I actually haven't had any bad experiences with service or accidental charges.. I've been here more than a handful of times for the buffet and once for a late dinner. The waiters have always been so attentive. Items rotate, so I like using the buffet as an opportunity to sample things from their menu. Some things remain each time as token dishes, like the tikka masala, and the.. tandoor chicken I believe?! Some dishes taste great and hits close to home :). Some dishes are interesting interpretations (until today, I have never seen chana saag before.. With some yogurt based additive to it). Definitely prefer this over Indian Cuisine any day. If you've gone there ^ and thought it was mediocre or lacking, you may be pleased with Andaz :)
(4)
April O.
So I've fallen off the radar for a while and friends have had to resort to begging me to start yelping again. Sorry, y'all. Gainful employment will do that to a girl. Anyway, I visited AnDaz last night, and this is what you get. I'm sorry my return to Yelping has to be such a downer, but them's the breaks. We visited AnDaz last night after finding that The Top was on a 90-minute wait for tables. My husband and I were just looking for somewhere with a decent happy hour, so we took off, walked around the corner and saw a signboard that said "Happy Hour 5-Close." Sold! We entered the restaurant, were greeted immediately, and asked if we wanted a table or the bar. We decided on the bar. The greeter instantly became much more excited, because as we found out a few seconds later, he was also the bartender. He was pretty much the highlight of our evening--he was outstanding. He made several drinks just going by the types of alcohol that we suggested to him, and each of his drinks was excellent. He gave us a sample of his original lassi, kept up a whole running stream of jokes, interacted beautifully with the people around us. He earned every bit of his tip, and frankly, he's probably the only reason I'll ever return to this place. Now. I'm fully aware that just about every restaurant downtown on a Friday night is slow as a granny driver. The way most restaurants offset that is by serving good food. Indeed, we were informed that the restaurant's chef had won major awards in international cooking competitions, had beaten 3-star Michelin chefs and chefs that had devoted their lives to Indian food, and so on. His chicken tikka masala was SO RENOWNED that people actually became angry when it wasn't on the daily buffet, holy crap. Okay, okay, we get it. We'll order the chicken tikka masala, k? We also ordered lamb rogan josh, lamb samosa and cheese naan. The first thing we were given to nibble on was the house pappadam. I'll blame my inexperience with Indian food for not liking this, but I found it insanely bitter to the point of being completely inedible. Not even the custom chutney could help this out. The basket we were given had four pieces in it--when we pushed it aside, it still held about 3.25 pieces. The samosas, fortunately, were a lot better and tasted really fresh. The dinner was the biggest disappointment. The chicken tikka masala tasted like chicken in cream of tomato soup. The lamb roganjosh was maybe five lamb chunks in tomato puree. Both reminded me of something that Lean Cuisine would produce, and certainly not something that I would expect from such a highly-ranked chef. (And how does such a bomb chef end up in pokey ol' Gainesville, Florida, anyway?) To better illustrate how underwhelmed I was by the food, when I go to Indian Cuisine, I'm likely to stuff myself with my meal. I've been known to fight people over the rice. All leftovers come home with me. At AnDaz, I had three spoonfuls of the chicken and two of the lamb. Once I finished that, I didn't eat any more of either. The rice bowl was still half-full and was ignored. So in conclusion, we waited nearly an hour in this place to eat meh food that neither of us found particularly memorable, and paid significantly more for it than it would have cost at any other Indian place in town. If you decide to visit for Happy Hour, eat somewhere else first. 1.75 stars.
(2)
Indrashish B.
The standard has detioriated like anything over the past few months. Extremely low quality food and the behavior of support staff is also unprofessional. Will never recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(1)
Jenny S.
Horrible wannabe Indian food. Let me put it like this, I have enjoyed frozen Indian food from Trader Joe's so much more than the "authentic Indian food" provided at this restaurant. Honestly, I don't even know why I see Indians eating here because I know that they know that this is not real Indian food. My assumption is that the cook tailors the recipes for the American palette and they leave out the Indian spices. My advice for the cook is be true to Indian recipes. The atmosphere is pretty though, I can give it that. Save yourself the disappointment and just go to Indian Cuisine restaurant on 34th. It's way better.
(1)
David B.
Pros: have to be honest; reguardless how frustrated I was with this resturaunt, the food was actually really tastful. Cons: 1) Can't speak enough about how outright rud our waiter was. Similar experience to prior review that described lack of interest in describing thier different dinner menu items. I'm very lactose intolerant, and was trying to avoid dinner items with milk products. I almost felt as if I was being annoying for asking him for help. 2) Almost 45 min later, when our meals were done, and we had empty cups of water and drinks for quite some time did our waiter come by to ask how are we doing. 3) Very long wait time for food to come out. 4) Far from being romantic and or relaxing atmosphere for dinner. Dont know how lunch or the buffet is. -will not return, nor will I recommend it to my colleagues.
(1)
Felipe L.
Very tasty indian food, with free appetizer, and friendly staff. Definitely my favorite indian restaurant in gainesville.
(5)
Karan N.
I was visiting some friends for the weekend and as soon as I flew in from Cali, I was craving Indian food. I had heard of Andaz which was under new management and decided to give it a shot. And man, I walked away satisfied and fulfilled. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was polite and did a good job fulfilling our requests. Okay so let's talk about what everyone who dines at an Indian restaurant cares about, the food! Mind you, I went with 6 of my best friends and we all grew up around Indian food. And we all obsess over our mom's cooking. So eating at an Indian restaurant, for us, isn't the same experience. However, Andaz is probably one of the few Indian restaurants I've eaten that doesn't make me or any of my friends think, "we could've just eaten all this at home." In other words, the food is amazing! It came out nice and warm. Went in nice and warm. Definitely plan on eating here again and I would recommend this to Indians and non-Indians!
(5)
Rolf P.
Craving something international and cosmopolitan after a day in "the real Florida" we yelped Indian on our way through Gainesville and found Andaz. On the recommendation of someone who loved the restaurant but was douchy about G-ville, we went. Awesome. Fresh and tasty food. Spices clearly ground at the moment. Clever and tasty cocktails. My fish and my wife's lambchops were wonderful and the portions were obscenely large. I ate one onion kulcha with my meal, then with my leftovers on Monday and then with my wife's leftovers on Tuesday. Our waiter was a delight (and he ran after me when I left my debit card on the table). People-watching was fun: one awkward college first date and a woman who looked just like Michael Doonesbury's wife, Kim Rosenthal, but real. A perfect end to our day.
(4)
Caitlin N.
I have been to this restaurant twice now, both times for the buffet. Once a couple months ago and once last month. Each time I went the food was basically tasty, but the service was kind of poor. I mean, there's really not much service required for a buffet: keep my drink filled, bring naan to the table, be available for other questions. They didn't do a very good job at any of these. Additionally the buffet line is physically problematic - turning an inside corner so that the line gets stopped up at the rice station. That said! I know the reviews here are pretty mediocre, but if you want perfectly okay food downtown for lunch, this place is fine.
(3)
Liz F.
My second time visiting the lunch buffet and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had some different options to try. Again, they served the yummy tandoor chicken and my other favorite chicken tikka masala. The dessert today was an amazing mango pudding that I paired with their chai tea. At $10/person with a soda of your choice, this Indian buffet style lunch cannot be beat! We arrived for lunch at 2:30 (closes at 3) and their service was spotty. Seemed like the staff was ready for break. Kinda can't blame them but that's why I'm giving them a 4 star instead of the five they might deserve. Don't forget to have some of the fennel seed mixture on your way out. It is located where you would usually get mints or toothpicks on your way out. Good for digestion according to the staff.
(4)
John P.
I went with a big party for their lunch buffet, and it turned out to be a pretty pleasant experience. They have authentic Indian food, and the spread for their buffet is relatively diverse. They have the classic tandoor chicken and chicken tikka masala that are both definitely worth trying. The creamy mango pudding is fantastic and is a great way to end the meal after some spicy classic Indian food. They also have some fennel seed mixtures for you on the way out. The lunch buffet is $10, and isn't too bad for the food you get. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
(3)
Chung Kit T.
