Love this place. My only criticism is that I like my Pakura cooked crispy.
(4)
Amelia J.
Wonderful staff and great food, but Cafe Bombay didn't quite live up to the hype for me. I did love that it was a buffet, as it gave me the chance to try a lot of Indian foods I was curious about, but too hesitant to order. But, like most buffets, the food had a sort of cheap feel to it. I would be happy to go back if someone wanted to try it or loved it, but I don't think it's making my list of favorites.
(4)
Yilia H.
great food with reasonable price. Good environment. I recommend lamb shank.
(5)
Kay H.
I love this place. After trying other locations closer to home this place is always worth the trip. Key ingredient: consistency. Always the same,well prepared meal. Very basic layout and nothing fancy about it, but it works!
(4)
Rahul M.
Excellent food. Good ambience. Good service. Nice staff. Complimentary rice was a pleasant surprise. Bhel puri was awesome
(5)
Brandi T.
Awesome awesome awesome. I ordered takeout here on a whim and man was it amazing. I'm no connoisseur of Indian food but I know what I like. I ordered The wings and chicken tikka masala with naan bread and it was divine. The wings were great and spicy and the the chicken tikka was tender and flavorful. From order to delivery time it took about 90 minutes but it was well worth the wait. Can't wait to dine in!
(5)
Jovan E.
Freakin awesome!! This is my go to spot for Indian food. Nice ambience, perfect for casual dining or even date night. Food is always quick yet perfectly seasoned. Lamb palaak is my personal fave. The best Indian in Atlanta!
(5)
Mike S.
Have been here 3 times so far and feel its pretty solid. My wife is from the UK so she's an Indian food expert too....and a tough critic! First visit was good so we went back....Second visit was off...Naans were greasy and flavours weren't as great. However we gave it one more chance a few weeks ago and they hit a home run. All dishes were great and they prepped it extra spicy for us (gluttons for heat)... Also liked the belly dancer in the back room. We'll be sure and check this place out again.
Hands down the best Indian restaurant in Atlanta. The quality and taste is just on another level. I've lived in Atlanta for 19 years, every other Indian restaurant here have always just been mediocre. Zyka was decent at one point but is also down to mediocre now. Try the the Spicy Chicken Biryani, but careful it can be addicting. Tandoori chicken everywhere else is just too dry. However, here the Tandoori Wings are dripping with flavor. The prices are reasonable and the portions are crazy.
(5)
Anushree K.
I went in for a late lunch at Cafe Bombay with a group of friends. The food was very good, right amount of flavor and spice. The server helped us choose the curries (we did not want a sweet curry) and the paneer kadhai and vegetable tikka masala we ordered were yummy. The assorted vegetable platter for starter is a good way to sample a lot of appetizers. The nan is huge and we could share 3 naans between 5 people. Overall a good experience. I took off a star as there was lack of co-ordination between the staff, we got our check without asking for it and we had to send it back as we wanted to have dessert :)
(4)
Silvia G.
I love this place, I have lunch buffet at least once every two weeks since I found it. The food is absolutely delicious, great variety of dishes and desserts. I think I'm officially a "regular", the staff is amazing, very attentive. I try a little bit of everything on the buffet and I like it all, my favorite part is the warm Gulab Jamun (dessert). If you haven't tried this place, I really recommend that you do.
(5)
Jahmal L.
(+) Great service and genuine interest from an enthusiastic waiter staff. The food appeared magically and sizzling after only 10 minutes, which was great as I was grumpy and hungry. The chicken tikka, masala, and Chole Peshawari were all adequately tasty. Price was right, on average of $11 per dish. (-) Being a NYC transplant, I know good Indian food. The spices were a bit on the subdued side. Just lacking a bit of energy. -20 Overall - W. 80/100. Score. Solid ATLien Indian spot. Go for it. They also offer belly dancing, if you are into that kind of thing.
(4)
Cindy B.
Very good food. The vindaloo will light a fire in you. The lunch buffet is perfect, meat on one side, vegetarian on the other. I really appreciate that. The service is always pleasant. The decor and furniture is nice. My only complaint is that it's on the salty side.
(4)
Brian S.
Food is great! They have lunch buffet M-F from 11:30am - 3:30PM and Sat. and Sun. from 12pm - 4pm. It's also decent cost given that on weekdays it's $10.95 before tip. Good place to try different Indian foods.
(4)
Rangoli B.
The food was great, delivery just takes forever! Last time I ordered it was a 2.5 hour wait and I wasn't contacted by the driver when the food arrived.
(4)
Kayla H.
I was visiting from out of town and decided to give Bombay Cafe a try. I really liked it. I was craving paneer makhani, but I didn't see it or the menu. When I asked about it, the waiter said he would have it made for me even though it wasn't on the menu. Awesome! Everything tasted great. I'd never tried paneer pakora, but I'm glad I did.
(5)
Zahid K.
Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time here. This has to be one of the worst Indian restaurants in Atlanta. Cheap, low quality food. I've been to hundreds (if not thousands) of Indian/Pakistani restaurants. My parents are Pakistani and my mom cooks this type of food at home all the time. I know what I'm talking about. Go to Zyka, Kabob Hut, or Lahore Grill-- these are MUCH better restaurants in the same price range.
(1)
Kristen C.
I found this place when we were craving Indian food one night, and this was the only place that was open later than most places. We ordered naan, chicken biryani, chicken tikka, mixed grill, and gobi aloo masala. We loved everything. I think all these dishes were spiced really well, and nothing came out really oily like we usually see when we eat Indian. I've also been here for the weekend buffet, which is also really good. They have a variety of dishes that you are able to try. Service is pretty good here.
(4)
Cindy Z.
I gave this restaurant 2 chances, after having the worst Indian meal for the second time,I will never go back. I got ( medium) Chicken Tikka Masala for the 2nd time, and had to ask to return it both times. My friend got curry chicken, and it didn't even resemble curry, just creamy mush. The first time my family didn't want to hurt my feeling because it was my choice for the night, but then after I complained , the voiced their own opinions-not good!!
(1)
Emma W.
The main reason I've always preferred Indian buffets over actual sit down restaurants is just the general trend that seems to exist in regards to disproportionate curry to rice ratios. Well played Cafe Bombay, not only are you fantastic with your food related ratios but your naan is also super delicious and fluffy. Upon arriving back to my hotel afterwards and promptly collapsing into a food coma induced slumber, I'm pretty sure I had dreams that I was laying on huge, billowy pieces of Cafe Bombay's naan rather than the hotel pillows.
(4)
A P.
Positives: Green chili with lentil crackers, mango lasse (had to send the first one back after they brought it in ice), lamb gohst (told them not to puree the spinach), shrimp with ginger, service (after they realized we're trying to help them improve) Could be better: naan (had to send it back for add'l baking, onion pakoras (sent the first batch back). Don't understand why they let them soak in the batter. They become chewey rather than crispy light.
(3)
Animal L.
ok food but worst of all is interacting with the terrible manager named ricky, if it wasn't for him I would love going there
(1)
Damien B.
I go here for lunch. Good food on the buffet. Service might be a little slow but the place is packed out for lunch during the week.
(5)
Ken M.
I visited this resteraunt with a friend from out of town. This was my first experience with Indian food and I had no idea what to order. I followed his lead in ordering and it was absolutely delicious.
(4)
Sherry F.
Certainly not the best Indian food I've had, but not bad either. I had the chicken korma and my husband had the lamb tikka masala. The naan was some of the worst naan I've ever had. Our service was pretty good - no problems there. Also, the atmosphere was nice. We experienced the belly dancer. She was good, however, the music was far too loud and (and maybe it's just me) but the sound system used seemed faulty .
(3)
Melissa K.
Perfect lunch buffet. The tandoori wings were especially yummy. There are plenty of selections for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. I could have gone for some mango dessert, but they only had the rice one. I will be back for more.
(5)
John B.
the best Indian food in The US, let alone GA (I travel coast to coast on a regular basis). Service is fast and concise. I spoke with the Co-owner and I like the operation that he oversees here. The lighting is in a great middle-ground between bright and dim and it accentuates the decor of the place. They don't mess around with spicy curry and their more mild curries are quite delicious! I come here whenever I'm in town and I plan on coming here whenever I can in the future.
(5)
Shardule S.
Not-so-good: Nothing will ever beat homecooked Indian food Good: Papad to start is a nice touch Service is prompt and friendly Portion is decently sized (had a small takeaway bag for leftovers) Price isn't cheap but not terribly expensive Overall, nothing will ever come close to 'Mom's food'. However, if you're looking for a solid Indian meal with nice decor for not too high of a price, this is the place. Busy, but not super packed, Cafe Bombay is a good bet to for a tasty Indian meal.
(5)
Mark S.
Very good consistent food. Very friendly staff and owners. The lamb vindaloo will light you up, but it's worth it! Also, try the lunch buffet.
(4)
Kevin J.
I hate to leave a negative review however the food tonight was so incredibly horrible that I can't ignore it. This was the second time we ate there, the first was decent and warranted a second visit... now we regret it. We ordered an appetizer (the vegetable platter... it was fantastic), a chicken korma and a butter chicken. Sadly, the butter chicken tasted like pure tomato paste and the chicken korma lacked any flavor at all. We tried to bring it to their attention but it took almost 20 minutes to do so (and it wasn't that busy). When we finally spoke to them, they fixed it without question however it still wasn't good. We will NOT be returning again.
(1)
Amrita R.
I came here for my birthday last year and it was pretty good.. I've never done the buffet but they have delicious curries... especially the paneer. I dream about that paneer.. Oh and that naan is the best ever! My friends love the thali here, and say the goat curry is delicious. The chicken lollipops were also good. My only complaint with this place is that it's a bit pricy, and very very greasy/buttery. I'm sure that's why I enjoy the paneer so much, but I definitely can't, or shouldn't eat here very often! They had belly dancing on a Saturday night when I went once, and it was not bad but a little hard to talk over the music.
(4)
Mit P.
Had the weekend buffet. Okay but not great. 1) Sauces were pretty good - especially paneer tikka masala, but the dishes overall didn't seem like they were that fresh. The chicken in particular did not seem very good quality. I would stick with vegetarian here since the meat quality is cheap. 2) Dishes are a bit strange. The Samosa for instance have this weird cheesy filling which is completely out of place. The Kofta curry has also an odd sauce which isn't very spicy. 3) It is cheap at $13 so that likely explains above.
(2)
Sydney G.
One of my must-eat spots whenever I visit Atlanta. I love their paneer, it's some of the best I've ever had. I think they do a great job of keeping the buffet full and fresh and I've had the opportunity to try a number of dishes I might not ordinarily order off the menu.
(5)
Sarah J.
Cafe Bombay is a favorite of mine for eat in and delivery. They have a lunch buffet which is great for trying new things, but my mainstay is the Palak Paneer, which has just the right amount of spice, and the Mango Lassi. Cafe Bombay uses a delivery service called "Food People," which I have found to be a bit slow. When the food gets to me, though, it's worth the wait.
(4)
Jessica C.
This place is great for lunch buffets as well as awesome for their sit down meals. -Buffet The buffet has a variety of items including vegetarian. The buffet includes naan, rice, and a section of desserts. It's also a great price (around $11) -Menu items Not going for the buffet is also good. The menu items come out hot and fresh. The naan comes out steaming. I would definitely recommend the chicken vindaloo if spicy food is your thing. Coming for dinner is great because I usually can take home half of my entree, rice, and half of my naan for lunch the next day. -Service The service is great. They are attentive and your water is always filled to the rim. They don't make you wait to bring you the check and will back your take home boxes for you.
(5)
Melissa P.
My husband and I visited Cafe Bombay on a Sunday afternoon. They had a buffet with a pretty big variety. One side was dedicated to vegetarian cuisine. There were a decent amount of customers but plenty of wait staff...perhaps too many. They were hovering over our table. Which I guess is better than lack of staff. Needless to say, our glasses were always full. The chicken Tikka was good. The chicken was a little dry but it was fine when eaten with plenty of sauce. The spinach paneer was delicious! The Naan was fresh and warm. The rice was perfectly cooked. Nothing was too spicy and it was all pretty tasty. I look forward to returning!
(3)
Sireesha A.
If you are an Indian, don't go here! Worse if you are a vegetarian! The food is horrible in the buffet. Rajma was completely diluted and looked like water. The other veggie curry reminded me of the hostel food back in India! Paneer curry was sweet and rice was hardly flavored! Even the desserts were pitiful. One of the worst Indian lunch buffets I have had in my life! My boyfriend swore he could make twice as good chicken tikka at home! Never ever again am I going back to this restaurant! Such misleading reviews!!
(1)
Irene B.
I've been here a few times and consistently the food is amazing, but the service is pretty slow. If you're coming for a meal it's definitely a time commitment. I usually order the chicken tikka masala with garlic naan and have sampled a few other items. All of them were fantastic and the food portions are large so you'll leave with leftovers. They also serve rice with the entrees at no cost, but the food in general is on the pricier side. Expect to spend around 15 to 20 bucks if you want an entree and naan. Cons: I don't know what it is but the later into the night it gets, the darker it gets in the restaurant. I understand the theme of a calm and relaxing ambience, but the staff will always dim the lights to the point where you can't see your friend sitting across from you.
(3)
Randy H.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to Indian food. I will say that this is probably the best I've had (so far) in Atlanta. We had a large party. The service was not the quickest but I understand it can be hard with a large party.The food was great. I had the lamb vindaloo - which is very spicy. If you can't handle spicy, I would not recommend. Otherwise, it is delicious. It came with rice to share of course. The taste of the lamb and the sauce it was in was very flavorful. The spicyness was flavorfull and not harsh. Some people think mouth on fire when things are spicy. That does not make good spicy food. Good spicy food gives you that spicyness WITH flavor. I cannot describe how good this is. You have to try for yourself. Their drink menu is moderately priced. They have great cocktails for about $8.
(4)
Lindsay E.
I loved my experience at Cafe Bombay, and I can't wait to come back! Great food, great atmosphere in the back room, and very friendly staff. Bonus: awesome belly dancer (family friendly) on Friday nights! The only thing I'd change is making sure we make a reservation! When we first walked in, we saw the simple front dining room packed, mostly with ethnically Indian folk, which got us excited for the food, because surely the kitchen was doing something right to have attracted this clientele. There were also many folks who came in to pick up take out orders. (If I liked closer, we'd be getting take out a lot!) We told the staff that we were there to watch the belly dancer, and we ended up waiting for about 10 minutes for everything to be ready. They were seeing out a very large party, and I think the staff was a bit overwhelmed. They told us "Just a moment" maybe 5 times, which made us laugh. Anyway, after a while we were escorted to the back dining area, which is beautifully decorated! Very plush and colorful. The chai was delicious, I just wish I could have gotten more. The free crispy papadums they brought out with a green sauce was a happy surprise and very tasty. We got lamb naan as an appetizer and loved it. The naan is so pillowy soft! For our entrees, I ordered the chicken tikka masala with naan, and my husband ordered a lamb curry (gosht korma, we think) that was a little too spicy for me but very, very delicious. I love-love-loved my chicken tikka masala! It was so creamy and such a great blend between sweet and savory. I cannot recommend this enough. I wanted to try everything! We'll definitely be back again, most likely on belly dancer night. I personally know the performer on the night we visited (she's short and blonde), and she knows and loves her craft. She doesn't make the dance more sensual than it's designed to be, and you could tell she enjoyed performing for everyone.
(5)
John E.
Cafe Bombay is located at 2615 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30329 - I'm not sure if this area is called Briarcliff or if there's a better term for it, perhaps North Druid Hills? - I generally access the restaurant either from the North Druid Hills Exit on I85 (restaurant is East of the interstate) or the back way from Clairmont Rd turning sound onto Briarcliff Rd. The restaurant is in the end of a shopping-center row sort of on the back side of Target so it's a bit hard to see. It is however, well worth trying. I've now eaten here about a dozen times, first visiting for a friend's party (they have a great large dining area in the back and can easily handle large-ish groups of say 25 or so at one long table) and more often visiting for an excellent lunch buffet. In general the flavors are a bit muted compared to those foods I sampled in India, more Northern style I believe.I particularly like their vindaloo dishes which will provide a level of heat and flavors that make you say "Oh yeah!" Service at Cafe Bombay is top notch with very attentive, even throughout their very busy lunch buffet. Evenings the place is busy and filled with a broad spectrum of locals and visitors to Atlanta. The bar is better than most similar restaurants I've experienced and they even have the very good Lion Stout from Sri Lanka which I recommend - it's more effervescent than most stouts and lacks the chalkiness you sometimes get with a black beer, with more smokiness and less chocolate. The lunch buffet (about $10) has a good mixture of vegetarian and meat options (mostly chicken and a little goat or lamb). There's usually a pan of veggie biryani along with some seasoned basmati, a few dols and sambar or similar soup. You'll also typically find sag or aloo paneer, some type of curried vegetables and pakora. For dinner I've tried: Aloo Gobi - this is a cauliflower dish primarily, though at Bombay it's about half potatoes too. I liked this dish but prefer the all cauliflower version. It's especially good with a bit of mint chutney. Vegetable Vindaloo - one of my favorite dishes here with good spice levels and flavors. Chicken 65 - I'm not quite sure of the original recipe as I've had this a number of different ways - it's most commonly white meat chicken marinated in curd (similar to tandoori) - at Bombay it's fried and some sliced onion and cilantro is added. The flavors of this dish gets a bit lost with those spicier flavors in the other curry dishes but it's still very good - I think most Americans would enjoy this as a fried chicken dish, Indian style. Sag Paneer - this mostly green leaf vegetable dish is quite good - I really like the paneer they have at Bombay as the consistency is more like homemade. Garlic Naan - they use real chopped garlic here with a bit of ghee - very authentic tasting to me. Pepper (Bullet) Naan - I do love me some bullet naan and the version I've gotten at Bombay is exceptional. It is covered with chopped green chiles and very tasty - not for the faint of heart or weak palate. The exterior of the restaurant is a bit deceptive - it makes the place look small and the heavy window treatments and lack of lighting will make you think the restaurant is closed - do indeed come inside - you'll thank me later. There's plenty of parking. (longer review posted in my food blog)
(4)
Queenie D.
$13 WEEKEND BUFFET TILL 4PM Chicken Biryani is delicioius!!! Chicken tikka masala is my fave! There was goat dish and tandoori chicken and they were all so yummy ... oh my goodness my stomach is growling with my thinking about the food! Most definitely worth your time and money. The decor is clean and to the point. Staff was courteous and professional. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. This is definitely my new fave place to chow down!!
(5)
Anh L.
This is the buffet of all Indian buffets. All i can say is im blown away by almost everything. The reviews here are truthful. Im probably going into a diabetic coma right now as im eating this food. The vegetable curry in coconut cream has a buttery and creamy texture. The goat curry is by far the best i ever had from any other indian buffets. The meat just falls off the bone and soft.. There's so much herbs and spices in the rice... im overstuffed but i keep on eating.. The service is excellent, I was always attend to when I walked through the door. My water was constantly refilled by three different waiter. They each ask me if i needed any help. The atmosphere is quiet, ambience, and romantic with granite tables all around. They really have done a good job on the decor.
(5)
Alison W.
yummy! I really like Cafe Bombay a lot... It's a family owned restaurant that's pretty nice all around. The only reason I am not giving the full 5 stars is that the staff can be a bit rude at times, especially the head waiter. There's always confusion about who is supposed to do what, but I guess it also gets super busy on weekends. The lunch buffet is a pretty nice spread, but I prefer to go for dinner on the weekends when the food is fresh and the bellydancer is giving lessons. Now I just need a better outfit and I'm good to go when the music hits!
(3)
Dave M.
Solid lunch buffet ($10). They have about 4 meat choices (chickens and lamb) as well as several vegetarian choices. Their naan is so good. I can dip it in the tiki masala all day. They have a salad bar with a yogurt dressing. They have a couple of dessert puddings that I didn't try (looked too sweet for me). The place is pretty large and got full quick during lunch. The tables and chairs are quality. They have an overabundance of servers standing around to take your plates away and refill your water. You won't have to worry about going thirsty. They were all friendly. I'm guessing the older lady taking payment at the register is the owner. She's just all business, not friendly or unfriendly. I would recommend this place.
(4)
Cassandra M.
Came for lunch with a coworker and O.M.G. this place is nice. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful and quiet. You felt like you should whisper during lunch. The lunch buffet was excellent! The service was friendly and prompt. I loved the tandoori chicken, the naan, the spinach, I could go on and on. My guest and I loved it.
(5)
Ariel N.
Absolutely amazing place! Ate here on Friday with a few friends and my husband, who hates anything non American lol. Needless to say, he was amazed by the food. He loved EVERYTHING surprisingly. The food was SO good and the waiter was very personable and really helped us understand the menu and explained everything to us. Needless to say, he steered us right because everyone loved their choices. We also ordered a few drinks, they were awful. The bartender totally skimmed us on the liquor. We ended up getting beers, instead of wasting money on the poorly made drinks. After dinner we decided to do some hookah! It was such a fun experience. We sat by the bar and it was pretty private feeling. Hookah is $25. We ended up staying at the place for a total of 3 hours. The belly dancing was also enjoyable. Oh, and we did not even have a wait. We were seated right away. I would 100% suggest this place, but the bartenders are not great.
(4)
Sri K.
Quality lunch buffet at a competitive price ($10.95 weekdays, open till 3:30 pm). I arrived at 3 pm knowing that the buffet would be closing in 30 minutes. My expectations are adjusted given the circumstances. At no point did I feel rushed nor did I expect them to bring out hot, freshly cooked trays of food. Food: Great food for what any reasonable person would expect from a buffet. Nearly all of the reviews knocking the buffet griped about how it is not spicy enough or perfect for their palate. Great observation! A buffet is specifically designed to appeal to the masses, while maintaining the essence of the food. There were 3 buffet stations (non-vegetarian, vegetarian, chutney/dessert). Winner: Goat Curry - While non of the dishes were spicy enough for my taste, the goat was succulent and flavorful enough to overcome this problem. I got my money's worth on this alone. Coupled with the naan, this is what made this buffet a 4 star joint. Other meat dishes: the acceptable chicken tikka masala (same sauce as the paneer), the edible chicken biryani, worth tasting malai kabob, and nothing special tandoori chicken. The mango custard was also tops. Just don't expect ice in your water. Atmosphere: Laid back yet classy. Fit for any occasion. Service: On point and attentive with enough wait staff to serve a larger crowd.
(4)
Sandeep G.
The food in my opinion is above average and nothing unique. The service though is quite good and fast. The fact that it is on Briarcliff Road in a strip mall from where most of the businesses have relocated is not good news for this place. This place has a strong loyal clients but there are many more better Indian Restaurants in that area and more are coming up.
(3)
Lanchana S.
Finally tried this place out with my Mr. Heard lots of good reviews about this place but never had a chance to try it out. The atmosphere is inviting.. Attentive staff. They have standard Indian menu with carnivores and lots of vegetarian options. We started with complimentary papad and green chutney which was delicious then tried paneer wrap, Gobi Manchurian with gravy, Matar Paneer, garlic naan and bullet naan. Naans was fresh and super soft, which was good. Everything else was average. This place is not up to the hike, had high expectation. I will definitely give them another shot but for buffet!!
(3)
Thomas L.
Going to Cafe Bombay for lunch buffet is similar to going to a Chinese buffet. The food isn't necessarily 100% authentic, it might not be the most elegant tasting, but you will feel very satisfied with a food coma afterwards. Cafe Bombay offers the basic variety of curries, chicken tandori, chicken curry, and Naan bread are some of the dishes that I eat frequently. Theres also a decent selection on vegetarian curries for people who dont eat meat. The sauce is definitely very heavy, one can taste the butter and fat but it's one of those guilty pleasures that will ruin your diet for the past week. Price wise it's very reasonable for a lunch buffet, something around 13 or 14 dollars after tip and tax.
(3)
Travis H.
The Rogan Josh was the best thing I tried on the menu. Wait staff were very friendly and attentive.
(4)
Nicki K.
Cafe Bombay ranks one of my fave Indian restaurants. I mostly go to Indian restaurants for lunch. I've actually never had their lunch buffet and just have gone for dinner. Why??? Hmmm, hello...belly dancer! I love watching them. I always get amazed at how much a woman can move. Trust me, it's hard, I've taken belly dancing classes before. I've been to other restaurants that have belly dancing but I prefer Desi food over Mediterranean food anyways. So I met with girlfriends. They've never been to Cafe Bombay and were excited to go when I told them about the belly dancer. It was a different belly dancer than the one I've seen before. The belly dancer here do more of a performance and are really good and talented, especially with using props like candles and a sword. The workers here are courteous and quick. I always love going to Desi restaurants cause my water gets refill quickly, even halfway. I have a problem with going to most Asian restaurants since I have to beg for water. Dinner dishes come with rice so I ordered regular naan with the Goa chicken curry. I like to try new dishes when I go out. I've never had it before. Honestly, the name Goa made me curious to try cause I every time I think about Goa, I think of the Hindi movie, Dil Chahta Hai. The flavor was more on the sweet side. My friend ordered the Shrimp Vindaloo, OMG, I should've ordered that instead, it was the perfect amount of spiciness for my taste! Another friend ordered the chicken 65. My daughter ordered the egg biryani and it was really tasty. I went backwards but for appetizers, we ordered meat samosas (it was beef from what my friends said, I don't eat beef), veggie samosas, pani puri, & masala wings. We stayed for almost 3 hours, just chatting and watching the belly dancer. I love this place. I want to go an check the lunch buffet one day. I might as well. Texas Sari Sapne is next door, I used to go to the old location when I was younger.
(5)
Raj A.
Food was good for an Indian restaurant, Setup is better and hygiene appeared well taken care of. Service wasnt expected but seems like a smooth running ship. We had the buffet, the tandoori chicken was 8/10, butter chicken, very creamy was 8/10 biryani 6/10 and goat curry was delish 7/10..though goat was not tender or easy to chew...deserts were ok..we reached at last hour so maybe they werent interested in rotating the tables..total bill $212 for 12 guests and 5lbs takeaway..One star takeaway for buffet policy that isn't disclosed upfront and kinda don't make sense, and one star take away for dried goat in goat curry and overall lack of service..Service manager initial responses were rude but when he realised this may go up on a public review he sang an entirely different tune
(3)
Tomasz J.
We went there and it was a great decision! Food was delicious, I can't complain about service. We had chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and meat samosa. Everything was delicious and we will definitely come back after some time. If you like Indian food, Cafe Bombay is definitely worth to check.
(5)
Andre M.
12-4 lunch buffet is amazing!!! Both the chicken and goat were awesome. One of the best Indian restaurants in the perimeter.
(4)
Nishant G.
Best Indian restaurant in all of Atlanta, hands down. Fantastic service, fantastic atmosphere, and the food, holy whoa, I thought my mom was back there. Toooooo good! If you're looking for the best indian restaurant experience in Atlanta, this is it.
(5)
Emmie L.
This place was awesome. I have heard great things about their lunch buffett, but I haven't had a chance to try it. My friends and I came in for dinner one evening. First impressions - this place is dark. Hardly any light is let in. Feels mysterious. The textures are little muffled - the marble tables, the dark carpet, the elephants - I couldn't get a single theme from the decor which bothered me. Though, this isn't a deal breaker. Most people aren't as concerned with interior design. We decided to get the meal for two and added on butter chicken. The meal for two comes with two samosas, chicken tikki masala, palak paneer, rice, and two kinds of naan. Wow, this was great food. I was in heaven. The butter garlic naan had me on the verge of tears. The samosas were larger than I usually have them which was pleasant. It was a ton of food, definitely enough for two or even three people. We didn't manage to finish it. Aside from the food, the best part of this dining experience is the service. Some of the best I've ever had. Truly attentive and kind. I crave this place all the time. I've already been back twice in the span of two months.
(4)
Rosalind C.
I was wrong, I admit it. My first review is from 2008, and I've returned numerous times since I moved to Atlanta in 2011. Great lunch spot, solid and reliable. I crave it sometimes, so that first visit was an aberration. Sorry, great spot for some good Indian food in the Atlanta area.
(4)
Ashley S.
This is my go to Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is such a good deal for around $11. Large variety of foods to try, and the service is great. They got rid of the paneer tikka masala from the lunch buffet :( :(
(5)
Marcella G.
A spectacular lunch buffet for $11! Why I said it's spectacular? Because I came out happy and full :) Anyway, I recently trying not to eat meat (I used to do this back in IL, just because...) so I ate their spring roll and naan bread (nom nom nom). I love love their tomato and cheese sauce (I forgot the name but mm mm mm). Their palak paneer is too salty for my taste, but edible. The salad bar also good along with the mango dessert. It was very refreshing. I may not eat meat, but their meat selection looked very very tempting. My coworker ate the goat (they said it's the best). The chicken biryani looks ahmazing! Slurppp~ Service was fast and efficient even with a full house place (lunch time very packed; I saw a lot of office workers). Everytime I came back to my table with a new plate, my dirty plate was gone. This was my second time eating here. My first time coming here(summer last year) was also a pleasant visit. My friend and I tried the goat and mango chicken something. Both plates were wonderful. This place worth a next visit. Definitely!
(4)
Khuram D.
Nice Indian restaurant in Decatur with a nicer atmosphere than most others. The lunch buffet on the weekends is $12 and is more than others in the area but has a decent selection for both veg and non-veg. The food has good flavor, I tried a little bit of a variety of dishes. The manager was very nice, would recommend.
(3)
Deepak S.
After reading a lot of rave reviews and word of mouth, I decided to give it a spin. And I'm sorry to say that it didn't live up to my expectations or I can say for any foodie it won't stand. Craftsmanship, depth, taste and love was missing from the food. I tried chicken tikka sizzler and vegetarian thali and almost all of them stand to same standards. I will though give them five stars for ambiance. In terms of service, overall it was good but their servers are too casual and seemed in rush all the time. They were too focused on their assigned tables which could be good or bad at the same time. If you want to enjoy flavorful and mouth watering India food, take a drive and go to Sitar in Alpharetta.
(3)
Kareem I.
It was one of the worst experience ever in my life. I don't usually write bad reviews but seriously they deserve to shut down. The food was late, the server was very rude and they added extra 3 naan on my check that we didn't order. Finally they added 20% tip and they didn't remove it. Seriously dont go there
(1)
Seo P.
Lamb afghani is my favorite! I prefer ordering off the menu during lunch buffet. I've tried almost everything from the the menu. Chicken sagg, butter chicken, goat vindaloo, goat korma are also really tasty. This place is certainly the place to go if you are looking for Indian cuisine.
(5)
MK S.
