Aroma in Shirlington is closed. I showed up yesterday to discover that the storefront doesn't even exist anymore.
AnNeMaRiE
At first there was a pleasant greeting as we were shown to a table. However, the waiter who showed us to our table was extremely rude to guests that showed up after us. Aside from the fact that it was a bit uncomfortable for us to see people treated that way, there was absolutely no respect given to these potential customers. I understand that there seems to be a staff shortage. As someone who has worked in food service I know it can get a bit hectic and stressful. But even so, when customers are asking how long something will take, there should always be a professional and respectful response without shouting.The food was alright. Nothing spectacular. Another thing that I was not happy about was the mandatory 20% tip included automatically in the charge. I wouldn’t have minded if we had had good service and great food all around, but this was not the case. We will not be returning. I would highly advise eating somewhere else.
Shannon
The staff was so nice! The server made us laugh a few times and was very helpful in making dining choices.The atmosphere has a very chill/relaxing vibe.
G. Walker
Seems to go by a different name on ordering services. The portions were VERY small for the price — probably 1.5 cups max in a container for $17.95 each. One dish was so spicy you could barely taste any of it, despite it being ordered “medium spice,” which says a lot considering I love spicy food. Was not filling or enjoyable.
EB P.
We waited up front for ten minutes before walking out and going across the street for Thai, in which we were promptly seated. All the patrons there stare and glare at you while you wait which increased feelings of awkwardness. The worst part is that a busboy shoved past us when we were walking in and we held the door for him only for him to disappear and never return. He saw us but didn't care to sit us.
Jessica G. Stansen
One of our favorite restaurants in the DMV. The atmosphere is mellow and staff was friendly. The price is comparable to the other restaurants in Shirlington. The butter chicken and chicken vindaloo are our favorites! We enjoyed the Naan too. I can’t attest to authenticity because I’ve never been to India, but it tastes delicious to us!
Kemi
I was at the Aroma on Saturday June 4 to place a large order to pick up for a party of 10. It was a horrible experience as we didn’t get a chance to place the order. There was no one to give us a menu outside so we followed the waiter inside to place the order. I was holding a very small dog in my arms The staff person who I later found out was the manager turned around and without any discussion started yelling at me saying “take the dog out of my restaurant” he was yelling and gesticulating in a very obscene and discourteous manner. I tried to tell him that I was only going to place an order and wait outside but he was not having any of it. The only thing he did was to yell out more this time in a more threatening manner in my face. I find this the worst kind of customer service I have ever experienced or could ever imagine. Obviously customers be warned that this sort of egregious behavior in a city and pet friendly environment can’t be tolerated. The rating of a restaurant starts at the welcome of the staff and also involves the rating of the food. I will never visit their again and caution all others.
Jason H.
My family was a bit skeptical due to the low traffic flow for a Friday, but WoW were we glad we stopped in. The Indian beer authenticity was very much appreciated, the service was very responsive, and the restaurant was clean. Regarding the food, the Lamb Vindaloo was some of the most tasty and well portioned (not too much or too little) that I've had, while being complemented by some amazing Naan bread. But, the coup de tat was the very welcoming gentleman who was extremely kind to the children and brought a weakness to the Neal that truly made the experience special.
Joel G.
Sloooooow. Slow. Almost empty and it took us 2 hours to get through dinner without desserts. Food okay. Good drinks. Plus I resent the required 20% tip added onto the with-tax total.
Katie W.
I feel bad giving them less than 3 stars, but I did not have a good experience. The service was beyond slow, tho very courteous, the food took forever to come out. I was VERY specific that I didn't want anything spicy and was assured it wasn't and then it was. I don't mind spicy but my stomach does, so I wasn't able to eat the whole meal. I love tandoori but this tandoori chicken had a taste that was almost chemical to me. The lentils were better than the chicken, but we ended up throwing out a fair amount of both.