Checked in here for dinner service. Ordered the lamb samosa, lamb rogan josh and some dosa. While the lamb somosa was tasty and seasoned well, the dishes that followed fell flat in flavor. The lamb rogan josh lacked depth in flavor. The sauce did not have a kick nor that distinct Indian flavor that usually comes with a curry. I was rather disappointed because I was looking forward to that dish the most. The dosa definitely had a kick to it but that's all that it had going for it. I've had much better Indian food at Kabab House. I like Andaz's setting much more for a potential date. Kabob House is definitely more casual. The service here was great.
(3)
Steve Y.
Came with a group of 20 or so late on Sunday night. We had to try the place since our church meets right next door. Service: Excellent. Our waiter, Arthur, was very friendly and funny, despite our being there and still ordering food way past closing. Ambiance: Cozy, spacious, clean. Food: The wife and I had vegetable samosas, garlic naan, bullett naan, chicken tikka masala, and a mango lassi. EVERYTHING was fresh and tasty. We tasted a friend's lamb samosa and saag paneer as well. Tasty, also. There's a good chance we'll make this place a monthly meal after service on Sunday afternoons.
(5)
James J.
I struggle to find words for exactly how polar-opposite this dining experience at Andaz was compared to my original visit...a visit so over-the-top poor I swore not to go back. Thankfully the Yelper in me couldn't make good on such a stubborn vow, and I continued to read reviews that restored my trust enough to try them again. My hats off to you all at Andaz, because this was a nearly impeccable meal that will guarantee I return soon for some excellent and flavorful fares. The Space To recap: right off of University Ave. and just a hair west of Main St., they have a tricky situation to work with. There isn't really any dedicated parking that's reliable, and Andaz (for dinner, at least) isn't likely to appeal to on-a-whim foot traffic. Step in and I'll admit to being harder on them than was fair on this aspect: the floor plan is nice and open, with an upscale yet casual air. You can see into the kitchen and right across from it is a lengthy bar with one TV should you find yourself waiting for takeout and idling. Enough seating to handle a good crowd, and likely a possibility if ever you need to organize a larger dinner party. The Service When I first went and wrote my most disappointing review to date, it was close to opening week and at lunch time, where everyone is typically gunning for the buffet. Coming for dinner, or just coming after they got a handle on things, was a world of difference. Our party of 3 was quickly seated, pleasantly treated, and never overheated (water refills were on-point the entire time). When someone like me says "Yep, I meant to say 'Indian Spicy' for my meal" and I don't get the refills necessary to not look like a chump, I can get testy. The open space made it so that all staff had eyes on us for attention as needed: superb. I will say that two notes came out of the meal, the first being that our orders of naan came too long after the main dishes and that my girlie's cocktail 2-for-1s came all at once. The former was probably just an accident, but come on: who wants to have their 2nd drink just idly melting while they try to chug the first? The Food This was the part I was most fearful of in coming back. Andaz ain't cheap, and last time I came I dropped $15 on a real dish (not the buffet) that was so bland I took two bites before requesting to speak with management about it. This time? Incredible, fresh, spice-laden deliciousness! - Paneer Tikka Masala, Indian Spicy (B+): Hot, savory, and loaded with plenty of paneer to keep each bite packing a wallop of heat and flavor. I nearly finished it all, despite the tears welling up. Rice was flavorful but a tad stiff with some bites. - Garlic Naan (B+): I haven't had many servings of naan, but this was piping hot, balanced with garlic, and a nice range of soft and crispy for lapping up the sauces - Papadam (B): Crispy and surprisingly vibrant for a thin, chip-like starch. Definitely awesome to get this served as a freebie before the meal The papadam also came with 3 different "sauces": a sweet salsa-esque option, a spicy chutney, and a sweet, drizzle-friendly fruit selection. Also had their merits but I definitely preferred the chutney most (sweet before a meal is a turn-off for me, though I had a fair amount of them all). Final Thoughts Could not have asked for this to go any better than it did! Gainesville has no real REASON to maintain an outstanding Indian restaurant, but if my repeat experiences are like this one was I will sing their praises and immensely respect the transition they've made. I'm still scared to try ordering off the menu during buffet hours, but you better believe this dinner deserves your tummy's time.
(4)
Nan T.
Very good lunch buffet...the food is brought out hot and fresh. The flat bread is excellent & placed on every table. Unlike its competitor Indian Cuisine, the dishes here are not cream-based. The chicken wings/drummies are great, as well as the goat dish. Staff is friendly and the establishment appears very clean. Parking is on side streets, which can create a problem.
(4)
Darcy F.
I love the lunch buffet! Good variety of items and the dishes are very flavorful. Buffet comes with a drink and naan as well. Lots of vegan options ...the chaana masala is one of my favorites! Nice and clean restaurant. Reasonable prices and good service. I've eaten here several times and I will definitely continue coming back!
(4)
FoodGirl G.
Fresh, rich flavors, a wonderful broad menu and very diverse dishes on the buffet from chicken tikka masala to saag paneer to pakoras. I'm a regular at Andaz! I grew up eating a lot of East Indian food and love it when it's good.
(5)
Hayley M.
We had a wonderful dinner at Andaz! Their customer service was amazing! They are not your typical FL restaurants when it comes to customer service, super friendly. They recommended the Chicken65 as an appetizer and it was delicious! Spicy and tender with lots of flavor. My boyfriend had a goat with tomato sauce type dish and I had a chicken dish with a cream sauce. We loved every bite! I was just really impressed with how well they took care of us. Their food was delicious and the restaurant setting was perfect for a Saturday date night.
(5)
Sanyogita R.
This place is horrible. They are very inconsistent as far as food quality is concerned. Even if you are lucky to walk in on the better food day, food quality is average. Interiors are very dark so doesn't feel very pleasant.
(1)
K C.
Take out -- Chicken Korma, creamy and delicious. Aloo Tikki appetizer was good with a little kick. Would try their food again. Restaurant had a very nice ambiance ... *Minus 2 stars because I had to wait 15 minutes for food when I arrived, even though it was Wed @ 6:30pm and there was only one table full in the restaurant, and I had called the order in 20 minutes previously.
(3)
kathleen m.
I am grateful to have an accessible option for good, quick Indian food in downtown Gainesville for lunch, with a very welcoming and enthusiastic owner!
(4)
Gabe F.
Very good food! This is the first time I've had Indian food and I was impressed. The food was full of flavor, prices are reasonable, and the service was great. I will definitely be back again.
(4)
Olivia N.
Indian food! In Gainesville! That was enough to get me to try this place. I was disappointed that they didn't serve any chicken curry but delved into the chicken and tomato + naan. Not too pricey, presentation is so-so, would definitely go again! I didn't get a chance to try their desserts, but I will be back.
(4)
sherrie p.
I just got home from this place and I have to say it's awesome! I almost didn't go based on the reviews but I am so glad I went. I had the Chicken Tikka Masala, Mango Lassie, and we shared both garlic naan and a onion filled naan. Both naans were great but the onion filled one was so amazing. Thicker, and chocked full of onion. Wow. I've never had a naan like that one before. My friends were very happy with their meals as well and after tasting my friend's dinner I could see why. I've had Indian food in NYC, Atlanta, and Florida and this compares with all of them on a high level. Finally a great Indian place in Gainesville!! You can park in the lot right behind the establishment which is a big plus in downtown Gainesville where parking is the biggest problem with going downtown.
(5)
Ryan S.
We have had most of the vegetarian dishes here and all have been excellent. A great dinner restaurant. Very nice staff.
(5)
Genetico J.
I would give it 2.5 stars if I could. I have only been here for the weekend lunch buffet, which is supposed to be a representative of quality and authenticity of the dinner menu. The buffet selection is small, just one desert and no heat. Flavor was distinctly lacking. Overall, this caters to the small town American who has not much experience with authentic Indian cuisine. Go here if desperately craving Indian food. But better Indian food to be had in the Trader Joes' frozen meal section. Location is great and parking easy.