First Visit : Went around noon on saturday. Gets the "Wow" factor. Nice environment, Nice servants, Many foreign visitors. Good food. Enjoyed. Definitely a five star, i would give if i haven't been there for the second time. Second Visit : Admired by the first visit, went to the same restaurant, next weekend. This time a bit late around 1.30 PM. Not too much crowd, but people are there something around 20 and scattered. Lots of empty places. I liked the mutton (goat) gravy they served during the first time and with the same expectation, took only mutton sauce and meat this time with rice. To my surprise, the food was not that hot and when i was eating, i find that the sauce was not fresh enough. I doubt, if they made it on the same day or served the left over food from previous day. Well, I have to mention that i just took mutton (goat) sauce and rice and left home. Later that day was a horrible nightmare. Got my stomach, a burnt feeling and suffered severe stomach ache and dizziness for the whole night. Next day full of loose stools... Have to end up with Imodium from Walgreens to stop it. I do not know what happened to me. Is this because, i had a slight overdose of mutton pieces than my wife. But my wife had not any problem. She took also goat but also some veggie stuffs. I had a similar situation, when i visited india and drank the water from the store. (I usually take my bottle of water since then wherever i go even within US). So something to be blamed either the Meat or the Sauce which were served cold. Regarding cleanliness, just don't ever look down. My Kid thrown her spoon on the carpet and she is a toddler and wanted to get the same spoon. When she got it i found, it was pinned to lots of hairs on it. So, not even worth for two stars for cleanliness. But however, the table is served neat with nice cutleries and smiling faces. Thats fine for one time visit. Chicken 65: For the first time, they served chicken 65 and the second time, a marinated chicken. They call it as chicken 65, but it is actually they made it similar to plantain buggy, with plantain replaced with chicken 65. (slightly marinated chicken piece, coated with the gram flour). This is the way little buddies who start their cooking makes chicken-65 and not the way they make it in professional restaurants. For example, try chicken-65 in zyka restaurent located on scott blvd and you know atleast a feeling of what chicken-65 looks like. The marinated chicken served during the second visit was bit dry and i didn't wanted to try too much. The good thing is that the gulab jamun are served hot both times, and nann's are replaced every 10 mins and you end up getting fresh always. I never eat veggies when i have non-veg items on store. But i try the desserts. The same desserts, rice pudding and fruit cocktails. Bit boring guys.. $13 weekend buffet is not cheap, for example, if you drive 30 miles above to gwineet, i found Moksha restaurant, with the similar menu (but you will get a fresh nan to your table and options for you to make chaat items yourself) with nice atmosphere (bar+similar) restaurants with nice food. Well, i went there just for one time and it is difficult for me to drive second time, but its worth to go for the second time and i believe, i won't get similar bitter experience. (May be you will find better restaurants closer by, but still i am exploring ..)
(1)
Victoria G.
I've been to a lot of Indian lunch buffets, and this one is one of the best. I'm not the only person that thinks this either - the restaurant opens at noon on Sundays and there were people already sitting inside waiting to eat when I got there. The restaurant started filling up immediately. The food was awesome. There was a great vegetarian selection, and my partner that eats meat loved the options. One of my biggest pet peeves at an Indian lunch buffet is that they usually don't have enough naan. But this place had an entire pan full of it, freshly baked and warm! Also, they had some non-typical buffet items, and a variety of desserts that don't usually appear on Indian buffets. The quality of the food was excellent for a buffet, and everything was mildly spiced - which I think is the only option for a buffet. Service was spot on. The people were a bit cold (?), but they always made sure my water was filled and ready to go - so I really can't complain. Go here - especially if you're new to the Indian-food scene. This is a great place to test out a bunch of yummy dishes.
(4)
Jimmy J.
GARLIC. NAAN. BABY. I wish I could use their garlic naan for pillows - it's so good. Lady gaga and her meat dress? pshhh... it's me and my garlic naan dress baby. I got the lamb vindaloo and the garlic naan, BOMBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB. Stop reading reviews here, and GET SOME.
(5)
Mathews A.
I went for Dinner. They arranged the seat for us very quickly. We ordered Special Biriyani and Prawn Biriyani.It was the best biriyani i ever had in America. As per our request they gave medium spice which was perfect even for the kids. The servers are great. I will sure come back here.
(5)
Nikki S.
Love this place! Their lunch buffet is packed with a variety of tasty items. The staff is very friendly & always remember me when I come back in. Their Chicken Tikka Masala is my favorite. I cannot get enough of it. By far, it is the best Indian I've eaten in Atlanta.
(5)
Rachel K.
Note: I am not an expert on indian food I've been here only once but the folks here left a very good impression on me 1. It's pretty big on the inside. I think I saw some outdoor seating? It may kind of look weird outside but once you step inside it is pretty nice. Parking is good too. I easily found a spot during lunch time! 2. Reason I came here. Since I'm not huge on indian food, I liked the fact they had a buffet. If I were an expert, I probably would have ordered off the menu. (Since I'm more into korean food, I can definitely pick items off menu versus buffet like foods when it comes to korean) 3. I actually had 2 full plates. It was very good. Kind of spicy. But liked it! Their chicken foods, whew, great. On the other cart, they had more soft foods. Equally as good, but spicy. They also had 2 kinds of rice! 4. Service. Was. On. Point. Even when they were busy, my bf and I were taken care of. I saw several families there too, so I could tell it was hectic but still, very happy with their service. If you're like me, and barely know indian food, come here and try the buffet. :)
(5)
Quinn V.
Lunch buffet for a cheap price at ~$8. The buffet has all that usual Indian dishes. There's a vegetarian bar, and from goat meat to tandoor chicken. There's also Rice pudding and mango for dessert. For the price, it is a solid place for lunch.
(4)
Christy M.
Just like Emma says, this is a solid restaurant. The food isn't as well spiced as it is other places I've tried, but it wasn't bad. This is a good place to bring people who might be shy about trying Indian food for the first time. Mostly North Indian food, very approachable for most people. The lunch buffet is very well-priced and has a good variety of veg and non-veg options. The dishes are all labeled (which I really appreciated), and they taste good. You won't have "The best _____ of your life" here but you can expect to enjoy whatever you eat. The veggie samosas in particular are tasty. Cafe Bombay is hugely popular in my office because it's nearby, decent quality, and a good value. The service is quietly efficient at lunchtime, the ambiance is subdued but not smothering. I've heard that it's incredibly crowded at peak meal times, but I've been right at opening time and then later around 2, and both times were pretty quiet while the food was still hot and fresh-tasting.
(4)
Shannendoah G.
I am really happy to live so close to a quality restaurant like this. When I found out that they deliver I almost lost my mind. I just relocated to Atlanta and the only delivery in my home city was pizza. I am looking forward to working my way through the menu starting with the lamb vindaloo.
(5)
Ruksana H.
I cannot believe I have not written a review for this place. Chanced upon it my first year in Atlanta and thought I'd go try. Best decision ever. Their lunch buffets are the bomb. I have been lunching and dining there since for the past nine years and have never ever found fault with their food, service or ambience. Every single time I've eaten here, the taste has been the same. That goat curry they make is fantastic. Everything on the buffet rocks - and we are talking 5-6 dishes each for veg and non-veg as well as condiments and 2- desserts. I don't even know if they've bothered increasing their prices of almost a decade. Not that it would stop me! I've celebrated one birthday there as well, taking over the event hall at the back with a large group of friends. Food was served steaming hot, within minutes. Love their shrimp curry too, the Goan one I think. I've taken friends from other cities there and they loved it. I've taken family from India to this place and they swore that goat curry did them in. Recommend it 100% any day.
(5)
Kiran K.
I don't know how this place got so many good reviews. I believe it might be due to the ambience and service (that's the reason for my two stars). But, as an Indian (and I also tried many different Indian restaurants), I can definitely tell that the food is absolutely tasteless.
(2)
Jessica Y.
I am a Bradfordian (someone from a small city called Bradford in the north of England renowned for excellent cheap curry) who is searching for a decent curry fix in Atl! I have tried several places and been dissapointed, I have also tried Purnima on Buford where I have to advise the food is excellent but the overall atmosphere and and experience is lacking!! Well the searching is over, I have found my curry haven. I completed my third visit here last night. On walking into cafe Bombay immediately you are pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and decor which is inviting, friendly and luxurious in that over the top tacky indian restaurant kind of way. I think you know what I mean. It is often busy but never crowded. The staff are friendly and seat you immediately. Last night there was a belly dancer which was great. She was dancing with children, there's a very laid back vibe which I like. They take your order in a timely manner and bring you water and free poppadums and pickles (always a sign of an excellent curry house). There is a bar here if you want a beer. The food is great. I have tried: Lamb rogan josh 5 stars- big tender chunks, not fatty, nice sauce not too spicy. Lamb korma- 5 stars- as above. A little bit of spice in the korma sauce which is good. Chicken tikka masala- 4 star- good, very mild and a little sweet so 4 not 5. Big chunks of tender chicken. Pea and potato curry- 4 star - tasty. Very spicy but goes well with raita. Chicken afghan (mango)- 5 star plus the best curry on the menu. Sweet, creamy a bit spicy. I did share this though, may be a bit much on its own. Rice is great and you get lots of it, it comes with curry you dont pay extra which is how it should be. Original and peshwari naans (filled with Sultanas and coconut) are delicious. I had the thali where you get to try two of the special curries. You also get raita, salad, naan, rice and rice pudding. Its great value and i would recommend if you like the sound of the special curries, you can share the naan on this with your friend. See photo. I have been to the lunch buffet where I have tried other dishes too. I would not recommend going to this. Its good value, 10 dollars all you can eat, but the food is not as good. I would only give the buffet 3 stars. Bring your ten dollars back on an evening and put it to one of the dishes i mention above. I can not wait to come back here. I will definately be trying vegetable samosas then because they look amazing!!!
(5)
L S.
Not only is the food amazing, but the service as well. I usually go for the lunch buffet. The goat curry is probably some of the best goat curry I've ever had. The saag is also delightful.
(5)
Purnima S.
Of all the Indian restaurants I have tried in Atlanta in past one year (I have tried most of the) , I like this place the best. Food is good, the ambience is decent, we have belly dancing Friday's which is cool. I want to give it 4.5 starts but did not want to give it a 4 either, therefore 5 is where I settle :)
(5)
Alicia D.
As far as Indian food is considered in ATL: THIS. IS. IT. You won't find better quality to price ratio other than here. The servings are large, the staff is super friendly and attentive, and the flavors and food are full and fresh. My boyfriend and I have made this our date night go-to, because its just that damn good. We probably go here 3-4 times a month. Go for the Aloo Tiki Chat for an appetizer. And of course, you can never go wrong with Chicken Tikka Masala. (We order ours "extra spicy" for the flavoring).
(5)
Jaina P.
This was the first Indian restaurant I went to when I first moved to Atlanta and my first experience was great. I went back a few times after and their food and service just wasn't the same. Food was often coming out cold and the taste just doesn't hit the spot, there's no kick to it. As far as the service, terrible! Three times of the handful that I've been there I've felt rushed. Definitely not my go-to for Indian food anymore.
(2)
Stephanie T.
We go here in a regular basis and have tried many menu items. Everything is good so far! They are also accommodating and patient with my food allergies.
(4)
Thanh N.
I went here twice for the lunch buffet (about $10 during the week, $12ish weekends) during my eight night-stay in Atlanta and I really liked it. It was my first time having Indian food and I wasn't disappointed. The Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandori chicken, naan and mint chutney were my favorites. The mango lassi was awesome, but my boyfriend said it's a bit overpriced ($4).
(4)
Raja V.
What can I say. An awesome buffet . The manager, Ricky was very attentive. I will say I was looking for a dish with more kick. Well, Ricky was kind enough to discuss this with us and offer special indian hot sauce at no extra charge. Needless to say, the hot sauce kicked my butt! Still a great overall value. I hope to come back and actually try an entree. P
(5)
Rashar d.
This place is soooo good. The buffet is so very tasty and the customer service is top notch. I love the way the food is seasoned it is just orgasmically tasty!
(5)
Stacy S.
Came here for their lunch buffet. The food here was excellent! I was surprised that they did not have curry chicken though. Ambiance and decor were lovely!
(4)
Elizabeth S.
Was in town for business, and went Monday night with a colleague/friend. SO good. In fact, so good that when someone Wednesday night suggested we go there I didn't object, even though I usually like to diversify my dining options on business trips. Night one, we shared an order of the chat -- it's a pretty big order, too much for two people, especially with the food that followed. The raw onion flavor was a bit overpowering, but the spice was great -- nice kick to it, too! My friend got the Afghani chicken with mango and loved it; I had the chicken korma, and also love it. We had an order of naan -- perhaps the best I've had to date. Ordered a second and almost finished it! Night two, 8 of us went and they were able to accommodate us without a reservation. Most of us ordered Thalis -- great price for the amount of food provided. The choices for the Thali were limited, but it was fine since they were all delicious: Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Paneer, Rice, Naan, Raita (excellent raita!) and what I think was rice pudding; I was too full! I would definitely return here next time I'm in the area and recommend it highly!
(4)
Michelle M.
Based on the reviews I had high hopes. Hopes DASHED! The Chicken Tikka Masala was TERRIBLE. It tasted like Chef Boyardee tomato sauce was used to to cook the chicken in. YUCK! The Rogan Josh (which is my FAVORITE Indian dish) was WAY too salty...probably an effort to cover the fact that it had no flavor. What stumps me about this is that the place was FULL of Asian Indians, which is usually a sign that the food in a place is good. That was not the case here. Maybe they have separate food for Americans? Will NOT return!
(1)
Nishant J.
Ok - quick review. My fave punjabi restaurant in Atlanta (The review is veggie centric ). Probably the best ambiance for Indian food in Atl (only one as good is bhojanic but bhojanic food is so bland and meh..) They got hookah and free papad/chutney on the table which def. adds something for me. Ok the pluses on food - Their Malai kofta/ Shahi paneer almost the same gravy are to die for. Comparable to some good to very good punjabi restaurants in Bombay ! Im a sucker for good nan and this place has the best bullet and garlic nan in town. The palak gravies are good too as is the tarka daal. Their gobhi manchurian was surprisingly good too as was the amritsari paneer (appetizer) The not so good is the service and the panner makhni or the red gravy mix vegetable or veg makhni/korma. Stay away from these. All in all its become a weekly hang out !
(4)
ILAN S.
I've had better Indian food. The service is good, and the flavor of the good is good, but it's not as good as other restaurants. The lamb/goat is very fatty...it's hard to find good pieces. The eggplant is just greasy mush. The rice pudding was soupy. The butter chicken is a little dry. Again, not bad, but, I won't be coming back as long as other places are open
(3)
Kelly Z.
Came here for dinner last night, we got veggie samosas and shared the chicken tikka masala with onion naan. They gave us a complimentary spiced cracker with a green chutney. The cracker was very salty and the chutney didn't really work with it. Samosas- filled with potato chunks and peas, tamarind sauce that came with it was perfectly sweet. pretty good. Chicken tikka masala- I asked for it spicy but it was completely mild which was disappointing. Flavor was on point and lots of big chunks of white meat chicken. Onion naan- soo good. buttery, oniony, naany perfection. This was more than enough food for two people and we had leftovers, the samosas and the creamy curry were delicious but both were on the heavier side. Service was attentive and very friendly. Also, this is probably one of the nicest indian restaurants I've been to in terms of ambience. They have the high backed leather chairs I love so much!
(3)
Savita N.
The decor is nice and busy restaurant thats why i think they dont care to welcome you with smile ,i went for sunday buffet wih family , the food is always same from Monday to sunday and this time the saag was stale even my mom said it , one guy with chef coat on don't know was chef or buffet refiller I told him about it and the owner with no expression always was listeling but never took any action . I was there Half an hour after that but they didn't change it . Please beware if you go and eat the buffet . They charge for 10 year old kid for full adult price even all American restaurant have different kids rate.
(1)
Sara M.
I wish I wasn't still full from dinner because I really want to eat my leftovers. The food was awesome and made me glad I chose this place to treat my SO for his birthday. The service was a little slow, but the food more than made up for it. This is definitely a place I'll have to come back to. From the outside, the place looks a bit like a possibly seedy nightclub. The windows are darkly tinted so you can't see inside and there are a couple of random posters tacked up near the door. Inside, though, the decor is classy and intimate. This place is perfect for a dinner with friends or a group date. We were brought water pretty quickly, but after that, it took a while for anyone to come by. Both of us ordered Indian beer. I went with the Taj Majal, which was smooth but flavorful. My dude chose the Haywards 5000. It was also good, but I liked mine better. We placed an order for vegetable samosas and naan. My SO chose the samosas, which were good, but I've never been a huge fan of the seasoning in them. The naan, though, was excellent. Warm, soft, and just plain yummy. I had to make a concerted effort to stop eating it so that I'd have room for my meal. I chose the lamb tikka masala. Ohhhh my goodness it was good. The sauce was mild and creamy with just a touch of sweetness. My SO had the lamb vindaloo, which is a spicy dish. I tried a bit of rice mixed with the sauce and yikes. It's a slow spiciness that sneaks up on you. He said that it was good, but kept sneaking spoonfuls of my sauce to mix with his rice. The guy who kept refilling our waters was on top of things. I don't think my glass ever got even halfway empty. But our server was a little slow in the beginning. And when we ordered dessert from someone different, it took a while to come out. But it certainly wasn't bad service and will not deter us from coming back.
(4)
Adree O.
I had not been a huge fan of Indian food till I finally visited Cafe Bombay. I had been wanting to come over a year. A friend of mine came by and said she had a taste for spice. The perfect time to visit Cafe bombay. We went for the lunch buffet on a friday and I also brought my 9 year old son (who is very finicky). the place wasnt crowded at all but still had enough patrons to make me feel that it must be ok. I tried so many different things and most were very tasty. I absolutely loved the Chicken Tikka Masala and the biryani. The fact that they serve biryani is why I wanted to come in the first place. I will be back!
(5)
Paige N.
I really need to learn to pace myself more... but it was so tasty I didn't want to stop! I met a couple of girlfriends at Cafe Bombay for dinner the other night, I'd been once before for their lunch buffet (also fantastically delish!), but this was my first dinner experience. And like I said, no one held back - calories be damned! My two friends have dined there many times (one's from India originally, so she really knows her stuff), and they both recommended I order one of the thalis since they come with your choice of two or three veggie and meat dishes, naan, rice, raita yogurt (like tatziki sauce) and rice pudding for dessert. Game on! To get the full effect of Cafe Bombay I ordered one veggie and one meat that night: I ordered a spicy veggie combo of peas and mushrooms and the chicken tikka masala (I love me some chicken tikka!). Both my friends also got thali combos but they stuck to vegetarian ones. And when the platters came out, I was delighted. It was a beautiful presentation - fresh baked naan and shredded lettuce in the middle of a round platter surrounded by five little individual dishes of basmati rice, steaming peas and mushrooms, hot chicken tikka masala, raita yogurt and a dish of rice pudding to finish it off. Hellooooo carb overload! But it was so good! The tikka was spectacular - I literally sopped up every bit of leftover sauce with my naan, the peas and mushrooms were awesome, the rice was moist and fluffy and the naan... I don't think I've ever had naan that good before. It was like crack cocaine in bread form! And even though I was beyond full before I even hit dessert, you can bet you bottom dollar I finished off the rice pudding. I think we all felt a little guilty afterward, but like I said it was so good, it was impossible to stop without finishing everything. And that's a really good reason I work out - so I can eat with abandon (sometimes at least - when the occasion warrants it). Along with the excellent food, the staff was very friendly and attentive taking our drink orders, refilling our water glasses regularly, and brining our food and check promptly. The decor is very comfortable too - plush chairs to linger in, nice table clothes and white napkins, and lower lighting that makes the whole place feel warm and welcoming. If you haven't tried Cafe Bombay yet, and you like some well prepared Indian food, go! Go, go, go! It's a great deal for really great food!
(5)
Kirti A.
The buffet was excellent. Decent number of varieties. Though, the sweets looked old, biryani was just awesome and chicken tikka masala was authentic. Will be back for the biryani
(4)
L. W.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant! I always get the couples special. For $32 you get two apps, 2 entrees, naan and dessert. It's all amazing and I always have lunch the next day. The servers could be a little more attentive but they are nice enough and as long as the food keeps tasting the way it does I will keep coming back!
(4)
Brian C.
The buffet is amazing, both in quality and value. No where else can you get such a huge variety of absolutely delicious Indian food. Every single thing here is so good.
(5)
John B.
I rarely give out 5 stars because rarely is everything perfect. Everything wasn't perfect here either, but easily dismissed. The service is a bit unusual, at least to us. The waiter takes the order, but other guys bring the food and yet other guys bus the table. Nobody is particularly friendly. The service is excellent, but unusual. I don't hold it against them, but if you like friendly chatter with a server, you will not get it here. The food: Out gold standard is the lamb bryani at Mount Everst in Evanston, IL. It's to die for. Well, the lamb bryani at Cafe Bombay was even better. Nuff said! Atmosphere: Very traditional looking. I have not been in India, but this is what I would expect there.
(5)
Stephanie V.
This place is the... dare I say it... Bombay! First off, the service was impeccable. Our server was kind, and our water glasses were never empty. Secondly, the price isn't bad at all at $11 per person, and there are plenty of dishes to meet the needs of carnivores and vegetarians alike! I'm sure you could pick out some great gluten-free dishes, too. Once you're done, you just walk up to the cashier-- no need to wait for your check, then your card, etc. and she was also very nice. My favourite thing is how GOOD all of the food was. Well-spiced, fresh dishes (long before things ran out they were replacing them with fresh stuff! I've not seen that in many other buffets before) and plenty for everyone. Great Halal meat dishes.
(5)
Christina J.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is nicer than what I was expecting. We had several different servers and I couldn't keep track of them except for two. One of them was a really sweet young kid with braces who gave us some extra bismati rice for our to go boxes and was all smiles the entire time. Another guy recommended a vegetarian dish that was "not on the menu" that consisted of spinach and chickpeas in a curry sauce. What came out was basically chicken saag (and that's what it said on the final bill). It was still good though and we're not vegetarians (see below) so we didn't say anything about the mix up. But he did come over to the table, looked at the chicken saag and noticed that it wasn't what he recommended by muttering something under his breath, but never directly said anything to us about it. We started off with the meat samosas and punjabi aloo chat. I thought the meat samosas were better than most other samosas I've had and the punjabi aloo chat was crisp and light. For our entrees, we had naan, chicken tikka misala (which was the entire reason we came here- my date was craving it) and the chicken saag. The naan and chicken tikka misala were both ok. I thought the chicken tikka misala was a little too sweet, which was odd. But the chicken saag was tasty, definitely my favorite of the entrees. There was also a bellydancer at certain points. It was a cool idea but a little unsettling when I saw a 9 year old girl stick a dollar bill in her skirt. They also have hookahs, which we didn't try. Seems like it would be good for a group setting on a Friday or Saturday night out but I was surprised as to how many families were there with their kids.
(3)
Megan F.
A delicious, reliable standby for me and my friends for Indian food. The food is consistently good, served in large portions, and fairly priced. The lunch buffet is definitely where it's at though; I always leave a bit too full and happy.
(5)
Jessica B.
This place is awesome. I had always been afraid to try Indian food because I always hated the way it smelled when people made it. It wash't the food I was actually afraid of; I just didn't want to be around those smells. My sister convinced me that Indian food was amazing and I had to try it. And as a foodie, I couldn't let something like fragrance keep me from trying anything. So we went to this place, and the first thing I noticed was that it was full of Indian people! I thought to myself, "Man...this is going to be great food!" You typically don't go to ethnic restaurants and see the people there because usually the ethnic food we serve in America isn't authentic. The second thing I noticed was that I didn't smell anything :-) The third thing I noticed was that there were all different types of people: black people (well, not that many lol), white people, old people, young people, business people, hipsters. I like places like that. Anyway, the food was awesome, and this is now one of my favorite restaurants! The food is not spicy like I thought it would be. The dining rooms are decorated nicely, and I think at times they have a belly dancer. But I think you may have to make reservations for that because she was there one night while we were, but we weren't seated on that side. Oh, the service is just ok. I hate to say it, but I never expect exceptional service from Asian restaurants. They are not rude people, but they just aren't raised when the kind of "manners" we are here in the southern US. So, don't get angry with them. Also, they have very thick accents, and I often have no idea what they're saying to me, so I just smile and nod. Oh! One more thing. I've only been there for dinner, but I think they must have a buffet for lunch. I'd like to make it sometime so I can try more things.
(5)
Mary S.
Had vegetarian thali for dinner, with remarkably good bread, raita, spicy spinach paneer, and curried onion fritters--all very good, served in cute little bowls on a biggish round platter. The atmosphere was pleasing and peaceful and the service was attentive, pleasant. The other clientele, oddly, were lumpy, frumpy Americans (my own kind) and elegant, beautiful, carefully dressed folks from the mysterious east. You know, with flashing kohl-rimmed eyes and ankle bracelets and stuff. Why? For lunch they have a buffet, with vegetarian and meat-centric dishes in two different lines, I like that. Anyway, their food is very good and they take good care of you.
(3)
Laura N.
Cafe Bombay is still my favorite Indian lunch buffet, serving Punjabi food, which is my favorite type of Indian cuisine. The price of the lunch buffet is currently $10 per person - less expensive than the price in 2010. I adore the chicken tikka masala, kadhai paneer, palak paneer, tandoori chicken, and the biryani. The saffron rice is also good. The naan was great when it was fresh out of the oven, but it turned rubbery once it got cold. Sit in the room with the pillows for a more exotic dining experience. This restaurant is still, by far, the classiest Indian restaurant I've ever visited.
(5)
Mick D.
You know that passage out of the _Kama Sutra_ where... Nevermind. Suffice it to say that the food is really good. And it doesn't matter if you're a carnivore or a vegetarian. Everything we ate was spiced in good balance, but if you want something hot enough to blow your pantaloons off, I'm sure they'll have no problem accommodating you. Most people know of this place for their highly regarded lunch buffet. Indeed, before this review, the buffet was all I'd ever experienced, and I will tell you that the buffet does present a very nice cross section of Indian dishes. I would easily bring an Indian-food neophyte here, and the "initiated" will also find plenty to enjoy. The cooks here really do seem to know what they're doing. There must be a traditionalist or two back in the kitchen. There's a reason this place gets so packed at lunchtimes, and it does stay busy throughout the lunch hours. I finally ate dinner at Cafe Bombay (no buffet at dinnertime), and was pleased to find the experience to be quite nice, perhaps even more enjoyable than the lunch buffet. Dinner dishes are hand-crafted. Guests seem to get more attention. And (of course) folks aren't in a rush to get back to work. Much more relaxed than the lunch hours, people are actually lingering over their meals. And it's true, the meal is worth lingering over. We chose to sample a wide variety of things among our table: The Chicken Malai Kabab and the Seekh Kabab (we chose chicken), are total hits. Especially the Seekh Kabab, minced chicken with spices and herbs, skewered and grilled. I'd never had it before, and will definitely have it again. We got the "Bread Basket" (three pieces of naan: Garlic naan, Onion naan, and Plain naan). I really enjoyed the Onion naan. I'll go back for that. We had the Matar Paneer (total crowd pleaser), some Dal Makhani (yum!), and the Gobi Manchurian (Spiced cauliflower cooked with bell peppers & onions in chili soy sauce). This Indo-Sino fusion dish is apparently a hit even among folks living in India, and I can see why. It rocks! We tried the Kadhai Shrimp, too (shrimp cooked with stir fried bell peppers and onions). I don't normally eat seafood at Indian restaurants (ahem!) , but I'm glad I tried this. It wasn't overdone, and it didn't clash with anything else on the table. The thing that really impresses me: even though I only eat here maybe two or three times a year, they remember me. And at dinner, they even remembered that they typically only ever see me at lunch. How they remember this, I have no idea. I do think Cafe Bombay is genuinely interested in taking care of their customers. Cafe Bombay has a private room for events both large and small, and I might just have to take a group there sometime...
(5)
Michelle F.
Enjoyed Cafe Bombay my entree was too spice for me I know its Indian food but my hubby who likes Thai said it was to spice for him. So ask about the spice level before ordering. I must say the waiter asked about my meal and said it was to spice for me he remade the dish without me asking. Which speaks to their excellent level of customer service that I received. The restaurant is located in strip mall with several other restaurants that I might try.
(4)
Zlatko U.
I went here the other night with a friend of mine. We had a phenomenal meal. This included a split appetizer and a main course that left us with food babies. Heck, I even had enough for leftovers! The service was pretty good, and our water glasses were always quickly filled. Unfortunately, they were closing down a bit early and kind of kicked us out with the looks and cleaning activity around us.
(4)
Cynthia D.
The lentil dish and naan I had was amazing but I can't stand rude service! They kept trying to rush us out. Four ladies out to dinner, all drinking and all ordering food? What was so bad about us?? There were plenty of open tables, no wait at the door, but the servers kept demanding that we hurry up. Also, we got there at 5:30pm so it's not like we were keeping them past closing time. About 4 of them stopped by trying to put my carry-out in a plastic bag. I hate plastic bags because I love the environment so I kept politely refusing the bag. Finally, this guy came up, didn't even ask, grabbed my food, threw it in a plastic bag, and walked off without saying anything. Whhhaaat. Definitely had intense, prompt service!! Despite all this, I can't drop below three stars because the ambiance is very cute, the restaurant was easy to park at, and the food was great!! Maybe we just caught them on a weird night.
(3)
Natasha G.
Love this place. I have been coming here for a few years and love the atmosphere and the people. The staff is always welcoming and friendly. The curry chicken entre is to die for. If are in the mood for fine Indian cuisine, I would recommend you come here. This is the number one spot for sure.
(5)
Cindy W.
Since Panahar was a little too far for my friend and I, we decided on Cafe Bombay. The weekend buffet is $12, which isn't awful. I'm not even sure if I'm spelling half the things correctly, but the menu selection included: Khadafi chicken Punjabi Khadafi paneer tandoori chicken- that really red chicken? chicken tikka masala - tomato and cream stewed chicken goat curry some coconut-based cream vegetable curry some type of fried vegetable and curry saag palak- spinach curry vegetable pakoras - fried veggie mixture raita- creamy cucumber & yogurt based sauce salad preserved vegetable accompaniments naan gajar halwar- dessert chopped carrot mixture fruit custard rice pudding gulab jamun I think overall the food was palatable, but my only gripes were that the spice was SO toned down, and that the meat was quite dry/overcooked and thus, tough. The best dishes were the vegetable curries, tikka masala, tandoori chicken, and goat curry (though you really had to dig to find anything other than bones and sauce). The raita cucumber sauce is completely refreshing, though the salad needed some work. There were brown edges to them! Ew! The naan wasn't fluffy, per se; it retained a more egg-like crepe texture than anything else. The rice pudding wasn't bad, and I've always gagged on gulab jamuns, no matter what renditions, so I steered clear on those. The fruit custard/pudding/sauce was very thin, and I don't know if it was intentional or not, but the fruit in it was canned. Kind of gross....the gajar halwar was all right though, but it is what it is- sweetened carrot mixture. Cafe Bombay remains one of the better furnished Indian restaurants I've been to, replete with dark, granite tables, very dim lighting, and eccentric/religious baubles/statues near the food. I found the music to be kind of disconcerting and waaaay too mellow. I just wanted to curl up and cry, listening to piano renditions of Guzarish and Apologize (One Republic). I didn't think the food was overly salty, but I was definitely feeling the weight when I ingest too much sodium 5 hours afterwards. Definitely drink a lot of water after you eat here. Overall, not bad, but I'm not dying to come here. I reaally, really lamented the toned down spices. So much lost potential. It's like taming a tiger. Who does that?
(3)
Han L.
ehhh, I had the lunch buffet. It's a solid 3 in my book. The servers here were very attentive, helpful, and friendly. I liked how the dude brought my messy self more napkins, even before I requested any. That's conscientiousness! It's a decently decorated restaurant w leatherette chairs. It's 10.99 for lunch buffet. It's naan tasted like tortillas. Good buffet food: I. chicken tikki massala - most tender meat on buffet II. kheer ( rice pudding) - not too sweet, has milky taste, bit of pistachio, I'm guessing, in it III. galjjar ka halwa ( shredded carrots) - I can eat this all day long. It tastes almost like sweet potato souffle, but via carrots! Some of the other foods: tandoori - ehh -- it's ok galub jamun - not good; did not tasted fresh palak paneer - clearly it's been sitting out, so it was oxidated green and salty. Hey, I still ate it. I like that shite I'd like to try items from their menu one day and compare them to the buffet items. Yelp 365 #35/365
(3)
J. W.
My son and I waited out Atlanta rush hour traffic after spending several hours with my angry, demented mother. It was a refreshing oasis in the middle of two miserable sh*#storms. We had the chicken korma and chicken Goa, both delicious. The food is perfectly seasoned and cooked to well. The staff is attentive, albeit drenched in Polo cologne. I will definitely return to try their lunch buffet.
