can always count on good sized perfectly cooked shrimp and the curry and marsala great too. Never cared much for lentils and yogurt, but is part of combo. They did add an 18% tip which l can understand. They did however add a couple freebies...

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 5, 2014 Verified Purchase

We always like to ask for suggestions and we were (as always) happy with the suggestions what amazing service and food over and above delicious!!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 5, 2014 Verified Purchase

Overall Great!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 2, 2014 Verified Purchase

I had never had Indian Food as it seem intimidating. I was so wrong. The Coconut Curry Chicken was amazing. Also, I thought I didn't like Lamb....I was wrong again. I had the sampler platter so I could test the dishes and was so happy.The sweet rice pudding (which was on the house) was great. The staff was attentive and alway checking in on us and filling our water. Will go back again for sure.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on March 1, 2014 Verified Purchase

The staff at Taj were incredible hospitable, humorous, and fun. They treated us to extras and helped make it a wonderful date night.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 24, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great atmosphere, delicious food. And wonderful service.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 15, 2014 Verified Purchase

The food and service is always amazing

GD
Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 13, 2014 Verified Purchase

Our server was great and had awesome recommendations for people that don't really eat indian food. Furthermore, he brought out complimentary appetizers and dessert and always made sure we were satisfied and our waters full. Absolutely delicious!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on February 9, 2014 Verified Purchase

Great food !

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 22, 2014 Verified Purchase

They were happy to accept our Restaurant.com certificate. Raj, our waiter, gave us free appetizer and dessert. Our salad had cheese, but I'm lactose intolerant,so I asked Raj to leave it out. He offered to replace with tofu instead, and it was so delicious. Everyone was so friendly. We had a really great time.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on January 8, 2014 Verified Purchase

Food is REALLY good.Service as well.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 16, 2013 Verified Purchase

Attentive and friendly service. Nice atmosphere for conversation. Very good food, though not outstanding.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 5, 2013 Verified Purchase

I believe it's the manager, if so, he makes you feel most welcomed as if you were a guest in his home!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on December 1, 2013 Verified Purchase

Our server was very accomodating and even gave items on the house . The menu had a nice selection - even of wines (comparatively speaking). The chef came out to make sure we enjoyed our meal. The service felt personalized.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on November 29, 2013 Verified Purchase

It offered nothing that I could eat...it's all India foods with a whole lot of spices that I am not used too. My daughter said it was just o.k.. nothing special...but the waiter kept hinting about tipping because he was bring us stuff that he said he wasn't going to charge us for but since he is giving it to us (bread) that we should tip well. Neither of us would ever go back and the place didn't look too busy...they will be lucky if they can keep the place going because not too many people like India food...most Americans aren't used to all those spices. I thought I could get by with a chicken salad...but that too was to different from what I am used too.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 30, 2013 Verified Purchase

Authentic delicious food, great ambiance and excellent service

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 14, 2013 Verified Purchase

So many choices and so many good flavors. We had a hard time choosing, but enjoyed everything we ordered. The complimentary appetizer was a nice touch and we loved the special sauces for dipping the tasty naan bread. For dessert, the Indian rice pudding was creamy and had a great flavor. Excellent friendly service.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on October 7, 2013 Verified Purchase

Great service , good food

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 25, 2013 Verified Purchase

When our favorite window table was occupied, The maitre d kindly brought us potato pancakes on the house AND also delivered complimentary dessert after our delicious meal!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on September 23, 2013 Verified Purchase

I would stick to the samosas and chicken mango or masala. My wife ordered the chicken tika, and she said it tasted like cooked plain chicken with no tandoori flavor at all. Nice friendly servers.

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Michael .
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Reviewed on September 14, 2013 Verified Purchase

The best food and service we have recieved in a long time.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 30, 2013 Verified Purchase

This was the most pleasant dining experience we have had in a long time. The service was prompt, our server was friendly ans attentive, and the food was excellent.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 25, 2013 Verified Purchase

Delicious food, attentive staff, and they even gave a couple things to us on the house.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 21, 2013 Verified Purchase

Amazing lamb

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on August 13, 2013 Verified Purchase

The server could have been friendlier.

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Reviewed on August 5, 2013 Verified Purchase

Excellent is reserved for fine dining.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 30, 2013 Verified Purchase

They were very nice and accommodating, and even gave us one appetizer and dessert for the two of us to share, on the house

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on July 6, 2013 Verified Purchase

Our server really made us feel welcome. He even cooked up an extra dish for us to try. The food was excellent.

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Reviewed on July 2, 2013 Verified Purchase

The service is just wonderful.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 30, 2013 Verified Purchase

Excellent service as always. Flavorful dishes with generous portions.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 27, 2013 Verified Purchase

Great service and very good Indian food.

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 8, 2013 Verified Purchase

The staff and owner were above gracious and help you with the menu as there were things I had not heard of before. They also brought me out a free dish to try and it was my favorite of the night! Can't wait to go back!

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Guest Diner
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Reviewed on June 5, 2013 Verified Purchase

Very good food first time I ate Indan food they were so nice they explained what we needed to know about the different food

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