(3)
Balaji R.
This is by far the worst Indian restaurant I have had the misfortune of dining in, which is why I felt the necessity to review it. It miserably fails to meet the severe expectations set by the huge price of the food. We were seated and were about to order Dosa and Sambar Vada when we were told that the South Indian items are not available due to some kitchen trouble. We then proceeded to order Gobi Manchurian, Malai Kofta and Naan. It was terrible. The gobi manchurian just felt like steamed cauliflower sauteed in ketchup, the "kofta" in the Malai Kofta was insufficiently cooked, and the naan was either insufficiently cooked or overly burnt. Now, what really outrages me here is that their entire idea of food seems to be bad. Suppose you eat at a restaurant. Firstly, the food could be so awesome that it might even elicit more than just your sense of taste. If not, it could be good, or at least you know, passable. Lastly, it could be just bad. The taste may be off, it may be improperly cooked, or it may be missing a few ingredients. But this restaurant seems to surpass all these and reach a revolutionary new level of inferiority. The food didn't have just a few ingredient missing, the whole recipe was totally off. For example, if you want to make an omelette, you cannot scramble eggs and call it an omelette. Sure, it might taste good but it DOESN'T make it an omelette. This was how each of our food item was today. It was so abysmal that it seemed to be a humiliation of the ingredients used in the food. Frankly speaking, the restaurant desecrates popular Indian food so much that eating here again would make me forget the actual taste of these food. It is in short, a disgrace to Indian cuisine.
(1)
Chili A.
Very very bad experience with the food. We wanted to have spicy indian food and was not satisfied with it. If you are looking for North Indian food you can try this but if you want spicy South Indian food do not try this one.
(1)
Camila A.
I went there with my husband for the lunch buffet. We found it very authentic. The cost beneffit was excellent! All the food was incredibly tasty and rich!
(3)
Marcelo D.
Food was good Service was spotty and weird. Not great but OK.
(3)
Mindy M.
There was a time when Gainesville had no Indian food, apart from the stuff in freezer cases. Those were dark days. Then Indian Cuisine came along, and later, the halal Kabab House on University Avenue. Both of these are perfectly acceptable. Indian Cuisine has a lunch buffet and Kabab House does not. Kabab House still has the best naan, in my opinion. The strangely named ANdAZ -- near University and Main -- has a lunch buffet, which I tried for the first time today. It was $12+ and included superbly fresh naan which was brought to the table in a basket. (Indian Cuisine used to have great naan, but now it's not so great -- more like a too-puffy pita.) At ANdAZ I had chewy good naan with some crunchy edges from the tandoor. Overall I found the Saturday buffet offerings much superior to the recent weekend fare at Indian Cuisine. There were more choices (including two biryanis, one veg and one chicken -- I tried the chicken and it was excellent) and more variety in the available flavors. There was a subtly spiced fish that I would happily eat again. It was tender and yet not falling apart in the sauce. The saag paneer was not as buttery as some, but there was lots of paneer in it. There was chicken tikka masala (of course), and it was nice. There was chole (didn't try it) AND a hearty daal (not very flavorful, but maybe I was expecting a spicier version). Plus a few other things I didn't try because I was too full of naan. Hot masala chai was included-- good on the spices but a little weak on the tea. I will definitely go back for this weekend buffet!
(4)
Christina N.
Delicious!! We stopped in on a whim and are glad we did. We got the vegetable somasa to start. They were perfectly crispy on the outside and the filling was perfect. I had the gobi manchurian (a cauliflower appetizer) as my main dish with a side of cheese naan and my husband had the goat curry. The gobi was ridiculous, my husband told me I needed to learn to make it at home. And the curry was perfect. Only complaint...the naan was a little dry. We will be back.
(5)
Aniket M.
The buffet has a lot of variety. Initially I didn't really like it. But I felt food got better over past few months. Fish curry and chicken tandoori actually reminds of india. Ambiance is nice. They play authentic Indian music. They also serve masala tea in buffet. I didn't like their naan, but maybe it's just because I only had their buffet naan. Overall, buffet good and worth the cost.
(4)
Lily L.
Lunch buffet. Great variety (samosa, chutneys, daal, veggie curry, 3 types of rice, chicken vindaloo, paneer Marsala, tandoori chicken, dessert) and solid food. Good deal for $12. Will come back to try dinner!
(4)
Chandra D.
It was a full house on valentines evening when my boyfriend and I arrived. Despite how busy they were I was happy to find the staff calm. It was clear to me that their driving force for good service is not tips, but the genuine intent that each person enjoy their stay. They were attentive without being overbearing. Even gracious when my boyfriends meal was too spicy they quickly, courteously and promptly replaced it. They were more then understand when I didn't like my saffron martini. Without question they made a suggestion of a Long Island and replaced my drink without charge. THE SERVICE: This standard of service encompasses all that a restaurant should strive for. THE MEAL: The samosa chatt was exciting and authentic just like the street food in India. The saag paneer was perfect. The paneer vidaloo, Perfectly spiced (flavor and heat once adjusted/replaced). The Long Island was lovely and unique too. The naan was large, fluffy and warm. The food was high in quality, on point on portions and the taste, I can't wait to go back. This was my second time here for dinner and can't wait to try the buffet. Reminds me of mum.
(5)
Lanes H.
I picked out this place after a monotonous morning of staring at INR levels and anticoagulation guidelines. My colleague was having an emotional crisis. I tried to cheer her up and break up the monotony of work by asking her to a random place for lunch. Unfortunately, she wasn't in the mood for my happiness that day. Maybe another day... =( With that said, I think she missed out on a gem! Andaz is a typical Indian food buffet mis-located in the middle of a college town. I am surprised that people even notice that this place exists! I visited for lunch and they had a fresh spread of the usual cuisine... samosas, chaat, soups, chickpea salads, grilled tandoori meats, biryani, and vegetarian/non-vegetarian entrees. I tried a little bit of everything and finished with mango pudding and a relaxing cup of chai. The wait staff are attentive. The ambiance is elegant. The buffet was clean. Thank you for making my visit to Gainesville a positive one! p.s. - I ordered a couple of samosas for take-out to bring back to my colleague. Life is too short to stay grumpy!
(3)
Rebecca B.
Great food even better service! Arthur is fantastic makes the experience wonderful and thoroughly explains all the Indian foods in detail! Highly recommend !
(5)
Kylie S.
I called ahead to ask if they had paneer for vegetarians in the buffett (my favorite indian food). They said they didnt but they would provide some for me. When I got there it took ages for the kitchen to get a bowl of palak paneer out to me. Then they charged us another $11 for it! If I had know it wasn't complimentary I would have insisted on mathar paneer or malai, as I prefer that to the spinach paneer...oh well!! The naan was hot but kinda weird with spices in it (prefer plain or garlic - not pepper naan!) Nice space, but expensive food and weird service with no unsweet tea.
(2)
Jamie M.
So so so awful. Service, food, cleanliness. The owner actually asked us for advice, and he seemed beyond help. Being optimistic about this place means there's a 50/50 shot that whoever replaces them will be acceptable- and that this will hopefully happen soon. How does somebody just "end up" running a restaurant? Anybody who has done their research (read: eaten in public before in their life) can see what is wrong with the lunch buffet, service, and general operations of the restaurant.
(1)
Rohmer E.