(4)
Ivan S.
I like Indian food, but I don't crave it like I do other cuisines. Cafe Bombay could make me change that. Everything I had, from the Desi wings to the paneer cheese encrusted naan to the chicken masaala, made me actually want to call the Delta Airlines CSR I bitched at last week and apologize to him directly for my bad behavior. I think his name was "Ken." The food came out quickly and they handled our large crowd pretty easily. But we weren't the only large crowd there as most tables had at least 6 or more tops to deal with. The room itself was pretty nice, our tables topped with Corian and only one of the four needed Macguyvering to fix the wobble. Eric S. brought some "You've been yelped!" cards but failed to actually leave them on the table. He was going to go back in when we pointed out the "Yelp loves us!" sticker on the door. And you know what? Yelp does indeed love Cafe Bombay. Five stars!
(5)
Bongo S.
For a white southern boy, I love ethnic food. Maybe it's my affinity for Buford Hwy, which I grew up off of and still live nearby. I could never fathom spending my time or money on the trendy joints that have sprung up in my hometown in the last 10 years (closer to five probably) but that's just me. Cafe Bombay fills a need in my soul to get something quick, tasty and cheap. I have eaten off the menu a few times, but that gives a limited space on my plate for the things that I really want, which is meat. The lunch buffet is 10 bucks and I can sample a variety of decent Indian treats. Unlimited naan, okay it's cold, but it's a filler anyway, and choices of somewhat under seasoned protein. Like I said, in and out in under 30 minutes and I have the farts all day. My dog loves that when it's hot out and the window are up and the air is on .
(3)
Yvonne G.
First of all, Cafe Bombay is not my place at all. I heard about this place from my friends. Since I really enjoyed Indian food from some other places. I decided to try Cafe Bombay. Maybe I just didn't order the right things. Second, OMG. I didn't find their health score at the restaurant. So I checked online after I got home. It was 71-C, low C!!! It was from August 19th, 2010. They had other scores also. The highest was 90, the lowest was 60. I guess it might be my first and last visit unless my friends drag me to there. These are what did we order: Beverages: Mango Lassi - $4.00 (3 and half stars) It wasn't the best Mango Lassi I had ever had. But it wasn't the worst either. Rose Water Lassi - $4.00 (2 Stars) It was too watery. I like sticky Lassi better. Appetizers: Assorted Vegetable Platter - $8.00 (4 stars) There were one Assortment of Samosa, one Spring Roll which was cut into half and some Vegetable Pakoras. It was my favor after all. The Spring Roll tasted like some Chinese Spring Roll. It was nothing special. Usually, I like Samosa a lot. Cafe Bombay's was okay. I had better one before. About Pakoras, it was some deep-fried potatoes with cumin, and it was really good. Entree: Chili Chicken - $12.00 (2 stars) From their menu's description: Chicken with bell peppers and onions in a spicy chili sauce. I was really disappointed when I had the first bit. And I didn't want to try one more bit of it. The Chili Chicken tasted like from some Americanized Chinese sweet and sour chicken with some chili sauce. It was the lest thing I expected at an Indian restaurant. And we also ordered some oily lamb dish which was not worth to mention it. The naan was pretty good, tasted like garlic bread. The rice we ordered was okay. That's about everything.
(2)
Dai T.
Lunch buffet is awesome. Tikka Masala! Saag Paneer! Curry Shrimp Goa! (wasn't great and not usually on the menu...but the sauce was pretty darn tasty) Great way to try some good Indian food without the hefty price tag. Buffet price seems to change based on weekday vs weekend. $9.99 vs $12.99 but still great value for the food. Also, its nice to see Indians eating here. For some reason, it gives the food some street cred in my book!
(4)
Mia C.
One of the best Indian buffets I've had in Atlanta. Though it is situated in a rundown strip mall, the food makes up for the location. We went for the dinner buffet and was impressed.
(4)
Dio S.
A very decent dinner can be had with a group. Underwhelming lunch buffet. At the lunch buffet I was offended by the soggy, flavorless Chicken 65. Several vegetarian dishes are good, but the only meat dish worth eating is the goat curry, like many have said. Also disappointing was limited selection of pastry items. It is a more expensive lunch buffet than most Indian places, without seemingly having an obviously larger selection or higher quality. I had good experience eating dinner here with group. The quality of dinner items was good with a respectable variety one would expect from a place that does banquets and has belly dancers. After eating here several times, it feels like an okay place. Kind of expensive for what you get. And I definitely won't be doing the lunch buffet again.
(3)
D L.
Usually go for lunch buffet. The selection seems slimmed down from previous years. Food is okay. Naan is okay. Rice is okay. Service is okay. For the price, eh, I don't think the food is good enough to warrant subsequent visitations.
(2)
Kevin K.
Wow, this is alongside Rose of India in Chamblee as the best Indian food I've had in Atlanta! (And Rose of India has good days and bad days.) It REALLY hit the spot, and I wasn't even hungover. Went for lunch buffet, which is the biggest buffet I've ever seen at an Indian restaurant. Two whole separate spreads - one vegetarian, one meat. Makes it very easy for vegetarians. The Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Biryani, and Matar Paneer were the highlights for me. This is also one of the "nicer" Indian restaurants I've been in anywhere. Unless they're pointlessly fancy and overpriced, Indian restaurants tend to be pretty no-frills. This one definitely felt like an Indian restaurant, but just at the very nicest end of that feel. It's clearly extremely popular. The place is huge and it was packed. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Megan W.
I've only been lucky enough to enjoy the ($10) lunch buffet. Try not to go during peak lunch hours because it does get super crowded and the register is right in the middle of the two buffets which causes the line for food and paying customers to intertwine. Try the chicken tiki masala- you won't regret it. They also have a vegetarian option for it, but only on certain days. Oh, and get the carrots! Delish!
(4)
Sabrina J.
Love this place. I go all the time. Halal so I can eat the chicken!! :) Chicken biryani, tikka masala and butter chicken all delicious. They have a lunch buffet that is totally yummy, plenty of options and a good price. Not sure what they are called but little boneless slightly breaded chicken with the red look of tikka was sooo good.I also hardly ever like rice pudding but theirs is super cold and yummy. It is all pretty mild (flavorful, but not HOT spicy) so if you want it hot reiterate it! One of the managers is really nice ( i do not remember his name at the moment). Also I came in late from their lunch buffet (about to close in 15 minutes, but they let me eat from it anyway, even bringing out extra rice pudding even though they said that they would not replenish off of the buffet since it was about to close). The other wai staff is attentive, not overly friendly, but they do whatever you ask in accomodating your food order and do not bother you much. My go to for Indian in ATL. THey also mentioned that they have belly dancing onFridays and Saturday--but I have never been in for it. Also they have hookah in the back room area (also never done it yet), so if I ever get a dinner companion I will probably try it. #singlegirlproblems lol.
(4)
R J.
I actually heard about this restaurant from a chef so I decided to give it a go. For starters, the gentleman who took my order... was very courteous and I would imagine heard me well when I said, "please... less oil in everything if possible"... The If possible thing probably threw him off because the 'to go' order was brimming with oil! The chicken pcs were large, un-marinated hunks of meat which were actually inedible. Lastly, I hate long reviews so I'll just say... when customers say LESS OIL.... Please listen to them! This place is another unimpressive restaurant in the lucrative Indian Atlanta landscape.
(1)
Christofer P.
So not good. It was cheap Indian food for good Indian food prices. We will never go there again. The Trader Joe's frozen meals are better. We'll stick with Planet Bombay (L5P) or Madras, or anything BUT this place. Meh.
(1)
Amaryllia L.
I'm not a big fan of Indian food, mainly because I followed an Indian friend home in 5th grade and experienced real home-cooked Indian food, complete with sitting on the floor and eating luke-warm, bland, mushy food with our hands. Well, that was 20 years ago. Today, I changed my mind because a group of coworkers wanted to come and the positive Yelp reviews made me feel pretty good about it. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality and price ($10) of their lunch buffet...and I no longer have a hatred/fear of Indian food! Clearly, I wasn't the only one who felt that way though because the place was paaacked! Luckily, they have plenty of space to fit everyone so no worries. Minus one star only because the dessert balls in syrup were terrible and the food is actually quite heavy and rich, which isn't ideal for lunch or as a buffet. I left over an hour ago and am still having trouble breathing (stomach taking up my lung space methinks) and struggling to stay awake at work. I'm also feeling extremely unhealthy right now, like my blood is turning into a greasy sludge, so visits back here in the future will be very limited. PS. Goat is da bomb!
(4)
Saira K.
So sorry about my recent lunch experience here. There wasn't any naan, and when it was brought out, it was as hard as a cracker. The biryani was cold. This place has potential. Maybe they've become a bit careless. I have enjoyed lunch and dinner here, but now that the naan is inedible, I'm reluctant to return.
(2)
Treasure A.
So I love Cafe Bombay. I always crave more after I leave. Anyways, here is my review. This is the first Indian restaurant that I visited in Atlanta. My first visit was during the lunch buffet with a professor. She told me what she generally got, but the food was so good that I wound up trying everything. I liked it all especially the spicy chicken and the goat. I usually just eat that with the rice, some naan, and go in for a good 30 minutes. My second or third visit I tried all of the deserts at the recommendation of my server. The rice pudding was soooo good. He brought them all to me, told me the names, and asked how I liked them afterwards. (Interjection: I had Indian food at a traditional Indian wedding that was sponsored by a small family owned company sometime after my first experience with Cafe Bombay and, in my opinion, the food at Cafe Bombay was more flavorful and definitely spicier than that.) Finally, I am eating my leftovers from yesterday. I got the lamb vindaloo, meat samosa, and naan. Yesterday, it was so great. My friend had to stop me from eating all of my vindaloo because it was definitely enough for two people (for only $12!!) Also, the samosa's were much bigger than I expected and two had me very full along with the glass of water that the waiter kept refilling. I was literally sniffing from the spices, but it was so delicious I kept eating. Today, it was even better! I put the naan in the oven, added some almond oil and water to the rice and lamb, let it simmer a little. 15 minutes later I can still taste the spices and flavors in my mouth. I'm literally in bliss right now. I also love the general ambiance of the restaurant and I like the music.
(5)
JaneDoe D.
We saw the owner's adult son take up his plate twice to the buffet without getting a new plate. He was eating as he was putting the new food on top of the old food. The serving spoons were touching where his fork had been. It was disgusting and against the FDA food code! I've been going here a couple of years and the food is alright, but the customer service has always been bad -- they treat you like they don't need or want your business. Now that we've seen the son/manager treat the buffet like his own personal trough, we will not be returning. If you do go, be careful not to fall down the big stair that takes you into the back dining room. It's another thing that is not up to code.
(2)
Ben-Sheryl B.
While my wife and I were on our honeymoon a little over a month ago, she discovered that Indian food was her new favorite food. I took her to Cafe Bombay (where I occassionally go for lunch with my co-workers) and this is her new favorite place. It's buffet but we're so weird, we only get 3 things: naan, rice and chicken tikka masala. It's amazingly good. It's about $11 per person with tax but you stay full ALL DAY (ok maybe because we go overboard there!) but it is so good! We are too scared to try any other Indian restaurants because we are too spoiled here. Delicious!
(5)
J. G.
Great British Indian Restaurant. The Vindaloo is proper hot.
(5)
Tabetha J.
Well, I've been having some exposure to Indian food lately. Apparently I was at a super authentic SOUTH indian restaurant last weekend, so the food was completely different than Cafe Bombay. I came here for lunch. There was the typical Indian Buffet going on. This is more along the lines of what I'm used to when it comes to Indian food. I had some butter chicken, some rice, some pink kind of meat and some yellow spicy rice, potatoes... I liked everything I ate. The atmosphere was nice and the wait staff literally stands there watching the dining room waiting to either pour you some water, clear your plate, or just give you a smile. Good stuff. I wonder what dinner is like...
(4)
Malay B.
One of the worst places I have eaten in my life. Rude waiters, nasty behavior from everyone. Seems like they are not happy having customers there. Avoid at all cost.
(1)
Renee B.
I took the guy here for his bday last year and we went on a night when they had the bellydancers. We had the goat curry and some other stuff but all i remembered was the naan. It was so good. We went back another time for the lunch buffet and since then, I've gone back by myself a few times for the lunch take out. I always get the Biryani rice, Goat curry and Naan. What I do is dip my naan in the curry and omg it's so good. I take it back to the lunch room at work and I can see the vultures lurking around waiting for my leftovers or castaways but I give them the evil eye and they all fall back. *smirks*
(4)
Phoebe W.
This is my favorite Indian food in the city. I go for the lunch buffet almost every Sunday and it's always consistently delicious. As a vegetarian, I am always pleased to have all of the vegetarian options. Baingan ka bharta, palak paneer, navratan korma, and those delicious onion pakora! I love it all and have brought many of my friends who previously didn't like Indian food and now love it!
(5)
Shelby S.
Always delicious and good prices.
(5)
james m.
I've been eating here for many years, always love it.
(5)
TJ W.
My daughter & I went here recently when she came home from college for the holidays. She had never had Indian food. I've had it before & just recently returned from Spain where I went to an Indian restaurant that was magnificently yummy!! Bombay had been referred to me by a few of my co-workers who frequent the place regularly several who are Indian so I felt pretty confident going in that it would be a good choice. Well needless to say she loved it & we had Indian food again a few days later in Louisiana since she is now such a fan. The waiter suggested a dinner that was priced for 2 that included an appetizer, 2 entrees and a dessert. He said that it was a good "starter" option that allows you to try a variety since we didn't go for the lunchtime buffet which is ALL THE RAGE! We were very pleased with the meal & even ordered several other items that I enjoyed when in Spain that I wanted her to try. Final Comment - Very good food, great service, Very pleasant experience!
(4)
Addy C.
Cafe Bombay's lunch buffet is the best in Atlanta - I used to come here many times when I worked in midtown. After a long hiatus, I went again last week w/ a friend and the food's still very good, the place very packed. My favorites were the chicken kebobs marinated in cream cheese, the tandoori chicken, and the pureed sweet carrots for dessert. Service was very good & attentive, as usual. The lunch buffet is $10.05 + tax on Mon-Fri, and $11.99 + tax on Sat-Sun.
(4)
Sabrina C.
I'll be honest right around the corner from this joint is my favorite Indian place, it looks like an indian deli however and isn't open for dinner. This is a nice sit down Indian place, it offers a lunch buffet that is ok. The paneer is good as are many of the lentil dishes.
(3)
Lauren A.
Great food! Too bad it wasn't until AFTER we paid and ate that I realized the health inspection score was an 85. *disappointed sigh* I'll be back when they step up some.
(3)
Tig G.
Amazing! Loved all the food we had. great service, server made the whole table laugh.
(5)
Perry F.
This is the first Indian restaurant I've ever gone to and as far as I'm concerned it can be the last. The tikka masala is so buttery and spicy and good that the only answer is monogamy. Culinary monogamy to this restaurant. I like it and I intend to put a ring on it. All joking aside, I can't comment or discount people's bad experiences but I've always had great and consistent service and food. The first time I came here for the buffet I sampled a little bit of everything, even a brown meat I didn't recognize. Turns out it was goat. Do you realize the internal struggle that would have wracked me if I was in a position to convince myself to eat goat? Cafe Bombay and the poor labeling at its buffet made that decision for me. I wouldn't change it for the world. One last anecdote: I took my extremely foreign-food-phobic boyfriend here despite his protests. He ended up loving the naan so much that now he gets a few orders to go and keeps it at home to heat up later in the oven. So that's two thumbs up for the price of one in this review!
(5)
Heather N.
This is a solid Indian buffet, but I am taking a star off for chewy cold naan on the buffet (not served hot at the table), and a serious lack of spice in all of the dishes. The tart plum & green chutneys are tasty, but needed some samosas/papadum/pakora/patties/chaat to put them on. The veg korma was quite nice- it reminded me that lima beans are actually good. The goat curry had a great, earthy, cinnamony sauce. ChickenTikka is straight up Campbell's tomato soup. Not much else really stood out, but I did leave happy and (overly) full.
(3)
Anj M.
I'm Indian, so my standards for Indian food are fairly high. That said, this is my go-to place to take people who haven't had Indian food before and/or can't handle spice. I've been for dinner before, and like an earlier reviewer, was super confused by the belly dancer. It'd be a lot like having a Hula dancer in a Chinese restaurant...*vague* similarities in culture, but not really. Once I got over the belly-dancing weirdness, dinner was alright. The reason this gets 4 stars and not 3 is because of the location (close to Emory and Executive Park), and the lunch buffet. Whenever my hankering for Indian food gets really hardcore on a weekday, I grab some friends and race here over the lunch break. I'm glad this place exists, but I wouldn't be sad if something better/more authentic opened up in a similar location.
(4)
Victoria D.
Great menu, very authentic, reasonably priced, and completely yummy. I had a combination dinner and for $13 I had chicken tikka masala, creamed spinach, rice, naan bread, a cucumber/mint sauce, and a dessert of a rice and sweet milk. It was beautifully presented, with each dish being in a small tin and placed on a round tray. It was easy to share the food around so we could all try it, and I had leftovers. My one complaint would be that it was really not spicy, and I wasn't even asked if I wanted it spicy or not spicy. Not sure if this is because I'm not Indian and it's just a stereotype that we don't like spicy food, but next time I'll just make sure to tell them I want the dish to be spicier. All in all, a good place.
(3)
Jonah K.
This place has gone downhill, but its still good for buffet. Its odd that the dinner service is not as fresh as the buffet. I am not sure why this is the case, but I am only going for buffet in the future.
(3)
Kevin Z.
The staff is slipping. Only need to listen to themselves to improve the small items that need improvement. 1. To chastise a customer for wanting hot naan during lunch with the admonition " if i do it for you, i have to do it for everyone", is the same as saying " all the customers are demanding hot naan at lunch". A customer focused restaurant would say, why not deliver hot naan to each table with the water and silver ware? How hard is that? 3 minutes after it sits on the buffet its cold and is easily fixed. 2. bring back the wings on lunch..chicken 65 gets dry fast. 3. cook the goat an hour longer....way to tough and chewy. The Chef must be a vegiterian. Do these things and I will give a 5 star rating. From a loyal customer.....15 years plus. 4. where is the bindhi and the lentels?
(3)
Zewditu D.
I was very happy with my visit to Cafe Bombay. We needed a spot for a quick lunch and buffet was a great idea to get in and out. I mostly load up on chicken tikka masala, and Cafe Bombay did not disappoint. Also, very good was the red chicken. Yum. Will definitely be making a return visit. Very affordable for all the food you are able to get.
(4)
Robert M.
I have to rate what I tasted...and what I tasted was the lunch buffet. I imagine dinner is better and maybe will come back at some point to try this. Maybe. However.... I had the lunch buffet. Let me be clear on this point: I hate buffets. Let me be crystal clear on this point: Buffets suck. Almost every buffet I've ever been to sucked. Save a few in Vegas for breakfast, and Nori Nori here in Atlanta is a decent buffet. Otherwise, they suck. Suck. Suck. Suck. Cafe Bombay is no exception. I felt like Clark Griswald eating blue noisy jello molds. It sucked. Pretty much every meat dish was overcooked. There was some surprise chicken dish that was not only dry, but flavorless. The tikka masala was brutal. The tandoori was well done to say the least. The naan was limp. There were shards of bone in my biryani attempting to puncture body parts. The vegetarian side was marginally better than the meat side. The desserts were scary. Didn't even attempt that. Hate to buffets. Much hate. I don't know why I subject myself to this abuse. At $10, it makes it even worse. To sum it up: Suck. Hate.
(2)
Karen N.
Really liked the food. Good nan, rice, lamb vindaloo and several other vegetarian dishes. We went on Friday night and it was crowded-a good sign. But the order taking was chaotic and they had a belly dancer starting at about 8:30 p.m. with very loud music. Nothing against belly dancing, but it seemed a little early for the loud music, and belly dancing is not even an Indian tradition. What up? Friends say that the lunch buffet is a really good value.
(3)
pauper c.
I am reviewing their lunch buffet here. Cons: 1. Extremely bad vegetarian options. The vegetarian curries are also cheap, quickly made ones. 2. None of the items had a standard quality. The vegetables they use are cheap. The spinach in palak paneer was tasting very old. The curries are so much oily. The rice is just brittle which means it is old. Quality is overall bad. 3. The Nans are not fresh and your teeth will hence break biting them. 4. The overall service is bad, which is pardonable if they had good food atleast. Will never go here anymore. There are many other great Indian lunch buffet places, who give better quality food and use better quality ingredients.
(1)
Amanda M.
My husband and I enjoyed coming here for the lunch buffet. I have to agree now with the 1 and 2 star ratings. Once a few months ago, I was given a water glass with a huge missing shard at the lip and to large cracks running down the sides. I accidentally drank from it before noticing. One of the zombie wait staff who have no skills or training took the glass in the back with no apology and just threw it away. I never received a new glass of water. When we called the manager over, he handled it well and was very concerned. At the time, none of us were sure whether I had sallowed any of the glass, but I am fine and have had no problems. I was impressed with him personally, but his clueless staff are a liability he should be more concerned about. It took us a few months after that to return. But today we were in the mood for Indian buffet, so we decided to make a return trip and give Cafe Bombay another chance. My two star rating is for the fact that the zombie wait staff seemed even worse this time. There seel to be a dozen people who appear to work there, wearing name tags, yet you are treated like cattle at best. But worse is the lack of value of the food vs. the price you pay for it. If this was your only experience at an Indian restaurant, you would think India only had 10 dishes total. The vegetarian side of the buffet today had spinach but not any of those Indian cheese cubes (paneer?), there was a basic chick pea dish lacking complex flavor, and the two other choices were an onion dumpling that just tasted like flour swimming in a thick gravy also tasting like flour, and then another dish that was some kind of chick pea flour ball in another sauce. If you go to panahar, you will get dishes that contain fresh vegetables like cauliflour and whole fingerling potatoes, not flour-based balls of filler smothered with bland gravy. seeing the negligent behavior of the staff first hand at Cafe Bombay and reading reviews here of people getting sick from the food, I do not even want to imagine what goes on in the kitchen.
(2)
Winston G.
Went to this place with a number of other Emory Law folk and had a great meal here. We were able to try a number of dishes, including the samosas, the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, shrimp vindaloo, and some vegetable dishes. They were all up to par with what a great Indian restaurant should be. The naan was also well made. I didn't like the service very much (we were with about 10 people) and the rice was way too dry/old. However, all in all, I enjoyed my meal and will be coming back here again.
(4)
Roy A.
Probably not fair to rate a restaurant on the basis of its lunch buffet. For that reason, I'm giving it an extra star, for the benefit of the doubt. Buffet food was reasonable in price, REASONABLY flavored, albeit bland on the heat scale, and excessively focused on meat. For the price, a pretty good Indian buffet. Personally, a better choice is across the mall at Chat Patti, the vegetarian Indian cafe.
(4)
Robert H.
Piled in here Sunday 3:30 for the buffet after being too late for another place Selection is basic meats / veg and salad. Most of the dishes resemble Indian food and probably contain a vast majority of the same ingredients. Sub par at best. Then throw in 15 bucks a pop (with Soda ) phew..... Thoughts on a couple of items I tried Budgia: I was surprised to see this on the buffet, very daring !! Turns out too daring. Supposed to be warm. crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Actually, luke , dry, spongy and tough.. Naan Supposed to be hot fluffy and light. Closer to pita bread than naan. To be fair though only a few buffets pull this off by delivering the bread to your table when you arrive. Roti would be a far better choice for a buffet Chicken 65 OK I never heard of this dish until I moved to Atlanta nevertheless this version tastes like fried chicken soaked in red food coloring I don't consider this traditional Indian fare all tastes remarkably bland. better off going to an Indian grocery store buying some sauce in a jar and experimenting that way. Crikey, I could put together something better than this with my eyes shut.. CYA !
(1)
Dina C.
Due to traffic and other circumstances, I ended up back here for dinner. We got a lamb kabob and the dry chili paneer. It was really good and huge upgrade in flavor and quality from the lunch buffet. The dry chili paneer was incredible. I won't come here for the buffet, but I might make this a dinner spot.
(3)
Mike Y.
I've visited Cafe Bombay twice already and the second experience wasn't as good. We had a party of 5 so they sat us in the party room where I'm guessing they do the catered events. Midway through the drinks the lights dimmed and they started blasting some middle eastern music. A belly dancer came out and started to perform. It was actually quite annoying... I just wanted to eat my dinner in peace. Our table ordered a variety of curries that all kind of tasted the same. The only difference being the goat curry which had good flavor, but was full of bones and not much meat. the curries ran the gamut from mild to decently spicy. The Tikka Misala was spicy but not overwhelming. Everything else was just meh... I used to like this place for solid Indian cuisine in Atlanta, but after this experience I might go try others.
(3)
Seung G.
This was my first experience at an Indian place where most of the customers weren't Indian. The Not-So-Good To start things off, I wasn't quite sure if the Tandoori Chicken was cooked in the actual clay stove. It didn't have the full tandoori flavoring compared to other places. Also, the naan wasn't really warm. Since this was during buffet time, the naan was just sitting out with no heating. Overall, this place had a limited selection in food options. What's Good? Service was great. They had a lot of waiters that immediately picked up finished place and always refilled water. Most of the dishes I did like. Even with the limited choices in food, most of the dishes were good.
(3)
Kevin W.
This is our go to place for Indian food in Atlanta since it was recommended by a friend and we tend to repeat the same ethnic places that we like. I have never been here for the lunch buffet and only for dinner. I guess maybe the food is better when it's not buffet? The service is always pretty good. Although at times you have to flag down a waiter/waitress for more naan or rice after the meal is served. Anyway, I normally get the Bombay mixed grill. The portion is large enough to make 2 meals. It doesn't come with sauce like some of the other items, but gives a nice sampler of meats i.e. chicken, salmon, shrimp and some kind of sausage. I guess the biggest reason I get this one is because it isn't served in a bowl with lots of sauce (I can't handle how rich some of the sauces are). 4/5 for great portion size and enough flavor for me without overpowering. I've had the chicken 65 which I've seen at a few restaurants. It was pretty bland compared to other menu items. In essence it was like the lightly breaded version of boneless chicken wings you can get at most wing places with coloring. I'd say this menu item is a 2/5. I've also had the butter chicken. This one comes in a rich creamy sauce. It has a creamy flavor with a tomato twist? I like getting this one on occasion because it's just so rich. I'd say this menu item is 3/5 since the flavor is average. The naan though is amazing. Particularly the garlic naan. In a group of 4, we can go through 3 orders of this along with rice in a sitting because it's so good. The naan pieces are large, maybe about the size of half a plate each.
(4)
Alex K.
All in all a tasty buffet for an affordable price. Everything was tasty and I ate til I could eat no more. The meats were a little dry, but otherwise it was good. I was happy and would come back when I had another craving for Indian food.
(3)
Tom N.
This is the second time I've tried Indian food, and I was impressed. The service was great. The restaurant noise is very quiet. We had the chicken masala with basmati rice. We also had a couple of appetizers. Our bill wasn't too bad (around $30+).
(4)
Jessica M.
I finally made it to Cafe Bombay after a year in Atlanta without a car. While hard to reach by public transportation, this restaurant is a destination worth a visit for affordable and authentic indian cuisine. We had a variety of dishes but I'd recommend the vegetable samosas - they were light and the tamarind sauce that accompanied the appetizer was delicious. The waiter also recommended many types of specialty drinks he could make for us; in the end they were tasty but not that strong so keep that in mind -- they were $7.50 each.
(4)
Wanda J.
The food is overpriced, but decent. The hubs and I went for a group dinner and ordered the carnivorous dinner for two, which came with samosa appetizer, naan, rice, lamb curry, chicken tikka masala, and rice pudding for dessert. The portions looked small when it first came out, but it was actually more than enough for the both of us. We were sweatin' curry by the end of dinner. Looking back, that dinner probably could have fed 3-4 of us. Anyway, the food was just ok, nothing to yelp about. It was definitely overpriced. We left paying $41 with tip. The lunch buffet is probably better for the price, and you get more of a selection.
(3)
Joe L.
Good food, but oily and kind of expensive. Even though the majority of the meat dishes here (and all the meat dishes in the lunch buffet) are served with a curry, most of them seem to be overcooked. The chicken has also been consistently dry here (even though it is simmered with the curry) and the beef has been on and off. Only the goat has been consistently moist (and that is mainly because of the high fat content in the goat meat). The tikka massala here is pretty spicy; even my friends who are used to eating spicy foods here were sweating a little bit. The roti and naan here are usually fresh, though I do think they are a bit dry. I'm not super familiar with Indian breads so I can't really say if thats supposed to be normal or not. But they did seem a bit too dry to eat by themselves. The best part of the lunch buffet is being able to try out the differnt curries with the rice roti, naan.Personally, I would just take a big piece of roti, the mix together some rice and one type of curry, and use the roti to pick it up. Its awesome. However, after a while, the meal becomes very one note, with nothing much to break up the constant assault of spices on your mouth. While the lunch here is a good deal (buffet for 10 I think) but not spectacular, the dinner is straight up expensive. One curry dish and unlimited bread and rice for like 10 - 15 dollars (the good ones are like 13 - 15). I think thats a bit too much for what you're getting. So in the end, a good but very one note buffet with a decent price, over priced dinner, and sometimes dry chicken and beef. If you want a good introduction to Indian food, I think this is a good place to start.
(3)
Jason B.
Um.... yes yes yes.... Get it in you. It could stand to be a little spicier, but other than that... YUM YUM!
(5)
Kevin F.
Cafe Bombay is an excellent example of Indian food. Their menu is American enough where I was able to interpret to some degree what each item was while at the same time, authentic enough where I felt like I was eating in India. I know this is a good place, because I was the only white guy there. And that is always a good sign. The atmosphere was very mellow, and similar to a fine dining restaurant. You can get away with casual clothing, but I would recommend throwing on a collared shirt. The food wasn't (surprisingly) that spicy (which is a good thing for my virgin taste buds). The fluffy bread was to die for. I love dipping it in the heaping bowl of curry and stuffing it into my watering mouth. The waiting staff was very prompt and friendly. I thought it was interesting they didn't server any ice in my water. I usually freeze to death at restaurants, because of the icey drinks. That was not the case at this venue. Lack of ice means more water to help put out the spicy fire in one's mouth.
(4)
Shazia T.
I absolutely love their food and come often. I love the atmosphere and the owner is really cool, too! My favorites are the butter chicken (chicken makhni), chicken tikka masala, goat curry, rajmah, malai kofta, paneer makhni, and paneer tikka masala. The palak paneer is ok. When you're craving really good Indian food, come to Cafe Bombay. They serve halal food, which makes me happy. This is my favorite restaurant in ATL.
(5)
Corey J.
This is my first visit to Cafe Bombay and my experience was just "mehh". First of all, they need to cut the air conditioner down lower, I was literally drippin with sweat, fannin myself like a high-haired Southern Baptist church lady. I was fixin to axe them to move that fan they had blowin on the hostess over to me. On to the food, I have never had Chicken Tikka Masala before but I'm sorry, I didn't like it. There was a hint of that spoiled milk taste in it that just turned me off. The Chicken 65 I don't understand, is it suppose to be crunchy almost all the way through? One bite was all I needed, NEXT! Then there was another dry, bland grilled chicken dish that was uninspiring and disappointing. I will say that the vegetarian portion of the menu was quite good, particularly the potatoes and something that resembled pureed vomit, but tasted like spinach., that was pretty good. The best part of the meal was the curry goat, I have actually prepared goat a few times, I actually bought the goat meat from the Indian store right next door to CB so clearly the goat I prepared and the goat I had here was from the same source yet mine was alot more fall off the bone tender....and I'm by no means an Iron Chef. HMMMMMMMM.
