Up until about 12 years ago when I was living in Omaha (Nebraska), I had never tried Indian food. My parents recommended I give it a gander, and once I did, I became hooked. I've reached the point where I may have to attend IFA (Indian Food Anonymous) meetings, because if I don't eat it at least once a week, I start having (similar to nic-) fits. Since moving to the Columbus (Ohio) area, I've tried a dozen different Indian restaurants and thought I'd provide some brief reviews for anyone interested in trying the cuisine for the first time or for anyone in the central Ohio area looking for a suggestion on such a restaurant. As four of them have closed, I'll rank the restaurants in descending order, starting with #8:
12. New India (http://www.newindiarestaurant.com/): If you're in the mood for an Indian buffet but are a tad short on money, this is the place to go. I'd give the buffet's variety an average grade (there are more non-vegetarian than vegetarian options here). The quality of the food isn't quite up to the level of some other such buffets, my top 3 in particular. However, for the price, it's quite the deal. The one regular dish it seems almost everyone talks about here is the Chili Chicken. If you go here, make sure to try that. Location wise, while it's not as happening as High Street, there is quite a bit happening on Bethel as well. Service has also improved here since the first time I went.
Rating: 3/5
11. All India Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/allindiacafe/): I've only tried this place once, so I don't feel it's entirely fair I just them just yet. Based on a first-impression standpoint, though, the food was tasty, the wait was a bit long, the place is tiny (better for carryout orders), and I'd be willing to try it again. The menu is pretty standard fare for Indian restaurants. If you're in the Pickerington/Reynoldsburg area, I'd recommend giving All India Cafe a gander. If you have a big party, though, I might recommend trying another place - that or ordering carryout.
Rating: 3.25/5
10. New Taj Mahal (http://newtajmahalcolumbus.com/#/): Of all the Indian restaurants in the Columbus metro area, this is the one I've heard the most about. It could quite possibly be due to the location, being on High Street, where everything seems to be happening in Columbus. Perhaps due to this, however, and my raised expectations, I left feeling slightly disappointed. The food was good, service was decent, the atmosphere kind of neat, but I definitely wasn't blown away by the experience. There is a lot going on in this area, so if you're on High Street and in the mood for Indian food, I wouldn't shy away from this place. For me personally, though, I don't go to downtown Columbus a great deal, so unless a friend, girlfriend, or family member of mine wanted to venture that direction and eat Indian cuisine in the process, chances are I'll head to a different such establishment when craving curry (which is often).
Rating: 3.25/5
9. Chutnys/Persis (http://www.persisindiangrill.com/): Of all the Indian restaurants I've tried in the area, Chutnys/Persis is the one which flummoxes me the most. The name of the restaurant is rather reflective of this, as it seems the owners aren't even sure what it is officially. When I went here on my birthday nearly 3 years ago, the front of the restaurant read "Chutnys" while the menus read "Persis Indian Grill." When I asked the waiter about this, he simply said, "We go by both names." Even though I was still perplexed by this, I decided not to inquire any further. That night, both my ex-girlfriend and I greatly enjoyed our meals. The service was solid and the food was excellent. However, when she and I went back a year later, the food was average and the service was almost absent. It took several minutes for a waiter to come over and take our orders, another 15 minutes to receive our beverages, and another 30 minutes before we received our appetizer. When we were finally ready to pay the bill, our waiter was nowhere in sight, and we were getting worried we'd be late to a concert we were to attend that evening (the whole process took close to 2 hours). Judging by some of the Google reviews, it appears as if I wasn't the only one to notice this drastic shift in the quality of service and food at this restaurant. While I think I'd be willing to give it one more try, I'm quite tentative based on my last experience there and similar experiences I've read others having at this establishment. If they want their business to last, they better make some changes, starting with an official restaurant name.
UPDATE: While the sit-down meals at Chutnys has been mixed, to be kind, I decided to give their buffet a try and was rather impressed. The restaurant typically presents different options than you see at most other such cuisines in Central Ohio. I give the buffet a grade of 4/5.