Ohhhh Andaz, will you come and save Gainesville from the horrible dearth of decent Indian food? Hmmm, sadly not yet. Lets keep in mind they are a new restaurant. Kinks need to be worked out. Recipes perfected. Buuuuut we tried the dinner and.....the food was not there yet. First of all somehow all of our food was served warm. Not cold, but not hot like it was cooked fresh. Well the Samosa Chaat is supposed to be served cold and it was one of the better things on the menu. Well seasoned, fresh tomatoes and tasty chole (chick peas) on top of a samosa. The veg pakoras tasted good, but were served warm and oddly not that crispy. Did they cook them fresh or were they made earlier and just warmed up in a microwave? These were the questions we were left asking. Yet they were still pretty good. Just to save time, let me say all the entrees were served just warm. The Baingan (eggplant curry) while served in a cool silver platter, was seriously mediocre. The complaints others had about them using too much tomato paste is a legit critique. I couldn't taste spices as much as I could taste tomato paste. The smokiness of the eggplant, the fresh ginger were good, but it was hard to get over the tomato. Same goes for the 2 vindaloos (paneer and grouper). The paneer was at least fresh but again the overwhelming tomato paste taste and lack of spice just underwhelmed everything. Never had Indian food this bland and the temperatures did not help. The fresh naans however, especially the garlic, were delicious. Some of my favorite I've had. The service was attentive (overly so since we were one of 2 tables) and their were some bumbles with the service/kitchen communication, but all handled with a level of courtesy. The atmosphere is awesome. One of the better interiors in town. Lots of potential with the space. The recipes however need serious reworking. Do some research, make the recipes authentic and fresh. The prices are high for Gainesville, tomato paste being the main flavor ain't going to cut it. Barely warm dishes aint going to cut it.
(2)
Chad D.
We were very happy that a restaurant featuring the cuisine of India opened in Gainesville. And were pleasantly surprised to find out how good it is. From the appetizers to the wine list the offerings at Andaz reflect attention to quality. We opened with servings of vegetable samosas and also aloo tikki. Both were excellent. We also had some garlic naan which was delicious. Andaz has a full service bar, but we decided to accompany the dinner with a very nice Russian River Pinot Noir. For our main courses my wife and I opted for chicken dishes, but the menu also includes lamb, seafood, and a nice vegetarian section. My wife's Chicken Korma was excellent and perfectly seasoned. Mychoice was Mughlai Butter Chicken, which was creamy and savory. The spices were perfectly balanced and the texture of the dish was silky and creamy. The basmati rice that accompanied both dishes was very good and made a good vehicle for the delicious sauces. We made room for dessert of rasmalai. It was a great way to end the dinner. The servings were all very generous, enough for us to be very satisfied and still have enough to take home for lunch the next day. The service was top-notch. Our wine glasses were kept full. Our waiter was attentive and prompt. We had a chance to compliment the chef personally. It turns out that he is an award winner with a very nice personality. We were very pleased with Andaz. It is great to have a fine Indian restaurant in this small city. We will be back often.
(5)
Kimberly C.
Best Indian food in town. Flavorful dishes, fantastic nann and wonderful atmosphere. I like spicy and they met my needs. The veggies were fresh. My husband, a chef, had the paneer and loved every bite! Pani Puri is highly recommended! What a great experience!
(5)
Brooke R.
This was my first time at this restaurant and the experience was just okay. I came here for the lunch buffet. The food tasted as if it were sitting out a while and I didn't see the kitchen refill any of the trays. The service was lackluster but the venue was pretty. The experience was not worth the $10 I paid.
(2)
Gator R.
Went there for lunch for the very first time. Decor was nice. Price of food was a bit higher than what I would pay for the quality of food they served. The food lacks flavor. Their naan is good though and they always refill the buffet spread which is a plus. Parking can be a hassle considering the location but place is a good addition to the diverse cuisine in gainesville.
(3)
Carmen M.
I have eaten here twice. It has been amazing. I love this place. The best buffet. I love Indian food and try to eat it often. I live 30 miles away but this is worth the drive!!
(5)
Saty G.
we went on a Friday night with 4 of my friends. I did not expect the ambience to be that loud. If you are looking for Indian dishes relish with a nice environment Indian Cuisine will be the best place to go. We ordered Chicken 65, Chicken and Goat Biryani, Kadahi Chicken and Goat curry. I would say given that you are having an Indian dish in the USA, the taste of Biryani served here is quite good (although it did not meet up to my expectation). I have to admit Chicken 65 disappointed me because they used paprika powder to make it red and hot and the irony is it did not make it spicy hot at all (for me). So don't' order it here. Taste of side dishes of chicken/goat was quite ok, definitely with less no of amount compared to the price($15). Last but not the least I mentioned medium spice while ordering Biryani but when I tasted it there was as if no extra spice was added moreover it's tasted a little sweet. My advice DO NOT GO THERE DURING WEEKEND. While we were being served the waiter messed up with the item names!!! I finished 2 glasses of water before our food came on the table. That is to say I would not recommend anyone to go there (during weekend, I don't know about weekdays).
(2)
Jennifer L.
The waiter walked by twice seemingly to ignore my group as we requested water. When the waiter finally came to our table he said the other waiter would take care of us. Keep in mind, 15 minutes had ticked by and we didn't receive any service, not even water. The place wasn't even busy! There were two other tables in the entire restaurant. We walked out. I was really excited to try this place too, but with the awful service and crazy prices I couldn't stand it. We took a drive down to Amrit Palace in Ocala and had a fantastic dinner.
(1)
Luis C.
Both my lady and I have enjoyed our meals both times we have visited. This last time I had chicken vindaloo at Indian spicy and was very happy, although I expected to be sweating the whole time (I like spicy food). The decor at most indian restaurants I have been to is usually a bit much but this place looks nice, clean, and modern. We will definitely be back.
(4)
G B.
For a long time , I wanted to try this place and got to go today. I was born and brought up in India and I cook Indian food at home. I will never visit this place again. It was a horrible experience. We went to the lunch buffet. The batura was like naan, the naan was crispy, the channa tasted only of tomato and cumin, the squash gravy was bad. I had the masala chai and it was watery. My little boy is fond of kheer and after a spoonful he didn't want to touch it. How can you go wrong with a simple kheer? The rice had dried out, the vegetable pakora was uncooked on the inside, the mint chutney was extremely salty. Since I had vegetarian, I can not say about the non-vegetarian items. I left disappointed.
(1)
Lauren O.
I'm giving andaz 3 stars based on their lunch buffet. I would consider going back in the evening for date night with my husband but for a great all-around Indian buffet I will have to say Indian Cuisine beats them by a hair. The selection at Andaz was good and I liked everything I tried. There was no naan or samosas on their buffet which are major drawbacks in my book. When I eat Indian food I like some naan. The chicken tikka masala was very tasty. The buffet is kind of thrown together with tables set up along the wall with silver sterno food servers. The waiter explained that the lunch buffet is really just a way of giving customers a sampling of their food so they will come back and order off the menu at dinner which is nice. I read a few other reviews dissing the service. I don't really care about having a real attentive server at a buffet but I did overhear one of the waiters being rude to a waitress and saying that the table was his that she had just gone over and poured water for. Kind of rude. Price was excellent (25$ incl. tip for lunch buffet for me and my husband, no charge for 3 year old). We will go back for dinner one night soon.
(3)
Shaswa K.
The food was ok! The service was ok too. One particular waiter was rude and too sarcastic to be considered as humour. It seems no new food is cooked for buffet after 2pm even though the buffet is till 3pm. I would not go to it unless it's a lunch buffet and I would not even consider it strongly. The owner seemed nice though and a couple of other waiters but the waiter that served us was horribly bad and sufficient enough for me to not visit it again.
(2)
Alexa H.
I was EXTREMELY pleased with my dining experience at Andaz. The atmosphere was sumptuous, the wait staff aimed to please, and the food we had was cooked using quality ingredients and refined flavors. The chef, we were told, is from South Africa and is quite renown there. The menu is a mix of traditional Indian as well as South African-inspired dishes and the prices were very reasonable considering the fare. It is my opinion that downtown Gainesville is enhanced by the presence of a restaurant that is attempting real cuisine, and perhaps more interesting that the menu happens to be Indian, as good Indian food is such a treat!
(5)
Chlo L.
Love it!! I've been to both Indian cuisine and Aandaz in gainesville and Aandaz is better by a long shot. We tried Aandaz first after a friend recommended it. The flavors were on point and I'll probably be coming back here often. The service is also great and the atmosphere is really nice. They also have happy hour pretty much all evening (2 for 1) - huge bonus.