I would not recommend this place. At the beginning when we reached it was a welcoming gesture by the staff, however after order was taken his behavior change. Also he was forcing me to pay 20% tip on the Bill. I was confused how can he force me what to leave for tip. Customer has the choice to pick any percentage he wants based on his experience with them. Never had such experience anywhere in US.Now I understand why restaurant was empty when we reached there.
TroisChatsLies
I met my colleagues here for lunch and the food was amazing. I asked for pani puri (which they didn't have), but they had Dahi papri chat instead, which was pretty similar and pretty good. I had the lamb pasanda, which I highly recommend. One colleague had the chicken Tikka masala, the other had a different lamb dish. All three were delicious, as was the garlic naan. Dosas weren't available the day we went, but I'll be back!!
Colin Congo
Service was a 5/5. I give 3 stars because it was average for me. A personal preference is that I like when the chicken dishes are served with white meat and this was chicken thigh. It’s fattier and not as tasty in my opinion. I asked for extra spicy and it was quite spicy so I appreciated that. I ordered Chicken Vindaloo and the sauce tasted much like tomato sauce vs the typical sauce I get with this dish at other places. The naan bread was also very flat/thin. I prefer the bread to have at least some rise.
Citrus
Sub-par garlic & herb naan bread. The good thing was that it was only $3 so I threw it away. Had it cost a few dollars more, I would've taken it back for a refund. The bread was dry and overcooked, wasn't at all like naan bread I've ever experienced. Is this authentic Indian-cooked cuisine, I think not. I've frequented a variety of Indian restaurants in the DMV, this is the 1st time I've felt compelled to leave a negative review.
Aparajit Koshal
When you enter in this restaurant, it is really pleasant. They are short staffed so expect delays or lack of service .We ordered spinach paneer kofta (refer attached picture) . We even asked what it is and the waitress said its paneer kofta in curry. The kofta was shredded paneer balls and curry felt like it was canned tomato garlic paste with oil, salt. It felt like Italian red pasta sauce with no spices whatsoever. Also , tokari chaat was very very cold as if we are eating it frozen. Taste of chaat was good though .
Aroma in Shirlington is closed. I showed up yesterday to discover that the storefront doesn't even exist anymore.
At first there was a pleasant greeting as we were shown to a table. However, the waiter who showed us to our table was extremely rude to guests that showed up after us. Aside from the fact that it was a bit uncomfortable for us to see people treated that way, there was absolutely no respect given to these potential customers. I understand that there seems to be a staff shortage. As someone who has worked in food service I know it can get a bit hectic and stressful. But even so, when customers are asking how long something will take, there should always be a professional and respectful response without shouting.The food was alright. Nothing spectacular. Another thing that I was not happy about was the mandatory 20% tip included automatically in the charge. I wouldn’t have minded if we had had good service and great food all around, but this was not the case. We will not be returning. I would highly advise eating somewhere else.
The staff was so nice! The server made us laugh a few times and was very helpful in making dining choices.The atmosphere has a very chill/relaxing vibe.
Seems to go by a different name on ordering services. The portions were VERY small for the price — probably 1.5 cups max in a container for $17.95 each. One dish was so spicy you could barely taste any of it, despite it being ordered “medium spice,” which says a lot considering I love spicy food. Was not filling or enjoyable.
We waited up front for ten minutes before walking out and going across the street for Thai, in which we were promptly seated. All the patrons there stare and glare at you while you wait which increased feelings of awkwardness. The worst part is that a busboy shoved past us when we were walking in and we held the door for him only for him to disappear and never return. He saw us but didn't care to sit us.
One of our favorite restaurants in the DMV. The atmosphere is mellow and staff was friendly. The price is comparable to the other restaurants in Shirlington. The butter chicken and chicken vindaloo are our favorites! We enjoyed the Naan too. I can’t attest to authenticity because I’ve never been to India, but it tastes delicious to us!
