So sad they have closed. Our go to on vacation. Best to the owners. The industry was hit hard after the scamdemic. Hope they will be back.
Dr. Anandroy Sepuri
The trip was coming to an end, actually quiet done to be honest. While driving down from Devil's Hopyard falls, since we got pretty soaked in the falls, we decided to take a detour just to have some good hot masala chai (tea) as we were passing through Old Saybrook, we searched and just found 1 Indian Bistro open called Himalaya Café Indian Bistro & Lounge. This Bistro looked beautiful on the Instagram page and was serving curbside with limited options due to the COVID19 pandemic following CDC's regulations.Not knowing the menu we continued to drive 10 mins to reach it. Upon arrival we see the menu with no Masala Chai or snacks, just Entree's and couple of traditional Himalayan drinks. Man, one of the executives who was working there, came out to greet and help us as we looked disheartened. He went in there and came back and told us that the chef can make us some Tea since we came from a far, we nodded and said thank you. He goes back and comes with the masala chai and though he was wearing a mask I knew he had a big smile on his face. Man said "We thank you to reach out to our bistro and in gratitude the tea is on the house and on top of that we would like to give you our special dessert of the day - Cheesecake Passion Fruit Tart". We looked at each other and told ourselves that connecticut is filled with such good souls. We gladly accepted and spoke to the Manager Seema. Who was just as welcoming as Man!The Masala Chai was aromatic and amazing! We could have asked for anything better, but there was this delicious tart waiting to be devoured! Honestly speaking, I didn't know that people can be so cordial and sweet to one another. I wish there were more of these kind people around the world. Connecticut is truly a friend to a feller in need.It's sad to know that it is temporarily closed and I am optimistic in seeing them grow. A big shout-out to Man (like Man out of Superman) and Seema! Also the Chef who I didn't get to meet! You have magic in your hands please don't let it fade! Everyone should visit @the_himalaya_cafe to experience the warmth, taste, and gratitudeKid-friendliness: They have a nice kid friendly menu such as wraps, fries, burgers and so on! They can also make something out of their magic hat.Parking: Plenty of parking spots on site.Wheelchair accessibility: Disabled friendly and has a ramp to get in.
Its one of the best restaurants in Connecticut for authentic Indian food. The paneer tikka masala was finger-licking good and the naan bread was soft n full of flavour. The vegetable pakora was yum. However there was no soup available. The ambiance and lighting was great and the place had an upbeat vibe with beautiful artifacts and decor from India. It felt very cozy and the service was quick. The hostess and the wait staff were very polite and friendly. Over all experience was very memorable.
ankush parashar
The ambience was good! They played Indian classical as background music. The manager was nice and welcomed and chit chatted with us. Nice restaurant
Andy W
We used to love this place but they seem overwhelmed lately! I did a takeout order and both orders were to be "mild". Once I brought hem home and we started to taste them one was mild and the other was spiced extreme to the point that my wife needed to eat yogurt to stop the burn. I immediately called the restaurant and was told that a manager would call. No one ever called back! Left a message on their machine the next day, no one ever called back! A simple phone call would have sufficed but nothing! A $21 waste of food! Clearly they don't need the business! Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere!
LUBisme
We recently had dinner outside at Himalaya Cafe. Had some doubts after my husband had to let them know we were waiting outside. Boy were those doubts put to rest. The food was fantastic! My husband enjoyed his chicken dish and I adored the lentils dish. Love Indian food but many places tend to make things too spicy. If you like Indian food, you don't want to miss this place. The staff couldn't have been nicer and were apologetic for the wait. They were short staffed and busy. Place does a lot of takeout business, as well.
adelysrose
Absolutely excellent… service was great even being under staffed, great atmosphere.. and the Chef WAS GREAT!! The food was amazing! Thank you!!!!
kimberlymC2425WQ
First walking in the resturant the smell was divine . I knew right away that we walked upon a gem . After living in NYC my whole life and having tons of great indian food all around me, this was a welcomed surprise . Cannot wait to come back and try everything . Sanjay and his staff were professional and accomadating . Looking forwardto bringing family and friends .