Rating: 3.5/5
8. Aab's (http://www.aabindiarestaurants.com/): For the record, I've only tried the Aab's on Grandview and not the newer one on Sawmill. As Google reviews showcase, the Aab's on Grandview has received a much more positive overall response than the one on Sawmill, which I'm now quite hesitant on trying. I've only gone to this restaurant twice, and it is quite a drive for me (35 minutes), but for the time being at least, I would say it's one of the three best Indian restaurants I've tried in the area (that are still open). If you're going around lunchtime, especially if you plan on having the buffet, try to get there as early as possible (11:31 am), because if you don't get there until 12-12:30 or so, expect to wait a while in line. The service has been average to this point (the first time not very good and the second time quite good), but the food has been excellent. There's a decent selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. If you're in love with naan (or garlic naan), I'd highly recommend this place. Both my ex-girlfriend and I looked at one another and simultaneously said, "Holy crap! The naan is huge!," and yes, that was a very good thing. The buffet here is a tad pricier than at other such establishments, but the quality of the food is excellent, and even though the restaurant is well out of my way most days, I have a feeling I'll find myself craving Aab's about once every couple of months. There's also quite a bit going on in the Grandview area; just beware of the construction (take 315 as opposed to Riverside for the time being).
Rating: 4/5
7. Manaas (http://maanas.com/): I have yet to try the lunch buffet at this establishment, but based on the set-up, it appears to have quite the quantity of options, so I'm curious to check it out some time. I have recently consumed a pair of sit-down meals here, though, and to this point, have come away quite impressed. With the meals come a healthy portion of free naan (bread). On the menu are the typical options you see at most Indian restaurants in the area, but with a few more rare selections as well. Service was mediocre my first time here, but greatly improved upon my second visit. The lighting, set-up, and atmosphere are all pleasant. It's a roomy establishment, which provides a sense of privacy, regardless of how packed it is. As for the food itself, it's been delicious. From the mulligatawny soup to the naan (and mint chutney dipping sauce) to the appetizers to the entrees, I've always left satisfied. Not only have I left satisfied, I've left with my share of boxes, for Manaas knows how to fill up a customer! The appetizers may appear to be a bit steeper in price than is typical, but there's a reason for that - they're huge in size and can fill a person up by themselves! My final bills may have been more than I had anticipated, but the food I ordered was good to fill me for two meals - that evening and the following afternoon/evening.
Rating: 4/5
6. Bawarchi Biryanis (http://www.bawarchibiryanipoint.com/Menu): This is a brand new restaurant in the area, replacing Sumeno's off Sawmill, between Hard Rd. and 270. I've only been here once, so it's difficult for me to have strong feelings one way or the other about it. However, from a first impression standpoint, I have to say I'm rather impressed. The service was quite friendly. The lighting added to the welcoming feel. Since the restaurant is still in its early stages, we were told the full menu wouldn't be available for another couple of weeks. However, both my mother and I were quite pleased with both our appetizer and entree. It was the first time I had tried Amaravathi Chicken Curry and it definitely won't be my last. While the dish was quite spicy (which I love), it was also incredibly flavorful. The mango lassi wasn't up to par, but that was the only semi-disappointment of the night. When Bawarchi's updates their menu, I'll definitely be heading back for another gander!
Rating: 4/5
5. Himalayan Grille (http://himalayangrille.com/): I've been here three times in the past few months and have come away rather impressed. The layout is large and open. The service has been solid. Not only that, but the menu adds a bit of a twist to the typical Indian restaurant. At the Himalayan Grille, they also offer Nepalese and Tibetan dishes. The wait has been reasonable. The food has been temperature-appropriate, the meat tender, and whether you're in a party of 1 or a party of 10, you should get served without problem. I've yet to try the buffet here, but until I do so, I can say this is a very good sit-down restaurant, and if you haven't had the chance to check it out yet, I'd recommend you do so.