I was at the Aroma on Saturday June 4 to place a large order to pick up for a party of 10. It was a horrible experience as we didn’t get a chance to place the order. There was no one to give us a menu outside so we followed the waiter inside to place the order. I was holding a very small dog in my arms The staff person who I later found out was the manager turned around and without any discussion started yelling at me saying “take the dog out of my restaurant” he was yelling and gesticulating in a very obscene and discourteous manner. I tried to tell him that I was only going to place an order and wait outside but he was not having any of it. The only thing he did was to yell out more this time in a more threatening manner in my face. I find this the worst kind of customer service I have ever experienced or could ever imagine. Obviously customers be warned that this sort of egregious behavior in a city and pet friendly environment can’t be tolerated. The rating of a restaurant starts at the welcome of the staff and also involves the rating of the food. I will never visit their again and caution all others.
My family was a bit skeptical due to the low traffic flow for a Friday, but WoW were we glad we stopped in. The Indian beer authenticity was very much appreciated, the service was very responsive, and the restaurant was clean. Regarding the food, the Lamb Vindaloo was some of the most tasty and well portioned (not too much or too little) that I've had, while being complemented by some amazing Naan bread. But, the coup de tat was the very welcoming gentleman who was extremely kind to the children and brought a weakness to the Neal that truly made the experience special.
Sloooooow. Slow. Almost empty and it took us 2 hours to get through dinner without desserts. Food okay. Good drinks. Plus I resent the required 20% tip added onto the with-tax total.
I feel bad giving them less than 3 stars, but I did not have a good experience. The service was beyond slow, tho very courteous, the food took forever to come out. I was VERY specific that I didn't want anything spicy and was assured it wasn't and then it was. I don't mind spicy but my stomach does, so I wasn't able to eat the whole meal. I love tandoori but this tandoori chicken had a taste that was almost chemical to me. The lentils were better than the chicken, but we ended up throwing out a fair amount of both.
Restaurantji Recommends
I would not recommend this place. At the beginning when we reached it was a welcoming gesture by the staff, however after order was taken his behavior change. Also he was forcing me to pay 20% tip on the Bill. I was confused how can he force me what to leave for tip. Customer has the choice to pick any percentage he wants based on his experience with them. Never had such experience anywhere in US.Now I understand why restaurant was empty when we reached there.
I met my colleagues here for lunch and the food was amazing. I asked for pani puri (which they didn't have), but they had Dahi papri chat instead, which was pretty similar and pretty good. I had the lamb pasanda, which I highly recommend. One colleague had the chicken Tikka masala, the other had a different lamb dish. All three were delicious, as was the garlic naan. Dosas weren't available the day we went, but I'll be back!!
Service was a 5/5. I give 3 stars because it was average for me. A personal preference is that I like when the chicken dishes are served with white meat and this was chicken thigh. It’s fattier and not as tasty in my opinion. I asked for extra spicy and it was quite spicy so I appreciated that. I ordered Chicken Vindaloo and the sauce tasted much like tomato sauce vs the typical sauce I get with this dish at other places. The naan bread was also very flat/thin. I prefer the bread to have at least some rise.
Sub-par garlic & herb naan bread. The good thing was that it was only $3 so I threw it away. Had it cost a few dollars more, I would've taken it back for a refund. The bread was dry and overcooked, wasn't at all like naan bread I've ever experienced. Is this authentic Indian-cooked cuisine, I think not. I've frequented a variety of Indian restaurants in the DMV, this is the 1st time I've felt compelled to leave a negative review.
When you enter in this restaurant, it is really pleasant. They are short staffed so expect delays or lack of service .We ordered spinach paneer kofta (refer attached picture) . We even asked what it is and the waitress said its paneer kofta in curry. The kofta was shredded paneer balls and curry felt like it was canned tomato garlic paste with oil, salt. It felt like Italian red pasta sauce with no spices whatsoever. Also , tokari chaat was very very cold as if we are eating it frozen. Taste of chaat was good though .