(2)
Lynn H.
I am allergic to nuts and love Indian food... couid there be a sadder situation?? Every time I have eaten at an Indian place, I have asked about the ingredients, been assured that there are no nuts and still end up in anaphylaxis and sometimes the hospital. ONLY one restaurant has never mislead me: Cafe Bombay. They know what's in their food and are happy to tell you. The food is great and the servers are very attentive. I love the buffet and it's reasonably priced. Also, a great hangover cure.
(5)
Frank G.
This is my new favorite Indian restaurant in Atlanta. The food and service was excellent. Our server was accommodating and knew the menu well. I was with a group of "first-timers" and he knew exactly what they would like. We ordered the Mixed Grill for appetizer - which was excellent. Our meals consisted of all the typical fare - Chicken Korma, Saag Paneer, etc. However, the Goat Vinadaloo was outstanding. Also, the Naan was some of the best I have ever had. All-around great experience. Our group (10 people) sat around the lower benches and cushions (not on the floor). It was nice but since were were in the corner, it made conversation with everyone a little awkward. I would opt for the table next time.
(4)
Scott S.
Decent Indian Buffet, a lil Americanized. On my 1st visit to Cafe Bombay I was impressed with the freshness and flavor of the dishes offered. Their lunch buffet is very impressive and the weekend buffet is the best. It is a bit less spicy than their entree counterparts, they have a killer selection of traditional curry, vegetable and rice dishes. This is due to probably the menu being more Americanized then it should be, but I guess you have to attract the crowds to get in. Some of my personal favorites dishes at Cafe Bombay are : Chicken Tikka Masal, Bombay Aloo, Navratan Korma and Chicken 65 Their staff is always friendly and is sure to keep your glass of water or alcohol full, which is definitely key at an Indian restaurant. Like I mentioned earlier, the spice factor isn't as high as I am accustomed to, but you will be blessed with one of the best Indian Buffets in town.
(4)
Johnathon T.
Cafe Bombay is known in particular and renowned for one thing - an outstanding lunch buffet at a very reasonable price. Their food is exceptional. Everything is fresh, well prepared and cooked just right. As others have pointed out, the chicken tikka masala is an exceptional treat, boasting an exquisite sauce that when sopped up with Naan bread tastes incredible. Their tandoori chicken is also very good, served grilled just right with smoked onions on the buffet line. The atmosphere is nice too and the service has always been exceptional on my visits.
(4)
Jonathan Z.
Buffet style, good food.
(4)
Michelle B.
In my quest to find good Indian food, I tried Cafe Bombay for the lunch buffet. Not bad! Vegetarian items are separated from meat items and selection was pretty extensive. The dhal was tasty, once you got past the runny texture, and the mixed curry was quite nice (mostly spinach, yum); just look out for the garnish! I thought it was coconut; it was actually long strands of ginger...a bit surprising to the bite. The paneer tikka, as another reviewer noted, tasted like canned tomato soup. The meat items, in their own buffet, were OK; I was disappointed that three out of four were chicken. The tandoori was good, but the Chicken 65 (or was it 67? 69?) was cold which made it really hard to cut and chew. The goat curry was mostly bones, which is to be expected, but this one was extremely so. I wonder if they ever have lamb? The chutneys were tasty, and the hot onion and pickles made up for the lack of heat in any of the dishes. Please! Serve the naan at the table; don't put it on the buffet! It gets cold and chewy in the pan, and only worse when it gets to your plate!
(3)
Belle S.
Good food, nice atmosphere, ample seating, there was a bellydancing show, but this place had lousy service. Came for a birthday dinner celebration on Friday night and they made things pretty complicated...got mad when they mixed up a few orders. This place was also very expensive for Indian food. Its in a convenient location with plenty of parking, but I probably wouldn't come back since there are cheaper options nearby.
(3)
Elizabeth G.
I don't recommend the lunch buffet because the food sits out and isn't as good, but I've had really good dinners at this place. Don't expect good service, but if you can get past that this is a pretty good place for basic Indian food.
(3)
Darren L.
Great lunch buffet. I'd give it 5 stars but the Nan is honestly subpar. For $12 it should be fresh and brought to you. Panahar is really quite good too but Cafe Bombay is just that; the Bombay!
(4)
James M.
Food is delicious but the service is extremely horrible. The server just left the food on table and started talking to his friend. Water was not refilled. I gave 1 star for food.
(1)
Lorne C.
So, I must admit that I didn't like this place when I first went two years ago, but now this place has become one of my standard places to go since the restaurant changed around. I have had the lunch buffet many times. I have gone with one friend and with groups of 10 or more. They have the space and seem to handle the business well. The food is just great for a buffet (though once in a while - it can be a bit greasy). Last week, I ordered two complete dinners for two and I needed them to go. The food was actually quite good, though I was disappointed with the saag paneer (as it was too greasy which it does not need to be). Overall a good experience.
(4)
Hanah V.
I love this place! They have a huge, amazing lunch buffet that has a large number of vegetarian options as well as meat. The food is excellent. They make some of the best Chicken Tikka Masala I've ever tasted. They also offer many of their dishes with a choice of lamb or goat, so you can go very exotic if you want to. You wouldn't expect it, but they are also great for kids (as long as your kids will eat Indian food). We often bring our 1-year-old with us, and all the waiters love him.
(5)
Jennifer S.
Best Indian food i've ever had in this city! The Tikka Masala is AWESOME! Service was excellent, food even better!! Wish I lived a little closer to this place, I'd make it a weekly thing! A+++
(5)
Vivian C.
Food is pretty darn good- I've gotten the butter chicken every single time, cause I can't quite move past it, as unhealthy as it is. Their naan is sooooo good, and is something to definitely get. Only drawback is that while the service itself is good, they do rush you, and I get the feeling that spending more than 45 minutes in there for a meal is pretty much all they think you should get.
(3)
K P.
So, so delicious!! Drove up from Mid-town (farther than we usually go) and realized we'll be doing the drive more in the future, as the food and service was so good! The prices were fantastic - dinner entrees for $12.00 and I had leftovers! Check it out!
(5)
Falicia G.
Yum! I had the lunch buffet here. Wait, keep reading...it was amazing. I know, they had the most delicious vegetarian (and meat) options to choose from. Plus, the place was filled with Indian people which was a great sign. I had so many items from the buffet that I couldn't tell you which was the best. All of it was great. I loved the Nan! I sat in the back room which was so beautiful: dark reds and purples with pillows everywhere. The tables were placed pretty close together though. I definitely got to know my neighbors.
(5)
Cristina K.
I recommend coming here for the lunch buffet. It's a bit pricey for dinner. The curried goat is very tasty and tender, as is the butter chicken. Naan is always hot and fresh. Basmati rice is also very fresh and not overcooked. Lentils are well seasoned, less starchy than I've had at other Indian restaurants. Waiters are attentive, restroom is clean, and the ambiance is unexpectedly nice for the price. I hear there's live entertainment on the weekends too. Some of the negatives were that the Chicken 65 had a little too much breading. Since it's a buffet, I guess you can just pick it off the meat. And I'm not sure what happened to the palak paneer last time I was there. It was just spinach, no paneer. I really hope they're not cutting down on costs. Overall, good value lunch place.
(4)
Cherry L.
went for the weekend lunch buffet on sunday afternoon. not. a. fan. sadly, I don't think i'll be trying this place again :( +1 star bc the waiter was very nice and attentive to my water cup. That sunday, i called a few diff indian restaurants that offer buffest and decided on this one (bc my friend said she wanted chicken 65--mighta been my mistake to go somewhere other than zyka for chicken 65!!). The place is a little hard to find--behind/near/around the corner/under the bridge/through the woods next to target/taco bell/tin roof--basically, the first right on briarcliff after your pass N Druid (away from Emory). basicallllly, nothing was THAT good or stood out here. flavors were just ok, curries and chicken were just ok. the chicken 65 was HORRIBLE--like a bad chinese restaurant breaded sweet n sour chicken type. all the dishes were so syrupy and slightly sweet...EVERYTHING!!! I had to drench everything in the cilantro chutney to make it taste decent. sorry to say, i wont be back!
(2)
Ankur J.
Super oily food. Looks like each bowl of food has at least 1/4 bowl of oil in it! Although certain items are not so bad.
(2)
Michael T.
Let me preface this review by saying, I have had some of the worst Indian food in the world.....east village of new york city.....also had some of the best in the world too.....upper west side new york city. Cafe Bombay is really really good and ranks up there as some very tasty indian in my opinion. The ingredients are fresh, the dishes creative, and nice portion sizes. We had the laacha paratha (buttered bread) and also a sweet bread (forgot the name, I don't think it was on the menu actually, we asked for it, and they knew what we wanted, it is a bread with some type sweet fruit like cherries or coconut, basically whatever they have on hand, it is great, I promise). Also got the chicken tikka masala and ginger chicken- very good!! Also got a vegetable dish - sarsoon ka saag - spinach and greens - awesome! In the end, if you are looking for some really high quality authentic indian food then this is the spot!!!
(4)
Tom W.
Great Indian Resturant! The chicken wings are awesome!
(5)
Michael T.
I wrote this from Cafe Bombay on my iPhone so I could jot down impressions real-time. Dinner started with a great mint chutney that was spicy and fresh-tasting. I also ordered a mango lassi that was very delicious and had a nice pink color. An indifferent waiter brought the food and unceremoniously deposited the plates on the table. My chicken vindaloo was tender and embellished with plenty of cilantro. The chicken tasted delicious. But the basmati rice was plain, not even a single pea or cardamom seed. The vindaloo was not too spicy, so if you like yours searingly hot, better ask for it. All in all, this is definitely the best Indian food I have had in Atlanta. Unfortunately, the mango ice cream was frozen, I had to let it melt before it became palatable. The waiter claimed the kulfi was not from a supplier but housemade, using the chef's recipe which requires freezing.
(4)
Marina T.
For 4 years I have been looking for good Indian restaurants in Atlanta and have been repeatedly disappointed by the lack of them. Then I discovered Cafe Bombay and stuffed myself with the lunch buffet on a weekend to the point where I spent the rest of the day lying on my couch crying in pain. It was that good and it had been that friggin long since I had decent Indian food in Atlanta. I still wish there was more of this good stuff here but so far I haven't found another restaurant on the same level. Lots of variety for the buffet. Great for vegetarians too. It seems they also have a party room attached to the restaurant.
(5)
Katie W.
Yummy, yummy, yummy... I came here for lunch on a Sunday and had the buffet. The buffet is pretty big. There were four or five vegetarian dishes and then another four or five dishes with meat. I tried some of each and everything was good. They also had several desserts, lots of sauces, plentiful rice and naan, salad fixings - all very good. The service was great and the staff was very friendly. The price was reasonable, too. I don't remember what all the dishes were that I tried so I won't embellish too much but I will just say that I really like this place and I will be back. But, maybe not on a day when I have things to do after I eat here because I was exhausted when I left. It was really hard to stay away and out of a food coma. I recommend eating here on a Sunday and then going home to lie on the sofa and watch football. And, not to eat again until the next day.
(5)
Gina A.
I've had the delicious lunch buffet numerous times. If this weren't so far from my home, I would go weekly. The Chicken Tikka Masala is To.Die.For. It's mild and creamy and delicious, and I could eat it for days. Everything else is consistently good on the buffet, and the servers are always extremely friendly and attentive. If I could be there right now, I would. I've also gotten carry-out a number of times, and it's always great. The entrees are often a little on the spicy side for me, but I do like my food VERY mild.
(5)
J L.
GREATEST CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA I HAVE EVER HAD. I order it almost every time I go there, and it is the best, better than the food I had in Mumbai in December. Guaranteed awesome food.
(5)
Scott M.
This place was average. Actually thought this was the place that was by 300 Bowling alley until I realized that it wasnt when I got there. I guess that was the first dissapointment. Got the all inclusive meal for like $55 bucks. Comes with a crap load of food and can definitely feed 2-3 ppl. This makes things extremely easy to order specifically if you arent to familiar with Indian food. Had a good time, but the owner said a bone head comment to me that almost got that azz whipped. Fortunately I was having a good day. Doubt I'll be back, I am sure there is better Indian food in the city.
(2)
Jesse W.
We just got back from our first visit to Cafe Bombay and we walked away with smiles on our faces. The food was delicious and I always had a cup full of Diet Coke. Our appetizer was amazing, although the name of it escapes me at the moment. For our entrees, I had the Chicken Vindaloo and the lady had the Chicken Tikka Masala. Although she would have liked her entree a little spicier, we both were very impressed with the quality of the food. And the final surprise was the bill, we left with full bellies without having to empty our wallets. As good as it gets in terms of bang for the buck.
(5)
Kristine M.
I went with a group of ten, and we got a bunch of different dishes, and ended up sharing them around. It was awesome. A few things were a wee bit too spicy for me, but just about everything was excellent. I ordered the lamb dohiwhalla, which was very tender and good. I didn't try the Desi wings, and since some people said their lips were trembling after trying them, I'm glad I wimped out there. Refills of a drinks were a tad slow, but maybe that's because some of us were chugging water like it was going out of style. I loved the naan, but if you're going to use Indian bread to eat your food, try the roti, instead. It's unleavened and thinner than naan, so you don't get quite so full so quickly. And have a mango yogurt shake thing if you go over your spice limit. Not that I ever overestimate my tolerance. The place was standing room only by the time we left, and most of the tables were full of south Asians, so that was definitely a good sign. And they have a "They love us on Yelp!" sticker by the door. Awwww.
(4)
Carole M.
Behind a bland strip mall exterior sits this Indian restaurant which is clearly a favorite of Atlanta's Indian community. We stopped in on a Saturday at lunch to find the room packed. There are vegetarian and meat entrees, as well as raita and other salads, naan and dessert. The saag was a standout; everything else was okay but not special. Go hungry, though, because the weekend buffet is $12/person.
(4)
Jennifer J.
The hubby talked this place up and I was finally in the mood to venture out of my comfort zone which consists of Peachtree St. So off we go for some Indian food served buffet style since it was lunch. I have to say that I actually thought it was very good. I loved the curry chicken and some other things that I cannot recall or pronounce and the naan was really yummy, too. The atmosphere was lovely. I enjoyed my experience all the way around. I tried things I normally wouldn't have tried; although I may not try them again. Yay Cafe Bombay!
(3)
Sid P.
This place was pretty awesome; we had a giant party all eating each other's stuff and trying everything. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala which was *aaaaawesome.* The Butter Chicken was pretty great, and the Desi Wings were basically Indian-style hot wings. Awesome. Naan was delicious and filling. I also had a giant bottle of decent lager called ROYAL CHALLENGE. I am proud to say I met that challenge head on and conquered it. It was pretty seriously crowded on a Saturday, and I'd say 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the crowd was Indian, so that's probably a good sign. Service might have been slow if we'd been paying attention, but we had a large enough group that we stayed entertained. Apparently they have belly dancing and whatnot most saturdays, but we got c-blocked by someone having a birthday party in the back room. I hope they got rocks - I totally wanted to see some gyrating ladies.
(4)
Josh W.
I went there for lunch with a friend. The food was pretty good. I especially enjoyed the Chicken Marsala. I wasn't a big fan of the goat curry though. I have to admit that the place smells overwhelmingly of goat a little. It's a funky scent and not really pleasant. The lunch buffet was about $10 before tip. The service was a tad slow but not that bad.
(3)
Lauren W.
Love the food here. Probably one of the best Indian place in ATL. Love their nans. Keep it up!
(4)
Sara S.
My boyfriend and I go to Cafe Bombay at least twice a month because we love it so much. The food and service is wonderful, and we always look forward to our meals there! Our favorite dinner is butter chicken, goa shrimp and an order of naan.
(5)
Ashish A.
Having a job that involves long term travel, I had the pleasure of staying in Atlanta for 5 months and having a few meals at Cafe Bombay. The subdued exteriors hide a place of good food that I loved to visit again and again - for lunch with colleagues and for dinner with family. The dal makhni, paneer tikka are really good. The lunch buffet is excellent. Never tried a desert as would be so full after the main course. 4 stars: The only missing star is because of a little "attitude" in the owners. Seems like a family run business, the co-owner, a young guy, would hardly smile or say thank you, even though we were regulars and leave 20% tip, just a turn off, but ignore the idiot, will learn with age. But, go there, for good food.
(4)
Kerry M.
UPDATE DECEPTIVE MANAGEMENT!! FOOD SAFETY ISSUE!!! This restaurant has a current (8-19-10) health score of 71, Their score on (4-1-10) was a 70 but they have their score from last year posted- 90 from (8-27-09). Nice atmosphere, good service, but the food was lacking. Almost Americanized in their spice levels. No complexity to their sauces. How can you overcook and have dry meat in a heavy sauce? The Naan was leathery and fought your teeth. The goat was average. FOOD SAFETY- cold foods were warm, and the hot foods were barely warm. Would I not eat here again. They knew that a re-score visit was following the April inspection, but failed to make changes.
(1)
Julia S.
Meh. The waiter was very accommodating and nice, and the appetizer I got was AWESOME. However, just about every single vegetarian appetizer had cream and/or paneer. They were willing to change one of the entrees so I could eat it, but it was kind of bleh. My point is, this place would probably be awesome for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, for vegans not so much. And sorry, but I think Panahar's naan is better.
(3)
H J.
Cafe Bombay is definitely one of the best Indian lunch buffets I've ever had. This place is always crowded during their lunch hours, so get there early! I've also had dinner here a few times and I must say that the quality of both the food and the service is much better at dinner. So far I've only had their chicken tikka masala and vindaloo, which were both very good. But I wouldn't recommend making the tikka masala "spicy" since it really doesn't turn out spicy at all and just makes the curry extra oily from the "spicy" oil they add to it. Prices of their dinner entrees were also very reasonable compared to Indian restaurants in CA, so I was happy :)
(4)
Kyle S.
After reading everyone else's review I feel I should preface this by saying that while I've been here multiple times, its only been for the lunch buffet. That being said: THE LUNCH BUFFET IS INCREDIBLY AWESOME. While surely a bit less spicy than their entree counterparts, they have a killer selection of traditional curry, vegetable and rice dishes. Can I go ahead and say now that their spinach saag is deliciously creamy with a ton of flavor?! Probably my favorite dish. They have their take on chicken 65, which in this case taste pretty much like souped-up Chick-fil-a strips on crack. Delicious, flavorfully spicy crack. I mean, comparing traditional Indian food to a chain might sound like a put down, but I'm pretty sure that when I'm talking about Chick-Fil-A to southerners that's an amazing compliment. The most interesting part isn't even the food. I swear each time I go there the music soundtrack is pulled straight from a selection of Guitar Hero tracks (Eric Clapton's Cliffs of Dover seems to be the most popular) interspersed with elevator-jazz renditions of 80's rock hits. Imagine for a second, Bryan Adam's "Run To You" in acoustic jazz playback. Laughing yet? Try Blue Oyster Cult's "Burning For You." I don't know who makes this stuff, or how an Indian spot gets a hold of it, but maybe you just have to go there and hear it for yourselves. Go for the Chick-Fil-A, stay for the music. haha.
(5)
Elliot K.
My girlfriend and I don't like cooking on Friday night. We made it through the whole week, you know, so don't we deserve a break? We also haven't felt much like going out lately, so we've slowly been working our way through our Netflix queue and Decatur-area takeout. The brief look I got at the place while picking up food was nice, if a little dark. The place was hopping, too, so I felt like I'd made the right choice. The food was both a bit better and a bit more expensive than what I've had at Chat Patti. There seem to be plenty more Indian joints around, though, so I may have to revise my opinions after increasing my sample size.
(4)
Josh H.
We ate dinner here based on Yelp reviews, and calling this place a four star is right on. The restaurant itself is not terribly distinctive, but was pleasant (could've done without the Dehli Muzak) The surprises began with the delivery of the nan bread. Seriously? There were only two of us, we could never finish it, although we really wanted to as it was piping hot, crisp on the bottom, and delicious. The curry that followed continued the welcome surprise. My Goan Shrimp was perfectly spiced and my partner's Tikka Masala was as well. Service was brisk and unobtrusive, which can be difficult in an empty restaurant (we went very early), and the food was entirely worth the price. It may be in a Target-anchored strip mall, but Cafe Bombay is definitely worth the trip.
(4)
Sean B.
This was my go-to place for Indian food when I still lived in Atlanta. I first found out about it through some Indian classmates who brought some food from Cafe Bombay to a potluck, and I've been hooked ever since! They have a great buffet during lunch hours, but a number of times when I went, they didn't have my favorite dish (chicken tikka masala) on the buffet. I asked them about it, and they said they only make it for the buffet on a certain day (I forget which); however, when I returned on that day a few weeks later, it still wasn't there. Also, they close the kitchen during a few hours every day, so you can't order between around 1pm and 3pm (I forget the exact hours; please call to verify). For these reasons, I'm knocking it down to 4 stars, but the food is fantastic!
(4)
Dlorah J.
For my first review, I've decided to review my fave Indian restaurant, Cafe Bombay. Its conveniently located on Briarcliff , right across the street from the Target. I usually go to the lunch buffet, available Monday-Friday from 11:30p to 3:30p and on Saturday from 12p-4p. Some of my favorites from the buffet include the chicken tikka masala, chicken 65, and the tandoori chicken. They also usually offer curry goat, but I just really love chicken. The paneer tikka masala and palak paneer are also really reeeally good, I always end up piling more on my plate than I can finish, but I just can't help myself. Oh and the naan is always warm, fresh, and delicious. Overall, they have a wide variety of dishes for both vegetarians and carnivores, as well as a sampling of chutneys, rice, and I enjoy the raita. The only issue I've found is that sometimes the service sometimes falls short. Refills and checks can be a long time coming, even if they're not too busy in the front. Also, ordering off the menu rather than taking advantage of the buffet can be pricey. So I definitely recommend checking it during lunch.
(4)
Leigh N.
On my review last year, I gave this restaurant 4 stars. However, having been back a few times over the past few months, I am deducting a star because the service here is horrible! I've experience long waits for food -- even drinks and appetizers -- and the staff seems very aloof and inattentive. This is a shame, because the food here is very good. However, dinner should not take 2 hours on a slow Thursday night!
(3)
Peter C.
Indian friend brought me here and tried the two person meal so I got to try more than one thing. Overall food was great, atmosphere made me a little sleepy though.
(4)
Jason K.
What a disappointment! I was so excited to come to this place after reading rave reviews. If this is the best Indian restaurant Atlanta has to offer then its pretty pathetic. Creativity - 3 Basically everything you would find any other Indian cuisine. Presentation - 4 Pretty clean and appetizing Service - 2 I don't know, it almost felt like they had a very condescending demeanor about them. Atmosphere 2 - They try to be formal/fine but not quite their almost like they cut corners. Flavor - 2 Appetizer: desi chicken the flavors were ok but nothing wow. En tree' - Chicken curry and Goat Curry: we clearly asked them to make it hot and they warned me that it would be hot. It came out as hot as a spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy's. The curry were both extremely oily and lacking flavor. Execution - 5 I will give them perfect for execution. The desi chicken was moist on the inside with crispy skin from the outside with just a small amount of char on the corners for flavor. The chicken and the goat inside the curries were extremely moist and succulent. In the end, I was extremely disappointed, I drove all the way from East Cobb just to try this restaurant out and it wasn't worth the drive. Agreed I'm no expert in Indian food but I know good food and this wasn't it!
(2)
Jarrod C.
4 stars for food quality, 2 stars for atmosphere and false advertising... We went specifically on a Thursday night for the website advertised $15 all you can eat tapas. We get there and are told, "We stopped doing that, we'll change the website tomorrow." Well, a week later it's still on their website! We had a few appetizers (cheese naan was fantastic) that were pretty good and then we passed around our meals. The goat curry, ginger chicken, lamb dahiwala, and chicken biryani were all enjoyed by most. The chicken biryani was too spicy for my wife (she's had it other places) so she was disapointed with that. Their menu doesn't do a good job of letting you know what dishes are spicy and which ones aren't. It wasn't bad, but I probably would try another Indian place out first before going back.
(3)
Eric G.
I have eaten here 4 times now. The Chicken Tika Masala and Chicken thundri is superb. The fresh nan which is an indian bread could be a meal in itself. For someone who gets attached to one restaraunt I could probably eat there for the next few months and still not get burnout. Put all of your ideas about indian cuisine out of your head and you will have a great meal.For those who like to smoke a hooka they have a great room in the back just for that. The service is a little bit slow but it is family owned and operated. The owner takes all of the orders and seats everyone. Just thiking about is making me hungry. Thanks to my friend Hiren for turning me on to this great place. It's located across from Target Greatland on N Druid Hills and Briarcliff road. Ok now 5 times just got back. OMG sooo good
I've only been for the lunch buffet. It's standard Indian fare, nothing special. I remember it being better back in the day though. Still, if I get an Indian itch, most of the time Cafe Bombay can scratch it.
(3)
Ashley P.
Cafe Bombay is now officially my go-to Indian place in Atlanta. Being variety-lover than I am, I *love* the lunch buffet. Picture 2 buffet bars, one vegetarian and one for the meat-eaters, each with 5 or 6 different dishes and flanked by various desserts and sauces. As far as I can tell, the selection is, for the most part, constant with a few rotating dishes. Some of my personal favorites: Chicken TIkka Masala- sweet and creamy Bombay Aloo- delicious potatoes Navratan Korma- creamy mixed veggie curry Chicken 65- I think they call it something else, but it's basically the same thing as the Chicken 65 I've seen elsewhere. Little fried chicken strips with spices. See Kyle S.'s review. The staff is always friendly and is sure to keep your glass full, which is definitely key at an Indian restaurant. That said, none of the food on the buffet is spicy at all, which is probably my only complaint. I mean I understand that it is a buffet and everyone has to eat it, so you can't make it super spicy. But come on! It's Indian food! Maybe just two or three spicy things? Either way, go, try it, it's easily one of the best Indian buffets I've encountered.
(5)
Chad W.
LOVE THIS PLACE! I am still a bit new to Atlanta so there are still lots of places to try, but this is the BEST Indian food I have found yet. Great Lunch Buffet for those of you who are new to Indian food- a buffet is a good way to try many things at once. PURE COMFORT FOOD!
(5)
Don A.
This is my first Indian food experience that I can recall. When I came here for lunch, the place was jam-packed. It was a little more expensive for a lunch than what I am used to seeing. The food was alright, but none of the dishes stood out to me leaving me craving for more. I did however enjoy rice pudding dessert, while many of my coworkers disagreed. It sorta brought me back to a kid when my mother made a similar dessert dish.
(3)
Leslie W.
Cafe Bombay is pretty solid as far as AYCE Indian joints go. Lunch can be really crowded, but you're usually in and out within an hour so not too much trouble there. I've only eaten the buffet (what can I say, I love variety) so I can't comment on the menu but they usually have several choices on the hot tables. I've been pleasantly surprised each time I go. Standard dishes Daal, Chana Masala, Samosas, and Naan, Mint Chutney, but they don't serve the same thing every single day, there's always something new. The only bad is that it can get very hot in the restaurant. I guess with the people and the hot bars, they can't control it, but Whew!, I roast every time. Not like I need help sweating considering the spices. The other bad, and this is no reflection on the restaurant, but I stuff myself to the point of discomfort every time. I don't know if this is something I can complain about, but my stomach certainly does. Now if I can just work out some sort of peace negotiations between my taste buds and my stomach, life would be perfect.
(4)
Brian H.
Thanks to my wife, I've become more of a fan of authentic Indian Food. I'm a Korean who pretty much thought homemade Korean curry from a box was Indian, so I do not claim to be much of an Indian Food expert. Anyhow, now I'm discovering more what real Indian tastes like, and I'm indeed starting to crave it once in a while. Thanks again to yelp I found out about this place. My better half and I were craving Indian for lunch, and thankfully heard about this place from y'all. Went here for lunch today and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. My wife had Chicken Makuni (not sure if that's spelled right) curry and I had the lunch buffet. Both were very good choices! The lunch buffet was good value considering regular dishes cost about a buck more than the buffet. I'm not really a fan of buffets, but this place does a good job of keeping the food fresh and tasty. I had a total of 3 rounds of which my first sampled most everything they had. I especially like the goat curry, but everything else I tried was good. They even have a decent selection of desserts of which my favorite was the rice pudding. Anyhow, I recommend this place to anyone in the area that's looking for some good hearty Indian. Will definitely be back~ 4.49 stars which could easily be a 5 upon a next visit.
(4)
sarah v.
The first time I came here, I wasn't extremely impressed by the food. (Maybe I was just in a bad mood or something) However, everytime since then (and there have been many) I have been completely satisfied. I either get veggie korma or chicken tika masala and always ask for it hot. I love their sweet naan. I started getting some sort of hot potatoe pancake, chickpea appetizer after having it a bunch of times with a friend. All of these items are so yummy; I'm literally getting hungry thinking about them and I just ate. They are that good . They lose a star for service. Now, the service is friendly, but sometimes I feel a little bit of attitude coming my way depending on the server. One of the other waiters says he thinks it's just a language thing. Whatever it is, its minor, and I still love the food and people here.
(4)
Taralee A.
Best Indian Food I have had in California or Georgia. Ever. Period. The buffet is more than a deal. Staff is incredible.
(5)
Deanna J.
I've yet to only go for dinner, but from what other reviews are saying so far, the vibe is pretty different during the hours of the golden lunch buffet. I went for dinner (buffet line quietly empty), and it was a refreshing change from the mostly-buffet Indian I've had. It's pretty dark in here (probably good so no one can see you sweating if you end up ordering something one pepper over your spicy tolerance) and has a bit of an elegant vibe during the evenings. Maybe we faked off our waitress and looked like pros, but being the Indian buffet eaters we are, actually knowing what to order off the menu is a challenge after knowing the dishes by sight only. They have a few 'pre-packaged' options, like the meal for two, which you can also get vegetarian, and the blingged out 'Bombay Feast,' for all you high rollers out there.
(4)
Linda W.
Not impressed. Had the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and malai kofta and everything was okay. Portions were very small for the price and flavors were bland. The chicken tikka masala tasted like something I could get from the frozen food aisle at patel brothers; the butter chicken was swimming in more than half an inch of oil; the malai kofta consisted of two (just two) hard mash potato-vegetable croquettes. Would not come here again for the food.
(2)
Dhara S.
This is the first Indian restaurant I tried after coming in Atlanta, and after that, i tried a couple of more too, so far this one has been the best among. Food: It resembles a lot to the authentic Indian food, though it is a bit of Americanization of every dish. I am a vegan and so I do not have tried their hallmark dishes, but as far as from what I have tried, i liked it a lot Staff: Good people. They have a true concern about their customers and they really want to keep them coming back. The staff here is made of saints if you compare it with a place called "planet Bombay"- the worst restaurant in Atlanta. rates: It is not that expensive and I think they fairly give services and food for what they charge of. Ambiance: Average. The noise level is less than any normal American restaurant. They try to play some bollywood tunes but I think it is too low to notice for anyone! buffet v/s dinner: Buffet is cheaper, a lot of variety to try from and they serve hot. If u r planning to come here for dinner, try lunch once, the dinner is little better than them and you can personalize the dishes as well. Some caution: the fritters are too oily. (but the entrees are moderately oiled) If you have a typical Indian palate, ask them to make everything a little spicy. Some best features: Rice. Amazing!!
(4)
Katie R.
The owners are so nice, and the butter chicken is amazing.
(5)
Garrin H.