Rating: 4/5
4. Tadka's (http://www.tadkacolumbus.com/): I tried this restaurant for the first time last Friday. As far as Indian restaurants go, it's probably the largest one I've attended. A sign out front even reads, "Can hold banquets for up to 200 people." Not only that, but this isn't just a traditional Indian restaurant; it also serves Indo-Chinese food. While the price for a sit-down meal is a bit more expensive than at other such restaurants, the price for the buffet is excellent, and the quantity, not to mention the variety, may be the most impressive I've seen to this point (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The service wasn't like it was at other such restaurants, but one reason for that was the fact they wisely placed a large craft of water at our table. As far as the quality of food goes, it was a slightly mixed bag, but definitely more positive than negative. My mother was slightly disappointed with the Saag and Galub Jamun, two of her favorites, but we were both fairly pleased with the entree-type dishes. Overall, I'd say I'm glad I tried the place last week and would definitely be willing to give it another gander in the future.
Rating: 4/5
3. Amul (http://www.amulindia.net/): As far as sit-down meals go, this is probably my second favorite Indian restaurant in the area (next to Cumin's), however, it's by a slight margin, and overtakes Cumin atop my leaderboard due to their excellent, top-of-the-line buffet. Similar to Aab's, if you don't get here at the right time, chances are you will have to wait a while in the buffet line. While the high quality of food here is also similar to Aab's, where it overtakes the Grandview restaurant is with regard to quantity and variety. The only such restaurant which may overtake it in those areas is Tadka's, but then again, they also feature Chinese dishes. Not only that, but the buffet price here is one of the cheaper ones in town, which makes it the best bang-for-your-buck Indian buffet deal in town (New India may be cheaper, but the quality of food there is inferior to Amul's). The service here is typically very good and the decor and atmosphere also help provide a lovely dining experience as well. I recommend giving Amul's a try at dinner, but highly recommend giving the lunch buffet a try sometime. You won't regret it! Well, your bloated stomach might afterwards, but still...
Rating: 4.5/5
2. Saffron Indian Grill (http://saffronpowell.com/): Here's yet another new Indian restaurant in the area, and to this point, it happens to be the closest, so I was quite excited to give it a gander. Well, after my first experience there last night, I can say, without question, I'll be venturing to this restaurant a great deal in the future. To my surprise, Saffron's has a Wednesday night buffet, so I decided to give that a try. From a first impression standpoint, the food was various and delicious. There were numerous soups, naan options (which they brought fresh to your table), dipping sauces, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, not to mention desserts. The food just tasted better. I don't like to get overly excited about a restaurant after one experience, but it's hard not to with Saffron's. If a sit-down meal exceeds expectations like the buffet did, I may soon place this restaurant at #1. In addition to the food being top-notch, the service was prompt and friendly, and the lighting provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is an A+ restaurant through and through and I honestly can't wait to go again!
Rating: 4.75/5
1. Cumin and Curry (http://cuminandcurry.com/): Speaking of happening spots, Cumin resides in Polaris, where just about every kind of restaurant is within a half-mile of each other, not to mention a movie theater, mall, bowling alley, multiple hotels and bars, etc. As far as sit-down meals go, this is probably my favorite Indian restaurant in the area (that I've tried). The buffet is good as well, but lacking a bit when compared to some other Indian restaurants in the area. The quality of the food is excellent here; the service is almost always solid; the atmosphere and decor presents a nice upscale feel and appearance. I think the only criticism I have of the place is with regard to consistency in spice/heat. There are days when buffet dishes are spicier than average, other days when they're not spicy at all, and even when ordering off the menu and asking for a specific spice/heat-level, the dish doesn't always come back meeting one's expectations on that front. That's a fairly minor critique, however. If you go here, while I wouldn't blame you for going the buffet route, I'd highly recommend ordering off the menu at some point. You won't be disappointed!
Rating: 4.75/5
***Bayleaf India Bistro (closed): Cumin actually replaced the Bayleaf building/restaurant in Polaris. This restaurant wasn't bad, but like with New Taj Mahal, I wasn't blown away by the experience either, and for it being pricier than a lot of other such restaurants, I rarely went here.
Rating: 3/5
Venky's Spice House (closed): I don't want to sound repetitive, but I could pretty much say "ditto" here. This restaurant was out of my way in Hilliard, showed great potential at times, yet lacked consistency.
