To start, it is fair to say that I developed a crush for this place during the pre-grand opening celebration so... Everything from the decor to the food to the ambiance to the service was spot on for the party. It was just all around a very lovely experience so I knew I'd be back. So my friends/coworker & I decided that we should meet up for either lunch or dinner and I eagerly suggested American Gymkhana. Once they had checked the menu and realized that there was a Sunday brunch option, we all decided that brunch would be better. The brunch menu is a fixed price for a meal and 2 breakfast beverages (they have alcohol free options). I opted for the Lamb Vindaloo and a couple of bellinis. The lamb was spicy (both in terms of spice and heat but not too hot) and came with a side of plain white rice. I think that it is delish! I tried both the Lychee and Peach Ginger bellinis - both were quite good. Once again, the decor, ambiance and service were all very good. Our Server checked on us repeatedly and, in addition, the Chef came out to our table to say hello and to make sure that we were enjoying our meal. At this point, I have to say that AG lived up to my expectations and I do plan to keep them in my list for occasional dining options.
(4)
Kisha G.
Everything was fantastic! The decor was beautiful and gave an upscale and inviting feel, while the blue lighting made it feel a bit more modern. There is also a very interesting story to the history of the gymkhanas in India. This was my husband's first time trying any type of Indian food and my second time. The dishes here are not traditional, but you have a lot of the traditional Indian flavors. We had a few different things that we enjoyed: - Garlic Naan - Delicious! I know it's "just naan", but my husband isn't too crazy about garlic and he loved it! We had two orders with our meal. I do with it came with a couple more pieces per order. - Malpe Shrimp - This appetizer was my favorite part of the meal. It is shrimp in a garlic/cilantro/curry leaf pesto. I could eat the pesto by itself, it is so delicious! - Angrezi Chicken - Their take on butter chicken. I have not had butter chicken before to compare this too, but it was very good. My husband loved this. - Eggplant Kut - I enjoyed this as well, though to our tastes it was a bit too spicy. It was delicious and sweet with the tomatoes and honey in the dish. I would order this again if it were less spicy (we aren't used to spicy foods, so this probably wouldn't be an issue for others). - Warm Chocolate Financier - This was brought out because we were celebrating my birthday over the weekend. The chai ice cream accompanying it was delicious. They lit a candle, but they do not sing "Happy Birthday" ;) Daniel was our server and he was fantastic! He gave us a great idea of what his favorite and the most popular dishes are and answered any questions we had. He was very attentive throughout the meal and seemed genuinely interested in making sure we enjoyed what we ordered. There were also a few other people in leadership who came to say hello and see how things were going. The head chef (I apologize, I forgot her name) stopped by our and everyone else's tables to say hello. It was a great experience for us and we will definitely be back again! The bar also seemed like a great place for drinks and appetizers if we wanted something lighter.
(5)
Matthew C.
I only have one complaint with my experience here. My waiter, who was excellent, recommended the lobster. He said it was a different take on lobster, cooked in tandoori with Indian spices, sounded great. I was excited! It was $35, but thought it sounded like it would be worth it. I was wrong. It was over cooked and chewy. The flavor wasn't anything special, and for $35 one small lobster tail is disappointing. Everything is family style, a la cart, so literally $35 gets you just one lobster tail. I will say, everything else about our experience was excellent. The cocktails are delicious! All of our other items were great as well. I would love to go back, and would recommend trying anything except the lobster.
(3)
Juan R.
Love it!! Tonight was the garlic shrimp... omg! Spectacular! Can't wait to come bank again.
(5)
paige e.
They have an globally recognized award winning mixologist, the drinks were amazing. Full of unexpected flavors. The atmosphere was great too! A great place to try a high end truly authentic indian cuisine. Food was great, place was great. highly recommended to give it a try.
(4)
Tamara B.
I'll start with the food. The Aloo Chaat starter was excellent. The flavoring and seasonings came together nicely. For mains, we had the Nizami Hara Paneer and the Lahsooni Palak Dal. The spinach/kale puree for the paneer was excellent. There could have been more pieces of paneer in the dish though. The Dal was a nice blend of flavors overall. What was rather odd was that no rice was offered to go with the dishes. The service is a little unsettling. Too many different people come to the table with too much frequency. It's hard to have an enjoyable meal if someone is walking up to your table every couple minutes to check if you need anything. Service should be a bit more subtle while remaining attentive.
(3)
Michelle E.
Visted for brunch last weekend. Everthing was spot on, from the blood orange/clove mimosa to the creative Indian spin on the southern classic, chicken and waffles. We completed our meal with Gajarela Bread Pudding and Orange Creme Brulee....yummers. Fabulous food in a beautifully decorated setting. Looking forward to returning for dinner very soon.
(5)
Brandi F.
Disappointing. Frustrating. A hot freaking mess from the moment we walked in. I am still BAFFLED as to how they have gotten such glowing reviews. Maybe everyone was tripping on acid? Our party of 8 was super excited to come here for our friend's birthday brunch but that faded from the start. Our server went around the table and asked who was on what tab and not 10 seconds later mixed it all up when she put it in her useless tablet. Not to mention she made everyone count off like kindergartners- not exactly the elite/imperial vibe they advertise. Especially when paired with the cheesy night club decor, which is downright depressing in the daylight. The only option if you're eating there on Saturday morning is a $25 deal which includes one entree & side and two drinks. The drinks options are a lychee mimosa, bloody mary (with a very unique spice blend), ginger peach "bellini" or an orange mango mimosa. No substitutions and they will charge you an arm and a leg for a watered down version of anything else. We all ordered our drinks and I watched our waitress take 10 minutes to painstakingly carry them one by one from the bar to the table. And there were plenty of trays around. She then took our food order which we had to correct several times when she recited it back. We all thought hmm, service is awful but maybe the food will redeem them. NOPE. Food took forever to come out, all our plates were cold and disgusting. I ordered the chicken and waffles which were ice cold, the chicken was greasy and bland and I had to drown the whole thing in flavored syrups to eat it. The man who helped serve the food almost dipped his fingers in that same syrup and spilled water over the table and took 10 minutes to come back and clean it up. By this time we were all pretty restless and unhappy and we were not being quiet about it. Not to mention there were only about 4 other tables in the whole place and no background music. Did our waitress or management ask us once how we were doing? NOPE. And when one of our party actually sent his food back did they offer to comp anything? NOPE. And when they messed up one credit card transaction at the end, did they offer to rectify it? NOPE. No one here from the waitstaff to the chefs or the management seem to care about their jobs at all. This place is a restaurant disaster makeover show waiting to happen.
(1)
Steve A.
If you're looking for an incredible Indian fusion experience that combines traditional dishes with complex influences from other cuisines in beautiful presentations, proceed directly to American Gymkhana and don't even bother to read the rest of this review. You won't be disappointed. If you're the owner of this restaurant, please read on. Your chef and her cuisine are wonderful. But if you want to succeed, you need to fix some things soon. The restaurant has been open two months, which is plenty of time for there to be someone working in service who knows what they're doing. Sadly, this is not the case. The food is so good that people will try again, but at some point we'll give up unless basic levels of service can be achieved. It's as if the whole staff has never been in a table service restaurant (not counting Denny's) before. On our Saturday brunch visit there were at least 15 servers huddled near the entrance, and exactly two patrons. Yet we were interrogated for five minutes at the front desk by three people before finally being shown to a table. Why do you need our names and phone numbers to serve us food? We asked our server several questions about the food and beverages (let's face it, the brunch menu isn't exactly self explanatory, and contradicts itself regarding what the meal includes). The answer to every question was "well, I don't know what's in that, but we do everything very special here so it has lots of wonderful ingredients." Before you blame the server for this response, let me note that I overheard this same conversation at two other tables with two other servers and the response was essentially identical. If you ever get a patron with a food allergy, they're dead. There were a dozen other minor issues with the service provided by everyone who visited our table: inability to clearly explain what came or did not come with various dishes on the menu, wrong drinks served with no one noticing, no one offering dessert before the check--nothing show-stopping or that prevented us from enjoying the truly wonderful food. But there is no excuse for it. You own a Michelin listed restaurant in New York, and I know this isn't what the service is like there. Someone needs to move to Orlando and take charge. It would be a shame for one star service to kill a restaurant with 5 star food.
(4)
Rhea P.
Trendy restaurant with creative, must try cocktails, low lighting, and friendly service. Upper level restaurant with a private club feel offering super tasty dishes. I really love the ambiance and lighting here, although the candle garden in the center of the dining area made me nervous at times. I walked up stairs to reach the second level, but I'm unsure if it's wheelchair accessible? I especially enjoyed the creative cocktails and can easily see myself returning even just for an adraki punch. Lighting is low even in the ladies room, so using light on your smart phone is a good idea if you are wanting to freshen up your makeup. The vegetarian options were flavorful, especially the Cauliflower. At first I thought of it as BBQ cauliflower, but on second taste it was more like General tso flavored cauliflower. All but one hors d'oeuvre I found quite tasty. The potato one with the hard chip used as an implement-flavor felt flat after so many fireworks. I finished everything off with a hot chai tea. Looking forward to great things from here.
(4)
Upamanyu R.
Awesome take on modern Indian cuisine... The fried yogurt cakes with fig and tamarind sauce are a must try .... And the baby roasted eggplant were melt in.the mouth with a great tangy sweet tomato curry ... Great ambience and excellent wait staff...
(5)
Ben P.
They will do everything in their power to make your experience a Walk On Water (WOW) one!
(5)
Andrea R.
Amazing place. Drinks are different than other places. Food is very tasty. Nothing than other places you have been in. Different experience.
(5)
Joe D.
Absolutely Awful experience! Booked brunch for 13 for my birthday. Upon arriving, no acknowledgement our arrival. Restaurant had 2 other guests in main dining area. We had a separate room, I arrived just after some other invitees, was immediately handed my favorite scotch.... wow! Everything after this experience was downhill. Very poor service, had just one server attend a group of 13. Requested Manager to come over, no such luck. He was hovering around the bar area and in fact, entered the room 'once' to replenish drinks on their side/serving/holding table with no acknowledgement of our presence ( empty restaurant on a Sunday Lunch - no other human besides Manager, barman and one sole server). Asked server for Manager twice, no show. One of my invitee got up and went out of room seeking Manager and stated our lack of service to which he brushed her off. Had have server explain Brunch Menu (yes, needed explanation to understand brunch price included two drinks per person). Most invitees do not drink and some of them ordered more than two drinks (26 drinks included....) Thought that since this was our very first time at the AG, Chef Aarthi would at least make her presence known... no such luck. Got the bill, I signed for $590+ and left annoyed and embarrassed. Did not check the bill, signed check being embarrassed. Left restaurant without acknowledgement, which by now was not such a shock. Get home and realized I was overcharged by $158. Called restaurant next day and twice thereafter leaving Voice mail's with no call backs. FYI, my VM messages were very generic, not indicating a complaint call. Contacted Amex for dispute with overcharge. Hopefully I 'll get a refund. Have been to Junoon in NYC three times with great experience. Why would they screw up so badly? Is this really affiliated? I wounder. I seriously doubt if this restaurant will remain open. Affluent and influential friends in the area warned me against, but I could not ignore the Junoon NYC experience.
(1)
Devika M.
I attended the event prior to the restaurants official opening and was pleased with my experience there. The restaurant is on the 2nd floor (you can take the stairs or there is an elevator). This restaurant has a certain "wow" factor to it as you walk in for the first time. Its a feast for the eyes as there are beautiful fixtures as well as a nice blend of the traditional and the modern. I sampled their vegetarian offerings -samosas and a sweet and sour cauliflower- both were deliciously spicy! I am sure they have more vegetarian options but that is all I sampled that night. I also tried a mocktail called "morning glory" and it was absolutely delightful. It was refreshing and light- I wanted more. My non vegetarian companions enjoyed the shrimp and lamb. The servers and the bar staff were all courteous and friendly. It is a beautiful venue and I look forward to experiencing it again.
(4)
Alyx K.
Stylized Indian cuisine with a dignified pedigree - the owner's restaurant Junoon in NYC has been awarded a Michelin star, and he's also opening a restaurant soon in Dubai. The space he's created here is very open and stylish - modern but with definite "gymkhana" (colonial Indian hunting/sports club) influences in the decor. I was fortunate enough to attend a private tasting here last night and try many of the dishes and cocktails. They have several signature cocktails - the sparkling saffron cocktail is a light and refreshing choice and the Adraki Punch is a fruity, sweet selection served in awesome copper cups, and while both of those were good my favorite was the Jalisco Sour, a tequila drink made lively with just enough jalapeno and curry. All of the food was excellent and beautifully presented. My favorites? The lamb chops were exquisite - tender and flavorful - as were the malpe shrimp in fennel butter. I also loved the cauliflower ghobi (a spicy cauliflower fritter), a dish I first discovered at an Indian restaurant in NYC and hadn't had any approximation of here in Orlando until now. Other highlights included the lentil samosa and the juicy Gymkhana chicken. Service was attentive and personable. In all, an excellent addition to Restaurant Row for fine dining with a hint of spice :)
(5)
Lauren Y.