I've been to several Indian restaurants in the area, and my experience has been very hit or miss with Indian cuisine in general. Cafe Bombay delivered the goods. I had the Afghan Mango Chicken (dinner), and let's just say this was one of those meals where you have to scrape every last bit off your plate. It was that good! Cafe Bombay is tucked away just near the Target, off of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Roads, in the Toco Hills area. Definitely more convenient for us intown folk...driving to the Indian restaurants off of Lawrenceville Hwy & N. Druid feels like a hike to me. Would I go back? Most definitely.
(5)
Style d.
Yeah, the buffet is a staple in my diet. Just in case you go outside buffet hours here are my suggestions: Beginners or picky eaters- try the Tikka Masala with chicken, lamb or paneer (cubes of yummy cheese). Its a yogurt/tomato based sauce that is not spicy. Its mildly sweet and very creamy. (it makes my stomach very happy). the lamb kabob is tasty too and it comes with big pieces of onion and bell pepper. This does not come with rice or sauce. chicken byriani is a good dish to try if you like asian food but are unsure if you will like Indian food. Its chicken and rice with tons of seasonings that smell really good. This does not come with a sauce, but it doesn't need one. If you like mildly-spicy- Try the Chicken Tikka (not the same as Tikka masala). This sauce is brown and spicy if you are not used to spiced foods. Its mild if you are a spice-lover. If you like the spicy-spicy (I can't take it, but you may like it) Gosht vindaloo Chicken Khadai Palaak paneer (spicy spinach/cheese dish) Other stuff: If you like naan, get the bread basket so you can try onion naan and parantha. Heaven. Order a lassi at the beginning of the meal but don't drink it till the end. By that time the ice has melted and its not as thick and you can slurp it down faster. (To me fast is good. If you like'em thick then drink it during the meal. Other note: the yogurty coolness is very soothing if you eat something too spicy) Plus! If you need a party venue you can rent out the hall in the back. And sometimes they have belly dancers. Buffet protocal: walk in sit down go get your food eat Repeat the last 2 steps as needed. People don't usually order from the menu durign buffet hours, so if you want a menu you will have to ask for one. Also, this establishment pools their tips so you generousity is being shared.
(4)
Mike G.
I have to update my rating to 5 since I have been coming here ever since I found it. The food and service is great and the prices are very reasonable! The buffet is the best Indian buffet I've had in Atlanta!
(5)
Andle G.
This is my FAVORITE indian resturant of all time (and I have been to tons). It is almost a weekly pilgrimage even though I know live on the south side of town. They get pretty busy for the lunch buffett but I have only waited once for a seat, nighttime dining is usually more intimate as I have never seen more than a few tables full. The lunch buffett is my favorite because of so many options. I am a vegitarian so I can not comment on the chicken tiki but people seem to love it. Their punjabi Kadhi and they have this pea type curry (nattavarian ??) that is so good and I have never had before. The Raita, aloo gobi, etc are all wonderful. It is a sensory overload...a large array of verggie and meat dishes, relishes and desserts. The only thing I am not so hot on their Sag Paneer but that was never my favorite dish anyway. And Nan bread from a buffett can get too crisp if a fresh batch has not just been placed out. But overall it is delightful. The buffett is a wonderful place to try out a bunch of different dishes. I have had indian food in many many cities across the globe and I once lived with an Indian family as a student so I feel like I know my indian food -- or at least know what I like. This place is worth the drive and their buffett runs late on the weekends.
(5)
Amanda S.
This was my first venture into Indian cuisine, and while I haven't yet tried the lunch buffet, from the one dish I have tried (tikka masala with chicken), I'm not sure I want to go back. It was incredibly, incredibly bland. I could have achieved the same effect by putting some chicken in tomato soup. Midway through my meal, I was asked to move to a different table (even though I had been seated by a waiter, it's not a seat yourself kind of deal) because they needed to accommodate a large group and needed the space that I was sitting in. I found this incredibly off-putting. My friends that have been here love the buffet, so perhaps they will convince me to return and I'll up my rating, but otherwise it's sadly a no. EDIT: So my friends did convince me to return for the lunch buffet, and I'm adding a star. I was disappointed and surprised that they had so little to choose from, considering how massive the menu is. I made it a point to try pretty much everything they offered, and I was delighted to find that their other items weren't quite as bland as what I had on my first visit. The Chicken 65 is definitely worth a try, at any rate. The service was also lacking at best, as I spent half my meal with an empty water glass.
(3)
Alan P.
I've been looking for a good north Indian restaurant for a while and finally I've found one! Not too greasy, big menu with english descriptions so you can experiment, and even a lunch buffet. Should definitely go on your indian cuisine rotation.
(4)
Pinak B.
This is undoubtedly one of the best places for Indian food in Atl. Go for the buffet for lunch time and fill yourself up with awesome chicken biryani, tikka, tandoori and gulab jamoon. Most Indian buffet places will make the buffet dishes in a different oil and sub-standard, but these guys serve you the exact same food as the entrees. Dinners are for Friday night when the belly dancer and hukkah make it a totally un-Indian experience but fun nevertheless. For entrees, try the Kheema and the Chicken Tikka. Even the veggie dishes are good ... go for the paneer tikka. The owner is often around so you ae taken good care of. Go there a few times and they will start recognising you and making suggestions.
(5)
Wendy I.
The food was bland, service non-existent, and ambience dreary. Very pedestrian fare. The lunch buffet food at 1pm was not held at an appropriate temperature. Won't be going back to this place and I suggest you skip it also.
(2)
Wendy C.
I am usually not a fan of buffets in general, however, the lunch buffet at Cafe Bombay is AMAZING!!! Not only is the food really fresh, and delicious, but it's only $9.95! So much to choose from. My favorite dishes are the saag paneer, and the tikka masala chicken. My tummy is grumbling just thinking about it. Definitely check this place out if you love Indian food, and are on a budget!
(5)
Dave A.
I never expected to crave Indian food on a regular basis - until I ate at Cafe Bombay. I usually order a lamb dish but everything on the menu is outstanding. The nan is warm and soft for soaking up the fresh authentic sauces. Ask to sit in the back dining room for a more festive and memorable experience - complete with belly dancing, a Bollywood soundtrack, and opulent decor with throw pillows in every nook.
(5)
Aanal P.
Being an Indian, I am a bit picky about my Indian food....imagine that!!! So I decided to try Cafe Bombay one day for lunch. They do have a buffet and I have always tried to stay away from buffets but decided to give this one a try. I LOVED IT! The chicken tikka masala....a favorite of many...was so tasty. And their vegetarian dishes were delicious as well. I have gone back several times and taken my co-workers with me. My boss who was scared to try Indian food.....gave me a hug after we ate here, and told me he really enjoyed it. The service is good, the buffett offers many varieties and the price is not bad at all for all that they offer. I have been to Cafe Bombay for dinner as well, and the food was just as good. I don't care for Shrimp dishes too much, but I tried their Shrimp Biryani.....yummmmmm........
(5)
Anisha H.
okk so my cousins and I decided to order in Indian, since my cousins live soo close to Cafe Bombay, we decided to try it out!!! We got..Chicken Makhani, bindi curry (Okra) and Paneer Tikka (Panneer is like cottage cheese) ....so we had enough for the veggy ppl in the house!! I don't expect Indian food to be anything like home cooking or anything but I do expect it to have some sort of spice and flavor.... When we got the food...I was blown away on how RED the tikka curry were...like really red!! I had never seen Chicken Makhani that red, orange yes..Red...no no...so I started having second thoughts and said ummm can I get a sandwhich instead...lol...but being a foody I said okk lets try it out!!! Absolutely no flavor..it tasted like there was no spice in the food...or like we indians call it..no masala!!! I was highly disappointed.... But I have to say the bindi curry was really good and the rice was decent!!! I am not sure if I will go back here again..its def going to be my last choice in options...
(3)
Nikkie F.
I love to try new things, but I am timid about going it alone. So, I have been wanting to try/have Indian food for the longest time, but never had the opportunity until recently. One week ago a group of friends came here for dinner, we all got something different and passed them around the table to share - family style. If it's any indication - I have already been back three times since then. The food is to die for. The Punjabi Aloo Chat appetizer, and Vegetable Samosas were delicious. Naan (the bread) is amazing! Tandoori Shrimp, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Butter Chicken (5 stars just for THIS) are all things I can personally vouch for their amazing-ness. I can't wait to go back and try more! The first time we went, the waitstaff was a bit slow but in all fairness we had a large group and it was later in the evening. The next times I went the waitstaff was prompt, friendly, conversational, and even witty and charming! Although, bonus point because he may have been flirting. :) I really need to go for the lunch buffet - I've heard it's good and it will allow me to try even more things. I think I will most definitely have to visit India now - if for no other reason than the food. MMMmmmmMMMMmmmm! I'm hungry just thinking about it!
(5)
Keith H.
I gave it a 4 star, but it's really a 3 1/2 in my book. Food was good and it the restaurant was clean. The waiters kind of hover which is good but kind of creepy. I went on a Saturday for lunch. There was a good variety on the buffet and like I said everything was good. I'd go back.
(4)
Derek S.
Went there for the first time. It's dimly lit and kind of dirty. I ordered butter chicken. It was decent. I don't remember what the others ordered but I do remember ordering was a cluster. We had to ask for some of the items we ordered multiple times before receiving them and then they billed us for double on some of the items. For some reason they came and took my beverage during the meal and never brought it back leaving me nothing to drink. I don't think I will return. I only gave them the second star because they had belly dancer that danced with fire.
(2)
Al M.
Good food and decent ambience. Ordered the following veg appetizer platter - had spring rolls, cauliflower fritters and Samos with aloo tikki's was good. The kabob platter was outstanding - especially the seekh kabob. One of the best that I have had in Atlanta. The chicken tikka was the only thing onthe platter that did nit taste as good. Too dry. Ordered te paneer tikka masala which was a bit too sweet for my liking Also ordered the butter chicken which was again too sweet for my liking. But both doges were authentic and prepared with the right consistency. The rogan Josh was the best out of the three curry dishes I ordered. Overall - one of the better Indian restaurants on this side of the city that I had a chance to dine in. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Tiana M.
The food was pretty good. They offer a buffet for lunch and I'm not sure if a menu is available as I didn't ask. However, there is a great variety for vegetarians and carnivores on the buffet. Our water glasses stayed filled, and the waitstaff was pleasant. Because it is a buffet, you can quickly get in and out, and definitely full. I enjoyed it, but I'd have to say the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because I've had better Indian food and more of a personalized experience for the same price. Still say, go if you've never had it before!
(4)
Robert S.
One of the best Indian restaurants in Atlanta and certainly some of the best Indian fare anywhere.
(4)
Ann D.
I can't say enough. Everything was phenomenal...the food, the service, the atmosphere. I especially liked the onion relish, the chicken tikka, and the naan. If you're in Atlanta looking for Indian food, this is the place to go. We went for a late lunch (around 2pm) and the place was fairly empty, but the longer we were there a steady stream of people were coming into the restaurant. A number of the patrons were Indian, which I think speaks volumes aout the quality and authenticity of the food. Enjoy!
(5)
Dave B.
On a recent weekend, my wife and I went to Cafe Bombay as we were craving Indian food and the reviews looked pretty good. We both love vindaloo and she ordered the chicken and I ordered the lamb. The appetizer was good (can't remember what it was) and the roti was good. The problem came when the vindaloos arrived. My lamb vindaloo was great. My wife's chicken was terrible. She doesn't like lamb but she tasted the sauce in mine and it was 100% different than hers. I tasted hers and we agreed that it tasted like tomato sauce. Plain tomato sauce. We sent it back. The waiter was very, very nice and seemed embarrassed. A bit later, the owner and/or chef returned with a new dish which he laid in front of my wife and asked if she had ever had a vindaloo. He went on to explain to her that tomatoes are not used in the dish. He seemed insulted that she didn't like his dish and basically suggested she didn't order the right thing. What we should have said to him is that we love vindaloo and have had it many times and what we've just learned is that we just don't like yours. The remade dish was slightly better but not enough. Had she gotten that originally, she probably would have eaten it and not complained though not ordered it again, but after that, she didn't eat it at all. It was still on the bill. Three is probably generous but I'm hoping that the story above will be enough to deter some business even if some of the food is good. I do NOT recommend the chicken vindaloo.
(3)
Dennis D.
We the Shrimp Puri for appetizers, when it came out I didn't know what to think? But it tasted great! For dinner I had the chicken butter masala with garlic nan. My wife had the Chicken Tikka Masala with cheese nan. My wife and I agreed this was the best Indian food that we had eaten in a long time. They will get your food out to you in a reasonable time... other than that! Do espect anything service wise. So if you want a good meal, and can ignore the poor customer service, eat here!
(4)
Lindsay H.
FABULOUS FOOD! Chicken Tikka Masala was to die for, and I love that they give you a TON of naan when ordered! Highly recommend.
(5)
Margo R.
The infamous weekend buffet is a must try for fans of Indian food, and especially those who are skeptical about trying the cuisine. The array of spicy, sweet, salty, vegetarian & non vegetarian, etc, is bound to please even the pickiest of eaters. With the buffet, you have the option of trying everything, which is definitely something to take advantage of at Cafe Bombay. Take a few pieces of nan and experiment with the assorted yogurt-based sauces. There's also a flavorful variety of meats, rices, potatoes, and vegetables. For only $10 you will go home feeling satisfied and pleasantly full. I've never had to wait for a table, so there's no need to rush. Take your time, try something new, and enjoy!
(5)
Praylani H.
I went there for lunch yesterday and the food was great, nice vibe and not too pricey.
(4)
Christian S.
Got a takeout order of Chicken Tikka Masala and garlic naan, and I was NOT disappointed. The sauce had the perfect blend of creaminess and tangyness. The chicken was moist and well cut (no bite-down surprises) and the rice had an excellent flavor. The garlic naan may have been better than any that I've tried before. Moist but not soggy, garlic not under or overpowering, and plentiful serving size. My only complaint (which may not be a complaint for many) is that the chicken pieces were very large, and I would have preferred them to be more bite-sized. Overall this is now my #2 Indian restaurant, between Atlanta, GA and Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus Ohio. (#1 being Ambar India in Cincinnati)
(4)
Shilvi L.
Cafe Bombay is hands down the BEST indian food in Atlanta. The menu is extensive and provides something for everyone. I recommend the lunch buffet if you haven't had Indian food and are looking to try it out. The lunch buffet is awesome! They have usually 4 veg and non veg dishes, rice, naan, pakoras, salads, deserts for $10 and it's all you can eat. The service is excellent and the owners are very friendly. I highly encourage you to try this place out.
(5)
mindy G.
YAY CAFE BOMBAY!! I loved this place! The appetizer was just about as tasty as anything could be. My Tikka masala lacked the heat I had requested, but I think that may have been due to the unhappy server we had. Drinks were always flowing and it was definitely priced for those who are trying to watch their spending right now. I am pretty hard to please and rarely give out the ole' 5-star-- but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in this gem of a place!
(5)
Jessie T.
This is the ONLY place I go anymore for Indian food. Their lunch menu is okay, with a tasty buffet selection, but what you really should come here for is the dinner. They have a great vegetarian selection suited to both the spicey lover and non-spicey lover (like me), which is especially nice for those of us who want the great taste but not the burning fire of Indian cuisine. I've always had great service there, and it's a staple place for my family to eat out at. It's pricey, but you'll leave full. My favorite menu item: the palaak paneer with naan bread and some red wine.
(4)
Chris P.
Usually come here for the lunch buffet or with my wife for dinner on the weekends. Took some friends and visitors this week for a birthday get together. Got the floor seating during belly dancing performance (Friday-Saturday 8pm on). Very fun, cool place to take visitors. Always great food and friendly service.
(5)
Laura M.
We got takeout. The malai kofta was delish. The rice was complimentary. My bf's dish was not as crazy delicious as mine, apparently, but he still snarfed it down. More expensive than some of the authentic mom'n'pop Indian places around, but still reasonable. I'd eat here again.
(4)
j t.
Great lunch buffet, but wish there was some service. I've been to this restaurant a few times and my latest trip lacked service. It appears they had only 2 people working both dining rooms, while there were several hosts seating people.
(3)
Louise G.
Great place for lunch. I'm not big on Indian food, but even I found plenty to fill me up and even go back for more. Great for the vegetarian or meat lover as well. This was one of my co-workers' choice for lunch and it is one of his favorites. The food was tasty and mild and there was plenty of it! Great way to get a nice hot meal quickly on a rainy, dreary day.
(3)
j l.
i'd like to throw in a half-star here, yes? so let's call it 3.5... i love having dinner here--the chicken tikka masala, rogan josh, and vindaloo are all absolutely delicious, and i wake up many days CRAVING the spicy chickpeas! i think the name of that dish is chole batura, but i never order it by name--only by making the signal for "mound of spicy yumminess". all of the breads are great as well. the owner always welcomes us and everyone is generally friendly...at dinner. the two times i've ventured over there for lunch have been less enjoyable. the first time, we didn't realize there was a buffet, and none of the things we were hungry for were available...so we asked to order off the menu. getting service from that point on was like pulling teeth, and our food took for-ev-er. we left saying that we'd surely take the buffet next time! several perfectly wonderful cafe bombay dinners later, we decide on doing lunch here today (chat patti closed on monday!?) they close at 3:30. we arrived at 2:30, took a look at the buffet...and asked for the regular menu, silly us! the waiter huffed and puffed and brought them over exclaiming, 'you have to hurry because the kitchen is closed in 10 minutes.' 10 minutes?? the sign says lunch is over in an hour! i'm telling you, it was not friendly. so buffet it was...there was not much to choose from, the dishes were lukewarm, the naan was chewy and old. i have worked in the resto industry for a long time, and when customers come in to your establishment to spend their money and enjoy themselves, you should be gracious and welcoming even if they walk in 5 minutes before you close! here we were, with an hour to spare and we were met with dagger eyes and hostility. yuck. but like i said, dinner is a whole different story. i still love you, cafe bombay, just not before the sun goes down.
(4)
Tauheedah M.
Well was looking for a good Indian buffet yesterday, and after searching Yelp I decided to venture here. Good Choice! Lunch Buffet was delish! For those to whom it matters they said that all the meat is halal (muslim owners). We had Tandoori Chicken that was moist and hubbys favorite, Chicken 65 were these breaded spiced up chicken fingers that were tender as heck and for added bonus I dipped them in my mint chutney and oohwee :-) well, really, I dip anything I can in that mint chutney! Chicken Tikka Masala was my personal fav. nice and tender sauce was on point. They had a curry goat dish but I didn't try it but hubby said it was good. Now I did have one gripe, the rice...the description above said basmati rice w/ peas and I didn't see not one pea. I thought maybe it was because they were all gone so on my 2nd trip up I looked again and nope not one pea. The vegetarian dishes on the buffet were all great I can't really remember the names....one was a spinach dish but they didn't call it saag, one was veg. pakora (dipped that in the mint chutney, so good), and there were a few more. Needless to say we didn't eat again yesterday and we went around 1:45. Stomachs stayed full, so technically we had brunner (breakfast, lunch and dinner). I think I will be back next sat. Oh and the price for all of that deliciousness was $11.99 pp for the sat. buffet.
(4)
Jinnah J.
This place gets a 3 stars from me. We went for lunch and had the buffet. The place was clean, good presentation. Food was pretty decent. The only thing i didn't like was that most the food was cold. Everything was fresh, but it needed to have constant heat. Service was good. I did ask for a coke and never got it. Not to worry though I had water and it was fine. I will be going back there sometime.
(3)
V K.
Everybody recommended (and still recommends) this place when I was new to Decatur/Atlanta. I went for dinner once and didn't like it too much. Since then I've had lunch buffet a number of times which is decent - the menu selection is excellent, the food is good (but not the best). Some items are too Americanized and not as authentic or spicy as at some other Indian restaurants. A 3.5 star for the lunch buffet. The dessert (hot Gulab Jamuns!) is definitely the best.
(3)
D.L H.
Best Indian Food in Atlanta I have found so far. Still on the quest for that ultimate Indian Cuisine that I have yet to find since Queens NY!!
(4)
duane m.
The lunch buffet is the perfect entry into Indian if you are weary of trying something as daring as Indian cuisine seems to be to so many. There are lots of delicious things to try, and all the staples that I love about Indian (the spinach cheese stuff, the curry chickens, the nan bread, etc... don't expect me to remember the names). There are also a ton of options for vegetarian folks, and the buffet even includes dessert; all for under $10! If you are looking for delicious Indian, look no further, you will be stuffed when you leave!
(5)
Gina C.
My bf and I went to an Indian wedding back in July and they catered food from Cafe Bombay. It was delicious so we definitely had to go to the restaurant. When we got there the host asked us if we wanted to go sit in the quiet room or the music room. We didn't know what he was talking about so we chose the quiet room. I left to go to the bathroom and I peeked into the music room and there were people dancing and music blaring. It was a different vibe from your normal restaurant atmosphere. I told my bf that we had to sit in the music room. They had low tables where you sit on the floor with pillows and regular tables as well. There was also a belly dancer that danced all around the room. Little kids were also dancing with the girl but they got annoying after a while bc they were running all around the restaurant. We ordered the chicken tikka masala and chicken basil. I loved the chicken tikka masala. It was delicious! We wiped it clean with the naan! I didn't care for the chicken basil. I'm not one to crave Indian food but if it's Cafe Bombay, I'm there!
(4)
C V.
Love going here for dinner or lunch buffet. The lamb vindaloo, lamb korma and chicken tikka masala are heavenly. The service has been really really nice lately and I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Brenna S.
Have driven by this place a thousand times and never stopped to check it out. Don't make that mistake! For a weeknight dinner it was wonderful--delicious Indian dishes cooked to our spicy specifications. The manager showed us the back room which is open on weekends for belly dancing and the low tables with pillows that other reviews refer to. Can't wait to go back with another couple on weekend!
(4)
sameer a.
Amazing indian Mughlai food tried chicken korma and paneer kadhai. Both were amazing The Indian breads were well done and big sized.. In addition, Very courteous service and Clean restroom
(5)
Helen P.
Very good buffet style Indian cuisine. My favorite are the goat curry, tiki masala, and rice pudding. The place always seem to be over staffed with about 15 waiters standing around. I have never gone during dinner hours but I heard there are belly dancers at night. Overall, if you crave Indian food this is my recommendation.
(4)
Dan I.
The food here is just bad and *very* overpriced. My chicken tikka masala tasted like tomato soup with a few chunks of boneless chicken in it. Very bland and milky. Also, the entree was $14 where at authentic Indian places you can get it for $7 and it tastes much better. Ordered some Naan, it was $3 for one piece that had been precut into quarters (overpriced again) and didn't taste fresh at all. This restaurant is obviously for people who don't know what real Indian food tastes like or how much it should cost. The employees were very friendly and service was good, which bumps it up to 2 stars.
(2)
Chris M.
How do you eat the Indian food you crave on a low-carb diet? Well, it's possible. And Cafe Bombay was my most recent test. This review addresses TWO menu items only -- the Bombay Mixed Grill and onion kulcha. (Okay, the bread is NOT on the diet but I wanted it anyway.) I went early on a Monday and there was no one else there when I arrived. So I got to focus on trying to avoid rice, papadams and usual starchy sins and focus on how the MEAT was prepared. I was a bit surprised by how long it took, but was hoping that this was a good sign that the kitchen was taking care. When the dish arrived I was surprised. It came on a sizzling platter (like fajitas) with the aroma of Indian spices filling the senses. Okay. The onion kulcha/naan was nothing special. So let's focus on the varieties of protein offerings on the platter. There were 4 different meats - chicken 3 ways and lamb seekh kebab. The standard Tandoori chicken pieces - one thigh and one leg - were tasty and moist. The tikka pieces - small chunks of breast meat - were a bit overcooked and dry by comparison. By far the best two things on the platter were the seekh kebab and the malai kebab. The lamb was ground and well seasoned with fresh cilantro and peppers. The chicken malai pieces were moist and carried the seasonings perfectly. I think it is the cream sauce used to prepare the malai that made it so good. Only 4 tables of people when I left. Overstuffed. Feeling a little carb guilty from my one slice of naan. But happy that some chicken and lamb became a part if me tonight. Now... to walk off those carbs...
(4)
Sak L.
So very good. I should probably branch out and try something else on the menu, but I can't. The chicken tikka misala is delicious.
(4)
Bilal A.
I have tried lunch buffet which is good but not great! It has separate vegetarian and non-veg dishes which have varying quality.
(4)
Zain K.
Meh. I called ahead of time to ask if they were serving thali for lunch, and was given an affirmative response, only to find that this wasn't the case at all. Too hungry to leave, I had the chicken tikka, nan, lentil soup, and raita. Everything tasted fine, but the chicken was slightly on the dry side and the nan was a little thin for my taste (I prefer nan to be fluffy/chewy as opposed to thin/crisp).
(3)
Alex P.
Lets start off by saying, I know a thing or two about indian food and love it. The review is particularly for the lunch buffet, which is better than any I've visited in the past. Selection is very solid and dishes are very tasty. That's saying something considering that I don't usually like buffets. Tandoori dishes are a particular favorite of mine here. Also, their spinach on the buffet is excellent.
(5)
Nadia W.
This is my favorite Indian spot to eat at . The service is always greAt, and the good is always fresh and good. The lunch buffet has a good variety for vegetarians and meat eaters - I appreciate this place the workers and the food - Dinner is always good too - sometimes on the weekends they have belly dancers for your entertainment. A cool ethnic place to eat if you want some great chicken Marsala or lamb cooked several different ways.
(5)
J P.
Lovely place for a nice Indian lunch. Limited choices on the buffet but all the good standards so everyone in our party was happy. The biryani was good and the tandoor chicken was moist and delicious. We could have kept eating naan for longer....yes, the waiters seem super vigilant about filling water glasses! ;-). We really enjoyed our lunch here and the price is very reasonable. ($12 pp)
(5)
Nirmal M.
I rate it as best Indian restaurant in Atlanta area.
(4)
Shelly G.
I had always heard of Cafe Bombay but never had the chance to try it. It's a pretty large restaurant with ample seating. On Friday and Saturday nights when they have belly dancing, they ask you if you want to be seated in the regular dining area or the belly dancing area. My friends and I picked the latter since it sounded like a cool cultural experience. It ended up being kind of awkward, she would dance up on whoever was unfortunate enough to pick the non-booth side of the table. And there was a single, sad dollar bill tucked in the front of her skirt. We had to look away. On to the food: They start you off with a cracker type thing with some sort of dipping sauce. It was ok. We ordered the bread basket (naan, onion naan, and garlic naan) with our meals, which was pretty good. I asked the server if he liked the chicken tikka masala or the chicken 65 more, and he said chicken tikka masala without hesitation. I went with it and he did not lead me wrong. It was delicious, very rich with the perfect tomato-y flavor that I couldn't get enough of. When my tummy was stuffed there was still plenty to take home. My only peeve was that it took an hour to get our food, even though the restaurant didn't seem that packed. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and would come be back.
(4)
Regina F.
My father is a stickler for tablecloths. His idea of a perfect dining experience involves a nice, starched table drapery that flags to just below the knees. He's even more impressed if the silver utensils outnumber those in Amy Vanderbilt's expose on proper living. Regardless of whether he actually needs (or knows to use) that obscure fishbone-pick-knife-thing, he'll give a restaurant 10 stars, the waiter a 16 percent tip and lavish praises upon how good his steamed chicken breast was for the next year. I, however, find most eating utensils indelibly frustrating. The more objects there are to navigate, the more futile holding composure becomes, and the more quickly I slump under that starchy, hard cloth. Luckily Cafe Bombay extended an olive branch (or a lentil plant) to me and my father. Though there were no bright white sheets cascading over the beautiful marble table tops, the dim lighting accentuated the noir romance of the dining experience. Walls adorned with authentic Indian treasures, conscientious waiters dolling water as freely as the Jog Falls in Karnataka and food as exquisitely and willingly tailored to two very disparate appetites made for an illustrious dining experience. The paneer-baked chicken served on a sizzling skillet allowed the opaque white onions to transform into crystalline, caramelized beauties in just a few minutes. Moist, tender and refreshing, the Chicken Malai Kabab was as tantalizing as Frieda Pinto in any bollywood film. The Bhindi Masala, requested extra spicy, arrived with an almost erotic aromatic arousal. The spices wafted and curled with the steam rising above the copper bowl. Beautifully dark green, hand cut okra soaked in red chilies and adorned with dried spices, one spoonful of this amalgamation had my tongue yearning for more - so much so that licking the bowl seemed almost appropriate. Bombay's na'an, soft, fluffy, warm and not a bit too yeasty, obscured any need for this girl to use the spiked utensils set forth. Though napkins were provided with grace, edible hand cleaners that double as food vehicles are always in order.
(5)
Lin G.
Reading that book, Interpreter of Maladies, put me in the mood for Indian food, so we came here. There are two sections, go into the back one, it's so much better. They even had a white girl belly dancing. They asked us for a preference on where to sit when we first walked in and not knowing the difference, I said wherever and of course they put us in the boring section. The atmosphere kind of sucked. I got some sort of chicken curry. It was okay. The naan was really good though. I wanted the thali and the waiter just said they didn't have it. It's always annoying when restaurants don't serve the food that they list on their fucking menu. Fucking tease. Maybe the lunch buffet would be better.
(3)
Jonathan C.
Visited Cafe Bombay several times. Loved the lunch buffet. Then one evening I asked for a rice pudding to go, got home, opened the container, took a couple bites, and, to my surprise, there were two HUGE bugs in the pudding. They were big and black and nasty looking. One was cut in half and the other was fully intact. Both dead. Needless to say I won't be going here again. Can't get the image of those bugs sticking up halfway out of the rice pudding out of my head whenever I consider going back for lunch. If there were two in that one pudding, then there must be more crawling around in the kitchen. No thanks.
(2)
Audrey F.
Cafe Bombay is pure comfort food for me. There is something about it that just makes any day better. Breakup? Cafe Bombay take out. Birthday? Cafe Bombay in the restaurant. Bombed a grad school exam? Cafe Bombay in the restaurant or take out - so many options. I am guilty of not being very adventurous here. But, what I get is just so incredibly good that I can't imagine getting Cafe Bombay and eating anything else. I always get chicken tikka masala and then obviously rice and naan. Deciding on what naan to get always stirs up an inner struggle. Do I act like a sane person and get a normal order of naan for $1.75? It is your basic naan, it is more than enough for one person and it is delicious. OR, do I embrace my inner desires and order the naan basket for $7.50 which comes with plain naan, garlic naan, and onion naan? It is just so much of a good thing...I realize it is a bit overboard when ordering for one, but I am definitely guilty of getting this tucked into my take out container on more than one occasion. I have tried a number of their other dishes when eating in the restaurant with friends and have not had a bad one yet. Although my love of my normal items prevents me from remembering any of their specifics. Addy C. is spot on that the lunch buffet here is fantastic. Unlimited naan, need I say more? The live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights is absolutely fantastic. It is from 8:00 - 10:30 and is a great show complete with fire twirlers. If you want the full show make sure and sit in the back part of the restaurant that has the couches and low tables - it is where all of the action happens!
(4)
Mia T.
Friendly staff. Open 7 days a week. They offer an all you can eat buffet during lunch. If you never tried India food lunch is the perfect time to come. Relaxed atmosphere, great customer service and most importantly, delicious food!
(4)
Sophie B.
Went on a Friday night, place was. Pretty packed but there wasn't a wait. I got the vegetarian thali and it was amazing! They bring free appetizer which is always a plus. There was also a belly dancer, entertainment while you eat! If you're looking for Indian food I highly recommend this place! In a strip mall so plenty of parking
(5)
Woody W.
I'm a guy who doesn't even like Indian food but this place has a cool vibe and good food. I recommend the Chicken 65 for all the people who can't handle the heavy spices and the cheese naan was great as well.