Rating: 3.25/5
Bollywood Bistro (closed): This restaurant had a fun and unique atmosphere, one unlike any other Indian restaurant I've attended. The place centered around Bollywood, with such film clips playing in the background, the decor reflecting Indian cinema, and upbeat music to provide it a lively, different kind of vibe from most other restaurants. The downside was that the food wasn't exceptional, which was slightly disappointing, especially for such a fun-themed restaurant. I would have given it a second gander, but unfortunately, it closed before I had that chance.
Rating: 3.5/5
Kohinoor (closed): While the Google reviews have been fairly solid on this restaurant, I'd personally be surprised if it lasted very long. First off, the restaurant's location isn't ideal. Especially for people unfamiliar with the area, it's incredibly difficult to find just where exactly Kohinoor's is hiding, which may be a big factor in why my mother and I were the only two patrons the afternoon we decided to give it a try. The buffet didn't have a great variety of options, some of the food was luke-warm, and the service wasn't great either. Part of me feels it was just an off-day for the restaurant and I should give it one more try before ultimately judging it, but my mother and I left rather disappointed. To save us from total disappointment, we decided to also order something off the menu - honey ginger naan (bread), which we hadn't seen offered at any other such restaurant. It was rather tasty, with a solid aftertaste, which at least left us with a good taste in our mouths as we left the restaurant. However, even though the honey ginger naan was good, I'd be hard-pressed to go back to this restaurant, unless a trusted source told me it was an off-day, the place had changed, and I should give it one more chance. For the time being, though, Kohinoor's can expect me to eat at other Indian restaurants.
UPDATE: While I'm still not impressed with this restaurant's buffet selection, I gave their menu a try and came away pleasantly surprised. The menu contains a number of dishes you typically don't find at Indian restaurants in the area, including Phaal and Ginger Honey Naan, both of which are excellent! So while I stand behind my 2.5/5 rating for Kohinoor's buffet, I give it a solid 4.5/5 grade for a sit-down meal.
Rating: 3.5/5
Cuisine of India (closed): The owner of this restaurant actually owns Cumin and Curry's, which is why this place closed. The quality of food was just as high at this place as at Cumin and Curry's, but I like the layout a bit better at Cumin and Curry's. Like Cumin and Curry's, this was an excellent restaurant while it lasted.
Rating: 4.25/5
12. New India (http://www.newindiarestaurant.com/): If you're in the mood for an Indian buffet but are a tad short on money, this is the place to go. I'd give the buffet's variety an average grade (there are more non-vegetarian than vegetarian options here). The quality of the food isn't quite up to the level of some other such buffets, my top 3 in particular. However, for the price, it's quite the deal. The one regular dish it seems almost everyone talks about here is the Chili Chicken. If you go here, make sure to try that. Location wise, while it's not as happening as High Street, there is quite a bit happening on Bethel as well. Service has also improved here since the first time I went.
Rating: 3/5
11. All India Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/allindiacafe/): I've only tried this place once, so I don't feel it's entirely fair I just them just yet. Based on a first-impression standpoint, though, the food was tasty, the wait was a bit long, the place is tiny (better for carryout orders), and I'd be willing to try it again. The menu is pretty standard fare for Indian restaurants. If you're in the Pickerington/Reynoldsburg area, I'd recommend giving All India Cafe a gander. If you have a big party, though, I might recommend trying another place - that or ordering carryout.
Rating: 3.25/5
10. New Taj Mahal (http://newtajmahalcolumbus.com/#/): Of all the Indian restaurants in the Columbus metro area, this is the one I've heard the most about. It could quite possibly be due to the location, being on High Street, where everything seems to be happening in Columbus. Perhaps due to this, however, and my raised expectations, I left feeling slightly disappointed. The food was good, service was decent, the atmosphere kind of neat, but I definitely wasn't blown away by the experience. There is a lot going on in this area, so if you're on High Street and in the mood for Indian food, I wouldn't shy away from this place. For me personally, though, I don't go to downtown Columbus a great deal, so unless a friend, girlfriend, or family member of mine wanted to venture that direction and eat Indian cuisine in the process, chances are I'll head to a different such establishment when craving curry (which is often).
