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I'm a regular at Madras Cafe and find the food always tasty. Unlike many restaurants, it's freshly prepared with good veggies and spices. Some reviewers report soggy dosas or average food. I would mention that the best part about Madras is their home-style cooking and willingness to make your food to order. If you prefer your dosa crispy, all you have to do is ask! If you aren't sure about South Indian cuisine and what best to order, the friendly owner is always happy to recommend and explain his dishes. My favorites are the dosa, and especially the uttapam- like a thick veggie filled pancake made with dosa batter. Also, the coconut chutney it some of the freshest around. If you just want a snack, get a plain dosa with a little side of spicy "podi" (sometimes called gunpowder). It's yummy! Having visted South India several times, Madras is the most reliable and friendly spot to get my fix of south indian cuisine.

As a kosher-only diners, we are always searching for a find. More importantly, the food has to be great. There should be no excuse for bad Kosher food. This was the second time we were here. I want to say we really enjoyed it, but overall it was just average. First problem was that their kashruth certificate was outdated, forcing my husband to call the Mashgiach - embarrassing. The Rabbi thought they were great, but the owner wasn't to thrilled that my husband made the call. No washing station, you can imagine my husband's eyeballs rolling. Most of the diners were not Jews, which I normally think is a good sign. The waiters are a bit gruff and balked when I asked for a change of silverware between my first and second course. So lame. However, overall, the service was fine, indifferent. The idlies we ordered were very good, and the papadum as well. The vegetable curry dosai I ordered was just average, not much food in it, but the crepe itself was crisp and good. My husband had the potatoes & spinach, not too creamy. Riata and other spicy chutney, just ok. I noted the the portions are good sized and those tables around us who ordered different dishes seemed happy. The dining area is nothing special, but as you approach the restrooms, it's a bit unclean. The menu is so varied and I keep wanting this place to be terrific. We love Indian food...and hope to return..just plain inconsistent..please try to be better!!

I go here about once every six weeks. The food is flavorful and interesting; I usually get one of the thalis. Their rasam is particularly good. The service is pleasant, though a bit uneven--never rude or annoying, but some waiters are more professional than others. They don't pressure you to order things you don't want or rush you out when you're done. I've rarely been there when it's full, and never when it's loud. I have always left Madras very happy.

Difficult and inattentive service, Cheats customers by charging for dishes not ordered. Poor value. OK food, but better value elsewhere.

I got the spinach dosa, which didn't come out crispy. It wasn't very tasty overall. The other dish we got turned out a lot better (it was some vegetable curry). The food at this place just wasn't very special, so I was a little disappointed.

Besides the amazing food, (I still dream about the Kofta Curry I had...) the atmosphere was great! Definitely a good 3rd date restaurant... Very cozy with good lighting. I highly recommend it!

I love this place! my fiance and i had our first date here and we ate again a few nights ago and since i've wanted to order for lunch, so i did and again, it was delicious! the food is so tasty and filling, i'm probably never going to stop ordering or going there. Best place in NY for vegan indian food!