(5)
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Address :12 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL, 32601
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
Kristina M.
I actually haven't had any bad experiences with service or accidental charges.. I've been here more than a handful of times for the buffet and once for a late dinner. The waiters have always been so attentive. Items rotate, so I like using the buffet as an opportunity to sample things from their menu. Some things remain each time as token dishes, like the tikka masala, and the.. tandoor chicken I believe?! Some dishes taste great and hits close to home :). Some dishes are interesting interpretations (until today, I have never seen chana saag before.. With some yogurt based additive to it). Definitely prefer this over Indian Cuisine any day. If you've gone there ^ and thought it was mediocre or lacking, you may be pleased with Andaz :)
(4)April O.
So I've fallen off the radar for a while and friends have had to resort to begging me to start yelping again. Sorry, y'all. Gainful employment will do that to a girl. Anyway, I visited AnDaz last night, and this is what you get. I'm sorry my return to Yelping has to be such a downer, but them's the breaks. We visited AnDaz last night after finding that The Top was on a 90-minute wait for tables. My husband and I were just looking for somewhere with a decent happy hour, so we took off, walked around the corner and saw a signboard that said "Happy Hour 5-Close." Sold! We entered the restaurant, were greeted immediately, and asked if we wanted a table or the bar. We decided on the bar. The greeter instantly became much more excited, because as we found out a few seconds later, he was also the bartender. He was pretty much the highlight of our evening--he was outstanding. He made several drinks just going by the types of alcohol that we suggested to him, and each of his drinks was excellent. He gave us a sample of his original lassi, kept up a whole running stream of jokes, interacted beautifully with the people around us. He earned every bit of his tip, and frankly, he's probably the only reason I'll ever return to this place. Now. I'm fully aware that just about every restaurant downtown on a Friday night is slow as a granny driver. The way most restaurants offset that is by serving good food. Indeed, we were informed that the restaurant's chef had won major awards in international cooking competitions, had beaten 3-star Michelin chefs and chefs that had devoted their lives to Indian food, and so on. His chicken tikka masala was SO RENOWNED that people actually became angry when it wasn't on the daily buffet, holy crap. Okay, okay, we get it. We'll order the chicken tikka masala, k? We also ordered lamb rogan josh, lamb samosa and cheese naan. The first thing we were given to nibble on was the house pappadam. I'll blame my inexperience with Indian food for not liking this, but I found it insanely bitter to the point of being completely inedible. Not even the custom chutney could help this out. The basket we were given had four pieces in it--when we pushed it aside, it still held about 3.25 pieces. The samosas, fortunately, were a lot better and tasted really fresh. The dinner was the biggest disappointment. The chicken tikka masala tasted like chicken in cream of tomato soup. The lamb roganjosh was maybe five lamb chunks in tomato puree. Both reminded me of something that Lean Cuisine would produce, and certainly not something that I would expect from such a highly-ranked chef. (And how does such a bomb chef end up in pokey ol' Gainesville, Florida, anyway?) To better illustrate how underwhelmed I was by the food, when I go to Indian Cuisine, I'm likely to stuff myself with my meal. I've been known to fight people over the rice. All leftovers come home with me. At AnDaz, I had three spoonfuls of the chicken and two of the lamb. Once I finished that, I didn't eat any more of either. The rice bowl was still half-full and was ignored. So in conclusion, we waited nearly an hour in this place to eat meh food that neither of us found particularly memorable, and paid significantly more for it than it would have cost at any other Indian place in town. If you decide to visit for Happy Hour, eat somewhere else first. 1.75 stars.
(2)Indrashish B.
The standard has detioriated like anything over the past few months. Extremely low quality food and the behavior of support staff is also unprofessional. Will never recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(1)Jenny S.
Horrible wannabe Indian food. Let me put it like this, I have enjoyed frozen Indian food from Trader Joe's so much more than the "authentic Indian food" provided at this restaurant. Honestly, I don't even know why I see Indians eating here because I know that they know that this is not real Indian food. My assumption is that the cook tailors the recipes for the American palette and they leave out the Indian spices. My advice for the cook is be true to Indian recipes. The atmosphere is pretty though, I can give it that. Save yourself the disappointment and just go to Indian Cuisine restaurant on 34th. It's way better.
(1)David B.
Pros: have to be honest; reguardless how frustrated I was with this resturaunt, the food was actually really tastful. Cons: 1) Can't speak enough about how outright rud our waiter was. Similar experience to prior review that described lack of interest in describing thier different dinner menu items. I'm very lactose intolerant, and was trying to avoid dinner items with milk products. I almost felt as if I was being annoying for asking him for help. 2) Almost 45 min later, when our meals were done, and we had empty cups of water and drinks for quite some time did our waiter come by to ask how are we doing. 3) Very long wait time for food to come out. 4) Far from being romantic and or relaxing atmosphere for dinner. Dont know how lunch or the buffet is. -will not return, nor will I recommend it to my colleagues.
(1)Felipe L.
Very tasty indian food, with free appetizer, and friendly staff. Definitely my favorite indian restaurant in gainesville.
(5)Karan N.
I was visiting some friends for the weekend and as soon as I flew in from Cali, I was craving Indian food. I had heard of Andaz which was under new management and decided to give it a shot. And man, I walked away satisfied and fulfilled. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was polite and did a good job fulfilling our requests. Okay so let's talk about what everyone who dines at an Indian restaurant cares about, the food! Mind you, I went with 6 of my best friends and we all grew up around Indian food. And we all obsess over our mom's cooking. So eating at an Indian restaurant, for us, isn't the same experience. However, Andaz is probably one of the few Indian restaurants I've eaten that doesn't make me or any of my friends think, "we could've just eaten all this at home." In other words, the food is amazing! It came out nice and warm. Went in nice and warm. Definitely plan on eating here again and I would recommend this to Indians and non-Indians!
(5)Rolf P.
Craving something international and cosmopolitan after a day in "the real Florida" we yelped Indian on our way through Gainesville and found Andaz. On the recommendation of someone who loved the restaurant but was douchy about G-ville, we went. Awesome. Fresh and tasty food. Spices clearly ground at the moment. Clever and tasty cocktails. My fish and my wife's lambchops were wonderful and the portions were obscenely large. I ate one onion kulcha with my meal, then with my leftovers on Monday and then with my wife's leftovers on Tuesday. Our waiter was a delight (and he ran after me when I left my debit card on the table). People-watching was fun: one awkward college first date and a woman who looked just like Michael Doonesbury's wife, Kim Rosenthal, but real. A perfect end to our day.
(4)Caitlin N.
I have been to this restaurant twice now, both times for the buffet. Once a couple months ago and once last month. Each time I went the food was basically tasty, but the service was kind of poor. I mean, there's really not much service required for a buffet: keep my drink filled, bring naan to the table, be available for other questions. They didn't do a very good job at any of these. Additionally the buffet line is physically problematic - turning an inside corner so that the line gets stopped up at the rice station. That said! I know the reviews here are pretty mediocre, but if you want perfectly okay food downtown for lunch, this place is fine.
(3)Liz F.
My second time visiting the lunch buffet and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had some different options to try. Again, they served the yummy tandoor chicken and my other favorite chicken tikka masala. The dessert today was an amazing mango pudding that I paired with their chai tea. At $10/person with a soda of your choice, this Indian buffet style lunch cannot be beat! We arrived for lunch at 2:30 (closes at 3) and their service was spotty. Seemed like the staff was ready for break. Kinda can't blame them but that's why I'm giving them a 4 star instead of the five they might deserve. Don't forget to have some of the fennel seed mixture on your way out. It is located where you would usually get mints or toothpicks on your way out. Good for digestion according to the staff.
(4)John P.
I went with a big party for their lunch buffet, and it turned out to be a pretty pleasant experience. They have authentic Indian food, and the spread for their buffet is relatively diverse. They have the classic tandoor chicken and chicken tikka masala that are both definitely worth trying. The creamy mango pudding is fantastic and is a great way to end the meal after some spicy classic Indian food. They also have some fennel seed mixtures for you on the way out. The lunch buffet is $10, and isn't too bad for the food you get. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
(3)Chung Kit T.