Rating: 3.25/5
9. Chutnys/Persis (http://www.persisindiangrill.com/): Of all the Indian restaurants I've tried in the area, Chutnys/Persis is the one which flummoxes me the most. The name of the restaurant is rather reflective of this, as it seems the owners aren't even sure what it is officially. When I went here on my birthday nearly 3 years ago, the front of the restaurant read "Chutnys" while the menus read "Persis Indian Grill." When I asked the waiter about this, he simply said, "We go by both names." Even though I was still perplexed by this, I decided not to inquire any further. That night, both my ex-girlfriend and I greatly enjoyed our meals. The service was solid and the food was excellent. However, when she and I went back a year later, the food was average and the service was almost absent. It took several minutes for a waiter to come over and take our orders, another 15 minutes to receive our beverages, and another 30 minutes before we received our appetizer. When we were finally ready to pay the bill, our waiter was nowhere in sight, and we were getting worried we'd be late to a concert we were to attend that evening (the whole process took close to 2 hours). Judging by some of the Google reviews, it appears as if I wasn't the only one to notice this drastic shift in the quality of service and food at this restaurant. While I think I'd be willing to give it one more try, I'm quite tentative based on my last experience there and similar experiences I've read others having at this establishment. If they want their business to last, they better make some changes, starting with an official restaurant name.
UPDATE: While the sit-down meals at Chutnys has been mixed, to be kind, I decided to give their buffet a try and was rather impressed. The restaurant typically presents different options than you see at most other such cuisines in Central Ohio. I give the buffet a grade of 4/5.
Rating: 3.5/5
8. Aab's (http://www.aabindiarestaurants.com/): For the record, I've only tried the Aab's on Grandview and not the newer one on Sawmill. As Google reviews showcase, the Aab's on Grandview has received a much more positive overall response than the one on Sawmill, which I'm now quite hesitant on trying. I've only gone to this restaurant twice, and it is quite a drive for me (35 minutes), but for the time being at least, I would say it's one of the three best Indian restaurants I've tried in the area (that are still open). If you're going around lunchtime, especially if you plan on having the buffet, try to get there as early as possible (11:31 am), because if you don't get there until 12-12:30 or so, expect to wait a while in line. The service has been average to this point (the first time not very good and the second time quite good), but the food has been excellent. There's a decent selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. If you're in love with naan (or garlic naan), I'd highly recommend this place. Both my ex-girlfriend and I looked at one another and simultaneously said, "Holy crap! The naan is huge!," and yes, that was a very good thing. The buffet here is a tad pricier than at other such establishments, but the quality of the food is excellent, and even though the restaurant is well out of my way most days, I have a feeling I'll find myself craving Aab's about once every couple of months. There's also quite a bit going on in the Grandview area; just beware of the construction (take 315 as opposed to Riverside for the time being).
Rating: 4/5
7. Manaas (http://maanas.com/): I have yet to try the lunch buffet at this establishment, but based on the set-up, it appears to have quite the quantity of options, so I'm curious to check it out some time. I have recently consumed a pair of sit-down meals here, though, and to this point, have come away quite impressed. With the meals come a healthy portion of free naan (bread). On the menu are the typical options you see at most Indian restaurants in the area, but with a few more rare selections as well. Service was mediocre my first time here, but greatly improved upon my second visit. The lighting, set-up, and atmosphere are all pleasant. It's a roomy establishment, which provides a sense of privacy, regardless of how packed it is. As for the food itself, it's been delicious. From the mulligatawny soup to the naan (and mint chutney dipping sauce) to the appetizers to the entrees, I've always left satisfied. Not only have I left satisfied, I've left with my share of boxes, for Manaas knows how to fill up a customer! The appetizers may appear to be a bit steeper in price than is typical, but there's a reason for that - they're huge in size and can fill a person up by themselves! My final bills may have been more than I had anticipated, but the food I ordered was good to fill me for two meals - that evening and the following afternoon/evening.