Most Indian food is well, intimidating if you're not familiar with the flavors and what to order. American Gymkhana's modern approach is sure to liven up your palate and introduce you to some new flavors including brunch. Chef Aarthi has been busy whipping up brunch with offerings ranging from Banjara Chicken & Waffles to the Desi Omelette.Given their reasonable prices, lively atmosphere (DJ included) and approachable dishes, American Gymkhana is sure to become an ever popular brunch spot. Served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am - 3:30 pm, you can drink, dine and (of course) socialize for a mere $25. Nobody wants to spend a fortune on brunch, especially if you dined out the previous evening. Here's what I recommend ordering for brunch: Banjara Chicken & Waffles: The South invented this dish, but American Gymkhana has taken a delightful and tasty spin on a classic. Savory and sweet, this spiced fried chicken is drizzled with a garlic yogurt and paired with buttermilk tadka waffles. Top your waffles with an array of syrups and flavored butters, no maple syrup required for this dish! Order up to please your salty and sweet side. Daily Bread Basket: Filled with an array of puffy and savory bread, an excellent side to start or pair with any meal. Besides, how can you brunch without carbs? Masala Potato Wedges: Spiced, crispy and served with a spicy sauce. These wedges were crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside - almost like jumbo french fries. Mmm. Orange-Mango Mimosa & Lychee Mimosa: I've never tasted a drink here I didn't enjoy and their mimosas did not disappoint. Delivering the perfect balance of savory and sweet, these mimosas are a must order with any dish. American Gymkhana Brunch: With brunch on the horizon, the weekend is always in view. Happy brunching!
(5)
Andrew H.
Main dishes are broken up by Fish, Shellfish, Meat, Game, Poultry, and Vegetarian selections. A standout signature is the Angrezi Chicken with roasted tomato, homemade butter and garam masala. The term Angrezi, which is Hindi for the word British, offers a proper representation of the blending of British and Indian cultures from the time period. Other Mains include Meen Moilee which is a crisped seasonal fish with coconut milk, fresh turmeric, lemongrass and curry leaves. The Lamb Vindaloo is a staple of Raj cuisine that combines apple cider vinegar, black pepper, goan chilies and twice fried potatoes. Since India is also famous for its robust vegetarian diet, American Gymkhana offers a healthy selection of six options that range from Kofta Hariyali that are cheese fritters with methi, spinach and green peas to Market Vegetable Korma with coconut, cashew and ginger. We began our evening with an amuse bouche of Dahi Vada that was designed to get the palate ready for all of the exceptional flavors of the Raj Cuisine. The Lamb Seekh, or Lamb Skewers, can be ordered as a meal, or to share among friends. The lamb is mixed with a variety of spices and seasonings that give them a tender and mildly spicy flavor. Adraki Gobhi is the best cauliflower dish I have ever had in my life. I mean it. This is a cauliflower fritter fried with ginger, galanga, red chili powder,cumin, turmeric... and a lot more. I could eat this everyday. For breads I sampled the Garlic Naan and the Roti. Both were delicious. Roti is an unleavened bread as Naan is a yeast leavened bread. The Angrezi Chicken is peices of chicken in a roasted roma tomato coulis with a whipped garam masala butter sauce. Its not overly spicy and overall immensely smooth and flavorful.Goat Roganjosh is goat shank braised in a Kashmiri chili and clarified butter sauce. The goat had a very mild flavor, but watch out for that chili sauce as it puts a zing on your tongue. We paired our meals with a side of rice and Daal Makhni. That is a dish of smoked black lentils cooked overnight above the tandoor. Really great for dipping your Roti A Warm Chocolate Financier is a perfect way to end your evening. A light and moist cake, but very rich, served with chai ice cream, almond feuilletine and macerated berries
(4)
Amber M.
I was able to attend a preview event here and I had an amazing time. All of my past experiences with Indian food have been less than great so I was not expecting a whole lot of this restaurant. Boy was I surprised! Finding the restaurant was a tad interesting since it's on a second level and I really was not expecting that. The walk up the stairs was beautifully lined with tea candles and it really set the mood. Once I walked into the restaurant I noticed how modern it is with a twist of tradition. I especially liked the vintage photographs on the walls. It brought together old and new very nicely. The food was impeccable and I couldn't get enough. The Gymkhana Chicken is AWESOME! I actually befriended one of the waitresses and she kept saving food for me :D Furthermore, I ended up spending the majority of the evening talking to the "mixologist" for the bar. He told me he was the mixologist at the Michelin star restaurant associated with American Gymkhana in New York. He was also the #1 bartender in India. CRAZY! He poured a perfect drink every. single. time. The Adraki Punch was my favorite. It was incredible! I'm really excited for this new addition to the area and am curious to see how the business evolves and how people respond to it. It's a great new restaurant to have in Central Florida!
(5)
Rashmi P.
Aspiring to have a clear and refreshed understanding of food trends and cuisine in India vs. US restaurants; I purposely postponed my dining experience write-up at American Gymkhana till after my travels to India over Christmas holidays. And I for one couldn't be more pleased with that decision. American Gymkhana not only compares head on with the authentic flavors of Indian Cuisine, it might be in the forefront with it's innovative use of spices and artistic presentation in comparison to the restaurants in Delhi. Located on the coveted Orlando's Restaurant Row - American Gymkhana (pronounced "jim-kah-nuh") is conceptualized by Rajesh Bhardwaj, the restaurateur behind New York's Michelin-starred Indian concept Junoon. The kitchen is helmed by Mumbai native and New York transplant, Chef Aarthi Sampath, who uses imported spices sourced from Indian markets juxtaposed by Florida's locally-sourced ingredients to create a balance of traditional and modern cuisine. American Gymkhana boasts and expansive wine menu that has been meticulously hand selected to compliment the bold and vibrant flavors of Indian Cuisine; the likes of which I have not had the pleasure of encountering in Orlando, let alone an Indian restaurant, even in the finest New Delhi restaurants. Eager to assimilate Mr. Bhardawaj's vision of American Gymkhana, I willingly left my pairing decisions in Mr. David Pennisi (Advanced Sommelier) expert hands. Needless to say, I had the most delightful and complimenting wine and dine experience. Lamb Seekh paired with 2012 Nebbiolo d'Alba, Bruno Giacosa - A staple and hallmark fixture in any Indian restaurant, the lamb kebab was amongst the most tender seekhs I have tasted outside of India. Succulent and delicately spiced, these tender morsels served on a bed of sweet onion chutney were complimented beautifully with the aromatic Nebbiolo grape found in the Barolo region and near Truffle town in Piedmont, Italy. The Nebbiolo d' Alba paired identically with the Nashile Lamb Chops (approximate translation of Nashile being intoxicating) marinated in whiskey/ginger/black cardamom/garlic whipped yogurt and served with pickled cauliflower lived up to it's namesake. Char grilled with a crispy exterior and sinfully tender interior, the Nashile Lamb Chops were an unanimous winner at our table. Did I mention the pickled cauliflower? Sone pe Suhaga - Indian saying meaning icing on the cake. Begum Chicken - 2013 Vermentino, Morris Farms: Mawa filled chicken roulade simmered in a cashew almond sauce. Morris Farms Vermentino displays the raciness of an Alsatian Pinot Gris and the depth of a ripe Napa Sauvignon Blanc. White wines typically made in stainless steel tanks rather than oak barrels have a bright, citrusy acidity that acts like a zap of lime or lemon to heighten flavors in everything. The Vermentino was a refreshing accompaniment to the silky and nutty sauce of the Begum Chicken. Paneer Pasanda - 2012 Riesling Trocken, Knebel: Before I go any further, I must confess that Paneer is my all-time FAVORITE food creation out of India. I can devour it any form - be it raw sprinkled with salt and pepper, grilled in a tandoor, stuffed and simmered, or gently simmering in spinach or any form of gravy. I ADORE it....Whew!! Chef Aarthi's generous chunks of paneer pasanda stays close to it's original Mughlai creation of homemade fresh cheese stuffed with dried fruit in a velvety onion gravy. To my utter amazement, Chef Aarthi informed me that the paneer was made in-house. Drum roll!! The Paneer Pasanda was exquisitely executed. Eggplant Kut - Eggplant is considered a delicacy in Indian cuisine with not enough loyal followers. Chef Aarthi's version of roasted baby eggplant tempered with honey, curry leaves, and mustard in a sweet-spicy tomato gravy is finger-licking good. At a Cocktail Mixer we had the pleasure of tasting few of the award-winning beverage concoctions curated by celebrated Mixologist Hemant Pathak, who has been featured in GQ Magazine and ELLE Magazine. While infused Indian liquors, spices and homemade syrups will honor the season by continuously changing, the bar boasts robust fall-flavored libations of 12 signature and classic cocktails, including AG 7559, Jalisco Sour, and Adraki Punch, and my personal favorite Masala Rye. Indian Cuisine is a fusion of vibrant and daring flavors that are meant to be savory not sweet. Most Indian restaurants in America down play the role of spices and dowse the dishes in butter or cream to mask the shortcomings. Indian spices are exotic, intoxicating, complex, imparting fresh flavors in each morsel. And I couldn't be more pleased to state that American Gymkhana and Chef Aarthi are serving luscious and glamorous creations in a setting where fine linen, knowledgeable and professional staff, and delightful World-class wines are as much an element as Indian Spices are.
(4)
Lydia C.
After reading so many positive reviews, I made plans to have my birthday brunch here. I was really looking forward to it and I love Indian cuisine. This was our first time here and we all love brunch so I thought it would be a great experience. We made a reservation for a table of 8 in advance for an early brunch on Valentine's. There were only one or two other tables of just couples other than us. Service was really slow and the server seemed oblivious to everything. Our drinks sat at the bar for a while before she noticed. She was mixing up our orders as well. My meal (when it finally arrived) was the only good thing about the entire brunch experience. I had to wait quite a while for my meal after everyone's food was brought out and their food was cold by then. I ordered the nizami hara paneer which was rich and had tons of paneer. The rice was light and fluffy. Getting the second round of drinks took a considerably long time and waiting on the checks also took a long time. The super slow service seemed unjustified since there was hardly anyone dining and they appeared to be well staffed. I don't feel like the brunch is worth the $25 price. Included are two drinks and the selection is very limited so if a bloody mary or mimosa isn't your thing then you will be charged extra for a different drink. I left feeling very disappointed and it was obvious that the staff did not care at all about what any of us thought.
(1)
Rose A.
Loved everything about this place! The atmosphere is warm, relaxing, and swanky at the same time. The cocktail menu is creative (albeit expensive), drinks were strong and delicious. The food was SPECTACULAR. We had the Gymkhana Chaat to start with which included 5 small bites of deliciousness. For our entrees we went with the Angrezi Chicken and Nizama Hara Paneer. Both were amazing and both provided a substantial portion of protein. We also added the Zeresch Berry Pulao Rice and both the gateway (onion and cheese) and garlic naan. The portion of rice wasn't huge but enough for two people (none of their main courses come with sides...everything is ala carte). While some of the Indian restaurants in town provide complimentary papadum or rice, I'd much rather pay extra for the amazing flavors of this Orlando gem. The best part of the experience was the amazing service we received. Our server (Tommy) was friendly, knowledgable, and attentive. We also received visits from the head chef and sous chef which was a nice touch. Thank you American Gymkhana for being in Orlando. :)
(5)
Amber H.
5 stars for the first Indian cuisine I have had for brunch! First of all the location is a tough one: restaurant row on Sand Lake road... right? Not only that, it seems that this is an area that is already saturated with Indian restaurants. All of that being said: I LOVED my brunch at American Gymkhana and I will definitely be back soon. My brunch began with a Lychee mimosa: Perfect and not too sweet! Then I selected the French Toast Gymkhana (too original I know but I just can't say no to French toast). You can choose to have it stuffed with gymkhana chicken or cinnamon-raisin mawa. I went with the servers recommendation and had the cinnamon raisin mawa. FABULOUS!!! What the descriptions fails to tell you is that it is actually Naan that is stuffed.... you get the tandoori flavor. I ate the entire plate without syrup or butter. For my side I chose the Masala Potato Wedges. The best potato wedges I have ever had: perfectly crispy without the soggy middle... I loved dipping them in the syrups provided. I finished my meal with a Mumbai Bloody Mary. Excellent! They make their own mix! I have to comment on my friend's dish as well. She had the Banjara Chicken & Waffles. It is a spiced fried chicken with garlic yogurt drizzle over a buttermilk tadka waffle - DREAMY! I typically do not love the cherished chicken and waffles... But I would return just to have this dish to myself! We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Aarthi Sampath. She was friendly and eager for constructive feedback. I enjoyed watching her in the kitchen from my seat at the table. The restaurant is nice and open with a view of the kitchen. It is located on the 2nd floor and has both stairs and an elevator. I personally enjoyed having a quiet brunch on the verandah. I can see this as being more of a lounge area during dinner time. The bar is nice and spacious. I am told they have several specialty cocktails and make all of their own mixes. There is a large private room as well that looks great for meetings or private parties. In summary: One entree and a side with 2 drinks for $25 was a superb price for the meal that I had for brunch today. I will be returning soon for brunch and/or dinner!
(5)
Prithi D.
I've eaten here at least 5 times. Loved it when aarti was the chef. It's not the same place now. The hostess is the server. They are shutting down and reopening with s new theme. So sad.
(2)
Robyn B.
I attended a preview event for the opening of American Gymkhana and I was blown away. First let me state that I've never really eaten Indian Food so while I wanted to go just to see what the place was about, I was unsure about what to expect. AG is located on Sand Lake Drive in Dr. Phillips which is also referred to as Restaurant Row on the second floor of one of the plazas. The venue is very modern and trendy; dimly lit with interesting chandeliers that looked like they were holding candles hanging from the ceilings. Upon entrance there is a bar and lounge area with tables for siting and room for standing. To the right was a room for private dining and as you continue to walk through the lounge area, you will find an open stylish dining area. I chose a seat in the lounge area and as soon as I sat down a waiter came to provide me with drink options. I wasn't sure what I wanted and he recommended the Adraki Punch which had a honey ginger flavor and was served in a cute copper mug. Prior to sitting, I went into the area meant for private dining where food was being served. I had the opportunity to try the Dahi Kebab, Samosas and Lamb Sliders. They were served with cilantro sauce and chutney. Although some of the food was a bit spicy it was all extremely flavorful. Once I sat, there were waiters and waitresses who continued to walk by with platters of different dishes and I tried the Adriki Ghobi which was a spicy fried cauliflower fritter, the Malpe Shrimp, which was a large shrimp served in a pesto cilantro sauce, the Gymkhana Chicken and a second lamb dish that I don't remember the name of lol. Everything was extremely tasty and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the food. The Malpe Shrimp was absolutely my favorite :) If you're ever in the area and in the mood for great dining atmosphere and even greater food I highly recommend American Gymkhana. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Joey D.