Curt S.
I've driven by the restaurant several hundred times and never stopped. I didn't know what I was missing. I had the biryani chicken and it was delicious. Chicken was tender and the dish was very flavorful.
quinn ernst
Best Indian food in CT by far. I always get mild bc I don’t like spicy too much. Been here over 5 times and they never disappoint. Awesome atmosphere and amazing flavors. Highly recommend to anyone who wants authentic cooking!
Very friendly and helpful staff. And the food is absolutely phenomenal. Seriously, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to return.
kelso723
My boyfriend lives nearby and his neighbors suggested we meet up for dinner here. I cannot believe we’ve never been before now! They have so many vegan and gluten free options which was perfect for us. We split the Onion Bhajia, Aloo Gobi & Handmade Roti Bread. The entire experience was amazing from the incredible food, great service, and welcoming ambiance, we loved it all! There is nothing like authentic food and that is exactly what we got! They also offered an amazing Passionfruit Mango Margarita which included real Passionfruit and I was shocked! It makes a world of difference. We will definitely be back to try out more of their menu
Suzanne T
The service was excellent and the food exotic and extremely tasty. Guidance from the server was very helpful and appropriate. The wine list was limited but adequate. We had the lamb tikka masala which was excellent. The degree of "heat" was adjustable to taste. An order of the samosas plus the tikka masala was more than enough for the two of us. The restaurant is very small with limited seating. But the environment is enchanting. I would highly recommend this restaurant ( and I don't do this frequently!).
Andy H.
This is simply the best Indian restaurant In connecticut! We ordered simosas, chicken korma, and chicken tikka masala. All were to die for. Also love the decor and cozy feeling of the restaurant.
David F.
Great food and fantastic vibes. Love the taste and spices of this authentic Indian restaurant. The staff is very accommodating to all dietary restrictions
So sad they have closed. Our go to on vacation. Best to the owners. The industry was hit hard after the scamdemic. Hope they will be back.
The trip was coming to an end, actually quiet done to be honest. While driving down from Devil's Hopyard falls, since we got pretty soaked in the falls, we decided to take a detour just to have some good hot masala chai (tea) as we were passing through Old Saybrook, we searched and just found 1 Indian Bistro open called Himalaya Café Indian Bistro & Lounge. This Bistro looked beautiful on the Instagram page and was serving curbside with limited options due to the COVID19 pandemic following CDC's regulations.Not knowing the menu we continued to drive 10 mins to reach it. Upon arrival we see the menu with no Masala Chai or snacks, just Entree's and couple of traditional Himalayan drinks. Man, one of the executives who was working there, came out to greet and help us as we looked disheartened. He went in there and came back and told us that the chef can make us some Tea since we came from a far, we nodded and said thank you. He goes back and comes with the masala chai and though he was wearing a mask I knew he had a big smile on his face. Man said "We thank you to reach out to our bistro and in gratitude the tea is on the house and on top of that we would like to give you our special dessert of the day - Cheesecake Passion Fruit Tart". We looked at each other and told ourselves that connecticut is filled with such good souls. We gladly accepted and spoke to the Manager Seema. Who was just as welcoming as Man!The Masala Chai was aromatic and amazing! We could have asked for anything better, but there was this delicious tart waiting to be devoured! Honestly speaking, I didn't know that people can be so cordial and sweet to one another. I wish there were more of these kind people around the world. Connecticut is truly a friend to a feller in need.It's sad to know that it is temporarily closed and I am optimistic in seeing them grow. A big shout-out to Man (like Man out of Superman) and Seema! Also the Chef who I didn't get to meet! You have magic in your hands please don't let it fade! Everyone should visit @the_himalaya_cafe to experience the warmth, taste, and gratitudeKid-friendliness: They have a nice kid friendly menu such as wraps, fries, burgers and so on! They can also make something out of their magic hat.Parking: Plenty of parking spots on site.Wheelchair accessibility: Disabled friendly and has a ramp to get in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gulab Jamun, Tandoor, Special Naan, Vindaloo, Cauliflower Manchurian, Tandoori Chicken, Roti, Mango Lassi, Mixed Pickles, Raita, Samosa, Nine Jewels Korma Takeout, Sodas, Papadum, Tofu Fried, KeyLime Pie, Biryani, Chana Masala, Plain Naan Takeout, Chicken Tandoori with Dhaba Sauce
Its one of the best restaurants in Connecticut for authentic Indian food. The paneer tikka masala was finger-licking good and the naan bread was soft n full of flavour. The vegetable pakora was yum. However there was no soup available. The ambiance and lighting was great and the place had an upbeat vibe with beautiful artifacts and decor from India. It felt very cozy and the service was quick. The hostess and the wait staff were very polite and friendly. Over all experience was very memorable.