Rating: 4/5
6. Bawarchi Biryanis (http://www.bawarchibiryanipoint.com/Menu): This is a brand new restaurant in the area, replacing Sumeno's off Sawmill, between Hard Rd. and 270. I've only been here once, so it's difficult for me to have strong feelings one way or the other about it. However, from a first impression standpoint, I have to say I'm rather impressed. The service was quite friendly. The lighting added to the welcoming feel. Since the restaurant is still in its early stages, we were told the full menu wouldn't be available for another couple of weeks. However, both my mother and I were quite pleased with both our appetizer and entree. It was the first time I had tried Amaravathi Chicken Curry and it definitely won't be my last. While the dish was quite spicy (which I love), it was also incredibly flavorful. The mango lassi wasn't up to par, but that was the only semi-disappointment of the night. When Bawarchi's updates their menu, I'll definitely be heading back for another gander!
Rating: 4/5
5. Himalayan Grille (http://himalayangrille.com/): I've been here three times in the past few months and have come away rather impressed. The layout is large and open. The service has been solid. Not only that, but the menu adds a bit of a twist to the typical Indian restaurant. At the Himalayan Grille, they also offer Nepalese and Tibetan dishes. The wait has been reasonable. The food has been temperature-appropriate, the meat tender, and whether you're in a party of 1 or a party of 10, you should get served without problem. I've yet to try the buffet here, but until I do so, I can say this is a very good sit-down restaurant, and if you haven't had the chance to check it out yet, I'd recommend you do so.
Rating: 4/5
4. Tadka's (http://www.tadkacolumbus.com/): I tried this restaurant for the first time last Friday. As far as Indian restaurants go, it's probably the largest one I've attended. A sign out front even reads, "Can hold banquets for up to 200 people." Not only that, but this isn't just a traditional Indian restaurant; it also serves Indo-Chinese food. While the price for a sit-down meal is a bit more expensive than at other such restaurants, the price for the buffet is excellent, and the quantity, not to mention the variety, may be the most impressive I've seen to this point (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The service wasn't like it was at other such restaurants, but one reason for that was the fact they wisely placed a large craft of water at our table. As far as the quality of food goes, it was a slightly mixed bag, but definitely more positive than negative. My mother was slightly disappointed with the Saag and Galub Jamun, two of her favorites, but we were both fairly pleased with the entree-type dishes. Overall, I'd say I'm glad I tried the place last week and would definitely be willing to give it another gander in the future.
Rating: 4/5
3. Amul (http://www.amulindia.net/): As far as sit-down meals go, this is probably my second favorite Indian restaurant in the area (next to Cumin's), however, it's by a slight margin, and overtakes Cumin atop my leaderboard due to their excellent, top-of-the-line buffet. Similar to Aab's, if you don't get here at the right time, chances are you will have to wait a while in the buffet line. While the high quality of food here is also similar to Aab's, where it overtakes the Grandview restaurant is with regard to quantity and variety. The only such restaurant which may overtake it in those areas is Tadka's, but then again, they also feature Chinese dishes. Not only that, but the buffet price here is one of the cheaper ones in town, which makes it the best bang-for-your-buck Indian buffet deal in town (New India may be cheaper, but the quality of food there is inferior to Amul's). The service here is typically very good and the decor and atmosphere also help provide a lovely dining experience as well. I recommend giving Amul's a try at dinner, but highly recommend giving the lunch buffet a try sometime. You won't regret it! Well, your bloated stomach might afterwards, but still...
Rating: 4.5/5
2. Saffron Indian Grill (http://saffronpowell.com/): Here's yet another new Indian restaurant in the area, and to this point, it happens to be the closest, so I was quite excited to give it a gander. Well, after my first experience there last night, I can say, without question, I'll be venturing to this restaurant a great deal in the future. To my surprise, Saffron's has a Wednesday night buffet, so I decided to give that a try. From a first impression standpoint, the food was various and delicious. There were numerous soups, naan options (which they brought fresh to your table), dipping sauces, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, not to mention desserts. The food just tasted better. I don't like to get overly excited about a restaurant after one experience, but it's hard not to with Saffron's. If a sit-down meal exceeds expectations like the buffet did, I may soon place this restaurant at #1. In addition to the food being top-notch, the service was prompt and friendly, and the lighting provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is an A+ restaurant through and through and I honestly can't wait to go again!