What a beautiful restaurant! Tucked on a second story location on restaurant row (although not really benefitting from a view of anything) this fine dining location sets out and achieves the creation of a Manhattan experience. I would not feel comfortable dining in anything less than slacks and possibly a coat. Food wise, the flavors of the restaurant are phenomenal. I attended on a preview night where we could sample many different flavors from their menu, and nothing was disappointing. More exciting to me then their food offerings was their cocktail menu. The mixology demonstrated is hands down some of the best in Orlando. I sampled several of their specialty beverages and not a single one was disappointing. Not only were they smooth, each one was layer after layer of flavor. Sadly, I felt it was not a 5 star experience, only because parking was stressful. I understand it is a byproduct of the location, however, when choosing a location to impress, I'm going to have to consider how many times I must circle the lot looking for a spot.
(4)
Jen V.
I was invited to attend a preview event in Dr. Phillips. I hadn't really ever had Indian cuisine before, let alone 'modern Indian cuisine' so I had little basis of comparison. I started off with a cocktail; the Adraki Punch. I liked this citrus-flavored and very lemony concoction! Gymkhana's Banjara Fried Chicken was my favorite, and the yogurt sauce that goes with it pairs well. I also tried and enjoyed the Gymkhana Chicken Tikka. Having seafood allergies and not being one for lamb or other red meat, I was limited on what I could eat. However, what I did have I liked a lot!
(4)
Jeff B.
Do you feel like arguing with your loved one? Embrace that feeling today with assistance from American Gymkhana! You will leave here wondering what everyone else was talking about. You'll start believing conspiracies about contrails because everyone else MUST be having some kind of shared delusion. Lets set the scene; Valentine's day brunch, party of 8, 4 other people at 2 other tables. Service is lost, useless, and bound to this ipad ordering system that just seems to slow everything down. Even with this ipad it seems no other part of the place is connected to it as it does not increase the speed at which anything comes out. This kitchen is slow and they have no timing. Entrees come out poorly seasoned, cold, and scattered over a period of about 10 min. Orders are forgotten. Value is poor. The apparent award winning mixologist they tout as involved must have only been as a conversation with the owner 5 years ago because they were confused about making something as simple as an old-fashioned. Even with all of this and 8 people complaining loudly, service stays terrible and there is no indication that ANYONE cares.
(1)
Alex E.
We went on Valentine's day, and so we were expecting some hiccups. We weren't expecting such a disappointment. American Gymkhana is an Indian fusion restaurant. The atmosphere is very hip. The kitchen is open and the lighting is just enough. We started off wrong when we were told we could each choose either the Valentine's tasting menu, or a three course prix fixe menu. Normal practice for a special event, so I chose the tasting menu while my wife chose the other. 5 minutes later our waitress returns to tell us that we have to choose the same menu. The explanation was that they were getting too busy to time courses right due to how busy it had become. This despite the restaurant being half full at the time. Back to deliberating and both of us not wanting the other to get their second choice on Valentine's day. We settle on the tasting menu, reasoning the other items could be had on a return visit. Here's where the explanation we were given gets frustrating. Even choosing the tasting menu, the dishes were slow to come out and we received the wrong food to our table twice. Don't limit our choices and then screw up the few choices we had left. The first two dishes were very good. The scallop and quail were seasoned wonderfully. The second half of our meal went downhill rather quickly. The lamb vindaloo was the first I've ever had that I can honestly say was underseasoned. The lamb itself was meh as well. The dessert was where the meal went off the rails. The yellow cake in the middle of the plate tasted like bad masago. The chocolate bonbon was coated in such a thick layer of bitter cocoa powder it was wholly unpalatable. The fried apples were ok. By the time the waitress came around, we got the impression she had already seen this play out several times and she quickly offered the check. Here's where I take a real issue with American Gymkhana. The value for a meal is outrageous. After 3 drinks, two meals, and tip our two person meal totaled over 200$. I have gladly spent this amount on food before, but I expect the food to be of high quality throughout. They need to perform much better to justify charging anywhere near those rates. To summarize: cocktails were great. Planning for a holiday night was awful. Service was friendly but full of mistakes throughout. Dishes were overpriced, inconsistent, and some components were aggressively bad. I would not return based on my experience.
(1)
Liz W.
This is a hard review to put a star rating on, because different aspects of the experience need to be rated differently. Let's try this: Cocktails: 5 stars Service: 4 stars Quality of food: 4 stars Atmosphere: 4 stars Value: 2 stars First let me say that if you ate at the previous tenant, Raga, and were as horrified by that experience as i was, do not let that experience keep you from trying AG. Thankfully, AG has exorcised those ghosts of tenants past. The interior is enormous but cozy, and the bar is especially nice. The service was immediately attentive and remained so throughout the evening (perhaps a little too attentive at some points, with two different people asking us how things were within 30 seconds of one another. But that's ok. Better over than under). The cocktails were really terrific, and we had a nice chat with the NYC bartender who was in town to train the local bartenders. We learned a lot, including the sad fact that we probably can't find the ingredients to mimic these cocktails at home. But that's ok. Yum. The food is what our server described as family style and a la carte. What that really meant was that we paid $27 for 4 tiny lamb chops with nothing else on the plate but some pickled cauliflower. Were the lamb chops tasty? Yes they were. Were they $27 tasty? Not unless AG threw some side dishes in there. But nope, the sides were separate. They, too, were delicious. But $14 for some daal (lentils and spinach) is close to highway robbery. The same for the $6 bowl of white rice. Yes, those were some delicious bowls of rice and lentils, no doubt, but for that price I could have bought lentils and rice that would have fed a family of 5 for two weeks. The brussel sprouts and potatoes were heralded by our server as unlike any brussel sprout preparation we'd ever had. Which was sadly not true, as I have actually prepared some fairly close to that recently. They were good, yes, but not $16-you've-never-had-anything-like-it good. Anyway, we enjoyed the food. The little pots and dishes were pretty and nicely arranged on the table. The servers were attentive to a fault, and the cocktails were good. (The wine recommendation, not so much, but my fault for not sending it back). So here's the deal. Rent on Sand Lake Road must be sky high. This site is enormous and so the rent must be doubly sky high. I assume it's impossible to make a profit with rent that high (plus paying all the many, many people who seemed to be working at AG that night) without jacking up the menu prices. So be it. It's Sand Lake. If you want to leave Disney and not eat at Bone Fish, then this place might be a good choice. If you live in Dr Phillips, this also might be a good choice. However, if you live downtown (as I do), there are many better options for the price. And I still find the Indian restaurants on OBT to be better than anything I had at AG or, previously, at Raga. And much less expensive. Bombay Cafe on Doss Ave off OBT, for example, has life changing crispy tidbits and batata wada chaat for like $5. You won't have a bad experience here at AG, as far as I can tell. But you won't get a lot of value for your money, either. Depending on where you are coming from, that might be more or less important. I won't knock these folks for doing a good job in the space and site they chose. I did hear that brunch is superb. It might be worth the trip again to try that.
(3)
Ashley H.
I was really excited to try out American Gymkhana and unfortunately it fell short. We went last night and I was surprised to see that so many reservation times were available on short notice, now this is a huge space with ample seating but there were only about 4 seated tables upon our arrival at 7:30. That's a bit dismal for a Friday night. We were offered to sit in a "romantic" spot on the enclosed porch. We opted for the dining room because the porch was dark and a bit cold. The dining room is very nicely decorated, with a modern flair and fun lighting. It's welcoming and nicely laid out. Once we were seated it took far too much time to be greeted by our waiter, given water or even provided with menus! I personally feel the menu should be brought along by the hostess. Even once the menus were delivered, only a wine menu was brought and not the acclaimed cocktail menu. For a starter we ordered Adraki Gohbi - cauliflower fritters. There were 5 large fritters coated in a deep red sauce that had mild spice. The fritters were tasty and a good dish to begin with. We ordered our drinks along with our main meal together. I had the Chicken Biryani and my boyfriend had the Pistachio Chicken. We added on a side of rice since his meal was not served with anything and also the Aloo Matar Paratha bread. Our meals were served with a quickness that resembled a fast food restaurant - almost too quick to feel fresh. My Biryani was served in a small serving dish and was not much of a presentation. Each time I tried to scoop some out another portion spilled on the table. For the price and atmosphere of this restaurant I expected a better presentation. My meal was ok, but I felt it lacked flavor. Perhaps mild is what they are going for but from other Indian cuisine I have come to expect and enjoy robust flavors and some spice. Mine had none of that. The pistachio chicken was served in a skillet type of dish with about 5 chunks of chicken and a creamy sauce. Again the flavor was mild. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exciting. The side of rice we ordered was small but enough for his meal. I think if there was a larger party you would need to order additional. The Aloo bread was tasty, filled with potato and peas; however, it was not served with any sauces. Every Indian restaurant I've eaten at has always had sauce accompaniments. And all restaurants serve something with their bread. We really missed the sauces - I was yearning for some spice throughout the whole meal. Now, perhaps you're wondering about the drinks. Oh yeah, those drinks. Well, they were not served until we had pretty much completed our meal. HUGE FAIL! Honestly, if someone had actually checked on us I would've cancelled them all together. Once the wait was finally over I was again sorely disappointed. The cocktails are $12. Mine was served in a very small glass, overly filled with ice. I had the Jalisco Sour, made with tequila and touting jalapeno infused maple syrup. Didn't taste that. It was certainly tequila, and there was a hint of jalapeno but I could have made this at home for a whole lot less. My boyfriend had the Ghazal made with dark rum and served in a tall(er) glass. His was a bit more flavorful. So the moral of this review is that we were not impressed. When you spend over $100 for 2 people to eat you expect to be delighted. Perhaps our expectations were wrong, and maybe we'll give it another try. The brunch sounds enticing. The service needs dramatic improvements As the dining room filled a bit it appeared there were only 2 servers but an abundance of other staff. Had we had an additional server, I feel that would have helped with attentiveness. We heard another table get a full explanation of the menu - we got nothing. Their drinks also came in a timely manner. Maybe we just had a stroke of bad luck but an expensive meal most certainly should include top notch service. There is some great Indian cuisine in Orlando and I would certainly trade American Gymkhana's atmosphere and hefty prices for the tried and true local establishments.
Phenomenal. The duck entree is outstanding . It's NYC / London quality indian cuisine on I drive in Orlando. Will definitely visit on any trips to Orlando . Service is awesome as well
(5)
J C.
My boyfriend and I dined here for Valentine's Day. The restaurant is beautiful and romantic and service was excellent. We were disappointed that they were not using their normal menu and instead had prix fix menus. Many of the items I had wanted to try after a preview of the menu online were not on the prix fix. My appetizer was a lamb sausage that had an overwhelming flowery taste. However, my boyfriend had the chicken tikka and it was very good. We both had the chicken main course, it was in a creamy tomato broth, similar to butter chicken. Delicious with the naan and raita sides. Then the dessert. What a sad disaster! He had a chocolate cake with ice cream, very dry. I had a bread pudding with ice cream (tasted of hot chilies! ). I have to say these are probably the worst desserts I've ever had. Overall, we enjoyed our experience. Not sure if I would return. There are plenty of Indian restaurants with food just as good for a lot less money.
(3)
Chander A.
What a treat an excellent Indian restaurant finally in Orlando, elegant beautiful layout and food is amazing , great service ,excellent chef from Mumbai .we tried several appetizers everything was excellent you just cannot go wrong with your choices it is located on the second floor but it is elevator access to that restaurant . Restaurant is operated by the same company that has the best Indian restaurant in New York city called Junoon I would highly recommend us if you're in for great Indian food with some American twist!
(5)
Amina S.
My husband and I had a perfect date night at this amazing resturaunt. The ambience, music and lighting set the mood for a fun night out. The mocktails were delicious and we enjoyed our time lounging in the bar area and looking at the old world "indian gymkhana" pictures that cover the walls as we waited to be seated. Our server was helpful and attentive and gave good recommendations. I have to say the lamb vindaloo was the best lamb dish I have ever had!! The biryani was so aromatic and was spiced just right. The begum chicken was also delicious. This modern take on indian cuisine gave me the sensational flavors of India without being overwhelmingly spicy or heavy. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Scott W.
Another 5+ stars!!! The brunch is simply outstanding!!! We had the Chicken and Waffles which were so good. The Lamb and Eggs are a true delight! Each came with a side and 2 cocktails for $25 each. Awesome price, amazing food and definitely will be back every weekend!!!
(5)
Ashley H.
American Gymkhana can only be described as a diamond in the rough. What a pleasant surprise! I am not a connoisseur of Indian food aside from my friends' moms' delicious homemade food, but this was some of the best Indian food I have ever eaten. The restaurant feels like an oasis. The decor is modern transitional meets Indian hunting lodge. The service was attentive Without being intrusive. The food was fresh, with near perfect seasoning, and flavors that danced in my mouth. The pakora of sweet pepper with paneer was very good. The chef's own selection of harvest samosa sent to our table was outstanding; my husband said it tasted almost like an Indian-inspired pumpkin pie. Our entrees included the chicken skewer (very tender and nicely marinated) and the chicken angrezzi (yummy is really the only word to describe it). We had the Brussels aloo as a side which was a tiny bit salty but otherwise perfectly cooked. The pastry chef then sent us a complimentary chocolate petit four with a passionfruit whipped cream--once again, perfectly balanced flavors of tartness and sweet rich chocolate. After trying the items sent compliments of the chef, I wish we had just asked them to let chef Aarthi select our entire meal. She is amazing! Can't wait to come back on a future visit to Orlando.