Checked in here for dinner service. Ordered the lamb samosa, lamb rogan josh and some dosa. While the lamb somosa was tasty and seasoned well, the dishes that followed fell flat in flavor. The lamb rogan josh lacked depth in flavor. The sauce did not have a kick nor that distinct Indian flavor that usually comes with a curry. I was rather disappointed because I was looking forward to that dish the most. The dosa definitely had a kick to it but that's all that it had going for it. I've had much better Indian food at Kabab House. I like Andaz's setting much more for a potential date. Kabob House is definitely more casual. The service here was great.
(3)Steve Y.
Came with a group of 20 or so late on Sunday night. We had to try the place since our church meets right next door. Service: Excellent. Our waiter, Arthur, was very friendly and funny, despite our being there and still ordering food way past closing. Ambiance: Cozy, spacious, clean. Food: The wife and I had vegetable samosas, garlic naan, bullett naan, chicken tikka masala, and a mango lassi. EVERYTHING was fresh and tasty. We tasted a friend's lamb samosa and saag paneer as well. Tasty, also. There's a good chance we'll make this place a monthly meal after service on Sunday afternoons.
(5)James J.
I struggle to find words for exactly how polar-opposite this dining experience at Andaz was compared to my original visit...a visit so over-the-top poor I swore not to go back. Thankfully the Yelper in me couldn't make good on such a stubborn vow, and I continued to read reviews that restored my trust enough to try them again. My hats off to you all at Andaz, because this was a nearly impeccable meal that will guarantee I return soon for some excellent and flavorful fares. The Space To recap: right off of University Ave. and just a hair west of Main St., they have a tricky situation to work with. There isn't really any dedicated parking that's reliable, and Andaz (for dinner, at least) isn't likely to appeal to on-a-whim foot traffic. Step in and I'll admit to being harder on them than was fair on this aspect: the floor plan is nice and open, with an upscale yet casual air. You can see into the kitchen and right across from it is a lengthy bar with one TV should you find yourself waiting for takeout and idling. Enough seating to handle a good crowd, and likely a possibility if ever you need to organize a larger dinner party. The Service When I first went and wrote my most disappointing review to date, it was close to opening week and at lunch time, where everyone is typically gunning for the buffet. Coming for dinner, or just coming after they got a handle on things, was a world of difference. Our party of 3 was quickly seated, pleasantly treated, and never overheated (water refills were on-point the entire time). When someone like me says "Yep, I meant to say 'Indian Spicy' for my meal" and I don't get the refills necessary to not look like a chump, I can get testy. The open space made it so that all staff had eyes on us for attention as needed: superb. I will say that two notes came out of the meal, the first being that our orders of naan came too long after the main dishes and that my girlie's cocktail 2-for-1s came all at once. The former was probably just an accident, but come on: who wants to have their 2nd drink just idly melting while they try to chug the first? The Food This was the part I was most fearful of in coming back. Andaz ain't cheap, and last time I came I dropped $15 on a real dish (not the buffet) that was so bland I took two bites before requesting to speak with management about it. This time? Incredible, fresh, spice-laden deliciousness! - Paneer Tikka Masala, Indian Spicy (B+): Hot, savory, and loaded with plenty of paneer to keep each bite packing a wallop of heat and flavor. I nearly finished it all, despite the tears welling up. Rice was flavorful but a tad stiff with some bites. - Garlic Naan (B+): I haven't had many servings of naan, but this was piping hot, balanced with garlic, and a nice range of soft and crispy for lapping up the sauces - Papadam (B): Crispy and surprisingly vibrant for a thin, chip-like starch. Definitely awesome to get this served as a freebie before the meal The papadam also came with 3 different "sauces": a sweet salsa-esque option, a spicy chutney, and a sweet, drizzle-friendly fruit selection. Also had their merits but I definitely preferred the chutney most (sweet before a meal is a turn-off for me, though I had a fair amount of them all). Final Thoughts Could not have asked for this to go any better than it did! Gainesville has no real REASON to maintain an outstanding Indian restaurant, but if my repeat experiences are like this one was I will sing their praises and immensely respect the transition they've made. I'm still scared to try ordering off the menu during buffet hours, but you better believe this dinner deserves your tummy's time.
(4)Nan T.
Very good lunch buffet...the food is brought out hot and fresh. The flat bread is excellent & placed on every table. Unlike its competitor Indian Cuisine, the dishes here are not cream-based. The chicken wings/drummies are great, as well as the goat dish. Staff is friendly and the establishment appears very clean. Parking is on side streets, which can create a problem.
(4)Darcy F.
I love the lunch buffet! Good variety of items and the dishes are very flavorful. Buffet comes with a drink and naan as well. Lots of vegan options ...the chaana masala is one of my favorites! Nice and clean restaurant. Reasonable prices and good service. I've eaten here several times and I will definitely continue coming back!
(4)FoodGirl G.
Fresh, rich flavors, a wonderful broad menu and very diverse dishes on the buffet from chicken tikka masala to saag paneer to pakoras. I'm a regular at Andaz! I grew up eating a lot of East Indian food and love it when it's good.
(5)Hayley M.
We had a wonderful dinner at Andaz! Their customer service was amazing! They are not your typical FL restaurants when it comes to customer service, super friendly. They recommended the Chicken65 as an appetizer and it was delicious! Spicy and tender with lots of flavor. My boyfriend had a goat with tomato sauce type dish and I had a chicken dish with a cream sauce. We loved every bite! I was just really impressed with how well they took care of us. Their food was delicious and the restaurant setting was perfect for a Saturday date night.
(5)Sanyogita R.
This place is horrible. They are very inconsistent as far as food quality is concerned. Even if you are lucky to walk in on the better food day, food quality is average. Interiors are very dark so doesn't feel very pleasant.
(1)K C.
Take out -- Chicken Korma, creamy and delicious. Aloo Tikki appetizer was good with a little kick. Would try their food again. Restaurant had a very nice ambiance ... *Minus 2 stars because I had to wait 15 minutes for food when I arrived, even though it was Wed @ 6:30pm and there was only one table full in the restaurant, and I had called the order in 20 minutes previously.
(3)kathleen m.
I am grateful to have an accessible option for good, quick Indian food in downtown Gainesville for lunch, with a very welcoming and enthusiastic owner!
(4)Gabe F.
Very good food! This is the first time I've had Indian food and I was impressed. The food was full of flavor, prices are reasonable, and the service was great. I will definitely be back again.
(4)Olivia N.
Indian food! In Gainesville! That was enough to get me to try this place. I was disappointed that they didn't serve any chicken curry but delved into the chicken and tomato + naan. Not too pricey, presentation is so-so, would definitely go again! I didn't get a chance to try their desserts, but I will be back.
(4)sherrie p.
I just got home from this place and I have to say it's awesome! I almost didn't go based on the reviews but I am so glad I went. I had the Chicken Tikka Masala, Mango Lassie, and we shared both garlic naan and a onion filled naan. Both naans were great but the onion filled one was so amazing. Thicker, and chocked full of onion. Wow. I've never had a naan like that one before. My friends were very happy with their meals as well and after tasting my friend's dinner I could see why. I've had Indian food in NYC, Atlanta, and Florida and this compares with all of them on a high level. Finally a great Indian place in Gainesville!! You can park in the lot right behind the establishment which is a big plus in downtown Gainesville where parking is the biggest problem with going downtown.
(5)Ryan S.
We have had most of the vegetarian dishes here and all have been excellent. A great dinner restaurant. Very nice staff.
(5)Genetico J.
I would give it 2.5 stars if I could. I have only been here for the weekend lunch buffet, which is supposed to be a representative of quality and authenticity of the dinner menu. The buffet selection is small, just one desert and no heat. Flavor was distinctly lacking. Overall, this caters to the small town American who has not much experience with authentic Indian cuisine. Go here if desperately craving Indian food. But better Indian food to be had in the Trader Joes' frozen meal section. Location is great and parking easy.