(5)
Kenny C.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is amazing. I don't how to pronounce the names of the food, but it's all taste awesome
(5)
Dave B.
I eat here all the time. The buffet is one of the best deals in town. Excellent options, only ~$11. We also order from the menu regularly. I love the matar paneer and paneer tikka masala. The naan is also delicious.
(4)
Jesse S.
Good dinner, and ambiance - service was fine and drinks were good - While the portions were a little small for the price, I think this was a great new find for us - if you like Indian it is well worth a try!
(4)
B. H.
I live in Birmingham, and my girlfriend is Indian, we suffer from poor Indian food in Birmingham, as there is only 1 good location, but she absolutely loved the lunch buffet as it contained some of her favorite items, particularly the mango yogurt fruit thing. Other than that the tikka is great and the biryani is great. I loved the tikka paneer probably the most out of the non-meat options, but it wasn't there the second time I went. The goat was also very good. There was also naan on the buffet, which was great. The only thing I would have to ding them on is the chicken 65, I was not very impressed with it, but that is the only bad thing on the buffet. Importantly, the meat was fresh and tasty which is especially important for a buffet. We visit Atlanta frequently, and have made this our new place to stop at for Indian food.
(5)
Anurag A.
I went there with my GaTech friends for dinner. The place looks good once you enter the restaurant. The server was initially trying to accommodate by joining tables in the main buffet area, but we managed to get a table in the big area with has the bar as well. Now the food part. We ordered 4 appetizers. Gobi manchurian, samosa chat, aloo tikki chat and paneer tikka. Gobi manchurian was not well cooked plus they were kind of raw and the florets were really big in size Everyone liked the Paneer tikka which was spicy and it was well cooked. For our main course we ordered Paneer butter masala and my friends ordered chicken tikka masala and another chicken dish. The entrees were really sweet in flavor and they were just ok. The Naan were really big in size and they were well cooked. My first experience was just ok. But I might visit this place again and will update the rating accordingly.
Never order delivery online. You will keep on waiting ,food will never be delivered. When you call, some stupid guy will sound as if he lives in pre historic era and doesn't have any clue what is Yelp or online ordering system.
(1)
Daniel B.
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, my friend and I were hungry and craving Indian food. I impulsively suggested Bhojanic. We pulled up to the restaurant only to find it closed. Fortunately, there were other Indian restaurants in the vicinity, so we headed over to North Druid Hills and Briarcliff where Cafe Bombay and Chat Patti are located. Cafe Bombay sounded good enough to me, so that's where we went. I've heard of Cafe Bombay, but didn't really know much about it. We stumbled upon their lunch buffet, which is offered seven days a week, four hours per day (11:30-3:30 on weekdays, 12:00-4:00 on weekends). I've tried a variety of Indian buffets in metro Atlanta including Swapna, Lahore, and the now-closed Madras Grill. They're all about the same to me. It's buffet food, so obviously it's not going to be as good as freshly-cooked items ordered off the menu. However, the advantage to Indian buffets, and most buffets in general, is the opportunity to try many different items. That's exactly what I did here. I tried *everything* on the buffet and stuffed myself silly. So silly, that I was in pain afterwards (do not recommend). Here's a rundown of most of the buffet items I tried: Vegetable pakora - veggie fritters Punjabi karhi pakora - onion fritters in a yogurt curry Palek - spinach Chinese eggplant Aloo achari - potatoes cooked with special sauces Chicken tikka masala Tandoori chicken - chicken baked in a clay oven Chicken 65 - boneless red chicken Salad with yogurt dressing Chicken with rice - bone-in chicken with what looks like brown fried rice Fruit pudding Kheer - rice pudding Gulab jamun - fried dough balls in sweet syrup Gajjar ka halwa - sweetened shredded carrots with milk As is customary, the carbs to eat with all this food are naan (Indian flatbread) and Indian rice. I like Indian rice because it's long-grain, fragrant, soft, and fluffy. The rice here is not as fluffy, but it's because the rice has been sitting out on the buffet. The naan here also isn't that great. It's very plain and cold. Winners from the buffet included the Chinese eggplant, chicken tikka masala, chicken 65, the fruit and rice puddings, and the sweetened shredded carrots. I love the creamy and sweet chicken tikka masala sauce. The chicken 65 was crispy, tender, and sometimes juicy. The puddings were quite tasty as were the shredded carrots. All had appetizing, creamy, and milky flavors. The losers included the palek, tandoori chicken, and gulab jamun. Palek paneer (spinach with cheese) is one of my favorite Indian dishes, but the palek at Cafe Bombay was not sweet enough. It's hard to get tandoori chicken right, IMO, especially when it's served on a buffet. It was dry. As for the gulab jamun (fried dough balls), that was the biggest disappointment for me. The consistency of their gulab jamun was unappetizing from the moment I bit into them. I think they'd been sitting out too long. The pieces were too saturated and rich. Service was good. Cafe Bombay has two rooms of seating. One of the rooms, which they use for special and private events, comes complete with low tables and cushions on the floor -- traditional Indian-style. The restaurant advertises live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Now that's something I would back for!
(3)
Gary D. S.
great buffet. good service. easy to reach from Lenox Mall near downtown Atlanta. Nice relaxed numerous selections to choose from. Many locals present 3/4 full 1:30 Sat afternoon.
(4)
Andrea P.
Came here from Buckhead for the lunch buffet and thought it was a great value at $10 for a weekday. The food was delicious and it was a good spread. Obviously the spiciness was very tempered so it would appeal to the masses. I liked that not all of the chicken options were drowning in sauce. The potatoes and peppers ended up being my favorite. Service was also good - water was constantly refilled and plates were quickly cleared. It had a nice crowd at lunch but there was hardly ever a wait to get food and they kept everything well supplied.
(4)
Aditya S.
Must say, the current four stars rating of this place is flattering at best. There are so many other places with better Indian food. We ordered Kadhai Paneer (1), Veg Makhani (2), Naan(3) and Samosa Chat (4). 1 was served in a pool of oil. 2 was just tomato puree. 3 and 4 were Okay. Food was served quickly but that would be the case if you cook anything with so much oil. Maybe the non-vegetarian and Thali servings are better. But I wouldn't bother to check them out again. My money is better spent at so many other places in Atlanta. And they had a belly-dancer walking around the tables. For someone coming from India, it was totally bizarre to see that being labeled as an Indian experience. My advice - go there if someone recommends a particular dish. If you are new to Indian food and wanna try out things, find some place else.
(2)
Nina P.
Love this place so much! The outside does not do it justice! The inside is nice and the service is excellent. All the waiters were attentive and helpful in service and food choices. I recommend the butter chicken with the assortment of nan!!!! This stuff really fills you up and it is extremely delicious! I highly recommend. I plan to make this my regular spot to grab some Indian dishes.
(5)
Sol A.
I have never been so grateful about a place opening in a holiday. A friend and I didn't feel like cooking on the 25th and we were craving some good food. She suggested this place and i just said yes, completey surprised they were actually open. The food is amaizing.. I had eggplant, naan and rice (I'm vegetarian) and my friends had chicken and we both were happy with our food. The service was good, the only thing that we didn't like is the closed atmosphere that you start feeling at the end of your stay. i started sneezing from all the spices in the room! Good place, definetively going back for more!
(4)
Anas A.
I went there with my wife ,, Very uglay place , dont go there, and very bad manager.. nothing clean, if you hate someone send him to this place
(1)
Dani O.
Food is best Indian cuisine in Atlanta. Authentic food and setting. The buffet style allows for eating at your preferred pace and also to try several different entrees. Setting is relaxing and intimate. Great for lunch or dinner.
(5)
Tom C.
Cafe Bombay is the place to be for Indian Lunch Buffet for $9.99. Especially if you are hungry and looking for quality. This isn't crappy Indian food. It's at a fine dining Indian restaurant. During lunch they do buffet for customers. Their chicken tandoori, chicken tika masala, goat curry were all tasty and good. My vegetarian friend loved their vegetarian options. He is Indian and he said it was a quality Indian restaurant to his standards. Definitely going to have to come back for more Indian lunch buffett!
(4)
Scott K.
Stopped through Cafe Bombay with a Canadian friend who had a taste for Indian food. Nice decor, relaxing and with very good service. We started off with Chicken Chat, a dish that I had never heard of, but sounded good. It was delicious. Kind of reminiscent of Thai Nam Tok salad. Next was the Chili Chicken. I'm really tired of spots that have warn you, "spicy" but in reality about as spicy as ketchup. That was not the case here. Spicy truly means Spicy in this place. Excellent, I'll be back.
(4)
Philip K.
I'm not connoisseur of Indian food, but I was very impressed with the food and the service at Cafe Bombay. The waiters were all very friendly and patient as they helped us navigate the menu and answered all of our questions. I tried the Lamb Vindaloo...the spice level was perfect, and it was bursting with flavor. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and look forward to returning for more.
(4)
Quality K.
excellent food but get rid of the indian waiters cause they are just too stiff. need to staff the place with people that have a personality and enjoy serving as a career. great food. owners should show less that money matters and concentrate more on taking the time to ensure guests are well taken care of. again, so far as i have experienced, food is great.
(3)
Michael K.
Lunch Buffet was cheap, but..... The Tandoori Chicken was pretty dry. Chicken Tikka Masala was weird. It did not taste like most Tikka Masalas I've had..it tasted more like a butter chicken. The Naan was good. Their vegeterian noodles were pretty good (I wish they had one with meat, though. Then it'd be BOMB). Both of the kinds of rice they offered were cold, and not good. Overall, mehhhhhh. I've had better lunch buffets (in general) for $10, and I've had delicious Indian lunch buffets for $8. I think they should offer fewer dishes, but make them with better quality.
(3)
Abhi G.
Been to Bombay cafe several times. This used to be my favorite indian restaurant when we moved in Atlanta 2 years back. Now that I have been to all Indian restaurants in Atlanta, it is still among top 4. Ambience-wise this is probably the most authentic indian restaurant, and the same goes for the service. Food is not bad either, I prefer their À la carte over their buffet.
(4)
Jason L.
As a vegetarian who travels throughout the US for a living, I always look for Indian while on the road because of the variety of veg based options. I'm working downtown in Atlanta this week, and Cafe Bombay was well worth the 8 mile / 15 minute drive, which I made solely based on it's high Yelp reviews. We arrived at 12:30 in the middle of the lunch rush, and the large dining area was packed. There was a long line at the buffet, but it moved quickly, and the staff managed to promptly replace items before they ran completely out. It was obvious that they are used to the crowd and they ran like a well oiled machine. Food was incredible. They had all of the usuals - basmati rice, pakoras, palak paneer, aloo gobi, dal, krispy fried onion straws and spinach leaves, korma, in addition to several entrees I'd never tried before. They also had tandori chicken, butter chicken, ground goat meat, and a few other entrees that the meat eaters looked pretty happy about. I usually go into $10 AYCE buffets with limited expectations, but Cafe Bombay was fantastic and I'll be back when I return to the area in a few weeks.
(5)
Hanan A.
A little better than the typical Indian Buffet although being on the pricey side nothing really sets this place apart from other places but it has a beautiful dining area, as well good assortment of Halal meat dishes in the buffet. Tends to be a work crowd type of place and enjoyable experience.
(3)
Hiroyuki I.
While the food is great, popular among both my American and Indian friends, the service has been sub-par the two times I visited Cafe Bombay. If you can ignore the service, lack-there-of..., its a definite go! Sharing a number of curry with my friends, Ive had a chance to taste eight or so of both the vegetarian and meat curries. They were all wonderful, not too spicy, and not overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed the roasted red pepper curry with chicken and the eggplant potato curry. Both great choices. The appetizers and naan were great as well. I most enjoyed the fritter with cheese and mint. It was a very new taste for me, refreshing (mint) and savory (cheese). However, both times the service was less than professional. The waiters would nag us to order over four times while we told them that we needed more time, when there was hardly anyone else in the place around 5 pm. When the hot entrees arrived and a friend burnt her finger, the waiter asked if she had damaged the table instead of asking her if she were ok... Finally, we asked to split a check among four people, and the server told us how we should split the check instead... We told them that we were very unhappy with the service, but they did not seem to care. I must say that I was taken aback by these things... In the end, I really enjoyed the food here so I have returned. The service never has gotten any better. I would recommend this place to my friends, but be very weary of their service...
(3)
Tiffany L.
The food here is great! We are regulars! The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is perfect!
(5)
Errynne B.
I love this place... I would give it 5 stars except for the fact that I have never actually been there, I've only ordered delivery. My favorite dish is Chicken Tikka Masala and it is delicious! It's perfect with Naan as well. I wish the portions had a bit more chicken, but overall it is really good. The paneer dishes are also very good. If you're an Indian food fan like me, you should check this place out whether you go to the restaurant or order delivery.
(4)
Veda R.
I was dragged here again by my family. This trip IS AND WAS THE LAST. Rude servers. I was talking to my mom and asked if we should grab an extra chair for the table as we had a semi-large group. The server overheard me and mocked me by repeating what I said in a very exaggerated tone. I'm serious. I know I have a high pitched voice, but was that really necessary? Me: "We need an extra chair." Server: "You mean this extra chair?" and pointed to a "chair". Me: "no, asshole." I'm seriously never going back Also -- Douchebag that was in charge of the "raw chicken" incident still works there, SMH.
(1)
Kaundinya G.
Best Indian food in Atlanta. Goat curry is a die for! Friendly staff make me feel at home whenever I drop by :-)
(5)
Jang C.
Unlike most reviews I've read for Cafe Bombay, I came for dinner, not the lunch buffet. Based on the reviews I've read so far, the dinner seemed like a better experience. I have to agree. The interior looked dark and fancy. It looked like a high class restaurant with folded napkins and so on. I felt it might have been too dark though. I guess it's suppose to be romantic. The servers seemed friendly. They looked a bit serious rather than charming though. Their constant frowning kinda made me feel unwelcome. They should loosen up a bit. Their food tasted great. Their naan came out fresh from their oven. It had browned and blistered nicely. The browning gave it a nice taste. I ordered 1 order of naan. And it looked huge. It was a size of a pizza. The naan had the nice and crispy exterior with the chewiness inside. I liked it. The appetizer we ordered was a mix of vegetables (I forgot what it was called). It had onions, chickpeas, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro. It was topped with yogurt. They asked us if we liked it spicy, and we did. So they added some heat to it, and boy did they ever. It was quite spicy. It also tasted like a vegetarian chiveche because of the cilantro and onions. Overall, it I loved this appetizer because of the heat and how refreshing it tasted. The Lamb Vindaloo tasted good too. The lamb was nice and tender, and the curry had great flavor. It came with some potatoes inside. The curry tasted hot but not as hot as the appetizer we had. We also ordered the Dal Tarka. It had a nice, sweet, savory taste. The lentils were cooked well. I liked this dish also. I felt the mild flavors balanced out the hot flavor of the appetizer and the Vindaloo. Overall, the food at Cafe Bombay had a lot of flavor. And I thought they tasted delicious. It was one of the few times I enjoyed Indian food. Then again, most of the time I eat Indian, I eat the crappy buffets. There's a difference in quality between dinner and buffet it seems. Our entrees came with Basmati rice. I think the rice was enough to eat the entress with. I didn't have to order the naan because the rice plus naan felt like too much food. Especially since the naan was big as a pizza. Then again, the naan did taste good. So it depends on how gluttonous you feel.
(4)
Christina A.
Mediocre food, mediocre service. I used to like their lunch buffet, but the prices keep going up and now it doesn't seem worth it.
(3)
Steve H.
Delicious! One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. The wait staff is sort of cold, but I can deal with it since the food is so good.
(4)
Asma A.
NOT a fan of this place.. If i stop by its usually for the hookah, but even that is not that great.. Food: i think its okay, there are definitely better indian/pakistani restaurants Service: Extremely slowwwwwwwwww If you want desi food, go to decatur to Zyka, or Lukman
(2)
Vipul P.
We utilized Ricky and the team at Cafe Bombay to cater my birthday party for 75 guests. He and his team did an excellent job. They showed up on time, were extremely courteous and diligent, but most importantly cooked food on site which was phenomenal. Our guests loved all the food - but the standouts were the tandoori shrimp, lamb chops, keema sliders, pain puri shots, and bhel martinis - and this was only the appetizers. I highly recommend Ricky for any event where you want to have amazing indian food.
(5)
Kathleen M.
Cafe Bombay has been on my list for more than a minute, so I was excited when a friend decided to host a little birthday gathering here. The setting was nice and intimate, with dark woods and lots of candlelight. It was pouring rain outside, so it was a nice and cozy little getaway. The menu is huge, so prepare to be overwhelmed. They have lots of options for both vegetarians and meatitarians, as well as combo meal options for 2 if you're just not sure where to start. We ordered a few of the veggie samplers and everything on them was great. Little mini samosas, pakoras, and the classic Indian dish: eggrolls. Weird, yes. Delicious, also yes. The paneer tikka masala was everything I wanted it to be: creamy, hearty, comforting, and flavorful. I was tempted to lick the bowl. The chicken makhni was brightly colored and equally good, although a smidge on the greasy side. Still, I'd happily order both dishes again and again. The prices are a little higher than you might find at other joints around town, but the atmosphere is definitely higher end. Our service was sadly a little off as a few dishes were apparently forgotten and our server wasn't exactly helpful with deciphering certain parts of the menu. All in all, though, a great spot for Indian eats.
(4)
Jenny K.
came here the other night. ordered the Chicken Afghani which is basically chicken w spicy mango sauce. it was pretty delicious, came with a choice of rice or naan. I went with the rice which was the better choice imo after trying a bite of my friend's naan. it was about $12,,, which was pretty ridiculous for the amount that we got. the chips you get for free in the beginning weren't that great either...(too salty). however, I'll give cafe bombay some props for the ambiance in there. the lighting was not too dark or too bright and it was an overall 'upscale' restaurant (cloth napkins!!) also, the service was very nice and attentive. I wouldn't go again for dinner but I'll definitely try out the lunch buffet soon to give bombay a second chance.
(3)
Haroon Q.
Fresh and fantastic food as well as a depth of flavor. Best tandoori naan in the area and if it's your first time, definitely go for the butter chicken! They are also a great go to choice for take-out. Other great options are their chicken tikka & chicken tikka masala.
(4)
Michael L.
Ok, I've had it with this place. First time I got the runs within 30 minutes of my meal, I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Second time...shame on you! *groan* *writhe* Or...shame on me for coming back...granted it's been a while. The food here really is "toned down" in terms of flavor- though their tandoori wings are still tasty. Madras Woodlands beats this place hands down. Can't come back anymore. Not if this is what it does to me....NOT cool.
(2)
Michelle K.
I love this place! I truly enjoy Indian cuisine and was happy to stop by for dinner here over the weekend. We were both set on the tandori chicken and it was a great. We missed the buffet but ordering a la carte was easy since we knew what we were craving. The wait staff was extremely courteous and very accommodating. I really liked the fact that the managers at the restaurant was keeping tabs on all the customers dining in and made sure that we were well taken care of. I love their cucumber, dill & yogurt sauce that I use on my tandoori chicken and their sweet, plum sauce (dark.) Cafe Bombay has not disappointed me yet so I will be sure to return when I'm craving Indian, any day of the week. #Yelp 365- 31/365
(5)
Ashley W.
I love this place. The food is always consistently good and the portions are always pretty big. I've always ordered to go so I can usually eat from my dish 2 times. I always order the butter chicken with an order of naan. Both have been wonderful and their buffet looks pretty good as well just from glancing at it when coming in the front door. Definitely give this place a try!
(4)
Jessica W.
Located close to Emory's campus, cafe Bombay has awesome Indian food. I've been several times for the lunch buffet, which is great. Last time I stopped by was for dinner & I ordered my favorite chicken Goan curry; if you like coconut, this is the dish to try! Service is usually friendly, although not always the most efficient. Prices are reasonable & the food is delicious!
(4)
Nafisa A.
Amazing amazing amazing! Everything about this restaurant is amazing. The amount of food they give for the price is totally worth it. I've been there twice, and both times got their chicken biryani. It was amazing. Our server was Sajib. Both times I've been there. Loved his service a lot! When you go there, ask for him. Enjoy!
(5)
Kate C.
First thing to know, this place is two very different restaurants. What I mean by that is, there's the buffet and then there's the regular sit-down menu. Buffet: 5 stars. Fresh food. Great variety. Quick service. Full men: 2.5 stars. Some items stand out as good. But overall, it's a minefield. I've found most of the menu items uninspired, overcooked, don't sit well in your stomach type. I know that this makes no sense. But there you have it.
(4)
Chan V.
Amazing chicken tiki masala and tandori chicken wings. Must try the bullet naan which is jalapeño naan. If that's not your thing then there is a book of a menu for you to pick from. The butter chicken with garlic naan is also fabulous. This is my new favorite Indian restaurant.
(5)
Levi B.
This place was great. I got the butter chicken hot which was delicious. One hiccup and about 7/10 on my hot scale. My wife got chicken tikka masala. I wasn't such a fan of it. The curry was super yummy but the chicken was dry. She loves it that way but not me. Out of the 3 Indian restaurants we went to in ATL this place has the best tasting curries.
(5)
Paul E.
If I didn't have food poisoning from their chutneys and rude staff behavior, this review would have been better. Let me break it down to a few categories. Food-- (as someone grew up in parts of South and knows how to cook most of the dishes) the only item worth mentioning is chole bhatorey(chickpea curry). I was appalled to find the palak paneer being made with cheap cheese (to those who were raving about it on the reviews-- paneer is not your publix cheese on the shelf; please taste something authentic before claiming it as awesome). The tikka masala was dry and it was evident they didn't cook it fresh. The tandoori chicken was very dry as well. The chicken biriyani was pretty good. From the looks of it, these people don't know how to do non veg items very well. Service-- the staff was always hovering over you, taking plates away even before you were done. This created this pressure of "you need to leave ASAP", which is a very tacky south Asian technique they use in those parts. Given the naan was super thin and hard, I asked for some fresh naan on the table when they were bringing out a new batch. 99% of all restaurants are more than happy to do it, but the waiter very rude said that I need to order from the menu. He also went on to explain how they are the most popular restaurant in Atlanta and how only " small" restaurants do it. Very discourteous Price-- reasonable;$13 for the buffet. However considering only one dish was made to taste, I have eaten better. Overall, I have been to 20+ Indian restaurants in Atlanta and this will rank in the bottom 2. Still having food poisoning issues. Do NOT try their chutneys.
(2)
jennifer s.
Best lamb vindaloo I've had in atlanta. The sauce is so savory with the right amount of spice. Their naan is nice and fluffy and delicious. The rice has perfect flavor and texture. Ive only eaten take out here but the service was always very courteous and inviting. Def recommend this place
(5)
Emma F.
Solid Indian Restaurant. The food is not as spicy as I am used for Indian places (actually not spicy at all really) so if you want it spicy ask for it that way. The servers are nice and the place is pleasant. What we had: Meat Samosa: Average Veggie Pakora: Average Butter Chicken: Slightly Above Average Goat Rhogan Josh: Average Lamb Vindaloo: Average and not spicy at all in spite of the warning. Mixed Tandoori Grill: Above average Palak Paneer: Average Mango Lassi: Below Average So, with so many averages why the four stars vs three? Because I have realized that my idea of average Indian food is actually really good Indian food. I'm super picky and the mere fact that I would go back, means it's pretty damn good. Overall, if you come here, you won't be disappointed, unless you like really spicy Indian food, in which case tell them so and I'm sure they'll oblige. I will be asking for things with a lot of spice next time.
(4)
Karthi S.
The food is not up to the mark no varieties No spicy No appetizer in veg food Chicken butter masala not good
(1)
Ahmed A.
Great Indian food and a friendly staff. Had the Lamb curry, Chicken malai kabab, spinach paneer, Afghani chicken and dal makhani. Also tried the rice and the naan with the food. All of it was good quality and it all came with generous portions. The Afghani chicken had mangoes in the sauce and provided a unique sweet flavor. I would definitly go there again!
(5)
Marisa F.
DON'T EVER ORDER DELIVERY FROM THIS RESTAURANT. I'm pretty sure you are all going to be as grossed out by this story by I am. (They use GrubHub) which I will be deleting my account and NEVER using again. This evening I've had to deal with the most incompetent people. Their driver delivered the wrong order to my apartment this evening we opened the food up and had it spread on the counter and started serving ourselves before we realized that some of the food was wrong. We called the restaurant and the delivery man came back with the right order over 30 minutes later and they wanted to take the wrong order back so it could delivered to the right person. I told the guy we already opened up all the food and ate some of the stuff that we thought was ours so the guy said ok and left. Then a really nasty guy from the company called me demanding the food back so it could be served to the right person. 1) We have already opened it to check if it was ours and ate some of it because we ordered some of the same thing. The first thing we pulled out was what I knew was mine and started eating it....... Two::: that's gross that they wanted to serve it. Would you want to eat cold food that someone has stuck there fingers in seeing if it was theres? Which honestly I had. Three::: that's against a number of health violations. If someone gets the wrong order you have to throw it out. BY LAW it cannot be reserved especially meat and especially when it has already gone cold. I've worked in the food industry and known food inspectors. I will honestly be reporting them to the health department and I HIGHLY suggest Cafe Bombay find a new delivery service. Go to the restaurant and pick up your food.... don't use this service.
(2)
E V.
There were several events in my life recently that made me feel like God might be mad at me, but then I found this restaurant on yelp, and I knew that God must really, really love me. This food was indescribably good. The naan was so amazing that I almost hid it from my husband, so I could eat it all myself. Wow....just wow!!
(5)
No N.
WHAT A RIPOFF. This place is OVERPRICED!! Their naan tastes like it came from a pancake mix box and was cooked on a girdle and left sitting out in the rain. The chicken tasted like it was left out in That Desert for one thousand and one nights. The samosas were doughy and stuffed with what tasted like cream cheese. It was like I was eating the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Not to mention they were half frozen.
(1)
Amy H.
I have lived in Atlanta for a year, and after trying all the Indian around Candler Park, I had to go north to find some good stuff. I've only gotten Cafe Bombay for take out, but each time the food is great. It's what I expect from your average Indian restaurant. I've had the lamb biryani, tikki masala, saag paneer and mali kofta. I liked them all. The naan is good. I've had better basmati rice and raita, but no biggie. Dining room was full on Saturday night, and a lot of Indian families are here, which is a good sign.
(4)
Autumn S.
I'm new to indian food but really enjoyed the chicken masala there.
(4)
Tiff H.
Probably wasn't such a good idea to come to an Indian buffet when my stomach was feeling a little precarious after some suspicious tuna sashimi at Nori Nori the night before. But being as adventurous as I am when it comes to food and since I had been itching to come here for months (...years....?), I finally made it out to Cafe Bombay. The Saturday lunch buffet consisted of two lines of food offerings. One row contained different curries, some looking extremely appetizing and some.. not so much. The curries were all very interesting and different and I made an attempt to try all of them. The naan was crispy but a little dry, so I preferred the basmati rice with my curry. The gulab jamun (sweet freaking amazing balls of fried dough) were soooo good. For some reason, it reminded me of the sugar donuts that Chinese super buffets offer, which are a guilty pleasure of mine. After two though, I definitely couldn't stomach another one. The second line of food contained some classic Indian dishes like the chicken tandoori and the tikka masala. The tandoori was very dry, although the sauce was flavorful and quite tasty. The tikka masala was delicious, although it borderline tasted like tomato sauce... or tomato bisque... I was a little disappointed when I left, but I would like to give Cafe Bombay another shot one day when I'm in the area.
(3)
Michelle C.
Two words: Lunch buffet. Cant go wrong. However, service here is horrible. If the food wasn't so good I would give them a 1 star for crappy service.
(4)
Kashif K.
Cafe Bombay and I go back a long way. And my love for the food here has only grown over the years. While the other "traditional American Indian" dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken are great, the more "out of the box" Chicken Shahi Korma and Chicken Afghani (chicken cooked in a creamy, mildly spiced mango sauce) are outstanding. The Shrimp Poori here is also among the best I've ever had. The service is attentive and friendly, and they exhibit a genuine interest in ensuring that you enjoy your meal. The staff are very gracious and helpful, providing suggestions and recommendations, as needed.
(5)
Asim K.
Went for lunch buffet on a Sunday.. I liked the tandoori chicken and naan. Otherwise the food was lacking flavor. When I eat Indian food I expect a certain level of heat. While the food here was good and there was lots of variety it was lacking spice.. It tasted like watered down Indian food catered towards goras.
(3)
John C.
Cafe Bombay Indian cuisine best in the ATL area.They try to offer a great variety of foods during the lunch buffet along with the tandoori chicken favorite. Remember your in the ATL, I've had much better but this is the best in the area...you will not be disappointed. .
(3)
Jenna S.
Wonderful. Very attentive staff and amazing buffet. I loved the goat curry and the biriyani. Busy lunch buffet, in a good way, speaks to the quality of the food. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and I plan to come back :)
This place is perfect for their Indian lunch buffet. There are so many choices. I've been here during the weekday as well as their weekend lunch buffet (weekend is a little more expensive but selections are still very similar, you're not missing out on a big difference if you do weekday lunch buffet). There is a meat buffet section and a vegetarian buffet section, which is very nice. I love their tikka masala and their goat curry (goat curry is probably my favorite). I mix it with saag paneer and rice and eat it all up in one bite. Good spices. Some of their curries can be very oily, it's probably from the butter and cream, but their flavors are good. I also like their tandoori chicken, I always dip it in their mint chutney sauce. I cannot forget their dessert section. I have a crazy sweet tooth. They have gulab jamun, which is like a ball that is milk solids and dough and it is soaked in some sort of syrup. I have to dip every bite into the syrup. It's very, very, very sweet but I love it. I have also been here for dinner for my aunt's birthday, but I wouldn't come back for their dinner. I would stick to their lunch buffet.
(4)
Ahmed H.
Food wasn't bad. Not spectacular, just decent. Would come again....except for horrendous service. Waited 40 minutes for small bowl of chicken that likens itself to an appetizer, instead of the full plate entree I was expecting. No waiter ever really spoke to me. Didn't have a menu for 10 minutes. Sitting here now after my dismal meal that I waited forever for and considering just dining and dashing - if it was legal. Instead I'll just leave no monetary tip and a tip to pay attention to their diners, even if they are eating alone. So disappointed, had high hopes.
(2)
Yane Y.
It's been too long, Cafe Bombay. Way too long...!!! I've been here in years past for their dinner, primarily, but decided to come for the lunch break on Veteran's holiday - thank you soldiers! My husband had never been but I've been waiting to introduce him to this place. And... I guess my little one as well (1.5 years old). We went for lunch and arrived around 12:45. While it was busy, there was still room for us and a baby. The lunch crowd appeared to be a good variety of business people, casual lunch meetings and friends. They were always on top of our water and also quick to pick up our plates when cleaning up. It's been awhile since I visited so the whole ambience was a bit different from back in the day. It seems they stepped up their game and added granite counter tables! As for food, I loved their chicken tikka masala, chicken biryani, soft cheese tikka masala, naan, chicken tandoori and chicken tandoori wings, eggplant curry, and sweet carrot dessert. The main I have is that the chicken tandoori wings were much more moist than the chicken tandoori drumsticks. Apart from that, no other real comments. It was delicious. Oh! They had their meat dishes split from their vegetarian dishes. My husband loved their vegetarian dishes. I must admit that they were good. For example, the eggplant? I'm not a big fan of eggplants but it did me good! Flavor was perfect... I'm coming back again soon...!!!
(5)
Rahul G.