We had the lamb skewers and goat Rogan Josh. Amazing delicious and we will be back!!!!!!
(5)
Natalia J.
AMAZING!!! The food was incredible, the place beautiful, the drinks fantastic and the service excellent! An all around great experience!
(5)
Randall A.
If you love Indian food, go. Just go.
(5)
Mazhar J.
Worst experience ever. Walked in around 9pm. We were told to wait for our table. 5 mins no big deal. We get to our table not a single waiter showed up with a menu. We sat idle for good 30 mins. There were more waiters in the restaurants then the actual customers yet the customer service was so awful. We ended up walking out since no one really cared to take our order.
(1)
Daniel S.
I thought our meal was outstanding, and the servers, bartenders and sommelier were very helpful. I like the atmosphere and there are some great options and specials. Nice drink choices as well.
(4)
Trung N.
This place blew me away!!! It has to be the best place to get Indian food in Orlando. You can read the details from other reviewers but if you want to have your taste buds tingling with spices and flavors then drop them a visit. I also really liked their version of Old Fashioned with Masala syrup and the Gymkhana cocktail with apple cider.
(5)
Juan B.
We came here in the opening. The food is excellent. Reminded me of my time when I lived in NY surrounded by Indian restaurants. The service was amazing. The head chef was beyond friendly and informative since my wife has multiple food allergies and they were able to give the recommendations right of the bat. I really enjoyed our visit and will definitely come back!
(5)
Lamarr W.
What an amazing place to attend for an event. To me it has an upscale rich type feel, with a hint of class and sophistication. The food was really amazing and very tasteful (also it was free, so anytime you can have that, it's an extra added bonus). They served shrimp, lamb mince meat, fried cauliflower with sauce, gymkhana chicken, and others. They also served specialty drinks which were fantastic. The service was impeccable. I can't remember the last time I had such great service with a smile. Also I am not an interior decorater so, I will try my best to describe the ambiance. The lighting was dim but with candles at each table to give it that romantic feel. There was a huge open space just to give it that, this is a huge place look....lol. Also the open space was quickly filled with chairs and tables to accommodate more people, but it was done with some much finesse and grace. Oh yeah how could I forget the bar area which was in the corner front of the restaurant. It was round with tons of space for chairs and to stand around to have grown folk conversation prolly about financial portfolios and investments. lol.... (I believe it was a full bar, so if you have a taste for some fine liquor, it's worth a look). Oh I forgot to mention the small sample buffet table in the room off to the right. They had cooks in preparing food samples and telling you what the food is and how it tastes. It was really good, so the cooks/chefs are definitely on point. For all this being said, it is expensive given the crowd and area in which its in, but a great look if you want to have a romantic evening or to just chill with the coworkers from the lawfirm. lol...a nice gem that I hope lasts for years and years.
(5)
Rup S.
I had high expectations for dinner. The place was empty for the most part so no wait. The ambiance is very nice and classy. Drinks are phenomenal but the food is bland at best. Every time we asked for change of flavor the response by our waiter was "Sorry we can't do that, Chef's orders." No offense but if I am spending the money that this place demands (not cheap) I expect a little more flexibility. My wife had requested yellow lentils for the kids but they don't serve yellow lentils as is or even have them on the menu. I do not recommend this place for food. If you are going for happy hour the drinks are great. Plenty of better Indian restaurants in Orlando with flavorful food at a cheaper price.
(2)
Danielle S.
The candle studded stairway and exquisite bare are a great greeting to the very cool restaurant. Our party of five enjoyed cocktails while we waited for our table to be ready.The cocktail list is impressive. I had the Adraki Punch which was refreshing and not too sweet. We finally figured out our table was ready, but believe they just wanted us to have a few more cocktails before being seated. This is a nice way to slow down the dinner process, but also seems to be a bit of a scheme. We sat down and enjoyed having the help of a waiter talk us through the menu. He recommended 3-4 entrees since it is served family style. We were also helped by the sommelier who helped us choose a wine that we all enjoyed and went well with the huge flavors in the dishes. The highlights of our meal were the cauliflower fritters, red snapper, and lamb vindaloo. The lamb chops were also very flavorful, but only came with 4 so not everyone at our table could try one and this is where the restaurant goes the A-ok route. If a table is ordering wine, cocktails, appetizers, etc., how hard would it be to add a lamb chop so everyone can enjoy one. Also, while ordering naan we kept being reminded that it was only 4 pieces. We felt like the restaurant could be a little more intuitive and cut it into more pieces for a bigger group. The highly recommended $16 Brussels sprouts were a huge fail. We're all home cooks ourselves and have done a better job on our own. The peanut coconut topping did nothing for the flavor. Also, before the appetizers came out, there was a long period where no one checked on our table. We began to wonder if our appetizers were forgotten. We were also disappointed with the small portions that were supposed to be family style. Overall, the price seems inflated for what you get!
(3)
M V.
My husband, family, and I were in town visiting and happened to stumble upon this super chic new pop up Indian restaurant. To keep this review short and to the point, I'll mention three things that stood out to me. If you don't want to read through all of it, don't bother....once you go, you're gonna be a fan. 1.) Ambiance. First of all this place is the brainchild of two veterans from Junoon, NYC, a Michelin star restaurant in the Flatiron District, and brings all qualities of five star Manhattan dining to Restaurant Row. Upon walking inside, you are immediately greeted with original photos documenting the time of British rule in India among Indian royalty, giving the whole place a very trendy yet historic vibe. The restaurant is spacious and well planned with a bar and dining area for you to sit at while you wait for a table. 5 stars. 2.) Cuisine. An awesome and original take on traditional Indian cuisine. We are vegetarian/vegan and ordered pretty much all the vegetarian main courses along with some unique apps. Some of the favorites at our table were the Kela Corn Seekh (banana and corn fritters/kebabs), Matar tikki off of the Gymkhana chaat, Kofta Hariyali (not in the traditional sense with a heavy cream sauce, but lightened up just a touch), Brussels Sukha (my personal favorite), and Gateway naan (an Indian version of a refined grilled cheddar and caramelized onion sandwich). Our family favorite seemed to be the Lashooni Palak Daal, being that we ordered that twice! The food seemed transformed and fit for a more modern palate, avoiding the usual "heaviness" that is associated with most Indian restaurants and cuisine. Dessert was another experience: go for the Gajarela bread pudding for a spicy and unexpected end to your meal. 4 stars. 3.) People. The service was unmatched. Our glasses were kept full at all times, as the wait staff was extremely attentive to our individual and group needs. My father-in-law is vegan and the waiter was kind enough to cross check each dish with the kitchen/head chef to make sure he would be able to eat it. We had visits from the exec chef, Aarti, and also from the on-site managers, who periodically checked in on us to make sure we were happy with the food and service. Extremely friendly, professional, and reminiscent of the staff you would find at an award winning hotel. 5 stars.
(4)
Catherine C.
Beautiful restaurant with a nice happy hour at the bar. I tried a ginger drink that was so interesting but I loved it! The table ordered shrimp appetizers and traditional and garlic naan. The shrimp was tasty but the naan was just mediocre. I had the lamb vindaloo which was good but I have had better at other local Indian restaurants. My boyfriend ordered the red snapper that came in a mild curry and it was outstanding!! We will be back it was a nice experience.
(4)
ashley m.
Wow. Orlando has been waiting for a place like this. We've had decent to good indian food here for a while but American Gymkhana takes it to another level. The food is incredible of course, but the service was amazing. The last time we had service like that was at Gramercy Tavern in nyc. It truly was an impressive evening, the chef even came out and talk to us for a while. I highly recommend the lamb sliders and the lamb chops although everything we had was excellent. They certainly know what they are doing in that kitchen.
(5)
Nim W.
On a weekday evening we were just 1 of 3 customers over a period of over two hours. The ambiance and service were very good. The chat and slider appetizers and cocktails were rather good. BUT the food left a lot to be desired. The makhni lentils were over cooked and over creamed and over salted. The goat roganjosh was a disaster, three small pieces of tough boneless meat and one rather large meatless bone in a watery insipid soup for $22.00. Their version of butter chicken was large chunks of broiled chicken in a very spicy sauce. No options to reduce salt or heat are available.
(3)
Manohar J.
Great service and the food was authentic! I have been to most of the restaurants spanning from Gainesville to Miami and this one stands out from all of them. The staff is welcoming and chef does possess culinary art! We were 15 people and sat in a huge room it's like having a family dinner. Kids had great time and enjoyed eating the food. The bar is just awesome and has good quality drinks.
(4)
Joe R.
High End Wine List matches High End Food. Our waiter, Josh, was very friendly and knowledgeable. The Cauliflower appetizer was very good. My first time having goat and it was delicious. My wife's chicken was very good as well. The sommelier, David, was very knowledgeable and friendly as well. Restaurant has very good ambiance.
(5)
Jasmine B.
My husband and I (both vegetarians, we love Indian food and have been on culinary-specific travels in India) visited American Gymkhana for the first time today, for brunch. We were SO pleased, we will already be returning later this week for dinner! As a vegetarian who loves savory breakfasts, and as I'm not that fond of eggs, my choices at breakfast/brunch are usually limited - but not here! I went with the Royal Paratha (I think that's what it was called) which was deliciously cooked paratha bread stuffed with potatoes, a side of dahl, side of masala potatoes, raita, delicious mixed pickle, etc. My husband got the magnificent Gymkhana Club sandwich (potatoes, onions, cheddar, chutney, etc.), kale & cashew salad. We split everything and it really was a magnificent brunch feast. $25 per person was very reasonable as it included the entree (many to choose from, veg & non-veg), a side (those masala potatoes are divine, crispy outside, well spiced, fluffy pillows inside, not oily), and TWO drinks. The brunch cocktails (I had a Lychee Mimosa and a Ginger Bellini, husband also had one of the non-alcoholic mocktails) were exotically flavoured, subtle and bubbly - perfect for Sunday brunch. Ambiance here is great too - we sat near the window, up on the 2nd floor there were sunny views of palm trees, and we LOVED the "couch" seating (almost like upscale tropical patio/boat furniture, classy but laidback). I can tell that it is probably gorgeous and hip/swanky at night too, with the classic/Indian twist bartender/mixologists, extensive dinner menu (we peeked at it and saw at least half a dozen veg entrees too!), lovely lighting, live DJ (atmospheric but non-intrusive), etc. One of the best parts was that Chef Aarthi Sampath came out to say hi! She spoke to us about India, the food, everything. Super nice and so well-informed. Service was excellent, servers very friendly yet not obtrusive, accommodating. Everything tasted very fresh, and I can definitely tell that quality spices (their mustard seeds are awesome) are used throughout. Authentically Indian but with very innovative twists, I'm already thinking of bringing various friends & family with me soon!
(5)
Beth C.
What a delightful experience! I had been anxiously awaiting the opening of AG and my first visit did not disappoint! The space is beautiful and our server (Brittany) made wonderful recommendations from cocktails to entrees. As an added bonus, we had an opportunity to meet the chef and let her know how much we enjoyed our meal. I can't wait for my next opportunity to get back here!! Serious yum!!
(5)
S A.
It took more than 1 hour for food to arrive. Food was ok but efficiency just not there
(2)
Heidi F.
My girlfriends and I stopped in for a few drinks and appetizers last week and were blown away. Clearly this chef gets it! Saffron infused champagne - amazing! The 3 appetizers were all perfectly spicy, plated impeccably and felt modern/traditional. Not the cheapest place in town but well worth the VALUE!
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No 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.
Mischita H.
To start, it is fair to say that I developed a crush for this place during the pre-grand opening celebration so... Everything from the decor to the food to the ambiance to the service was spot on for the party. It was just all around a very lovely experience so I knew I'd be back. So my friends/coworker & I decided that we should meet up for either lunch or dinner and I eagerly suggested American Gymkhana. Once they had checked the menu and realized that there was a Sunday brunch option, we all decided that brunch would be better. The brunch menu is a fixed price for a meal and 2 breakfast beverages (they have alcohol free options). I opted for the Lamb Vindaloo and a couple of bellinis. The lamb was spicy (both in terms of spice and heat but not too hot) and came with a side of plain white rice. I think that it is delish! I tried both the Lychee and Peach Ginger bellinis - both were quite good. Once again, the decor, ambiance and service were all very good. Our Server checked on us repeatedly and, in addition, the Chef came out to our table to say hello and to make sure that we were enjoying our meal. At this point, I have to say that AG lived up to my expectations and I do plan to keep them in my list for occasional dining options.
(4)Kisha G.