(3)Balaji R.
This is by far the worst Indian restaurant I have had the misfortune of dining in, which is why I felt the necessity to review it. It miserably fails to meet the severe expectations set by the huge price of the food. We were seated and were about to order Dosa and Sambar Vada when we were told that the South Indian items are not available due to some kitchen trouble. We then proceeded to order Gobi Manchurian, Malai Kofta and Naan. It was terrible. The gobi manchurian just felt like steamed cauliflower sauteed in ketchup, the "kofta" in the Malai Kofta was insufficiently cooked, and the naan was either insufficiently cooked or overly burnt. Now, what really outrages me here is that their entire idea of food seems to be bad. Suppose you eat at a restaurant. Firstly, the food could be so awesome that it might even elicit more than just your sense of taste. If not, it could be good, or at least you know, passable. Lastly, it could be just bad. The taste may be off, it may be improperly cooked, or it may be missing a few ingredients. But this restaurant seems to surpass all these and reach a revolutionary new level of inferiority. The food didn't have just a few ingredient missing, the whole recipe was totally off. For example, if you want to make an omelette, you cannot scramble eggs and call it an omelette. Sure, it might taste good but it DOESN'T make it an omelette. This was how each of our food item was today. It was so abysmal that it seemed to be a humiliation of the ingredients used in the food. Frankly speaking, the restaurant desecrates popular Indian food so much that eating here again would make me forget the actual taste of these food. It is in short, a disgrace to Indian cuisine.
(1)Chili A.
Very very bad experience with the food. We wanted to have spicy indian food and was not satisfied with it. If you are looking for North Indian food you can try this but if you want spicy South Indian food do not try this one.
(1)Camila A.
I went there with my husband for the lunch buffet. We found it very authentic. The cost beneffit was excellent! All the food was incredibly tasty and rich!
(3)Marcelo D.
Food was good Service was spotty and weird. Not great but OK.
(3)Mindy M.
There was a time when Gainesville had no Indian food, apart from the stuff in freezer cases. Those were dark days. Then Indian Cuisine came along, and later, the halal Kabab House on University Avenue. Both of these are perfectly acceptable. Indian Cuisine has a lunch buffet and Kabab House does not. Kabab House still has the best naan, in my opinion. The strangely named ANdAZ -- near University and Main -- has a lunch buffet, which I tried for the first time today. It was $12+ and included superbly fresh naan which was brought to the table in a basket. (Indian Cuisine used to have great naan, but now it's not so great -- more like a too-puffy pita.) At ANdAZ I had chewy good naan with some crunchy edges from the tandoor. Overall I found the Saturday buffet offerings much superior to the recent weekend fare at Indian Cuisine. There were more choices (including two biryanis, one veg and one chicken -- I tried the chicken and it was excellent) and more variety in the available flavors. There was a subtly spiced fish that I would happily eat again. It was tender and yet not falling apart in the sauce. The saag paneer was not as buttery as some, but there was lots of paneer in it. There was chicken tikka masala (of course), and it was nice. There was chole (didn't try it) AND a hearty daal (not very flavorful, but maybe I was expecting a spicier version). Plus a few other things I didn't try because I was too full of naan. Hot masala chai was included-- good on the spices but a little weak on the tea. I will definitely go back for this weekend buffet!
(4)Christina N.
Delicious!! We stopped in on a whim and are glad we did. We got the vegetable somasa to start. They were perfectly crispy on the outside and the filling was perfect. I had the gobi manchurian (a cauliflower appetizer) as my main dish with a side of cheese naan and my husband had the goat curry. The gobi was ridiculous, my husband told me I needed to learn to make it at home. And the curry was perfect. Only complaint...the naan was a little dry. We will be back.
(5)Aniket M.
The buffet has a lot of variety. Initially I didn't really like it. But I felt food got better over past few months. Fish curry and chicken tandoori actually reminds of india. Ambiance is nice. They play authentic Indian music. They also serve masala tea in buffet. I didn't like their naan, but maybe it's just because I only had their buffet naan. Overall, buffet good and worth the cost.
(4)Lily L.
Lunch buffet. Great variety (samosa, chutneys, daal, veggie curry, 3 types of rice, chicken vindaloo, paneer Marsala, tandoori chicken, dessert) and solid food. Good deal for $12. Will come back to try dinner!
(4)Chandra D.
It was a full house on valentines evening when my boyfriend and I arrived. Despite how busy they were I was happy to find the staff calm. It was clear to me that their driving force for good service is not tips, but the genuine intent that each person enjoy their stay. They were attentive without being overbearing. Even gracious when my boyfriends meal was too spicy they quickly, courteously and promptly replaced it. They were more then understand when I didn't like my saffron martini. Without question they made a suggestion of a Long Island and replaced my drink without charge. THE SERVICE: This standard of service encompasses all that a restaurant should strive for. THE MEAL: The samosa chatt was exciting and authentic just like the street food in India. The saag paneer was perfect. The paneer vidaloo, Perfectly spiced (flavor and heat once adjusted/replaced). The Long Island was lovely and unique too. The naan was large, fluffy and warm. The food was high in quality, on point on portions and the taste, I can't wait to go back. This was my second time here for dinner and can't wait to try the buffet. Reminds me of mum.
(5)Lanes H.
I picked out this place after a monotonous morning of staring at INR levels and anticoagulation guidelines. My colleague was having an emotional crisis. I tried to cheer her up and break up the monotony of work by asking her to a random place for lunch. Unfortunately, she wasn't in the mood for my happiness that day. Maybe another day... =( With that said, I think she missed out on a gem! Andaz is a typical Indian food buffet mis-located in the middle of a college town. I am surprised that people even notice that this place exists! I visited for lunch and they had a fresh spread of the usual cuisine... samosas, chaat, soups, chickpea salads, grilled tandoori meats, biryani, and vegetarian/non-vegetarian entrees. I tried a little bit of everything and finished with mango pudding and a relaxing cup of chai. The wait staff are attentive. The ambiance is elegant. The buffet was clean. Thank you for making my visit to Gainesville a positive one! p.s. - I ordered a couple of samosas for take-out to bring back to my colleague. Life is too short to stay grumpy!
(3)Rebecca B.
Great food even better service! Arthur is fantastic makes the experience wonderful and thoroughly explains all the Indian foods in detail! Highly recommend !
(5)Kylie S.
I called ahead to ask if they had paneer for vegetarians in the buffett (my favorite indian food). They said they didnt but they would provide some for me. When I got there it took ages for the kitchen to get a bowl of palak paneer out to me. Then they charged us another $11 for it! If I had know it wasn't complimentary I would have insisted on mathar paneer or malai, as I prefer that to the spinach paneer...oh well!! The naan was hot but kinda weird with spices in it (prefer plain or garlic - not pepper naan!) Nice space, but expensive food and weird service with no unsweet tea.
(2)Jamie M.
So so so awful. Service, food, cleanliness. The owner actually asked us for advice, and he seemed beyond help. Being optimistic about this place means there's a 50/50 shot that whoever replaces them will be acceptable- and that this will hopefully happen soon. How does somebody just "end up" running a restaurant? Anybody who has done their research (read: eaten in public before in their life) can see what is wrong with the lunch buffet, service, and general operations of the restaurant.
(1)Rohmer E.