Rating: 4.75/5
1. Cumin and Curry (http://cuminandcurry.com/): Speaking of happening spots, Cumin resides in Polaris, where just about every kind of restaurant is within a half-mile of each other, not to mention a movie theater, mall, bowling alley, multiple hotels and bars, etc. As far as sit-down meals go, this is probably my favorite Indian restaurant in the area (that I've tried). The buffet is good as well, but lacking a bit when compared to some other Indian restaurants in the area. The quality of the food is excellent here; the service is almost always solid; the atmosphere and decor presents a nice upscale feel and appearance. I think the only criticism I have of the place is with regard to consistency in spice/heat. There are days when buffet dishes are spicier than average, other days when they're not spicy at all, and even when ordering off the menu and asking for a specific spice/heat-level, the dish doesn't always come back meeting one's expectations on that front. That's a fairly minor critique, however. If you go here, while I wouldn't blame you for going the buffet route, I'd highly recommend ordering off the menu at some point. You won't be disappointed!
Rating: 4.75/5
***Bayleaf India Bistro (closed): Cumin actually replaced the Bayleaf building/restaurant in Polaris. This restaurant wasn't bad, but like with New Taj Mahal, I wasn't blown away by the experience either, and for it being pricier than a lot of other such restaurants, I rarely went here.
Rating: 3/5
Venky's Spice House (closed): I don't want to sound repetitive, but I could pretty much say "ditto" here. This restaurant was out of my way in Hilliard, showed great potential at times, yet lacked consistency.
Rating: 3.25/5
Bollywood Bistro (closed): This restaurant had a fun and unique atmosphere, one unlike any other Indian restaurant I've attended. The place centered around Bollywood, with such film clips playing in the background, the decor reflecting Indian cinema, and upbeat music to provide it a lively, different kind of vibe from most other restaurants. The downside was that the food wasn't exceptional, which was slightly disappointing, especially for such a fun-themed restaurant. I would have given it a second gander, but unfortunately, it closed before I had that chance.
Rating: 3.5/5
Kohinoor (closed): While the Google reviews have been fairly solid on this restaurant, I'd personally be surprised if it lasted very long. First off, the restaurant's location isn't ideal. Especially for people unfamiliar with the area, it's incredibly difficult to find just where exactly Kohinoor's is hiding, which may be a big factor in why my mother and I were the only two patrons the afternoon we decided to give it a try. The buffet didn't have a great variety of options, some of the food was luke-warm, and the service wasn't great either. Part of me feels it was just an off-day for the restaurant and I should give it one more try before ultimately judging it, but my mother and I left rather disappointed. To save us from total disappointment, we decided to also order something off the menu - honey ginger naan (bread), which we hadn't seen offered at any other such restaurant. It was rather tasty, with a solid aftertaste, which at least left us with a good taste in our mouths as we left the restaurant. However, even though the honey ginger naan was good, I'd be hard-pressed to go back to this restaurant, unless a trusted source told me it was an off-day, the place had changed, and I should give it one more chance. For the time being, though, Kohinoor's can expect me to eat at other Indian restaurants.
UPDATE: While I'm still not impressed with this restaurant's buffet selection, I gave their menu a try and came away pleasantly surprised. The menu contains a number of dishes you typically don't find at Indian restaurants in the area, including Phaal and Ginger Honey Naan, both of which are excellent! So while I stand behind my 2.5/5 rating for Kohinoor's buffet, I give it a solid 4.5/5 grade for a sit-down meal.
Rating: 3.5/5
Cuisine of India (closed): The owner of this restaurant actually owns Cumin and Curry's, which is why this place closed. The quality of food was just as high at this place as at Cumin and Curry's, but I like the layout a bit better at Cumin and Curry's. Like Cumin and Curry's, this was an excellent restaurant while it lasted.
Rating: 4.25/5
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