Everything was fantastic! The decor was beautiful and gave an upscale and inviting feel, while the blue lighting made it feel a bit more modern. There is also a very interesting story to the history of the gymkhanas in India. This was my husband's first time trying any type of Indian food and my second time. The dishes here are not traditional, but you have a lot of the traditional Indian flavors. We had a few different things that we enjoyed: - Garlic Naan - Delicious! I know it's "just naan", but my husband isn't too crazy about garlic and he loved it! We had two orders with our meal. I do with it came with a couple more pieces per order. - Malpe Shrimp - This appetizer was my favorite part of the meal. It is shrimp in a garlic/cilantro/curry leaf pesto. I could eat the pesto by itself, it is so delicious! - Angrezi Chicken - Their take on butter chicken. I have not had butter chicken before to compare this too, but it was very good. My husband loved this. - Eggplant Kut - I enjoyed this as well, though to our tastes it was a bit too spicy. It was delicious and sweet with the tomatoes and honey in the dish. I would order this again if it were less spicy (we aren't used to spicy foods, so this probably wouldn't be an issue for others). - Warm Chocolate Financier - This was brought out because we were celebrating my birthday over the weekend. The chai ice cream accompanying it was delicious. They lit a candle, but they do not sing "Happy Birthday" ;) Daniel was our server and he was fantastic! He gave us a great idea of what his favorite and the most popular dishes are and answered any questions we had. He was very attentive throughout the meal and seemed genuinely interested in making sure we enjoyed what we ordered. There were also a few other people in leadership who came to say hello and see how things were going. The head chef (I apologize, I forgot her name) stopped by our and everyone else's tables to say hello. It was a great experience for us and we will definitely be back again! The bar also seemed like a great place for drinks and appetizers if we wanted something lighter.
(5)Matthew C.
I only have one complaint with my experience here. My waiter, who was excellent, recommended the lobster. He said it was a different take on lobster, cooked in tandoori with Indian spices, sounded great. I was excited! It was $35, but thought it sounded like it would be worth it. I was wrong. It was over cooked and chewy. The flavor wasn't anything special, and for $35 one small lobster tail is disappointing. Everything is family style, a la cart, so literally $35 gets you just one lobster tail. I will say, everything else about our experience was excellent. The cocktails are delicious! All of our other items were great as well. I would love to go back, and would recommend trying anything except the lobster.
(3)Juan R.
Love it!! Tonight was the garlic shrimp... omg! Spectacular! Can't wait to come bank again.
(5)paige e.
They have an globally recognized award winning mixologist, the drinks were amazing. Full of unexpected flavors. The atmosphere was great too! A great place to try a high end truly authentic indian cuisine. Food was great, place was great. highly recommended to give it a try.
(4)Tamara B.
I'll start with the food. The Aloo Chaat starter was excellent. The flavoring and seasonings came together nicely. For mains, we had the Nizami Hara Paneer and the Lahsooni Palak Dal. The spinach/kale puree for the paneer was excellent. There could have been more pieces of paneer in the dish though. The Dal was a nice blend of flavors overall. What was rather odd was that no rice was offered to go with the dishes. The service is a little unsettling. Too many different people come to the table with too much frequency. It's hard to have an enjoyable meal if someone is walking up to your table every couple minutes to check if you need anything. Service should be a bit more subtle while remaining attentive.
(3)Michelle E.
Visted for brunch last weekend. Everthing was spot on, from the blood orange/clove mimosa to the creative Indian spin on the southern classic, chicken and waffles. We completed our meal with Gajarela Bread Pudding and Orange Creme Brulee....yummers. Fabulous food in a beautifully decorated setting. Looking forward to returning for dinner very soon.
(5)Brandi F.
Disappointing. Frustrating. A hot freaking mess from the moment we walked in. I am still BAFFLED as to how they have gotten such glowing reviews. Maybe everyone was tripping on acid? Our party of 8 was super excited to come here for our friend's birthday brunch but that faded from the start. Our server went around the table and asked who was on what tab and not 10 seconds later mixed it all up when she put it in her useless tablet. Not to mention she made everyone count off like kindergartners- not exactly the elite/imperial vibe they advertise. Especially when paired with the cheesy night club decor, which is downright depressing in the daylight. The only option if you're eating there on Saturday morning is a $25 deal which includes one entree & side and two drinks. The drinks options are a lychee mimosa, bloody mary (with a very unique spice blend), ginger peach "bellini" or an orange mango mimosa. No substitutions and they will charge you an arm and a leg for a watered down version of anything else. We all ordered our drinks and I watched our waitress take 10 minutes to painstakingly carry them one by one from the bar to the table. And there were plenty of trays around. She then took our food order which we had to correct several times when she recited it back. We all thought hmm, service is awful but maybe the food will redeem them. NOPE. Food took forever to come out, all our plates were cold and disgusting. I ordered the chicken and waffles which were ice cold, the chicken was greasy and bland and I had to drown the whole thing in flavored syrups to eat it. The man who helped serve the food almost dipped his fingers in that same syrup and spilled water over the table and took 10 minutes to come back and clean it up. By this time we were all pretty restless and unhappy and we were not being quiet about it. Not to mention there were only about 4 other tables in the whole place and no background music. Did our waitress or management ask us once how we were doing? NOPE. And when one of our party actually sent his food back did they offer to comp anything? NOPE. And when they messed up one credit card transaction at the end, did they offer to rectify it? NOPE. No one here from the waitstaff to the chefs or the management seem to care about their jobs at all. This place is a restaurant disaster makeover show waiting to happen.
(1)Steve A.
If you're looking for an incredible Indian fusion experience that combines traditional dishes with complex influences from other cuisines in beautiful presentations, proceed directly to American Gymkhana and don't even bother to read the rest of this review. You won't be disappointed. If you're the owner of this restaurant, please read on. Your chef and her cuisine are wonderful. But if you want to succeed, you need to fix some things soon. The restaurant has been open two months, which is plenty of time for there to be someone working in service who knows what they're doing. Sadly, this is not the case. The food is so good that people will try again, but at some point we'll give up unless basic levels of service can be achieved. It's as if the whole staff has never been in a table service restaurant (not counting Denny's) before. On our Saturday brunch visit there were at least 15 servers huddled near the entrance, and exactly two patrons. Yet we were interrogated for five minutes at the front desk by three people before finally being shown to a table. Why do you need our names and phone numbers to serve us food? We asked our server several questions about the food and beverages (let's face it, the brunch menu isn't exactly self explanatory, and contradicts itself regarding what the meal includes). The answer to every question was "well, I don't know what's in that, but we do everything very special here so it has lots of wonderful ingredients." Before you blame the server for this response, let me note that I overheard this same conversation at two other tables with two other servers and the response was essentially identical. If you ever get a patron with a food allergy, they're dead. There were a dozen other minor issues with the service provided by everyone who visited our table: inability to clearly explain what came or did not come with various dishes on the menu, wrong drinks served with no one noticing, no one offering dessert before the check--nothing show-stopping or that prevented us from enjoying the truly wonderful food. But there is no excuse for it. You own a Michelin listed restaurant in New York, and I know this isn't what the service is like there. Someone needs to move to Orlando and take charge. It would be a shame for one star service to kill a restaurant with 5 star food.
(4)Rhea P.
Trendy restaurant with creative, must try cocktails, low lighting, and friendly service. Upper level restaurant with a private club feel offering super tasty dishes. I really love the ambiance and lighting here, although the candle garden in the center of the dining area made me nervous at times. I walked up stairs to reach the second level, but I'm unsure if it's wheelchair accessible? I especially enjoyed the creative cocktails and can easily see myself returning even just for an adraki punch. Lighting is low even in the ladies room, so using light on your smart phone is a good idea if you are wanting to freshen up your makeup. The vegetarian options were flavorful, especially the Cauliflower. At first I thought of it as BBQ cauliflower, but on second taste it was more like General tso flavored cauliflower. All but one hors d'oeuvre I found quite tasty. The potato one with the hard chip used as an implement-flavor felt flat after so many fireworks. I finished everything off with a hot chai tea. Looking forward to great things from here.
(4)Upamanyu R.
Awesome take on modern Indian cuisine... The fried yogurt cakes with fig and tamarind sauce are a must try .... And the baby roasted eggplant were melt in.the mouth with a great tangy sweet tomato curry ... Great ambience and excellent wait staff...
(5)Ben P.
They will do everything in their power to make your experience a Walk On Water (WOW) one!
(5)Andrea R.
Amazing place. Drinks are different than other places. Food is very tasty. Nothing than other places you have been in. Different experience.
(5)Joe D.
Absolutely Awful experience! Booked brunch for 13 for my birthday. Upon arriving, no acknowledgement our arrival. Restaurant had 2 other guests in main dining area. We had a separate room, I arrived just after some other invitees, was immediately handed my favorite scotch.... wow! Everything after this experience was downhill. Very poor service, had just one server attend a group of 13. Requested Manager to come over, no such luck. He was hovering around the bar area and in fact, entered the room 'once' to replenish drinks on their side/serving/holding table with no acknowledgement of our presence ( empty restaurant on a Sunday Lunch - no other human besides Manager, barman and one sole server). Asked server for Manager twice, no show. One of my invitee got up and went out of room seeking Manager and stated our lack of service to which he brushed her off. Had have server explain Brunch Menu (yes, needed explanation to understand brunch price included two drinks per person). Most invitees do not drink and some of them ordered more than two drinks (26 drinks included....) Thought that since this was our very first time at the AG, Chef Aarthi would at least make her presence known... no such luck. Got the bill, I signed for $590+ and left annoyed and embarrassed. Did not check the bill, signed check being embarrassed. Left restaurant without acknowledgement, which by now was not such a shock. Get home and realized I was overcharged by $158. Called restaurant next day and twice thereafter leaving Voice mail's with no call backs. FYI, my VM messages were very generic, not indicating a complaint call. Contacted Amex for dispute with overcharge. Hopefully I 'll get a refund. Have been to Junoon in NYC three times with great experience. Why would they screw up so badly? Is this really affiliated? I wounder. I seriously doubt if this restaurant will remain open. Affluent and influential friends in the area warned me against, but I could not ignore the Junoon NYC experience.
(1)Devika M.
I attended the event prior to the restaurants official opening and was pleased with my experience there. The restaurant is on the 2nd floor (you can take the stairs or there is an elevator). This restaurant has a certain "wow" factor to it as you walk in for the first time. Its a feast for the eyes as there are beautiful fixtures as well as a nice blend of the traditional and the modern. I sampled their vegetarian offerings -samosas and a sweet and sour cauliflower- both were deliciously spicy! I am sure they have more vegetarian options but that is all I sampled that night. I also tried a mocktail called "morning glory" and it was absolutely delightful. It was refreshing and light- I wanted more. My non vegetarian companions enjoyed the shrimp and lamb. The servers and the bar staff were all courteous and friendly. It is a beautiful venue and I look forward to experiencing it again.
(4)Alyx K.
Stylized Indian cuisine with a dignified pedigree - the owner's restaurant Junoon in NYC has been awarded a Michelin star, and he's also opening a restaurant soon in Dubai. The space he's created here is very open and stylish - modern but with definite "gymkhana" (colonial Indian hunting/sports club) influences in the decor. I was fortunate enough to attend a private tasting here last night and try many of the dishes and cocktails. They have several signature cocktails - the sparkling saffron cocktail is a light and refreshing choice and the Adraki Punch is a fruity, sweet selection served in awesome copper cups, and while both of those were good my favorite was the Jalisco Sour, a tequila drink made lively with just enough jalapeno and curry. All of the food was excellent and beautifully presented. My favorites? The lamb chops were exquisite - tender and flavorful - as were the malpe shrimp in fennel butter. I also loved the cauliflower ghobi (a spicy cauliflower fritter), a dish I first discovered at an Indian restaurant in NYC and hadn't had any approximation of here in Orlando until now. Other highlights included the lentil samosa and the juicy Gymkhana chicken. Service was attentive and personable. In all, an excellent addition to Restaurant Row for fine dining with a hint of spice :)
(5)Lauren Y.
Most Indian food is well, intimidating if you're not familiar with the flavors and what to order. American Gymkhana's modern approach is sure to liven up your palate and introduce you to some new flavors including brunch. Chef Aarthi has been busy whipping up brunch with offerings ranging from Banjara Chicken & Waffles to the Desi Omelette.Given their reasonable prices, lively atmosphere (DJ included) and approachable dishes, American Gymkhana is sure to become an ever popular brunch spot. Served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am - 3:30 pm, you can drink, dine and (of course) socialize for a mere $25. Nobody wants to spend a fortune on brunch, especially if you dined out the previous evening. Here's what I recommend ordering for brunch: Banjara Chicken & Waffles: The South invented this dish, but American Gymkhana has taken a delightful and tasty spin on a classic. Savory and sweet, this spiced fried chicken is drizzled with a garlic yogurt and paired with buttermilk tadka waffles. Top your waffles with an array of syrups and flavored butters, no maple syrup required for this dish! Order up to please your salty and sweet side. Daily Bread Basket: Filled with an array of puffy and savory bread, an excellent side to start or pair with any meal. Besides, how can you brunch without carbs? Masala Potato Wedges: Spiced, crispy and served with a spicy sauce. These wedges were crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside - almost like jumbo french fries. Mmm. Orange-Mango Mimosa & Lychee Mimosa: I've never tasted a drink here I didn't enjoy and their mimosas did not disappoint. Delivering the perfect balance of savory and sweet, these mimosas are a must order with any dish. American Gymkhana Brunch: With brunch on the horizon, the weekend is always in view. Happy brunching!
(5)Andrew H.