Ohhhh Andaz, will you come and save Gainesville from the horrible dearth of decent Indian food? Hmmm, sadly not yet. Lets keep in mind they are a new restaurant. Kinks need to be worked out. Recipes perfected. Buuuuut we tried the dinner and.....the food was not there yet. First of all somehow all of our food was served warm. Not cold, but not hot like it was cooked fresh. Well the Samosa Chaat is supposed to be served cold and it was one of the better things on the menu. Well seasoned, fresh tomatoes and tasty chole (chick peas) on top of a samosa. The veg pakoras tasted good, but were served warm and oddly not that crispy. Did they cook them fresh or were they made earlier and just warmed up in a microwave? These were the questions we were left asking. Yet they were still pretty good. Just to save time, let me say all the entrees were served just warm. The Baingan (eggplant curry) while served in a cool silver platter, was seriously mediocre. The complaints others had about them using too much tomato paste is a legit critique. I couldn't taste spices as much as I could taste tomato paste. The smokiness of the eggplant, the fresh ginger were good, but it was hard to get over the tomato. Same goes for the 2 vindaloos (paneer and grouper). The paneer was at least fresh but again the overwhelming tomato paste taste and lack of spice just underwhelmed everything. Never had Indian food this bland and the temperatures did not help. The fresh naans however, especially the garlic, were delicious. Some of my favorite I've had. The service was attentive (overly so since we were one of 2 tables) and their were some bumbles with the service/kitchen communication, but all handled with a level of courtesy. The atmosphere is awesome. One of the better interiors in town. Lots of potential with the space. The recipes however need serious reworking. Do some research, make the recipes authentic and fresh. The prices are high for Gainesville, tomato paste being the main flavor ain't going to cut it. Barely warm dishes aint going to cut it.
(2)Chad D.
We were very happy that a restaurant featuring the cuisine of India opened in Gainesville. And were pleasantly surprised to find out how good it is. From the appetizers to the wine list the offerings at Andaz reflect attention to quality. We opened with servings of vegetable samosas and also aloo tikki. Both were excellent. We also had some garlic naan which was delicious. Andaz has a full service bar, but we decided to accompany the dinner with a very nice Russian River Pinot Noir. For our main courses my wife and I opted for chicken dishes, but the menu also includes lamb, seafood, and a nice vegetarian section. My wife's Chicken Korma was excellent and perfectly seasoned. Mychoice was Mughlai Butter Chicken, which was creamy and savory. The spices were perfectly balanced and the texture of the dish was silky and creamy. The basmati rice that accompanied both dishes was very good and made a good vehicle for the delicious sauces. We made room for dessert of rasmalai. It was a great way to end the dinner. The servings were all very generous, enough for us to be very satisfied and still have enough to take home for lunch the next day. The service was top-notch. Our wine glasses were kept full. Our waiter was attentive and prompt. We had a chance to compliment the chef personally. It turns out that he is an award winner with a very nice personality. We were very pleased with Andaz. It is great to have a fine Indian restaurant in this small city. We will be back often.
(5)Kimberly C.
Best Indian food in town. Flavorful dishes, fantastic nann and wonderful atmosphere. I like spicy and they met my needs. The veggies were fresh. My husband, a chef, had the paneer and loved every bite! Pani Puri is highly recommended! What a great experience!
(5)Brooke R.
This was my first time at this restaurant and the experience was just okay. I came here for the lunch buffet. The food tasted as if it were sitting out a while and I didn't see the kitchen refill any of the trays. The service was lackluster but the venue was pretty. The experience was not worth the $10 I paid.
(2)Gator R.
Went there for lunch for the very first time. Decor was nice. Price of food was a bit higher than what I would pay for the quality of food they served. The food lacks flavor. Their naan is good though and they always refill the buffet spread which is a plus. Parking can be a hassle considering the location but place is a good addition to the diverse cuisine in gainesville.
(3)Carmen M.
I have eaten here twice. It has been amazing. I love this place. The best buffet. I love Indian food and try to eat it often. I live 30 miles away but this is worth the drive!!
(5)Saty G.
we went on a Friday night with 4 of my friends. I did not expect the ambience to be that loud. If you are looking for Indian dishes relish with a nice environment Indian Cuisine will be the best place to go. We ordered Chicken 65, Chicken and Goat Biryani, Kadahi Chicken and Goat curry. I would say given that you are having an Indian dish in the USA, the taste of Biryani served here is quite good (although it did not meet up to my expectation). I have to admit Chicken 65 disappointed me because they used paprika powder to make it red and hot and the irony is it did not make it spicy hot at all (for me). So don't' order it here. Taste of side dishes of chicken/goat was quite ok, definitely with less no of amount compared to the price($15). Last but not the least I mentioned medium spice while ordering Biryani but when I tasted it there was as if no extra spice was added moreover it's tasted a little sweet. My advice DO NOT GO THERE DURING WEEKEND. While we were being served the waiter messed up with the item names!!! I finished 2 glasses of water before our food came on the table. That is to say I would not recommend anyone to go there (during weekend, I don't know about weekdays).
(2)Jennifer L.
The waiter walked by twice seemingly to ignore my group as we requested water. When the waiter finally came to our table he said the other waiter would take care of us. Keep in mind, 15 minutes had ticked by and we didn't receive any service, not even water. The place wasn't even busy! There were two other tables in the entire restaurant. We walked out. I was really excited to try this place too, but with the awful service and crazy prices I couldn't stand it. We took a drive down to Amrit Palace in Ocala and had a fantastic dinner.
(1)Luis C.
Both my lady and I have enjoyed our meals both times we have visited. This last time I had chicken vindaloo at Indian spicy and was very happy, although I expected to be sweating the whole time (I like spicy food). The decor at most indian restaurants I have been to is usually a bit much but this place looks nice, clean, and modern. We will definitely be back.
(4)G B.
For a long time , I wanted to try this place and got to go today. I was born and brought up in India and I cook Indian food at home. I will never visit this place again. It was a horrible experience. We went to the lunch buffet. The batura was like naan, the naan was crispy, the channa tasted only of tomato and cumin, the squash gravy was bad. I had the masala chai and it was watery. My little boy is fond of kheer and after a spoonful he didn't want to touch it. How can you go wrong with a simple kheer? The rice had dried out, the vegetable pakora was uncooked on the inside, the mint chutney was extremely salty. Since I had vegetarian, I can not say about the non-vegetarian items. I left disappointed.
(1)Lauren O.
I'm giving andaz 3 stars based on their lunch buffet. I would consider going back in the evening for date night with my husband but for a great all-around Indian buffet I will have to say Indian Cuisine beats them by a hair. The selection at Andaz was good and I liked everything I tried. There was no naan or samosas on their buffet which are major drawbacks in my book. When I eat Indian food I like some naan. The chicken tikka masala was very tasty. The buffet is kind of thrown together with tables set up along the wall with silver sterno food servers. The waiter explained that the lunch buffet is really just a way of giving customers a sampling of their food so they will come back and order off the menu at dinner which is nice. I read a few other reviews dissing the service. I don't really care about having a real attentive server at a buffet but I did overhear one of the waiters being rude to a waitress and saying that the table was his that she had just gone over and poured water for. Kind of rude. Price was excellent (25$ incl. tip for lunch buffet for me and my husband, no charge for 3 year old). We will go back for dinner one night soon.
(3)Shaswa K.
The food was ok! The service was ok too. One particular waiter was rude and too sarcastic to be considered as humour. It seems no new food is cooked for buffet after 2pm even though the buffet is till 3pm. I would not go to it unless it's a lunch buffet and I would not even consider it strongly. The owner seemed nice though and a couple of other waiters but the waiter that served us was horribly bad and sufficient enough for me to not visit it again.
(2)Alexa H.
I was EXTREMELY pleased with my dining experience at Andaz. The atmosphere was sumptuous, the wait staff aimed to please, and the food we had was cooked using quality ingredients and refined flavors. The chef, we were told, is from South Africa and is quite renown there. The menu is a mix of traditional Indian as well as South African-inspired dishes and the prices were very reasonable considering the fare. It is my opinion that downtown Gainesville is enhanced by the presence of a restaurant that is attempting real cuisine, and perhaps more interesting that the menu happens to be Indian, as good Indian food is such a treat!
(5)Chlo L.
Love it!! I've been to both Indian cuisine and Aandaz in gainesville and Aandaz is better by a long shot. We tried Aandaz first after a friend recommended it. The flavors were on point and I'll probably be coming back here often. The service is also great and the atmosphere is really nice. They also have happy hour pretty much all evening (2 for 1) - huge bonus.
(5)