The ambience was good! They played Indian classical as background music. The manager was nice and welcomed and chit chatted with us. Nice restaurant
We used to love this place but they seem overwhelmed lately! I did a takeout order and both orders were to be "mild". Once I brought hem home and we started to taste them one was mild and the other was spiced extreme to the point that my wife needed to eat yogurt to stop the burn. I immediately called the restaurant and was told that a manager would call. No one ever called back! Left a message on their machine the next day, no one ever called back! A simple phone call would have sufficed but nothing! A $21 waste of food! Clearly they don't need the business! Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere!
We recently had dinner outside at Himalaya Cafe. Had some doubts after my husband had to let them know we were waiting outside. Boy were those doubts put to rest. The food was fantastic! My husband enjoyed his chicken dish and I adored the lentils dish. Love Indian food but many places tend to make things too spicy. If you like Indian food, you don't want to miss this place. The staff couldn't have been nicer and were apologetic for the wait. They were short staffed and busy. Place does a lot of takeout business, as well.
Absolutely excellent… service was great even being under staffed, great atmosphere.. and the Chef WAS GREAT!! The food was amazing! Thank you!!!!
First walking in the resturant the smell was divine . I knew right away that we walked upon a gem . After living in NYC my whole life and having tons of great indian food all around me, this was a welcomed surprise . Cannot wait to come back and try everything . Sanjay and his staff were professional and accomadating . Looking forwardto bringing family and friends .
I've driven by the restaurant several hundred times and never stopped. I didn't know what I was missing. I had the biryani chicken and it was delicious. Chicken was tender and the dish was very flavorful.
Best Indian food in CT by far. I always get mild bc I don’t like spicy too much. Been here over 5 times and they never disappoint. Awesome atmosphere and amazing flavors. Highly recommend to anyone who wants authentic cooking!
Restaurantji Recommends
Very friendly and helpful staff. And the food is absolutely phenomenal. Seriously, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to return.
My boyfriend lives nearby and his neighbors suggested we meet up for dinner here. I cannot believe we’ve never been before now! They have so many vegan and gluten free options which was perfect for us. We split the Onion Bhajia, Aloo Gobi & Handmade Roti Bread. The entire experience was amazing from the incredible food, great service, and welcoming ambiance, we loved it all! There is nothing like authentic food and that is exactly what we got! They also offered an amazing Passionfruit Mango Margarita which included real Passionfruit and I was shocked! It makes a world of difference. We will definitely be back to try out more of their menu
The service was excellent and the food exotic and extremely tasty. Guidance from the server was very helpful and appropriate. The wine list was limited but adequate. We had the lamb tikka masala which was excellent. The degree of "heat" was adjustable to taste. An order of the samosas plus the tikka masala was more than enough for the two of us. The restaurant is very small with limited seating. But the environment is enchanting. I would highly recommend this restaurant ( and I don't do this frequently!).
This is simply the best Indian restaurant In connecticut! We ordered simosas, chicken korma, and chicken tikka masala. All were to die for. Also love the decor and cozy feeling of the restaurant.
Great food and fantastic vibes. Love the taste and spices of this authentic Indian restaurant. The staff is very accommodating to all dietary restrictions