I've had two meals here and they were both excellent. The first time I had the lunch buffet. It was delicious and there was a wide variety to choose from. The second time i came with my parents for dinner. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We enjoyed the naans. Some of the best we've had. Fluffy buttery and warm. My parents claimed the goat rogan josh was just as good as back home (they're originally from India) . The service was prompt and attentive. Something that is usually lacking at Indian restaurants. Overall, it exceeded my expectations and I will be back on a regular basis.
(5)
Anise M.
I am a frequent diner of Bombay Cafe and have never been disappointed! The food is so tasteful! Very well spiced and never under or over cooked no matter if your there for lunch or dinner. The restaurant setup is cozy, well spaced and you can't help but feel so good to be there because the staff is awesome! They are very nice and make sure you have everything at the table that you want and need. I will be a forever client here! -Anise M
(5)
Parita S.
Superior and prompt service. The food was fantastic and not "watered down" like a lot of Indian places I've been to as they try to save money. They also have a unique drink menu which was impressive - my lycheetini was everything I had hoped for and more! Will definitely return!
(5)
Jonathan S.
If you don't know, I feel bad for you. LUNCH BUFFET. It's around $11 bucks for all you can eat naan, chicken tikka masala, biryani, etc. I've also been for the dinner service and enjoy that as well, although it's hard to pay dinner prices when I typically go there for the lunch buffet. They also do hookah in the back room. If you do the buffet: Note how quickly the waiters refill your cup of water. It's pretty funny. You take a sip and they fill it back up. If you do the dinner: There's value in the mix grill. Although the meat can be a little dry.
(4)
Mike S.
Not quite sure what the positive fuss is about this place, it's mediocre at best. Stopped in for the lunch buffet and had a small sampling of everything offered; good deal of vegetables but everything was very conservatively spiced and fell short of "flavorful", landing somewhere between "bland" and "uninspiring". Chicken tikka masala was tender but under-seasoned, with the sauce overpowered by tomato. The naan was relatively fresh but lukewarm. Overall, a fairly decent place for a quick lunch if you are in the area and have a hampering for Indian. Otherwise, I would not suggest it for much more. As others have noted, I have some reservations about the establishment's food safety. The ice water had a pungent taste, which if Heather V.'s tip holds any veracity, would be from the black mold growing in the ice machine. Watch out. Props for quick and attentive service though.
(2)
Ash H.
Oh my god... I never write a review but this time I felt obligated. The food was horrible! Chicken Tikka masala was either spoiled or made terribly without any flavor, it smelled so bad and was sour! And trust me I know indian food.
(1)
Solera F.
Food was excellent! Best Indian food I've ever had. Flavorful, great presentation, fast, good portions AUTHENTIC
(5)
American A.
Decent Indian food. You will be better off going there for dinner. I have been there several times for lunch. The lunch buffet quality s not worth the price.
(2)
Vijay P.
Very good belly dance , average food , bad service
(2)
C S.
Yum yum yum yummmmm! Delicious food and great price for the lunch buffet. ($10 per person) definitely worth the price! Many different dishes to try and lots of desserts! They even have fresh warm nan on the buffet. Can't wait to come back here
(5)
Roman G.
Best Indian food in Atlanta. Quick service, great staff and the food is delicious! The prices are on the high end for Indian food. They are also a big caterer in the Southeastern region. Highly recommend.
(4)
Ashvini S.
Excellent Indian food and outstanding service after a long time. Main person who made our evening so special over there is Kanna. Will definitely go back.
(5)
Joy B.
Wonderful lunch buffet. Great food, really delicious and friendly staff. Fast service as well. Large inside with several dining areas. Ample parking as well.
(4)
Shyam S.
It sucks that I have to downgrade my review to three stars, but I feel the food has become much less authentic from my visit four years ago and is now more in line with the common North Indian buffet fare that is standard across the U.S. Everything tastes like the food you might see at other Indian restaurants. I don't know how to explain it, but the food lacks potency, warmth and the magic that is good Indian food. Granted, I am only talking about the buffet, but their separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian buffet tables used to be the stuff of legend. Not so much anymore, I am sad to report.
(3)
Brian K.
I have a love-hate relationship with Indian restaurants. On one hand, the food is bursting with flavor and undeniably delicious. However, on the other hand, a visit to one of these establishments can leave you reeking of an ungodly stench - to the point where even a plague infested leper would scoff at you on the streets. Fortunately, Cafe Bombay is an exception to the norm, or at least just has a good ventilation system. This is sufficient enough justification for the place to become my go-to joint when the butter chicken fever hits. Food: Cafe Bombay specializes in traditional Indian cuisine, some of which has been modified for the American palate. Much of the food is prepared with the use of a tandoor (clay oven) and karahi (Indian wok) - most entrees are served with basmati rice. The restaurant does offer a lunch buffet that appears to be quit popular, but I visited during the evening and ordered from the standard dinner menu. My dining partner and I opted to start with the paneer pakora, which was generously portioned and well flavored. For an entree, I had the butter chicken and an order of the paneer naan. Both were delicious and among the better renditions of the dishes that I've had in Atlanta. Service: Attentive, but not particularly personable. We were promptly seated upon arrival and the service was efficient throughout the meal, but the servers all lacked any semblance of personality. Atmosphere: The interior of Cafe Bombay is clean, open, and nicely appointed. The restaurant consists of a front dining room and a larger back room for overflow and private events. The buffet line is located in the front room near the entrance. The clientele is a mix of both Indian and non-Indian people, which is typically a good sign when it comes to ethnic cuisine. Although a few of the reviewers seem to be lamenting the authenticity of the offerings here, I found it to be comparable in quality to, if not superior to, what I've experienced elsewhere in the city. Cost: Moderately priced. Appetizers are $4-$7, soups are $5, single entrees are $10-$13, thalis are $11-$16, and desserts are $4-$6. Rice is $3-$13 and bread is $2-$4. Other: Cafe Bombay has a Briarcliff address, but it's actually physically accessed via Woodcliff Drive, which runs off Briarcliff Rd. next to the Target plaza. It's in the same plaza as Tin Roof Cantina and Queen of Sheba Ethiopian. Free and ample parking is available in the plaza's lot. The restaurant has a large private banquet hall and also has catering affiliations with most major hotel chains in the Atlanta area.
(4)
Stephanie M.
Having only dined here for lunch I would like to check it out in the evenings the place looks like it would be fun at night with a big open dining room in the back with a bar and belly dancing offered ! At times I have been the first customer through the doors sitting, just waiting for them to nod their heads in my direction so I can leap from my seat and examine the untouched virgin bar before having my way with it. Other times I've been the last to leave and enjoyed the all you can eat lunch each and every time. Two kinds of rice as well as Birini are offered, vegetarian dishes are available, sometimes a fried veggie or a mix of and salad. Chicken is prepared in a handful of styles Tikka, Masala and Tandoori are usually at your fingertips. Trying the different textures, flavors and sauces makes for an interesting lunch all are yum. Your eyes can get the best of you so eat what you take and try not to waste. The food is kept at the proper temperature, replenished as needed and your plates removed often.Try to get here early the tables will fill up quickly during the lunch rush.
(4)
Angela H.
Recently, I realized I hadn't had Indian food in a while and immediately thought of Cafe Bombay. I had heard about the restaurant numerous times throughout the past year, but I just never made it point to go. Since I wanted to catch up with a friend over dinner, I thought that Cafe Bombay would be the perfect place. We arrived at 8 pm on a Wednesday evening, and the restaurant was packed. As soon as we walked in, an employee approached us and informed us that it would be "just a few minutes." About ten minutes later, another employee told us the same thing. We stood by the entrance for probably a good 15 to 20 minutes before we were seated! My friend, who had been to Cafe Bombay numerous times before, told me that it was odd that the wait was so long, especially since they have a whole other room in the back. It turns out the long wait was an anomaly, especially on a Wednesday evening. As we were finally seated, our server told us that there was a private party going on in the back room, where they would normally seat additional customers. It would have been nice if someone had told us that from the start, and if they were more realistic about the wait time. As a creature of habit, I knew what I wanted even before I walked in. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. Additionally, my friend and I decided to get a Garlic Naan to share. Soon after we ordered, our server brought us their complimentary spicy crackers with cilantro chutney. A quick Google search reveals that these "crackers" are called "Papadums." They were thin, crispy, packed a lot of flavor, and spicier than I had expected. Apparently, the chutney is for dipping the papadums. As a cilantro hater, I did not like the chutney. Although I munched on two pieces of papadum, I wasn't really a fan. Less than 15 minutes after ordering, we were pleased at how quickly our entrees were served. * Garlic Naan ($3) - The "Soft leavened bread" comes in four flavors - bullet (spicy), cheese, garlic, and onion. One order of naan consists of one large piece of naan cut into four slices and served on a plate. It's definitely enough for two, especially if you're getting an entree which also comes with rice. The buttery, garlic-flavored naan was DELICIOUS! I HIGHLY recommend the garlic. =) My only complaint is that my second piece had a HUGE air bubble in it and, therefore, much less garlic flavoring. =( * Chicken Tikka Masala ($11) - My favorite Indian dish is made of "Boneless white pieces of chicken cooked with [our] Chef's special sauce." The chicken was tender, and the orange-colored, creamy sauce was so flavorful and amazing! It's so great with the garlic naan, too. This was definitely one of the tastiest Chicken Tikka Masalas I have ever had! Although I normally like to have leftovers to take home, I have to admit, I completely cleaned the bowl because it was THAT good. It wasn't a small portion, but it's definitely not enough for two. My friend ordered the Butter Chicken, which looked very similar to the Chicken Tikka Masala. Both dishes are normally served with basmati rice, but it was served in one serving bowl for us to share. The rice was cooked just right, and it was more than enough for the two of us. Overall, Cafe Bombay gets 4.5 stars for their delicious, reasonably-priced Indian food and quick service. Unfortunately, I had to round down because of our long, initially unexplained wait. Additionally, I think the servers could be a little friendlier, but that's just me be nitpicky. I will definitely return as I would love to try their lunch buffet and enjoy more of their amazing food! [Review 276 of 366]
(4)
Leah G.
I went here last Wednesday for dinner. I had been to the lunch buffet a few times before but its been a while. This was my first dinner experience. I met a friend here and the restaurant was nice and quiet so we were able to catch up without having to shout. It was nice not to loose my voice to be heard by my dinner companions. The service was pretty good. We were there for a couple hours and they kept our waters filled and never seemed impatient for us to leave. In fact the only time they seemed impatient was when it took us a little bit to decide on our order. Which leads to my one small complaint. The menu is very pretty but it is light colored writing on dark colors and patterned backgrounds. When they turned down the lights it was very hard to read. We both had to get out our phones in order to decide what to order I felt like I was trying to decipher cave hieroglyphics but had forgotten the battery in my helmet. We had Bombay Mixed Grill which is a variety from the tandoori grill. We had Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Malai Kabab & Sheek Kabab (lamb). It comes out sizzling and the smell is so mouthwatering that we actually added this to our order after our neighbors came out and we realized we HAD to try it. The different kinds of chicken were all very good and it was nice to have a variety but I wish there had been more lamb. It was definitely my favorite. If I had this again I would probably just get the lamb. Goan Shrimp Curry, which is a coconut based curry. I would definitely recommend it for fans of shrimp and coconut. I am not so good at describing tastes exactly, but the curry was very well flavored with just a hint of the sweet coconut. Chicken Afghani which is chicken in a mango based sauce. It was very tasty but if I went back I wouldn't get the Goan Shrimp Curry and the Chicken Afghani the same time. They both were light curries with a hint of fruit to make them just a tiche sweet. They were excellent, but I would have prefered something a little different to really keep my taste buds happy. We topped all of this off with Mango Lassis, and Naan. We probably good have done with one less dish as I had leftovers for two meals, but we wanted a variety. Overall it was a great time the food was all excellent and it was a nice place to catch up.
(4)
Vaidehi P.
Don't bother because buffet is bland. Paneer tikka was exactly like pizza sauce with some spices and paneer! The only possible edible dish was the kadai paneer.
(2)
Cece U.
The food here is simply delicious. I have yet to find another Indian restaurant in Atlanta that comes close to the greatness that is Cafe Bombay. There are times when I've eaten here twice in a week. I love Indian food and without Cafe Bombay I do not know how I would go on living in Atlanta.. (minus the fact that my BFF is Indian and cooks pretty tasty meals). Anyway, I am headed there tonight and decided I'd write a review before I head out. I would name my favorite dishes but there are about 10 of them. If you like lamb, I highly recommend the lamb palak...the favorite of my favorites. I always get that and another dish and split with someone. I also really enjoy the papadum and chutney thats served as a free app every time you dine in. It is like the Indian version of chips and salsa...yummy! The service is hit or miss, usually very good but some of my interactions with the employees have been a bit odd. Takeout is also great here! They give you so much sometimes I think the takeout portions sizes are larger than the dine in. I just think of it as making up for the lack of chips and salsa :)
(5)
Chris P.
Went here for the lunch buffet. The food is decent quality, but way, way too spicy in most cases (almost all the vegetarian curries) and weirdly underseasoned in one case (the tandoori chicken). I give them credit on a couple of fronts: there was good variety on the buffet, and the waiters were quick to refill food on the buffet as well as the water glass on my table. They weren't particularly friendly service-wise compared to several other places (e.g. Himalayan Spice). I like *some* heat, mind you. It just seems like most everything was turned up to 11 on the chile scale, so that I had trouble discerning some of the more complex curry spices on my palate. Spots like Swapna up in Smyrna do a better job offering a range of spicy heat on their buffet. Still, it could have been an off day, so I'm willing to give these guys another shot in the future.
(3)
K P K.
I used to go here before there was Yelp, and had to come back here now to write a review. This has got be one of the best Indian restaurants in the country. That may sound like a stretch, but if you are looking for a authentic Punjabi experience this is the place to go to. No color added, real spices that light up your taste buds, and just excellent kababs and bread. The owner is also a wonderful guy who is truly passionate about his food and restaurants. On extended work trips, we would here here almost 1-2 times per week (never do that ever). This is the first place I will eat when back in Atlanta.
(5)
Jen S.
the. best. Indian. buffet. I've ever had. I came in with a friend on a Monday for Lunch Buffet.. I believe the times are 11:30 to 3:30PM but you should call in to make sure I'm right about that. Before tip, the total cost is right below $11 including tax and they have unlimited naan, chicken, lamb, spinach, etc. etc.. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. It's extremely clean and it's convenient to go with friends because you can pay individually at the front. I can't wait to go again!
(5)
James L.
Love this place. My only criticism is that I like my Pakura cooked crispy.
(4)
Elizabeth S.
Was in town for business, and went Monday night with a colleague/friend. SO good. In fact, so good that when someone Wednesday night suggested we go there I didn't object, even though I usually like to diversify my dining options on business trips. Night one, we shared an order of the chat -- it's a pretty big order, too much for two people, especially with the food that followed. The raw onion flavor was a bit overpowering, but the spice was great -- nice kick to it, too! My friend got the Afghani chicken with mango and loved it; I had the chicken korma, and also love it. We had an order of naan -- perhaps the best I've had to date. Ordered a second and almost finished it! Night two, 8 of us went and they were able to accommodate us without a reservation. Most of us ordered Thalis -- great price for the amount of food provided. The choices for the Thali were limited, but it was fine since they were all delicious: Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Paneer, Rice, Naan, Raita (excellent raita!) and what I think was rice pudding; I was too full! I would definitely return here next time I'm in the area and recommend it highly!
(4)
Chris P.
Went here for the lunch buffet. The food is decent quality, but way, way too spicy in most cases (almost all the vegetarian curries) and weirdly underseasoned in one case (the tandoori chicken). I give them credit on a couple of fronts: there was good variety on the buffet, and the waiters were quick to refill food on the buffet as well as the water glass on my table. They weren't particularly friendly service-wise compared to several other places (e.g. Himalayan Spice). I like *some* heat, mind you. It just seems like most everything was turned up to 11 on the chile scale, so that I had trouble discerning some of the more complex curry spices on my palate. Spots like Swapna up in Smyrna do a better job offering a range of spicy heat on their buffet. Still, it could have been an off day, so I'm willing to give these guys another shot in the future.
(3)
K P K.
I used to go here before there was Yelp, and had to come back here now to write a review. This has got be one of the best Indian restaurants in the country. That may sound like a stretch, but if you are looking for a authentic Punjabi experience this is the place to go to. No color added, real spices that light up your taste buds, and just excellent kababs and bread. The owner is also a wonderful guy who is truly passionate about his food and restaurants. On extended work trips, we would here here almost 1-2 times per week (never do that ever). This is the first place I will eat when back in Atlanta.
(5)
Jen S.
the. best. Indian. buffet. I've ever had. I came in with a friend on a Monday for Lunch Buffet.. I believe the times are 11:30 to 3:30PM but you should call in to make sure I'm right about that. Before tip, the total cost is right below $11 including tax and they have unlimited naan, chicken, lamb, spinach, etc. etc.. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. It's extremely clean and it's convenient to go with friends because you can pay individually at the front. I can't wait to go again!
(5)
sameer a.
Amazing indian Mughlai food tried chicken korma and paneer kadhai. Both were amazing The Indian breads were well done and big sized.. In addition, Very courteous service and Clean restroom
(5)
Chris M.
How do you eat the Indian food you crave on a low-carb diet? Well, it's possible. And Cafe Bombay was my most recent test. This review addresses TWO menu items only -- the Bombay Mixed Grill and onion kulcha. (Okay, the bread is NOT on the diet but I wanted it anyway.) I went early on a Monday and there was no one else there when I arrived. So I got to focus on trying to avoid rice, papadams and usual starchy sins and focus on how the MEAT was prepared. I was a bit surprised by how long it took, but was hoping that this was a good sign that the kitchen was taking care. When the dish arrived I was surprised. It came on a sizzling platter (like fajitas) with the aroma of Indian spices filling the senses. Okay. The onion kulcha/naan was nothing special. So let's focus on the varieties of protein offerings on the platter. There were 4 different meats - chicken 3 ways and lamb seekh kebab. The standard Tandoori chicken pieces - one thigh and one leg - were tasty and moist. The tikka pieces - small chunks of breast meat - were a bit overcooked and dry by comparison. By far the best two things on the platter were the seekh kebab and the malai kebab. The lamb was ground and well seasoned with fresh cilantro and peppers. The chicken malai pieces were moist and carried the seasonings perfectly. I think it is the cream sauce used to prepare the malai that made it so good. Only 4 tables of people when I left. Overstuffed. Feeling a little carb guilty from my one slice of naan. But happy that some chicken and lamb became a part if me tonight. Now... to walk off those carbs...
(4)
Sak L.
So very good. I should probably branch out and try something else on the menu, but I can't. The chicken tikka misala is delicious.
(4)
Bilal A.
I have tried lunch buffet which is good but not great! It has separate vegetarian and non-veg dishes which have varying quality.
(4)
Zain K.
Meh. I called ahead of time to ask if they were serving thali for lunch, and was given an affirmative response, only to find that this wasn't the case at all. Too hungry to leave, I had the chicken tikka, nan, lentil soup, and raita. Everything tasted fine, but the chicken was slightly on the dry side and the nan was a little thin for my taste (I prefer nan to be fluffy/chewy as opposed to thin/crisp).
(3)
Alex P.
Lets start off by saying, I know a thing or two about indian food and love it. The review is particularly for the lunch buffet, which is better than any I've visited in the past. Selection is very solid and dishes are very tasty. That's saying something considering that I don't usually like buffets. Tandoori dishes are a particular favorite of mine here. Also, their spinach on the buffet is excellent.
(5)
Nadia W.
This is my favorite Indian spot to eat at . The service is always greAt, and the good is always fresh and good. The lunch buffet has a good variety for vegetarians and meat eaters - I appreciate this place the workers and the food - Dinner is always good too - sometimes on the weekends they have belly dancers for your entertainment. A cool ethnic place to eat if you want some great chicken Marsala or lamb cooked several different ways.
(5)
Shelly G.
I had always heard of Cafe Bombay but never had the chance to try it. It's a pretty large restaurant with ample seating. On Friday and Saturday nights when they have belly dancing, they ask you if you want to be seated in the regular dining area or the belly dancing area. My friends and I picked the latter since it sounded like a cool cultural experience. It ended up being kind of awkward, she would dance up on whoever was unfortunate enough to pick the non-booth side of the table. And there was a single, sad dollar bill tucked in the front of her skirt. We had to look away. On to the food: They start you off with a cracker type thing with some sort of dipping sauce. It was ok. We ordered the bread basket (naan, onion naan, and garlic naan) with our meals, which was pretty good. I asked the server if he liked the chicken tikka masala or the chicken 65 more, and he said chicken tikka masala without hesitation. I went with it and he did not lead me wrong. It was delicious, very rich with the perfect tomato-y flavor that I couldn't get enough of. When my tummy was stuffed there was still plenty to take home. My only peeve was that it took an hour to get our food, even though the restaurant didn't seem that packed. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and would come be back.
(4)
Regina F.
My father is a stickler for tablecloths. His idea of a perfect dining experience involves a nice, starched table drapery that flags to just below the knees. He's even more impressed if the silver utensils outnumber those in Amy Vanderbilt's expose on proper living. Regardless of whether he actually needs (or knows to use) that obscure fishbone-pick-knife-thing, he'll give a restaurant 10 stars, the waiter a 16 percent tip and lavish praises upon how good his steamed chicken breast was for the next year. I, however, find most eating utensils indelibly frustrating. The more objects there are to navigate, the more futile holding composure becomes, and the more quickly I slump under that starchy, hard cloth. Luckily Cafe Bombay extended an olive branch (or a lentil plant) to me and my father. Though there were no bright white sheets cascading over the beautiful marble table tops, the dim lighting accentuated the noir romance of the dining experience. Walls adorned with authentic Indian treasures, conscientious waiters dolling water as freely as the Jog Falls in Karnataka and food as exquisitely and willingly tailored to two very disparate appetites made for an illustrious dining experience. The paneer-baked chicken served on a sizzling skillet allowed the opaque white onions to transform into crystalline, caramelized beauties in just a few minutes. Moist, tender and refreshing, the Chicken Malai Kabab was as tantalizing as Frieda Pinto in any bollywood film. The Bhindi Masala, requested extra spicy, arrived with an almost erotic aromatic arousal. The spices wafted and curled with the steam rising above the copper bowl. Beautifully dark green, hand cut okra soaked in red chilies and adorned with dried spices, one spoonful of this amalgamation had my tongue yearning for more - so much so that licking the bowl seemed almost appropriate. Bombay's na'an, soft, fluffy, warm and not a bit too yeasty, obscured any need for this girl to use the spiked utensils set forth. Though napkins were provided with grace, edible hand cleaners that double as food vehicles are always in order.
(5)
Lin G.
Reading that book, Interpreter of Maladies, put me in the mood for Indian food, so we came here. There are two sections, go into the back one, it's so much better. They even had a white girl belly dancing. They asked us for a preference on where to sit when we first walked in and not knowing the difference, I said wherever and of course they put us in the boring section. The atmosphere kind of sucked. I got some sort of chicken curry. It was okay. The naan was really good though. I wanted the thali and the waiter just said they didn't have it. It's always annoying when restaurants don't serve the food that they list on their fucking menu. Fucking tease. Maybe the lunch buffet would be better.
(3)
Audrey F.
Cafe Bombay is pure comfort food for me. There is something about it that just makes any day better. Breakup? Cafe Bombay take out. Birthday? Cafe Bombay in the restaurant. Bombed a grad school exam? Cafe Bombay in the restaurant or take out - so many options. I am guilty of not being very adventurous here. But, what I get is just so incredibly good that I can't imagine getting Cafe Bombay and eating anything else. I always get chicken tikka masala and then obviously rice and naan. Deciding on what naan to get always stirs up an inner struggle. Do I act like a sane person and get a normal order of naan for $1.75? It is your basic naan, it is more than enough for one person and it is delicious. OR, do I embrace my inner desires and order the naan basket for $7.50 which comes with plain naan, garlic naan, and onion naan? It is just so much of a good thing...I realize it is a bit overboard when ordering for one, but I am definitely guilty of getting this tucked into my take out container on more than one occasion. I have tried a number of their other dishes when eating in the restaurant with friends and have not had a bad one yet. Although my love of my normal items prevents me from remembering any of their specifics. Addy C. is spot on that the lunch buffet here is fantastic. Unlimited naan, need I say more? The live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights is absolutely fantastic. It is from 8:00 - 10:30 and is a great show complete with fire twirlers. If you want the full show make sure and sit in the back part of the restaurant that has the couches and low tables - it is where all of the action happens!
(4)
Mia T.
Friendly staff. Open 7 days a week. They offer an all you can eat buffet during lunch. If you never tried India food lunch is the perfect time to come. Relaxed atmosphere, great customer service and most importantly, delicious food!
(4)
Sophie B.
Went on a Friday night, place was. Pretty packed but there wasn't a wait. I got the vegetarian thali and it was amazing! They bring free appetizer which is always a plus. There was also a belly dancer, entertainment while you eat! If you're looking for Indian food I highly recommend this place! In a strip mall so plenty of parking
(5)
Woody W.
I'm a guy who doesn't even like Indian food but this place has a cool vibe and good food. I recommend the Chicken 65 for all the people who can't handle the heavy spices and the cheese naan was great as well.
(5)
Kenny C.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is amazing. I don't how to pronounce the names of the food, but it's all taste awesome
(5)
B. H.
I live in Birmingham, and my girlfriend is Indian, we suffer from poor Indian food in Birmingham, as there is only 1 good location, but she absolutely loved the lunch buffet as it contained some of her favorite items, particularly the mango yogurt fruit thing. Other than that the tikka is great and the biryani is great. I loved the tikka paneer probably the most out of the non-meat options, but it wasn't there the second time I went. The goat was also very good. There was also naan on the buffet, which was great. The only thing I would have to ding them on is the chicken 65, I was not very impressed with it, but that is the only bad thing on the buffet. Importantly, the meat was fresh and tasty which is especially important for a buffet. We visit Atlanta frequently, and have made this our new place to stop at for Indian food.
(5)
Anurag A.
I went there with my GaTech friends for dinner. The place looks good once you enter the restaurant. The server was initially trying to accommodate by joining tables in the main buffet area, but we managed to get a table in the big area with has the bar as well. Now the food part. We ordered 4 appetizers. Gobi manchurian, samosa chat, aloo tikki chat and paneer tikka. Gobi manchurian was not well cooked plus they were kind of raw and the florets were really big in size Everyone liked the Paneer tikka which was spicy and it was well cooked. For our main course we ordered Paneer butter masala and my friends ordered chicken tikka masala and another chicken dish. The entrees were really sweet in flavor and they were just ok. The Naan were really big in size and they were well cooked. My first experience was just ok. But I might visit this place again and will update the rating accordingly.
Never order delivery online. You will keep on waiting ,food will never be delivered. When you call, some stupid guy will sound as if he lives in pre historic era and doesn't have any clue what is Yelp or online ordering system.
(1)
A P.
Positives: Green chili with lentil crackers, mango lasse (had to send the first one back after they brought it in ice), lamb gohst (told them not to puree the spinach), shrimp with ginger, service (after they realized we're trying to help them improve) Could be better: naan (had to send it back for add'l baking, onion pakoras (sent the first batch back). Don't understand why they let them soak in the batter. They become chewey rather than crispy light.
(3)
Michelle M.
Based on the reviews I had high hopes. Hopes DASHED! The Chicken Tikka Masala was TERRIBLE. It tasted like Chef Boyardee tomato sauce was used to to cook the chicken in. YUCK! The Rogan Josh (which is my FAVORITE Indian dish) was WAY too salty...probably an effort to cover the fact that it had no flavor. What stumps me about this is that the place was FULL of Asian Indians, which is usually a sign that the food in a place is good. That was not the case here. Maybe they have separate food for Americans? Will NOT return!
(1)
Dave B.
I eat here all the time. The buffet is one of the best deals in town. Excellent options, only ~$11. We also order from the menu regularly. I love the matar paneer and paneer tikka masala. The naan is also delicious.
(4)
Jesse S.
Good dinner, and ambiance - service was fine and drinks were good - While the portions were a little small for the price, I think this was a great new find for us - if you like Indian it is well worth a try!
(4)
Silvia G.
I love this place, I have lunch buffet at least once every two weeks since I found it. The food is absolutely delicious, great variety of dishes and desserts. I think I'm officially a "regular", the staff is amazing, very attentive. I try a little bit of everything on the buffet and I like it all, my favorite part is the warm Gulab Jamun (dessert). If you haven't tried this place, I really recommend that you do.
(5)
Jahmal L.
(+) Great service and genuine interest from an enthusiastic waiter staff. The food appeared magically and sizzling after only 10 minutes, which was great as I was grumpy and hungry. The chicken tikka, masala, and Chole Peshawari were all adequately tasty. Price was right, on average of $11 per dish. (-) Being a NYC transplant, I know good Indian food. The spices were a bit on the subdued side. Just lacking a bit of energy. -20 Overall - W. 80/100. Score. Solid ATLien Indian spot. Go for it. They also offer belly dancing, if you are into that kind of thing.
(4)
Daniel B.
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, my friend and I were hungry and craving Indian food. I impulsively suggested Bhojanic. We pulled up to the restaurant only to find it closed. Fortunately, there were other Indian restaurants in the vicinity, so we headed over to North Druid Hills and Briarcliff where Cafe Bombay and Chat Patti are located. Cafe Bombay sounded good enough to me, so that's where we went. I've heard of Cafe Bombay, but didn't really know much about it. We stumbled upon their lunch buffet, which is offered seven days a week, four hours per day (11:30-3:30 on weekdays, 12:00-4:00 on weekends). I've tried a variety of Indian buffets in metro Atlanta including Swapna, Lahore, and the now-closed Madras Grill. They're all about the same to me. It's buffet food, so obviously it's not going to be as good as freshly-cooked items ordered off the menu. However, the advantage to Indian buffets, and most buffets in general, is the opportunity to try many different items. That's exactly what I did here. I tried *everything* on the buffet and stuffed myself silly. So silly, that I was in pain afterwards (do not recommend). Here's a rundown of most of the buffet items I tried: Vegetable pakora - veggie fritters Punjabi karhi pakora - onion fritters in a yogurt curry Palek - spinach Chinese eggplant Aloo achari - potatoes cooked with special sauces Chicken tikka masala Tandoori chicken - chicken baked in a clay oven Chicken 65 - boneless red chicken Salad with yogurt dressing Chicken with rice - bone-in chicken with what looks like brown fried rice Fruit pudding Kheer - rice pudding Gulab jamun - fried dough balls in sweet syrup Gajjar ka halwa - sweetened shredded carrots with milk As is customary, the carbs to eat with all this food are naan (Indian flatbread) and Indian rice. I like Indian rice because it's long-grain, fragrant, soft, and fluffy. The rice here is not as fluffy, but it's because the rice has been sitting out on the buffet. The naan here also isn't that great. It's very plain and cold. Winners from the buffet included the Chinese eggplant, chicken tikka masala, chicken 65, the fruit and rice puddings, and the sweetened shredded carrots. I love the creamy and sweet chicken tikka masala sauce. The chicken 65 was crispy, tender, and sometimes juicy. The puddings were quite tasty as were the shredded carrots. All had appetizing, creamy, and milky flavors. The losers included the palek, tandoori chicken, and gulab jamun. Palek paneer (spinach with cheese) is one of my favorite Indian dishes, but the palek at Cafe Bombay was not sweet enough. It's hard to get tandoori chicken right, IMO, especially when it's served on a buffet. It was dry. As for the gulab jamun (fried dough balls), that was the biggest disappointment for me. The consistency of their gulab jamun was unappetizing from the moment I bit into them. I think they'd been sitting out too long. The pieces were too saturated and rich. Service was good. Cafe Bombay has two rooms of seating. One of the rooms, which they use for special and private events, comes complete with low tables and cushions on the floor -- traditional Indian-style. The restaurant advertises live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Now that's something I would back for!