Main dishes are broken up by Fish, Shellfish, Meat, Game, Poultry, and Vegetarian selections. A standout signature is the Angrezi Chicken with roasted tomato, homemade butter and garam masala. The term Angrezi, which is Hindi for the word British, offers a proper representation of the blending of British and Indian cultures from the time period. Other Mains include Meen Moilee which is a crisped seasonal fish with coconut milk, fresh turmeric, lemongrass and curry leaves. The Lamb Vindaloo is a staple of Raj cuisine that combines apple cider vinegar, black pepper, goan chilies and twice fried potatoes. Since India is also famous for its robust vegetarian diet, American Gymkhana offers a healthy selection of six options that range from Kofta Hariyali that are cheese fritters with methi, spinach and green peas to Market Vegetable Korma with coconut, cashew and ginger. We began our evening with an amuse bouche of Dahi Vada that was designed to get the palate ready for all of the exceptional flavors of the Raj Cuisine. The Lamb Seekh, or Lamb Skewers, can be ordered as a meal, or to share among friends. The lamb is mixed with a variety of spices and seasonings that give them a tender and mildly spicy flavor. Adraki Gobhi is the best cauliflower dish I have ever had in my life. I mean it. This is a cauliflower fritter fried with ginger, galanga, red chili powder,cumin, turmeric... and a lot more. I could eat this everyday. For breads I sampled the Garlic Naan and the Roti. Both were delicious. Roti is an unleavened bread as Naan is a yeast leavened bread. The Angrezi Chicken is peices of chicken in a roasted roma tomato coulis with a whipped garam masala butter sauce. Its not overly spicy and overall immensely smooth and flavorful.Goat Roganjosh is goat shank braised in a Kashmiri chili and clarified butter sauce. The goat had a very mild flavor, but watch out for that chili sauce as it puts a zing on your tongue. We paired our meals with a side of rice and Daal Makhni. That is a dish of smoked black lentils cooked overnight above the tandoor. Really great for dipping your Roti A Warm Chocolate Financier is a perfect way to end your evening. A light and moist cake, but very rich, served with chai ice cream, almond feuilletine and macerated berries
(4)Amber M.
I was able to attend a preview event here and I had an amazing time. All of my past experiences with Indian food have been less than great so I was not expecting a whole lot of this restaurant. Boy was I surprised! Finding the restaurant was a tad interesting since it's on a second level and I really was not expecting that. The walk up the stairs was beautifully lined with tea candles and it really set the mood. Once I walked into the restaurant I noticed how modern it is with a twist of tradition. I especially liked the vintage photographs on the walls. It brought together old and new very nicely. The food was impeccable and I couldn't get enough. The Gymkhana Chicken is AWESOME! I actually befriended one of the waitresses and she kept saving food for me :D Furthermore, I ended up spending the majority of the evening talking to the "mixologist" for the bar. He told me he was the mixologist at the Michelin star restaurant associated with American Gymkhana in New York. He was also the #1 bartender in India. CRAZY! He poured a perfect drink every. single. time. The Adraki Punch was my favorite. It was incredible! I'm really excited for this new addition to the area and am curious to see how the business evolves and how people respond to it. It's a great new restaurant to have in Central Florida!
(5)Rashmi P.
Aspiring to have a clear and refreshed understanding of food trends and cuisine in India vs. US restaurants; I purposely postponed my dining experience write-up at American Gymkhana till after my travels to India over Christmas holidays. And I for one couldn't be more pleased with that decision. American Gymkhana not only compares head on with the authentic flavors of Indian Cuisine, it might be in the forefront with it's innovative use of spices and artistic presentation in comparison to the restaurants in Delhi. Located on the coveted Orlando's Restaurant Row - American Gymkhana (pronounced "jim-kah-nuh") is conceptualized by Rajesh Bhardwaj, the restaurateur behind New York's Michelin-starred Indian concept Junoon. The kitchen is helmed by Mumbai native and New York transplant, Chef Aarthi Sampath, who uses imported spices sourced from Indian markets juxtaposed by Florida's locally-sourced ingredients to create a balance of traditional and modern cuisine. American Gymkhana boasts and expansive wine menu that has been meticulously hand selected to compliment the bold and vibrant flavors of Indian Cuisine; the likes of which I have not had the pleasure of encountering in Orlando, let alone an Indian restaurant, even in the finest New Delhi restaurants. Eager to assimilate Mr. Bhardawaj's vision of American Gymkhana, I willingly left my pairing decisions in Mr. David Pennisi (Advanced Sommelier) expert hands. Needless to say, I had the most delightful and complimenting wine and dine experience. Lamb Seekh paired with 2012 Nebbiolo d'Alba, Bruno Giacosa - A staple and hallmark fixture in any Indian restaurant, the lamb kebab was amongst the most tender seekhs I have tasted outside of India. Succulent and delicately spiced, these tender morsels served on a bed of sweet onion chutney were complimented beautifully with the aromatic Nebbiolo grape found in the Barolo region and near Truffle town in Piedmont, Italy. The Nebbiolo d' Alba paired identically with the Nashile Lamb Chops (approximate translation of Nashile being intoxicating) marinated in whiskey/ginger/black cardamom/garlic whipped yogurt and served with pickled cauliflower lived up to it's namesake. Char grilled with a crispy exterior and sinfully tender interior, the Nashile Lamb Chops were an unanimous winner at our table. Did I mention the pickled cauliflower? Sone pe Suhaga - Indian saying meaning icing on the cake. Begum Chicken - 2013 Vermentino, Morris Farms: Mawa filled chicken roulade simmered in a cashew almond sauce. Morris Farms Vermentino displays the raciness of an Alsatian Pinot Gris and the depth of a ripe Napa Sauvignon Blanc. White wines typically made in stainless steel tanks rather than oak barrels have a bright, citrusy acidity that acts like a zap of lime or lemon to heighten flavors in everything. The Vermentino was a refreshing accompaniment to the silky and nutty sauce of the Begum Chicken. Paneer Pasanda - 2012 Riesling Trocken, Knebel: Before I go any further, I must confess that Paneer is my all-time FAVORITE food creation out of India. I can devour it any form - be it raw sprinkled with salt and pepper, grilled in a tandoor, stuffed and simmered, or gently simmering in spinach or any form of gravy. I ADORE it....Whew!! Chef Aarthi's generous chunks of paneer pasanda stays close to it's original Mughlai creation of homemade fresh cheese stuffed with dried fruit in a velvety onion gravy. To my utter amazement, Chef Aarthi informed me that the paneer was made in-house. Drum roll!! The Paneer Pasanda was exquisitely executed. Eggplant Kut - Eggplant is considered a delicacy in Indian cuisine with not enough loyal followers. Chef Aarthi's version of roasted baby eggplant tempered with honey, curry leaves, and mustard in a sweet-spicy tomato gravy is finger-licking good. At a Cocktail Mixer we had the pleasure of tasting few of the award-winning beverage concoctions curated by celebrated Mixologist Hemant Pathak, who has been featured in GQ Magazine and ELLE Magazine. While infused Indian liquors, spices and homemade syrups will honor the season by continuously changing, the bar boasts robust fall-flavored libations of 12 signature and classic cocktails, including AG 7559, Jalisco Sour, and Adraki Punch, and my personal favorite Masala Rye. Indian Cuisine is a fusion of vibrant and daring flavors that are meant to be savory not sweet. Most Indian restaurants in America down play the role of spices and dowse the dishes in butter or cream to mask the shortcomings. Indian spices are exotic, intoxicating, complex, imparting fresh flavors in each morsel. And I couldn't be more pleased to state that American Gymkhana and Chef Aarthi are serving luscious and glamorous creations in a setting where fine linen, knowledgeable and professional staff, and delightful World-class wines are as much an element as Indian Spices are.
(4)Lydia C.
After reading so many positive reviews, I made plans to have my birthday brunch here. I was really looking forward to it and I love Indian cuisine. This was our first time here and we all love brunch so I thought it would be a great experience. We made a reservation for a table of 8 in advance for an early brunch on Valentine's. There were only one or two other tables of just couples other than us. Service was really slow and the server seemed oblivious to everything. Our drinks sat at the bar for a while before she noticed. She was mixing up our orders as well. My meal (when it finally arrived) was the only good thing about the entire brunch experience. I had to wait quite a while for my meal after everyone's food was brought out and their food was cold by then. I ordered the nizami hara paneer which was rich and had tons of paneer. The rice was light and fluffy. Getting the second round of drinks took a considerably long time and waiting on the checks also took a long time. The super slow service seemed unjustified since there was hardly anyone dining and they appeared to be well staffed. I don't feel like the brunch is worth the $25 price. Included are two drinks and the selection is very limited so if a bloody mary or mimosa isn't your thing then you will be charged extra for a different drink. I left feeling very disappointed and it was obvious that the staff did not care at all about what any of us thought.
(1)Rose A.
Loved everything about this place! The atmosphere is warm, relaxing, and swanky at the same time. The cocktail menu is creative (albeit expensive), drinks were strong and delicious. The food was SPECTACULAR. We had the Gymkhana Chaat to start with which included 5 small bites of deliciousness. For our entrees we went with the Angrezi Chicken and Nizama Hara Paneer. Both were amazing and both provided a substantial portion of protein. We also added the Zeresch Berry Pulao Rice and both the gateway (onion and cheese) and garlic naan. The portion of rice wasn't huge but enough for two people (none of their main courses come with sides...everything is ala carte). While some of the Indian restaurants in town provide complimentary papadum or rice, I'd much rather pay extra for the amazing flavors of this Orlando gem. The best part of the experience was the amazing service we received. Our server (Tommy) was friendly, knowledgable, and attentive. We also received visits from the head chef and sous chef which was a nice touch. Thank you American Gymkhana for being in Orlando. :)
(5)Amber H.
5 stars for the first Indian cuisine I have had for brunch! First of all the location is a tough one: restaurant row on Sand Lake road... right? Not only that, it seems that this is an area that is already saturated with Indian restaurants. All of that being said: I LOVED my brunch at American Gymkhana and I will definitely be back soon. My brunch began with a Lychee mimosa: Perfect and not too sweet! Then I selected the French Toast Gymkhana (too original I know but I just can't say no to French toast). You can choose to have it stuffed with gymkhana chicken or cinnamon-raisin mawa. I went with the servers recommendation and had the cinnamon raisin mawa. FABULOUS!!! What the descriptions fails to tell you is that it is actually Naan that is stuffed.... you get the tandoori flavor. I ate the entire plate without syrup or butter. For my side I chose the Masala Potato Wedges. The best potato wedges I have ever had: perfectly crispy without the soggy middle... I loved dipping them in the syrups provided. I finished my meal with a Mumbai Bloody Mary. Excellent! They make their own mix! I have to comment on my friend's dish as well. She had the Banjara Chicken & Waffles. It is a spiced fried chicken with garlic yogurt drizzle over a buttermilk tadka waffle - DREAMY! I typically do not love the cherished chicken and waffles... But I would return just to have this dish to myself! We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Aarthi Sampath. She was friendly and eager for constructive feedback. I enjoyed watching her in the kitchen from my seat at the table. The restaurant is nice and open with a view of the kitchen. It is located on the 2nd floor and has both stairs and an elevator. I personally enjoyed having a quiet brunch on the verandah. I can see this as being more of a lounge area during dinner time. The bar is nice and spacious. I am told they have several specialty cocktails and make all of their own mixes. There is a large private room as well that looks great for meetings or private parties. In summary: One entree and a side with 2 drinks for $25 was a superb price for the meal that I had for brunch today. I will be returning soon for brunch and/or dinner!
(5)Prithi D.
I've eaten here at least 5 times. Loved it when aarti was the chef. It's not the same place now. The hostess is the server. They are shutting down and reopening with s new theme. So sad.
(2)Robyn B.
I attended a preview event for the opening of American Gymkhana and I was blown away. First let me state that I've never really eaten Indian Food so while I wanted to go just to see what the place was about, I was unsure about what to expect. AG is located on Sand Lake Drive in Dr. Phillips which is also referred to as Restaurant Row on the second floor of one of the plazas. The venue is very modern and trendy; dimly lit with interesting chandeliers that looked like they were holding candles hanging from the ceilings. Upon entrance there is a bar and lounge area with tables for siting and room for standing. To the right was a room for private dining and as you continue to walk through the lounge area, you will find an open stylish dining area. I chose a seat in the lounge area and as soon as I sat down a waiter came to provide me with drink options. I wasn't sure what I wanted and he recommended the Adraki Punch which had a honey ginger flavor and was served in a cute copper mug. Prior to sitting, I went into the area meant for private dining where food was being served. I had the opportunity to try the Dahi Kebab, Samosas and Lamb Sliders. They were served with cilantro sauce and chutney. Although some of the food was a bit spicy it was all extremely flavorful. Once I sat, there were waiters and waitresses who continued to walk by with platters of different dishes and I tried the Adriki Ghobi which was a spicy fried cauliflower fritter, the Malpe Shrimp, which was a large shrimp served in a pesto cilantro sauce, the Gymkhana Chicken and a second lamb dish that I don't remember the name of lol. Everything was extremely tasty and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the food. The Malpe Shrimp was absolutely my favorite :) If you're ever in the area and in the mood for great dining atmosphere and even greater food I highly recommend American Gymkhana. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Joey D.
What a beautiful restaurant! Tucked on a second story location on restaurant row (although not really benefitting from a view of anything) this fine dining location sets out and achieves the creation of a Manhattan experience. I would not feel comfortable dining in anything less than slacks and possibly a coat. Food wise, the flavors of the restaurant are phenomenal. I attended on a preview night where we could sample many different flavors from their menu, and nothing was disappointing. More exciting to me then their food offerings was their cocktail menu. The mixology demonstrated is hands down some of the best in Orlando. I sampled several of their specialty beverages and not a single one was disappointing. Not only were they smooth, each one was layer after layer of flavor. Sadly, I felt it was not a 5 star experience, only because parking was stressful. I understand it is a byproduct of the location, however, when choosing a location to impress, I'm going to have to consider how many times I must circle the lot looking for a spot.
(4)Jen V.
I was invited to attend a preview event in Dr. Phillips. I hadn't really ever had Indian cuisine before, let alone 'modern Indian cuisine' so I had little basis of comparison. I started off with a cocktail; the Adraki Punch. I liked this citrus-flavored and very lemony concoction! Gymkhana's Banjara Fried Chicken was my favorite, and the yogurt sauce that goes with it pairs well. I also tried and enjoyed the Gymkhana Chicken Tikka. Having seafood allergies and not being one for lamb or other red meat, I was limited on what I could eat. However, what I did have I liked a lot!
