Ayurveda Cafe

So we had a coupon from Social Living, paid $18 for a $36 value. I was so looking forward to a good good Indian dinner with appetizer and dessert etc. So what did we get? Ordinary diners received the thin lentil waivers with 3 condiments, but we did not. They unceremoniously slabbed a tray with several tiny bowls in front of us - nothing was particularly tasty, plus for a 'dinner' way too little. Then came the dessert: greasy, slightly sweetened thin noodles - never had such a pathetic dessert in my life...and then came the bill. They added the tax, alright and then a HUGE tip - were they kidding after such a lousy meal? The waitress spent less than one minute at our table. Well instead of the $9.10 we left $5.00 to cover tax and minuscule 'gratuity'. Wouldn't you know it, they came after us and 'demanded' the remaining $4.10. I told them that this is called 'gratuity' and for a reason. Our reason being that this is exactly how much they deserved for misleading customers and serving them a totally unsatisfactory dinner. Had I stayed home and cooked Indian style (mind you, I am not Indian but have learned a few things about Indian cuisine over the years), I would have cobbled together a much better and much more satisfying dinner than the one we had. The dessert was really the last straw.

I found the veg dishes incredibly oily and spiced, yet not very flavorful (I know, imagine that!). Chutney was also very disappointing, more of a liquid/oil sauce rather than a thick and delicious condiment. Salad was miniscule and ridiculous--shredded rubber just about! This all said, Iay give it another shot, depending on desparation. I do agree with concept.

Yes the prix fixe menu is a little pricey for dinner, but the food was excellent and they will bring you more of whatever you want. I will definitely be back to this place. The service was excellent as well.

I couldn't agree more, A_Native (on 11/04/2009). Although I've never been to India, I have had the experience of eating in other ayurvedic places, and this one isn't as good as the others. I have been to Ayurveda Cafe 4 times already, hoping that the first tries were just "difficult days" for them... But as I read the reviews here, I understood: they have the right waitresses, a nice location and atmosphere, but they should considerably improve their food.

I recently went to Ayurveda Cafe, with great expectations - a healthy, reasonably priced vegetarian Indian meal. My experience was average to poor overall. The service is excellent, the problem really, was the food. Of the two vegetables, one was overly spicy (I'm from India and can handle spicy just fine), and the other had way too much grease. The predominant spice was raw ginger. To the point where I found large chunks in the lentil dish. Also, a word about the bread. I expected whole-wheat chapati or rotis - which is what most indian kitchens serve. What they serve is a hybrid between a naan (made with refined flour) and roti. Of the numerous tastes their "ayurvedic cuisine" is supposed to incorporate I could only list spicy, salty, sweet and sour. Pretty much what I could get at any other restaurant.

We really love this place. Have never eaten in the restaruant but get take out all the time. The place is not attractive but the food is consistent and I cannot go a week or two without ordering from Ayurveda. No choices to make which is great when you dont want to think.

Great restaurant.. can't believe I was living in the area for so long before eating here! High quality indian veg food and a reasonable price. Lunch prices are great. Portion is large. I only discovered this place because a friend from Chelsea would hop on the subway and come and eat here once a week for lunch. Highly recommended.. we usually order take out from here and they are very prompt!