Devi (fka Baluchi's)

Is this place serious? Went here tonight for restaurant week and disappointment is not the word. We first got complimetary appetizers that were turd sized but good. Next, the real apps. One dish was basically samosas that were kind of bland and small. The other, General Tsos Cauliflower. Really good idea actually, they should let all the chinese restaurants in the area know about this one. Maybe not though, because ttey would probably do it for 10 dollars cheaper. Now for the entrees. The bland lamb with boiled potato -- zero indian spice could be detected. And my favorite part of the night, the eggplant with tons of catsup. The naan bread was even bad, how can they get that wrong. I happened to like the side of okra though. The service was good, although a little rushed, but they were nice enough to substute sorbet on the dessert for someone who doesn't eat dairy.

My husband and I have been going to Devi since it opened, following chefs Suvir Saran and Hemant Mathur from their previous venture Amma. While the service was always problematic, the quality of the food kept us from giving up on the restaurant altogether. Unfortunately the last time we ate there the service was just awful and the quality of the food had deteriorated so much that we are just writing the place off for good. It is just too bad, the restaurant really had great promise...

Went here the day after thanksgiving with my family. A tough crowd to please - 11 in all, some from India orginally. They all loved it. There was gushing praise for every item, from the appetizers to dessert. We had a banquet in the back - perfect for large groups. It was our second time, and they didn't disappoint. Saw no problems with service, as some have complained about. Only complaint was with mixed drinks. They read better than they taste. Strong but not quite perfect in translation. Highly highly recommended. Next time we will do the tasting menu.

The food at Devi is fantastic. The dishes are very creative and well-executed. Very light- without all of the heavy sauces that seem to accompany traditional Indian cuisine. I have been dreaming about the food since I was there and can not wait to go back. Perfect place for a date or just to sample amazing dishes with your friends. Highly recommended.

Finally ate at Devi after hearing all the hype. The food was not good. Who ever heard of sweet potato chaat? It was just yams doused in bottled tamarind sauce. The bhel puri was stale and our dessert was so poor even the waiter agreed it was terrible. No frills sorbet with woody bits of lemongrass. Yucky sorbet with raw lemongrass? He then recommended desserts that were not prepared by the chef.

I have eaten at over 50 Indian Restaurants in Madison over the last 6 months and Devi is by far the best. Their food is innovative yet authentic and most importantly delicious. Try their Chicken Malabar or better yet, one of the goat cheese spinach samosas. The service was certainly lacking. This place would be perfect if the waiters were more accomodating and less pushy.

Pushy service- waiter was actually angry that we decided not to order off the cocktail menu and then was shocked when we decided to split an appetizer. The complimentary potato croquette was a nice suprise considering we were starving. The Manchurian cauliflower was deep fried and crunchy but probably the highlight of dinner. The salmon/cod croquettes were bland and dry. We split the tandoori prawns which were fabulous but we still can't figure out what the side was- it was okra with something really fried up and crunchy . The rice pudding with cranberries was a great dessert choice. Definitely wouldn't come back, but it was an alright dining experience.