(4)Jeff B.
Do you feel like arguing with your loved one? Embrace that feeling today with assistance from American Gymkhana! You will leave here wondering what everyone else was talking about. You'll start believing conspiracies about contrails because everyone else MUST be having some kind of shared delusion. Lets set the scene; Valentine's day brunch, party of 8, 4 other people at 2 other tables. Service is lost, useless, and bound to this ipad ordering system that just seems to slow everything down. Even with this ipad it seems no other part of the place is connected to it as it does not increase the speed at which anything comes out. This kitchen is slow and they have no timing. Entrees come out poorly seasoned, cold, and scattered over a period of about 10 min. Orders are forgotten. Value is poor. The apparent award winning mixologist they tout as involved must have only been as a conversation with the owner 5 years ago because they were confused about making something as simple as an old-fashioned. Even with all of this and 8 people complaining loudly, service stays terrible and there is no indication that ANYONE cares.
(1)Alex E.
We went on Valentine's day, and so we were expecting some hiccups. We weren't expecting such a disappointment. American Gymkhana is an Indian fusion restaurant. The atmosphere is very hip. The kitchen is open and the lighting is just enough. We started off wrong when we were told we could each choose either the Valentine's tasting menu, or a three course prix fixe menu. Normal practice for a special event, so I chose the tasting menu while my wife chose the other. 5 minutes later our waitress returns to tell us that we have to choose the same menu. The explanation was that they were getting too busy to time courses right due to how busy it had become. This despite the restaurant being half full at the time. Back to deliberating and both of us not wanting the other to get their second choice on Valentine's day. We settle on the tasting menu, reasoning the other items could be had on a return visit. Here's where the explanation we were given gets frustrating. Even choosing the tasting menu, the dishes were slow to come out and we received the wrong food to our table twice. Don't limit our choices and then screw up the few choices we had left. The first two dishes were very good. The scallop and quail were seasoned wonderfully. The second half of our meal went downhill rather quickly. The lamb vindaloo was the first I've ever had that I can honestly say was underseasoned. The lamb itself was meh as well. The dessert was where the meal went off the rails. The yellow cake in the middle of the plate tasted like bad masago. The chocolate bonbon was coated in such a thick layer of bitter cocoa powder it was wholly unpalatable. The fried apples were ok. By the time the waitress came around, we got the impression she had already seen this play out several times and she quickly offered the check. Here's where I take a real issue with American Gymkhana. The value for a meal is outrageous. After 3 drinks, two meals, and tip our two person meal totaled over 200$. I have gladly spent this amount on food before, but I expect the food to be of high quality throughout. They need to perform much better to justify charging anywhere near those rates. To summarize: cocktails were great. Planning for a holiday night was awful. Service was friendly but full of mistakes throughout. Dishes were overpriced, inconsistent, and some components were aggressively bad. I would not return based on my experience.
(1)Liz W.
This is a hard review to put a star rating on, because different aspects of the experience need to be rated differently. Let's try this: Cocktails: 5 stars Service: 4 stars Quality of food: 4 stars Atmosphere: 4 stars Value: 2 stars First let me say that if you ate at the previous tenant, Raga, and were as horrified by that experience as i was, do not let that experience keep you from trying AG. Thankfully, AG has exorcised those ghosts of tenants past. The interior is enormous but cozy, and the bar is especially nice. The service was immediately attentive and remained so throughout the evening (perhaps a little too attentive at some points, with two different people asking us how things were within 30 seconds of one another. But that's ok. Better over than under). The cocktails were really terrific, and we had a nice chat with the NYC bartender who was in town to train the local bartenders. We learned a lot, including the sad fact that we probably can't find the ingredients to mimic these cocktails at home. But that's ok. Yum. The food is what our server described as family style and a la carte. What that really meant was that we paid $27 for 4 tiny lamb chops with nothing else on the plate but some pickled cauliflower. Were the lamb chops tasty? Yes they were. Were they $27 tasty? Not unless AG threw some side dishes in there. But nope, the sides were separate. They, too, were delicious. But $14 for some daal (lentils and spinach) is close to highway robbery. The same for the $6 bowl of white rice. Yes, those were some delicious bowls of rice and lentils, no doubt, but for that price I could have bought lentils and rice that would have fed a family of 5 for two weeks. The brussel sprouts and potatoes were heralded by our server as unlike any brussel sprout preparation we'd ever had. Which was sadly not true, as I have actually prepared some fairly close to that recently. They were good, yes, but not $16-you've-never-had-anything-like-it good. Anyway, we enjoyed the food. The little pots and dishes were pretty and nicely arranged on the table. The servers were attentive to a fault, and the cocktails were good. (The wine recommendation, not so much, but my fault for not sending it back). So here's the deal. Rent on Sand Lake Road must be sky high. This site is enormous and so the rent must be doubly sky high. I assume it's impossible to make a profit with rent that high (plus paying all the many, many people who seemed to be working at AG that night) without jacking up the menu prices. So be it. It's Sand Lake. If you want to leave Disney and not eat at Bone Fish, then this place might be a good choice. If you live in Dr Phillips, this also might be a good choice. However, if you live downtown (as I do), there are many better options for the price. And I still find the Indian restaurants on OBT to be better than anything I had at AG or, previously, at Raga. And much less expensive. Bombay Cafe on Doss Ave off OBT, for example, has life changing crispy tidbits and batata wada chaat for like $5. You won't have a bad experience here at AG, as far as I can tell. But you won't get a lot of value for your money, either. Depending on where you are coming from, that might be more or less important. I won't knock these folks for doing a good job in the space and site they chose. I did hear that brunch is superb. It might be worth the trip again to try that.
(3)Ashley H.
I was really excited to try out American Gymkhana and unfortunately it fell short. We went last night and I was surprised to see that so many reservation times were available on short notice, now this is a huge space with ample seating but there were only about 4 seated tables upon our arrival at 7:30. That's a bit dismal for a Friday night. We were offered to sit in a "romantic" spot on the enclosed porch. We opted for the dining room because the porch was dark and a bit cold. The dining room is very nicely decorated, with a modern flair and fun lighting. It's welcoming and nicely laid out. Once we were seated it took far too much time to be greeted by our waiter, given water or even provided with menus! I personally feel the menu should be brought along by the hostess. Even once the menus were delivered, only a wine menu was brought and not the acclaimed cocktail menu. For a starter we ordered Adraki Gohbi - cauliflower fritters. There were 5 large fritters coated in a deep red sauce that had mild spice. The fritters were tasty and a good dish to begin with. We ordered our drinks along with our main meal together. I had the Chicken Biryani and my boyfriend had the Pistachio Chicken. We added on a side of rice since his meal was not served with anything and also the Aloo Matar Paratha bread. Our meals were served with a quickness that resembled a fast food restaurant - almost too quick to feel fresh. My Biryani was served in a small serving dish and was not much of a presentation. Each time I tried to scoop some out another portion spilled on the table. For the price and atmosphere of this restaurant I expected a better presentation. My meal was ok, but I felt it lacked flavor. Perhaps mild is what they are going for but from other Indian cuisine I have come to expect and enjoy robust flavors and some spice. Mine had none of that. The pistachio chicken was served in a skillet type of dish with about 5 chunks of chicken and a creamy sauce. Again the flavor was mild. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exciting. The side of rice we ordered was small but enough for his meal. I think if there was a larger party you would need to order additional. The Aloo bread was tasty, filled with potato and peas; however, it was not served with any sauces. Every Indian restaurant I've eaten at has always had sauce accompaniments. And all restaurants serve something with their bread. We really missed the sauces - I was yearning for some spice throughout the whole meal. Now, perhaps you're wondering about the drinks. Oh yeah, those drinks. Well, they were not served until we had pretty much completed our meal. HUGE FAIL! Honestly, if someone had actually checked on us I would've cancelled them all together. Once the wait was finally over I was again sorely disappointed. The cocktails are $12. Mine was served in a very small glass, overly filled with ice. I had the Jalisco Sour, made with tequila and touting jalapeno infused maple syrup. Didn't taste that. It was certainly tequila, and there was a hint of jalapeno but I could have made this at home for a whole lot less. My boyfriend had the Ghazal made with dark rum and served in a tall(er) glass. His was a bit more flavorful. So the moral of this review is that we were not impressed. When you spend over $100 for 2 people to eat you expect to be delighted. Perhaps our expectations were wrong, and maybe we'll give it another try. The brunch sounds enticing. The service needs dramatic improvements As the dining room filled a bit it appeared there were only 2 servers but an abundance of other staff. Had we had an additional server, I feel that would have helped with attentiveness. We heard another table get a full explanation of the menu - we got nothing. Their drinks also came in a timely manner. Maybe we just had a stroke of bad luck but an expensive meal most certainly should include top notch service. There is some great Indian cuisine in Orlando and I would certainly trade American Gymkhana's atmosphere and hefty prices for the tried and true local establishments.
(3)Matt B.
My wife and I wanted a nice dinner in a non-tourist restaurant. We could not have had a better experience than we had at American Gymkhana. From the pleasant and professional greeting at the door to the excellent and attentive wait staff, to the visit from the executive chef, I haven't had this level of excellence in service at restaurants at three times the price. We were so impressed with the many delicious-sounding choices on the menu, we had a hard time deciding what to order, so we told our waiter our preferences and he made excellent suggestions. His suggestions included the lamb chops which were cooked perfectly in the tandoor, eggplant with a delicious hot and sweet caramelized onion sauce and a delicious vegetable biryani. The cocktail menu also had a good number of interesting choices, and the ones we chose were excellent and beautiful to look at. We capped the meal off with a light and delectable blood orange Creme brûlée which was so good, we ended up ordering another. This restaurant is so good, it almost makes me want to move to Orlando so I could go back more often. This is Indian food elevated to a fine-dining experience. Definitely the best Indian food I have ever eaten.
(5)Niloy T.
Phenomenal. The duck entree is outstanding . It's NYC / London quality indian cuisine on I drive in Orlando. Will definitely visit on any trips to Orlando . Service is awesome as well
(5)J C.
My boyfriend and I dined here for Valentine's Day. The restaurant is beautiful and romantic and service was excellent. We were disappointed that they were not using their normal menu and instead had prix fix menus. Many of the items I had wanted to try after a preview of the menu online were not on the prix fix. My appetizer was a lamb sausage that had an overwhelming flowery taste. However, my boyfriend had the chicken tikka and it was very good. We both had the chicken main course, it was in a creamy tomato broth, similar to butter chicken. Delicious with the naan and raita sides. Then the dessert. What a sad disaster! He had a chocolate cake with ice cream, very dry. I had a bread pudding with ice cream (tasted of hot chilies! ). I have to say these are probably the worst desserts I've ever had. Overall, we enjoyed our experience. Not sure if I would return. There are plenty of Indian restaurants with food just as good for a lot less money.
(3)Chander A.
What a treat an excellent Indian restaurant finally in Orlando, elegant beautiful layout and food is amazing , great service ,excellent chef from Mumbai .we tried several appetizers everything was excellent you just cannot go wrong with your choices it is located on the second floor but it is elevator access to that restaurant . Restaurant is operated by the same company that has the best Indian restaurant in New York city called Junoon I would highly recommend us if you're in for great Indian food with some American twist!
(5)Amina S.
My husband and I had a perfect date night at this amazing resturaunt. The ambience, music and lighting set the mood for a fun night out. The mocktails were delicious and we enjoyed our time lounging in the bar area and looking at the old world "indian gymkhana" pictures that cover the walls as we waited to be seated. Our server was helpful and attentive and gave good recommendations. I have to say the lamb vindaloo was the best lamb dish I have ever had!! The biryani was so aromatic and was spiced just right. The begum chicken was also delicious. This modern take on indian cuisine gave me the sensational flavors of India without being overwhelmingly spicy or heavy. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Scott W.
Another 5+ stars!!! The brunch is simply outstanding!!! We had the Chicken and Waffles which were so good. The Lamb and Eggs are a true delight! Each came with a side and 2 cocktails for $25 each. Awesome price, amazing food and definitely will be back every weekend!!!
(5)Ashley H.
American Gymkhana can only be described as a diamond in the rough. What a pleasant surprise! I am not a connoisseur of Indian food aside from my friends' moms' delicious homemade food, but this was some of the best Indian food I have ever eaten. The restaurant feels like an oasis. The decor is modern transitional meets Indian hunting lodge. The service was attentive Without being intrusive. The food was fresh, with near perfect seasoning, and flavors that danced in my mouth. The pakora of sweet pepper with paneer was very good. The chef's own selection of harvest samosa sent to our table was outstanding; my husband said it tasted almost like an Indian-inspired pumpkin pie. Our entrees included the chicken skewer (very tender and nicely marinated) and the chicken angrezzi (yummy is really the only word to describe it). We had the Brussels aloo as a side which was a tiny bit salty but otherwise perfectly cooked. The pastry chef then sent us a complimentary chocolate petit four with a passionfruit whipped cream--once again, perfectly balanced flavors of tartness and sweet rich chocolate. After trying the items sent compliments of the chef, I wish we had just asked them to let chef Aarthi select our entire meal. She is amazing! Can't wait to come back on a future visit to Orlando.
(5)Nick C.
Ruin your Valentines. Ruin your Birthday. Welcome to American Gymkhana. Service was abysmal. We walked into the restaurant at 11:40am on Valentines with a plan to celebrate my wife's birthday with some friends and start off a romantic day. When we arrived, the restaurant was quite empty. The brunch menu is simple $25 prix fixe, you pick an entrée and get two brunch cocktails included. In addition to the brunch cocktails they offer a few mock cocktails as an option. This doesn't seem like a bad deal unless you despise bad sparkling wine and bloody mary cocktails like I do. I did try the bloody mary figuring what the heck its been a while since I've had one. I am still not a fan. Their take on the bloody mary was classic with the addition of an indian chilli spice mix added, this really gave it a kick. Each sip had a habit of catching you right in the back throat giving you a need to cough a bit. For the second cocktail ordered I decided to taste the sparkling wine options. Others in our party ordered a few of these offered. After a quick sip of the drinks at the table I found myself at a crossroads of getting the included cocktail and hating it or spending extra to have something that I would enjoy. So I decided to try one of the mock cocktails on the menu, the Jaswal. The drink contains cucumber and lychee juice with fresh lime, topped with ginger beer. I paid extra to add vodka. So with my $8 Titos Vodka added I had at last found an enjoyable beverage. This cocktail was very refreshing and would be quite nice if you were looking for an alcohol free option. I just wish it was included on the brunch menu containing the vodka. Drink service was quite slow with our cocktails sitting at the bar area in an empty restaurant waiting to be delivered. Cocktail hour is over its time to eat! Aside from the server mixing a few of the orders up in our party of eight, everyone got what they ordered even if we had a couple of plate swaps. It took nearly 10 minutes for one server to deliver the food for our party. Two plates at a time they came out with a small delay between deliveries at the open area kitchen. One of the meals had a hefty delay. The response we got from service was "don't worry we haven't forgot about you". With the food at the table it was time to eat. I had ordered the lamb and eggs on a pao bread ala eggs benedict. The "slow cooked lamb" was just ground lamb in a tomato based sauce, it reminded me of a bland sloppy joe. You could have told me it was ground turkey or beef for all of the lamb flavor is contained. The "pao bread" that the poached egg and meat mixture was served on resembled a generic yeast roll and not a very good one at that. Once out, the food was cold and not very good. I ended up sending the meal back. They offered to replace the item and I decided to go with a more authentic indian dish, Lamb Vindaloo. The lamb vindaloo was good even with the heavy amount of cardamom in the sauce. This and my wife's late order of Spinach Paneer were quite good. Most of the table ordered Chicken & Waffles and their general consensus was it was a bland thick waffle with bland chicken strips. Due to the service, pricing, and food execution you would be best going elsewhere with the Indian options available in the Orlando area.
(1)Puja M.
We had the lamb skewers and goat Rogan Josh. Amazing delicious and we will be back!!!!!!
(5)Natalia J.
AMAZING!!! The food was incredible, the place beautiful, the drinks fantastic and the service excellent! An all around great experience!
(5)Randall A.
If you love Indian food, go. Just go.
(5)Mazhar J.
Worst experience ever. Walked in around 9pm. We were told to wait for our table. 5 mins no big deal. We get to our table not a single waiter showed up with a menu. We sat idle for good 30 mins. There were more waiters in the restaurants then the actual customers yet the customer service was so awful. We ended up walking out since no one really cared to take our order.
(1)Daniel S.
I thought our meal was outstanding, and the servers, bartenders and sommelier were very helpful. I like the atmosphere and there are some great options and specials. Nice drink choices as well.
(4)Trung N.
This place blew me away!!! It has to be the best place to get Indian food in Orlando. You can read the details from other reviewers but if you want to have your taste buds tingling with spices and flavors then drop them a visit. I also really liked their version of Old Fashioned with Masala syrup and the Gymkhana cocktail with apple cider.
(5)Juan B.
We came here in the opening. The food is excellent. Reminded me of my time when I lived in NY surrounded by Indian restaurants. The service was amazing. The head chef was beyond friendly and informative since my wife has multiple food allergies and they were able to give the recommendations right of the bat. I really enjoyed our visit and will definitely come back!
(5)Lamarr W.
What an amazing place to attend for an event. To me it has an upscale rich type feel, with a hint of class and sophistication. The food was really amazing and very tasteful (also it was free, so anytime you can have that, it's an extra added bonus). They served shrimp, lamb mince meat, fried cauliflower with sauce, gymkhana chicken, and others. They also served specialty drinks which were fantastic. The service was impeccable. I can't remember the last time I had such great service with a smile. Also I am not an interior decorater so, I will try my best to describe the ambiance. The lighting was dim but with candles at each table to give it that romantic feel. There was a huge open space just to give it that, this is a huge place look....lol. Also the open space was quickly filled with chairs and tables to accommodate more people, but it was done with some much finesse and grace. Oh yeah how could I forget the bar area which was in the corner front of the restaurant. It was round with tons of space for chairs and to stand around to have grown folk conversation prolly about financial portfolios and investments. lol.... (I believe it was a full bar, so if you have a taste for some fine liquor, it's worth a look). Oh I forgot to mention the small sample buffet table in the room off to the right. They had cooks in preparing food samples and telling you what the food is and how it tastes. It was really good, so the cooks/chefs are definitely on point. For all this being said, it is expensive given the crowd and area in which its in, but a great look if you want to have a romantic evening or to just chill with the coworkers from the lawfirm. lol...a nice gem that I hope lasts for years and years.
(5)Rup S.
I had high expectations for dinner. The place was empty for the most part so no wait. The ambiance is very nice and classy. Drinks are phenomenal but the food is bland at best. Every time we asked for change of flavor the response by our waiter was "Sorry we can't do that, Chef's orders." No offense but if I am spending the money that this place demands (not cheap) I expect a little more flexibility. My wife had requested yellow lentils for the kids but they don't serve yellow lentils as is or even have them on the menu. I do not recommend this place for food. If you are going for happy hour the drinks are great. Plenty of better Indian restaurants in Orlando with flavorful food at a cheaper price.
(2)Danielle S.
The candle studded stairway and exquisite bare are a great greeting to the very cool restaurant. Our party of five enjoyed cocktails while we waited for our table to be ready.The cocktail list is impressive. I had the Adraki Punch which was refreshing and not too sweet. We finally figured out our table was ready, but believe they just wanted us to have a few more cocktails before being seated. This is a nice way to slow down the dinner process, but also seems to be a bit of a scheme. We sat down and enjoyed having the help of a waiter talk us through the menu. He recommended 3-4 entrees since it is served family style. We were also helped by the sommelier who helped us choose a wine that we all enjoyed and went well with the huge flavors in the dishes. The highlights of our meal were the cauliflower fritters, red snapper, and lamb vindaloo. The lamb chops were also very flavorful, but only came with 4 so not everyone at our table could try one and this is where the restaurant goes the A-ok route. If a table is ordering wine, cocktails, appetizers, etc., how hard would it be to add a lamb chop so everyone can enjoy one. Also, while ordering naan we kept being reminded that it was only 4 pieces. We felt like the restaurant could be a little more intuitive and cut it into more pieces for a bigger group. The highly recommended $16 Brussels sprouts were a huge fail. We're all home cooks ourselves and have done a better job on our own. The peanut coconut topping did nothing for the flavor. Also, before the appetizers came out, there was a long period where no one checked on our table. We began to wonder if our appetizers were forgotten. We were also disappointed with the small portions that were supposed to be family style. Overall, the price seems inflated for what you get!
(3)M V.
My husband, family, and I were in town visiting and happened to stumble upon this super chic new pop up Indian restaurant. To keep this review short and to the point, I'll mention three things that stood out to me. If you don't want to read through all of it, don't bother....once you go, you're gonna be a fan. 1.) Ambiance. First of all this place is the brainchild of two veterans from Junoon, NYC, a Michelin star restaurant in the Flatiron District, and brings all qualities of five star Manhattan dining to Restaurant Row. Upon walking inside, you are immediately greeted with original photos documenting the time of British rule in India among Indian royalty, giving the whole place a very trendy yet historic vibe. The restaurant is spacious and well planned with a bar and dining area for you to sit at while you wait for a table. 5 stars. 2.) Cuisine. An awesome and original take on traditional Indian cuisine. We are vegetarian/vegan and ordered pretty much all the vegetarian main courses along with some unique apps. Some of the favorites at our table were the Kela Corn Seekh (banana and corn fritters/kebabs), Matar tikki off of the Gymkhana chaat, Kofta Hariyali (not in the traditional sense with a heavy cream sauce, but lightened up just a touch), Brussels Sukha (my personal favorite), and Gateway naan (an Indian version of a refined grilled cheddar and caramelized onion sandwich). Our family favorite seemed to be the Lashooni Palak Daal, being that we ordered that twice! The food seemed transformed and fit for a more modern palate, avoiding the usual "heaviness" that is associated with most Indian restaurants and cuisine. Dessert was another experience: go for the Gajarela bread pudding for a spicy and unexpected end to your meal. 4 stars. 3.) People. The service was unmatched. Our glasses were kept full at all times, as the wait staff was extremely attentive to our individual and group needs. My father-in-law is vegan and the waiter was kind enough to cross check each dish with the kitchen/head chef to make sure he would be able to eat it. We had visits from the exec chef, Aarti, and also from the on-site managers, who periodically checked in on us to make sure we were happy with the food and service. Extremely friendly, professional, and reminiscent of the staff you would find at an award winning hotel. 5 stars.
(4)Catherine C.
Beautiful restaurant with a nice happy hour at the bar. I tried a ginger drink that was so interesting but I loved it! The table ordered shrimp appetizers and traditional and garlic naan. The shrimp was tasty but the naan was just mediocre. I had the lamb vindaloo which was good but I have had better at other local Indian restaurants. My boyfriend ordered the red snapper that came in a mild curry and it was outstanding!! We will be back it was a nice experience.
(4)ashley m.
Wow. Orlando has been waiting for a place like this. We've had decent to good indian food here for a while but American Gymkhana takes it to another level. The food is incredible of course, but the service was amazing. The last time we had service like that was at Gramercy Tavern in nyc. It truly was an impressive evening, the chef even came out and talk to us for a while. I highly recommend the lamb sliders and the lamb chops although everything we had was excellent. They certainly know what they are doing in that kitchen.
(5)Nim W.
On a weekday evening we were just 1 of 3 customers over a period of over two hours. The ambiance and service were very good. The chat and slider appetizers and cocktails were rather good. BUT the food left a lot to be desired. The makhni lentils were over cooked and over creamed and over salted. The goat roganjosh was a disaster, three small pieces of tough boneless meat and one rather large meatless bone in a watery insipid soup for $22.00. Their version of butter chicken was large chunks of broiled chicken in a very spicy sauce. No options to reduce salt or heat are available.
(3)Manohar J.
Great service and the food was authentic! I have been to most of the restaurants spanning from Gainesville to Miami and this one stands out from all of them. The staff is welcoming and chef does possess culinary art! We were 15 people and sat in a huge room it's like having a family dinner. Kids had great time and enjoyed eating the food. The bar is just awesome and has good quality drinks.
(4)Joe R.
High End Wine List matches High End Food. Our waiter, Josh, was very friendly and knowledgeable. The Cauliflower appetizer was very good. My first time having goat and it was delicious. My wife's chicken was very good as well. The sommelier, David, was very knowledgeable and friendly as well. Restaurant has very good ambiance.
(5)Jasmine B.
My husband and I (both vegetarians, we love Indian food and have been on culinary-specific travels in India) visited American Gymkhana for the first time today, for brunch. We were SO pleased, we will already be returning later this week for dinner! As a vegetarian who loves savory breakfasts, and as I'm not that fond of eggs, my choices at breakfast/brunch are usually limited - but not here! I went with the Royal Paratha (I think that's what it was called) which was deliciously cooked paratha bread stuffed with potatoes, a side of dahl, side of masala potatoes, raita, delicious mixed pickle, etc. My husband got the magnificent Gymkhana Club sandwich (potatoes, onions, cheddar, chutney, etc.), kale & cashew salad. We split everything and it really was a magnificent brunch feast. $25 per person was very reasonable as it included the entree (many to choose from, veg & non-veg), a side (those masala potatoes are divine, crispy outside, well spiced, fluffy pillows inside, not oily), and TWO drinks. The brunch cocktails (I had a Lychee Mimosa and a Ginger Bellini, husband also had one of the non-alcoholic mocktails) were exotically flavoured, subtle and bubbly - perfect for Sunday brunch. Ambiance here is great too - we sat near the window, up on the 2nd floor there were sunny views of palm trees, and we LOVED the "couch" seating (almost like upscale tropical patio/boat furniture, classy but laidback). I can tell that it is probably gorgeous and hip/swanky at night too, with the classic/Indian twist bartender/mixologists, extensive dinner menu (we peeked at it and saw at least half a dozen veg entrees too!), lovely lighting, live DJ (atmospheric but non-intrusive), etc. One of the best parts was that Chef Aarthi Sampath came out to say hi! She spoke to us about India, the food, everything. Super nice and so well-informed. Service was excellent, servers very friendly yet not obtrusive, accommodating. Everything tasted very fresh, and I can definitely tell that quality spices (their mustard seeds are awesome) are used throughout. Authentically Indian but with very innovative twists, I'm already thinking of bringing various friends & family with me soon!
(5)Beth C.
What a delightful experience! I had been anxiously awaiting the opening of AG and my first visit did not disappoint! The space is beautiful and our server (Brittany) made wonderful recommendations from cocktails to entrees. As an added bonus, we had an opportunity to meet the chef and let her know how much we enjoyed our meal. I can't wait for my next opportunity to get back here!! Serious yum!!
(5)S A.
It took more than 1 hour for food to arrive. Food was ok but efficiency just not there
(2)Heidi F.
My girlfriends and I stopped in for a few drinks and appetizers last week and were blown away. Clearly this chef gets it! Saffron infused champagne - amazing! The 3 appetizers were all perfectly spicy, plated impeccably and felt modern/traditional. Not the cheapest place in town but well worth the VALUE!
(5)