(3)
Gary D. S.
great buffet. good service. easy to reach from Lenox Mall near downtown Atlanta. Nice relaxed numerous selections to choose from. Many locals present 3/4 full 1:30 Sat afternoon.
(4)
Angela H.
Recently, I realized I hadn't had Indian food in a while and immediately thought of Cafe Bombay. I had heard about the restaurant numerous times throughout the past year, but I just never made it point to go. Since I wanted to catch up with a friend over dinner, I thought that Cafe Bombay would be the perfect place. We arrived at 8 pm on a Wednesday evening, and the restaurant was packed. As soon as we walked in, an employee approached us and informed us that it would be "just a few minutes." About ten minutes later, another employee told us the same thing. We stood by the entrance for probably a good 15 to 20 minutes before we were seated! My friend, who had been to Cafe Bombay numerous times before, told me that it was odd that the wait was so long, especially since they have a whole other room in the back. It turns out the long wait was an anomaly, especially on a Wednesday evening. As we were finally seated, our server told us that there was a private party going on in the back room, where they would normally seat additional customers. It would have been nice if someone had told us that from the start, and if they were more realistic about the wait time. As a creature of habit, I knew what I wanted even before I walked in. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. Additionally, my friend and I decided to get a Garlic Naan to share. Soon after we ordered, our server brought us their complimentary spicy crackers with cilantro chutney. A quick Google search reveals that these "crackers" are called "Papadums." They were thin, crispy, packed a lot of flavor, and spicier than I had expected. Apparently, the chutney is for dipping the papadums. As a cilantro hater, I did not like the chutney. Although I munched on two pieces of papadum, I wasn't really a fan. Less than 15 minutes after ordering, we were pleased at how quickly our entrees were served. * Garlic Naan ($3) - The "Soft leavened bread" comes in four flavors - bullet (spicy), cheese, garlic, and onion. One order of naan consists of one large piece of naan cut into four slices and served on a plate. It's definitely enough for two, especially if you're getting an entree which also comes with rice. The buttery, garlic-flavored naan was DELICIOUS! I HIGHLY recommend the garlic. =) My only complaint is that my second piece had a HUGE air bubble in it and, therefore, much less garlic flavoring. =( * Chicken Tikka Masala ($11) - My favorite Indian dish is made of "Boneless white pieces of chicken cooked with [our] Chef's special sauce." The chicken was tender, and the orange-colored, creamy sauce was so flavorful and amazing! It's so great with the garlic naan, too. This was definitely one of the tastiest Chicken Tikka Masalas I have ever had! Although I normally like to have leftovers to take home, I have to admit, I completely cleaned the bowl because it was THAT good. It wasn't a small portion, but it's definitely not enough for two. My friend ordered the Butter Chicken, which looked very similar to the Chicken Tikka Masala. Both dishes are normally served with basmati rice, but it was served in one serving bowl for us to share. The rice was cooked just right, and it was more than enough for the two of us. Overall, Cafe Bombay gets 4.5 stars for their delicious, reasonably-priced Indian food and quick service. Unfortunately, I had to round down because of our long, initially unexplained wait. Additionally, I think the servers could be a little friendlier, but that's just me be nitpicky. I will definitely return as I would love to try their lunch buffet and enjoy more of their amazing food! [Review 276 of 366]
(4)
Leah G.
I went here last Wednesday for dinner. I had been to the lunch buffet a few times before but its been a while. This was my first dinner experience. I met a friend here and the restaurant was nice and quiet so we were able to catch up without having to shout. It was nice not to loose my voice to be heard by my dinner companions. The service was pretty good. We were there for a couple hours and they kept our waters filled and never seemed impatient for us to leave. In fact the only time they seemed impatient was when it took us a little bit to decide on our order. Which leads to my one small complaint. The menu is very pretty but it is light colored writing on dark colors and patterned backgrounds. When they turned down the lights it was very hard to read. We both had to get out our phones in order to decide what to order I felt like I was trying to decipher cave hieroglyphics but had forgotten the battery in my helmet. We had Bombay Mixed Grill which is a variety from the tandoori grill. We had Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Malai Kabab & Sheek Kabab (lamb). It comes out sizzling and the smell is so mouthwatering that we actually added this to our order after our neighbors came out and we realized we HAD to try it. The different kinds of chicken were all very good and it was nice to have a variety but I wish there had been more lamb. It was definitely my favorite. If I had this again I would probably just get the lamb. Goan Shrimp Curry, which is a coconut based curry. I would definitely recommend it for fans of shrimp and coconut. I am not so good at describing tastes exactly, but the curry was very well flavored with just a hint of the sweet coconut. Chicken Afghani which is chicken in a mango based sauce. It was very tasty but if I went back I wouldn't get the Goan Shrimp Curry and the Chicken Afghani the same time. They both were light curries with a hint of fruit to make them just a tiche sweet. They were excellent, but I would have prefered something a little different to really keep my taste buds happy. We topped all of this off with Mango Lassis, and Naan. We probably good have done with one less dish as I had leftovers for two meals, but we wanted a variety. Overall it was a great time the food was all excellent and it was a nice place to catch up.
(4)
Vaidehi P.
Don't bother because buffet is bland. Paneer tikka was exactly like pizza sauce with some spices and paneer! The only possible edible dish was the kadai paneer.
(2)
Cece U.
The food here is simply delicious. I have yet to find another Indian restaurant in Atlanta that comes close to the greatness that is Cafe Bombay. There are times when I've eaten here twice in a week. I love Indian food and without Cafe Bombay I do not know how I would go on living in Atlanta.. (minus the fact that my BFF is Indian and cooks pretty tasty meals). Anyway, I am headed there tonight and decided I'd write a review before I head out. I would name my favorite dishes but there are about 10 of them. If you like lamb, I highly recommend the lamb palak...the favorite of my favorites. I always get that and another dish and split with someone. I also really enjoy the papadum and chutney thats served as a free app every time you dine in. It is like the Indian version of chips and salsa...yummy! The service is hit or miss, usually very good but some of my interactions with the employees have been a bit odd. Takeout is also great here! They give you so much sometimes I think the takeout portions sizes are larger than the dine in. I just think of it as making up for the lack of chips and salsa :)
(5)
Jason L.
As a vegetarian who travels throughout the US for a living, I always look for Indian while on the road because of the variety of veg based options. I'm working downtown in Atlanta this week, and Cafe Bombay was well worth the 8 mile / 15 minute drive, which I made solely based on it's high Yelp reviews. We arrived at 12:30 in the middle of the lunch rush, and the large dining area was packed. There was a long line at the buffet, but it moved quickly, and the staff managed to promptly replace items before they ran completely out. It was obvious that they are used to the crowd and they ran like a well oiled machine. Food was incredible. They had all of the usuals - basmati rice, pakoras, palak paneer, aloo gobi, dal, krispy fried onion straws and spinach leaves, korma, in addition to several entrees I'd never tried before. They also had tandori chicken, butter chicken, ground goat meat, and a few other entrees that the meat eaters looked pretty happy about. I usually go into $10 AYCE buffets with limited expectations, but Cafe Bombay was fantastic and I'll be back when I return to the area in a few weeks.
(5)
Hanan A.
A little better than the typical Indian Buffet although being on the pricey side nothing really sets this place apart from other places but it has a beautiful dining area, as well good assortment of Halal meat dishes in the buffet. Tends to be a work crowd type of place and enjoyable experience.
(3)
Hiroyuki I.
While the food is great, popular among both my American and Indian friends, the service has been sub-par the two times I visited Cafe Bombay. If you can ignore the service, lack-there-of..., its a definite go! Sharing a number of curry with my friends, Ive had a chance to taste eight or so of both the vegetarian and meat curries. They were all wonderful, not too spicy, and not overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed the roasted red pepper curry with chicken and the eggplant potato curry. Both great choices. The appetizers and naan were great as well. I most enjoyed the fritter with cheese and mint. It was a very new taste for me, refreshing (mint) and savory (cheese). However, both times the service was less than professional. The waiters would nag us to order over four times while we told them that we needed more time, when there was hardly anyone else in the place around 5 pm. When the hot entrees arrived and a friend burnt her finger, the waiter asked if she had damaged the table instead of asking her if she were ok... Finally, we asked to split a check among four people, and the server told us how we should split the check instead... We told them that we were very unhappy with the service, but they did not seem to care. I must say that I was taken aback by these things... In the end, I really enjoyed the food here so I have returned. The service never has gotten any better. I would recommend this place to my friends, but be very weary of their service...
(3)
Tiffany L.
The food here is great! We are regulars! The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is perfect!
(5)
Jang C.
Unlike most reviews I've read for Cafe Bombay, I came for dinner, not the lunch buffet. Based on the reviews I've read so far, the dinner seemed like a better experience. I have to agree. The interior looked dark and fancy. It looked like a high class restaurant with folded napkins and so on. I felt it might have been too dark though. I guess it's suppose to be romantic. The servers seemed friendly. They looked a bit serious rather than charming though. Their constant frowning kinda made me feel unwelcome. They should loosen up a bit. Their food tasted great. Their naan came out fresh from their oven. It had browned and blistered nicely. The browning gave it a nice taste. I ordered 1 order of naan. And it looked huge. It was a size of a pizza. The naan had the nice and crispy exterior with the chewiness inside. I liked it. The appetizer we ordered was a mix of vegetables (I forgot what it was called). It had onions, chickpeas, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro. It was topped with yogurt. They asked us if we liked it spicy, and we did. So they added some heat to it, and boy did they ever. It was quite spicy. It also tasted like a vegetarian chiveche because of the cilantro and onions. Overall, it I loved this appetizer because of the heat and how refreshing it tasted. The Lamb Vindaloo tasted good too. The lamb was nice and tender, and the curry had great flavor. It came with some potatoes inside. The curry tasted hot but not as hot as the appetizer we had. We also ordered the Dal Tarka. It had a nice, sweet, savory taste. The lentils were cooked well. I liked this dish also. I felt the mild flavors balanced out the hot flavor of the appetizer and the Vindaloo. Overall, the food at Cafe Bombay had a lot of flavor. And I thought they tasted delicious. It was one of the few times I enjoyed Indian food. Then again, most of the time I eat Indian, I eat the crappy buffets. There's a difference in quality between dinner and buffet it seems. Our entrees came with Basmati rice. I think the rice was enough to eat the entress with. I didn't have to order the naan because the rice plus naan felt like too much food. Especially since the naan was big as a pizza. Then again, the naan did taste good. So it depends on how gluttonous you feel.
(4)
Christina A.
Mediocre food, mediocre service. I used to like their lunch buffet, but the prices keep going up and now it doesn't seem worth it.
(3)
Steve H.
Delicious! One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. The wait staff is sort of cold, but I can deal with it since the food is so good.
(4)
Asma A.
NOT a fan of this place.. If i stop by its usually for the hookah, but even that is not that great.. Food: i think its okay, there are definitely better indian/pakistani restaurants Service: Extremely slowwwwwwwwww If you want desi food, go to decatur to Zyka, or Lukman
(2)
Vipul P.
We utilized Ricky and the team at Cafe Bombay to cater my birthday party for 75 guests. He and his team did an excellent job. They showed up on time, were extremely courteous and diligent, but most importantly cooked food on site which was phenomenal. Our guests loved all the food - but the standouts were the tandoori shrimp, lamb chops, keema sliders, pain puri shots, and bhel martinis - and this was only the appetizers. I highly recommend Ricky for any event where you want to have amazing indian food.
(5)
Kathleen M.
Cafe Bombay has been on my list for more than a minute, so I was excited when a friend decided to host a little birthday gathering here. The setting was nice and intimate, with dark woods and lots of candlelight. It was pouring rain outside, so it was a nice and cozy little getaway. The menu is huge, so prepare to be overwhelmed. They have lots of options for both vegetarians and meatitarians, as well as combo meal options for 2 if you're just not sure where to start. We ordered a few of the veggie samplers and everything on them was great. Little mini samosas, pakoras, and the classic Indian dish: eggrolls. Weird, yes. Delicious, also yes. The paneer tikka masala was everything I wanted it to be: creamy, hearty, comforting, and flavorful. I was tempted to lick the bowl. The chicken makhni was brightly colored and equally good, although a smidge on the greasy side. Still, I'd happily order both dishes again and again. The prices are a little higher than you might find at other joints around town, but the atmosphere is definitely higher end. Our service was sadly a little off as a few dishes were apparently forgotten and our server wasn't exactly helpful with deciphering certain parts of the menu. All in all, though, a great spot for Indian eats.
(4)
Jenny K.
came here the other night. ordered the Chicken Afghani which is basically chicken w spicy mango sauce. it was pretty delicious, came with a choice of rice or naan. I went with the rice which was the better choice imo after trying a bite of my friend's naan. it was about $12,,, which was pretty ridiculous for the amount that we got. the chips you get for free in the beginning weren't that great either...(too salty). however, I'll give cafe bombay some props for the ambiance in there. the lighting was not too dark or too bright and it was an overall 'upscale' restaurant (cloth napkins!!) also, the service was very nice and attentive. I wouldn't go again for dinner but I'll definitely try out the lunch buffet soon to give bombay a second chance.
(3)
Haroon Q.
Fresh and fantastic food as well as a depth of flavor. Best tandoori naan in the area and if it's your first time, definitely go for the butter chicken! They are also a great go to choice for take-out. Other great options are their chicken tikka & chicken tikka masala.
(4)
Michael L.
Ok, I've had it with this place. First time I got the runs within 30 minutes of my meal, I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Second time...shame on you! *groan* *writhe* Or...shame on me for coming back...granted it's been a while. The food here really is "toned down" in terms of flavor- though their tandoori wings are still tasty. Madras Woodlands beats this place hands down. Can't come back anymore. Not if this is what it does to me....NOT cool.
(2)
Kirti A.
The buffet was excellent. Decent number of varieties. Though, the sweets looked old, biryani was just awesome and chicken tikka masala was authentic. Will be back for the biryani
(4)
L. W.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant! I always get the couples special. For $32 you get two apps, 2 entrees, naan and dessert. It's all amazing and I always have lunch the next day. The servers could be a little more attentive but they are nice enough and as long as the food keeps tasting the way it does I will keep coming back!
(4)
Michelle K.
I love this place! I truly enjoy Indian cuisine and was happy to stop by for dinner here over the weekend. We were both set on the tandori chicken and it was a great. We missed the buffet but ordering a la carte was easy since we knew what we were craving. The wait staff was extremely courteous and very accommodating. I really liked the fact that the managers at the restaurant was keeping tabs on all the customers dining in and made sure that we were well taken care of. I love their cucumber, dill & yogurt sauce that I use on my tandoori chicken and their sweet, plum sauce (dark.) Cafe Bombay has not disappointed me yet so I will be sure to return when I'm craving Indian, any day of the week. #Yelp 365- 31/365
(5)
Ashley W.
I love this place. The food is always consistently good and the portions are always pretty big. I've always ordered to go so I can usually eat from my dish 2 times. I always order the butter chicken with an order of naan. Both have been wonderful and their buffet looks pretty good as well just from glancing at it when coming in the front door. Definitely give this place a try!
(4)
Paige N.
I really need to learn to pace myself more... but it was so tasty I didn't want to stop! I met a couple of girlfriends at Cafe Bombay for dinner the other night, I'd been once before for their lunch buffet (also fantastically delish!), but this was my first dinner experience. And like I said, no one held back - calories be damned! My two friends have dined there many times (one's from India originally, so she really knows her stuff), and they both recommended I order one of the thalis since they come with your choice of two or three veggie and meat dishes, naan, rice, raita yogurt (like tatziki sauce) and rice pudding for dessert. Game on! To get the full effect of Cafe Bombay I ordered one veggie and one meat that night: I ordered a spicy veggie combo of peas and mushrooms and the chicken tikka masala (I love me some chicken tikka!). Both my friends also got thali combos but they stuck to vegetarian ones. And when the platters came out, I was delighted. It was a beautiful presentation - fresh baked naan and shredded lettuce in the middle of a round platter surrounded by five little individual dishes of basmati rice, steaming peas and mushrooms, hot chicken tikka masala, raita yogurt and a dish of rice pudding to finish it off. Hellooooo carb overload! But it was so good! The tikka was spectacular - I literally sopped up every bit of leftover sauce with my naan, the peas and mushrooms were awesome, the rice was moist and fluffy and the naan... I don't think I've ever had naan that good before. It was like crack cocaine in bread form! And even though I was beyond full before I even hit dessert, you can bet you bottom dollar I finished off the rice pudding. I think we all felt a little guilty afterward, but like I said it was so good, it was impossible to stop without finishing everything. And that's a really good reason I work out - so I can eat with abandon (sometimes at least - when the occasion warrants it). Along with the excellent food, the staff was very friendly and attentive taking our drink orders, refilling our water glasses regularly, and brining our food and check promptly. The decor is very comfortable too - plush chairs to linger in, nice table clothes and white napkins, and lower lighting that makes the whole place feel warm and welcoming. If you haven't tried Cafe Bombay yet, and you like some well prepared Indian food, go! Go, go, go! It's a great deal for really great food!
(5)
Stephanie V.
This place is the... dare I say it... Bombay! First off, the service was impeccable. Our server was kind, and our water glasses were never empty. Secondly, the price isn't bad at all at $11 per person, and there are plenty of dishes to meet the needs of carnivores and vegetarians alike! I'm sure you could pick out some great gluten-free dishes, too. Once you're done, you just walk up to the cashier-- no need to wait for your check, then your card, etc. and she was also very nice. My favourite thing is how GOOD all of the food was. Well-spiced, fresh dishes (long before things ran out they were replacing them with fresh stuff! I've not seen that in many other buffets before) and plenty for everyone. Great Halal meat dishes.
(5)
Christina J.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is nicer than what I was expecting. We had several different servers and I couldn't keep track of them except for two. One of them was a really sweet young kid with braces who gave us some extra bismati rice for our to go boxes and was all smiles the entire time. Another guy recommended a vegetarian dish that was "not on the menu" that consisted of spinach and chickpeas in a curry sauce. What came out was basically chicken saag (and that's what it said on the final bill). It was still good though and we're not vegetarians (see below) so we didn't say anything about the mix up. But he did come over to the table, looked at the chicken saag and noticed that it wasn't what he recommended by muttering something under his breath, but never directly said anything to us about it. We started off with the meat samosas and punjabi aloo chat. I thought the meat samosas were better than most other samosas I've had and the punjabi aloo chat was crisp and light. For our entrees, we had naan, chicken tikka misala (which was the entire reason we came here- my date was craving it) and the chicken saag. The naan and chicken tikka misala were both ok. I thought the chicken tikka misala was a little too sweet, which was odd. But the chicken saag was tasty, definitely my favorite of the entrees. There was also a bellydancer at certain points. It was a cool idea but a little unsettling when I saw a 9 year old girl stick a dollar bill in her skirt. They also have hookahs, which we didn't try. Seems like it would be good for a group setting on a Friday or Saturday night out but I was surprised as to how many families were there with their kids.
(3)
Nishant J.
Ok - quick review. My fave punjabi restaurant in Atlanta (The review is veggie centric ). Probably the best ambiance for Indian food in Atl (only one as good is bhojanic but bhojanic food is so bland and meh..) They got hookah and free papad/chutney on the table which def. adds something for me. Ok the pluses on food - Their Malai kofta/ Shahi paneer almost the same gravy are to die for. Comparable to some good to very good punjabi restaurants in Bombay ! Im a sucker for good nan and this place has the best bullet and garlic nan in town. The palak gravies are good too as is the tarka daal. Their gobhi manchurian was surprisingly good too as was the amritsari paneer (appetizer) The not so good is the service and the panner makhni or the red gravy mix vegetable or veg makhni/korma. Stay away from these. All in all its become a weekly hang out !
(4)
Kelly Z.
Came here for dinner last night, we got veggie samosas and shared the chicken tikka masala with onion naan. They gave us a complimentary spiced cracker with a green chutney. The cracker was very salty and the chutney didn't really work with it. Samosas- filled with potato chunks and peas, tamarind sauce that came with it was perfectly sweet. pretty good. Chicken tikka masala- I asked for it spicy but it was completely mild which was disappointing. Flavor was on point and lots of big chunks of white meat chicken. Onion naan- soo good. buttery, oniony, naany perfection. This was more than enough food for two people and we had leftovers, the samosas and the creamy curry were delicious but both were on the heavier side. Service was attentive and very friendly. Also, this is probably one of the nicest indian restaurants I've been to in terms of ambience. They have the high backed leather chairs I love so much!
(3)
Savita N.
The decor is nice and busy restaurant thats why i think they dont care to welcome you with smile ,i went for sunday buffet wih family , the food is always same from Monday to sunday and this time the saag was stale even my mom said it , one guy with chef coat on don't know was chef or buffet refiller I told him about it and the owner with no expression always was listeling but never took any action . I was there Half an hour after that but they didn't change it . Please beware if you go and eat the buffet . They charge for 10 year old kid for full adult price even all American restaurant have different kids rate.
(1)
Megan F.
A delicious, reliable standby for me and my friends for Indian food. The food is consistently good, served in large portions, and fairly priced. The lunch buffet is definitely where it's at though; I always leave a bit too full and happy.
(5)
L S.
Not only is the food amazing, but the service as well. I usually go for the lunch buffet. The goat curry is probably some of the best goat curry I've ever had. The saag is also delightful.
(5)
Cynthia D.
The lentil dish and naan I had was amazing but I can't stand rude service! They kept trying to rush us out. Four ladies out to dinner, all drinking and all ordering food? What was so bad about us?? There were plenty of open tables, no wait at the door, but the servers kept demanding that we hurry up. Also, we got there at 5:30pm so it's not like we were keeping them past closing time. About 4 of them stopped by trying to put my carry-out in a plastic bag. I hate plastic bags because I love the environment so I kept politely refusing the bag. Finally, this guy came up, didn't even ask, grabbed my food, threw it in a plastic bag, and walked off without saying anything. Whhhaaat. Definitely had intense, prompt service!! Despite all this, I can't drop below three stars because the ambiance is very cute, the restaurant was easy to park at, and the food was great!! Maybe we just caught them on a weird night.
(3)
Natasha G.
Love this place. I have been coming here for a few years and love the atmosphere and the people. The staff is always welcoming and friendly. The curry chicken entre is to die for. If are in the mood for fine Indian cuisine, I would recommend you come here. This is the number one spot for sure.
(5)
Jessica B.
This place is awesome. I had always been afraid to try Indian food because I always hated the way it smelled when people made it. It wash't the food I was actually afraid of; I just didn't want to be around those smells. My sister convinced me that Indian food was amazing and I had to try it. And as a foodie, I couldn't let something like fragrance keep me from trying anything. So we went to this place, and the first thing I noticed was that it was full of Indian people! I thought to myself, "Man...this is going to be great food!" You typically don't go to ethnic restaurants and see the people there because usually the ethnic food we serve in America isn't authentic. The second thing I noticed was that I didn't smell anything :-) The third thing I noticed was that there were all different types of people: black people (well, not that many lol), white people, old people, young people, business people, hipsters. I like places like that. Anyway, the food was awesome, and this is now one of my favorite restaurants! The food is not spicy like I thought it would be. The dining rooms are decorated nicely, and I think at times they have a belly dancer. But I think you may have to make reservations for that because she was there one night while we were, but we weren't seated on that side. Oh, the service is just ok. I hate to say it, but I never expect exceptional service from Asian restaurants. They are not rude people, but they just aren't raised when the kind of "manners" we are here in the southern US. So, don't get angry with them. Also, they have very thick accents, and I often have no idea what they're saying to me, so I just smile and nod. Oh! One more thing. I've only been there for dinner, but I think they must have a buffet for lunch. I'd like to make it sometime so I can try more things.
(5)
Mary S.
Had vegetarian thali for dinner, with remarkably good bread, raita, spicy spinach paneer, and curried onion fritters--all very good, served in cute little bowls on a biggish round platter. The atmosphere was pleasing and peaceful and the service was attentive, pleasant. The other clientele, oddly, were lumpy, frumpy Americans (my own kind) and elegant, beautiful, carefully dressed folks from the mysterious east. You know, with flashing kohl-rimmed eyes and ankle bracelets and stuff. Why? For lunch they have a buffet, with vegetarian and meat-centric dishes in two different lines, I like that. Anyway, their food is very good and they take good care of you.
(3)
Laura N.
Cafe Bombay is still my favorite Indian lunch buffet, serving Punjabi food, which is my favorite type of Indian cuisine. The price of the lunch buffet is currently $10 per person - less expensive than the price in 2010. I adore the chicken tikka masala, kadhai paneer, palak paneer, tandoori chicken, and the biryani. The saffron rice is also good. The naan was great when it was fresh out of the oven, but it turned rubbery once it got cold. Sit in the room with the pillows for a more exotic dining experience. This restaurant is still, by far, the classiest Indian restaurant I've ever visited.
(5)
Mick D.
You know that passage out of the _Kama Sutra_ where... Nevermind. Suffice it to say that the food is really good. And it doesn't matter if you're a carnivore or a vegetarian. Everything we ate was spiced in good balance, but if you want something hot enough to blow your pantaloons off, I'm sure they'll have no problem accommodating you. Most people know of this place for their highly regarded lunch buffet. Indeed, before this review, the buffet was all I'd ever experienced, and I will tell you that the buffet does present a very nice cross section of Indian dishes. I would easily bring an Indian-food neophyte here, and the "initiated" will also find plenty to enjoy. The cooks here really do seem to know what they're doing. There must be a traditionalist or two back in the kitchen. There's a reason this place gets so packed at lunchtimes, and it does stay busy throughout the lunch hours. I finally ate dinner at Cafe Bombay (no buffet at dinnertime), and was pleased to find the experience to be quite nice, perhaps even more enjoyable than the lunch buffet. Dinner dishes are hand-crafted. Guests seem to get more attention. And (of course) folks aren't in a rush to get back to work. Much more relaxed than the lunch hours, people are actually lingering over their meals. And it's true, the meal is worth lingering over. We chose to sample a wide variety of things among our table: The Chicken Malai Kabab and the Seekh Kabab (we chose chicken), are total hits. Especially the Seekh Kabab, minced chicken with spices and herbs, skewered and grilled. I'd never had it before, and will definitely have it again. We got the "Bread Basket" (three pieces of naan: Garlic naan, Onion naan, and Plain naan). I really enjoyed the Onion naan. I'll go back for that. We had the Matar Paneer (total crowd pleaser), some Dal Makhani (yum!), and the Gobi Manchurian (Spiced cauliflower cooked with bell peppers & onions in chili soy sauce). This Indo-Sino fusion dish is apparently a hit even among folks living in India, and I can see why. It rocks! We tried the Kadhai Shrimp, too (shrimp cooked with stir fried bell peppers and onions). I don't normally eat seafood at Indian restaurants (ahem!) , but I'm glad I tried this. It wasn't overdone, and it didn't clash with anything else on the table. The thing that really impresses me: even though I only eat here maybe two or three times a year, they remember me. And at dinner, they even remembered that they typically only ever see me at lunch. How they remember this, I have no idea. I do think Cafe Bombay is genuinely interested in taking care of their customers. Cafe Bombay has a private room for events both large and small, and I might just have to take a group there sometime...
(5)
Michelle F.
Enjoyed Cafe Bombay my entree was too spice for me I know its Indian food but my hubby who likes Thai said it was to spice for him. So ask about the spice level before ordering. I must say the waiter asked about my meal and said it was to spice for me he remade the dish without me asking. Which speaks to their excellent level of customer service that I received. The restaurant is located in strip mall with several other restaurants that I might try.
(4)
Zlatko U.
I went here the other night with a friend of mine. We had a phenomenal meal. This included a split appetizer and a main course that left us with food babies. Heck, I even had enough for leftovers! The service was pretty good, and our water glasses were always quickly filled. Unfortunately, they were closing down a bit early and kind of kicked us out with the looks and cleaning activity around us.
(4)
Nafisa A.
Amazing amazing amazing! Everything about this restaurant is amazing. The amount of food they give for the price is totally worth it. I've been there twice, and both times got their chicken biryani. It was amazing. Our server was Sajib. Both times I've been there. Loved his service a lot! When you go there, ask for him. Enjoy!
(5)
Kate C.
First thing to know, this place is two very different restaurants. What I mean by that is, there's the buffet and then there's the regular sit-down menu. Buffet: 5 stars. Fresh food. Great variety. Quick service. Full men: 2.5 stars. Some items stand out as good. But overall, it's a minefield. I've found most of the menu items uninspired, overcooked, don't sit well in your stomach type. I know that this makes no sense. But there you have it.
(4)
Yilia H.
great food with reasonable price. Good environment. I recommend lamb shank.
(5)
Kay H.
I love this place. After trying other locations closer to home this place is always worth the trip. Key ingredient: consistency. Always the same,well prepared meal. Very basic layout and nothing fancy about it, but it works!
(4)
Mike S.
Have been here 3 times so far and feel its pretty solid. My wife is from the UK so she's an Indian food expert too....and a tough critic! First visit was good so we went back....Second visit was off...Naans were greasy and flavours weren't as great. However we gave it one more chance a few weeks ago and they hit a home run. All dishes were great and they prepped it extra spicy for us (gluttons for heat)... Also liked the belly dancer in the back room. We'll be sure and check this place out again.
(4)
Purnima S.
Of all the Indian restaurants I have tried in Atlanta in past one year (I have tried most of the) , I like this place the best. Food is good, the ambience is decent, we have belly dancing Friday's which is cool. I want to give it 4.5 starts but did not want to give it a 4 either, therefore 5 is where I settle :)
(5)
Alicia D.
As far as Indian food is considered in ATL: THIS. IS. IT. You won't find better quality to price ratio other than here. The servings are large, the staff is super friendly and attentive, and the flavors and food are full and fresh. My boyfriend and I have made this our date night go-to, because its just that damn good. We probably go here 3-4 times a month. Go for the Aloo Tiki Chat for an appetizer. And of course, you can never go wrong with Chicken Tikka Masala. (We order ours "extra spicy" for the flavoring).
(5)
Cindy B.
Very good food. The vindaloo will light a fire in you. The lunch buffet is perfect, meat on one side, vegetarian on the other. I really appreciate that. The service is always pleasant. The decor and furniture is nice. My only complaint is that it's on the salty side.
(4)
Brian S.
Food is great! They have lunch buffet M-F from 11:30am - 3:30PM and Sat. and Sun. from 12pm - 4pm. It's also decent cost given that on weekdays it's $10.95 before tip. Good place to try different Indian foods.
(4)
Jenna S.
Wonderful. Very attentive staff and amazing buffet. I loved the goat curry and the biriyani. Busy lunch buffet, in a good way, speaks to the quality of the food. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and I plan to come back :)
(5)
Shyam S.
It sucks that I have to downgrade my review to three stars, but I feel the food has become much less authentic from my visit four years ago and is now more in line with the common North Indian buffet fare that is standard across the U.S. Everything tastes like the food you might see at other Indian restaurants. I don't know how to explain it, but the food lacks potency, warmth and the magic that is good Indian food. Granted, I am only talking about the buffet, but their separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian buffet tables used to be the stuff of legend. Not so much anymore, I am sad to report.
(3)
Rashar d.
This place is soooo good. The buffet is so very tasty and the customer service is top notch. I love the way the food is seasoned it is just orgasmically tasty!
(5)
Stacy S.
Came here for their lunch buffet. The food here was excellent! I was surprised that they did not have curry chicken though. Ambiance and decor were lovely!
(4)
J P.
Lovely place for a nice Indian lunch. Limited choices on the buffet but all the good standards so everyone in our party was happy. The biryani was good and the tandoor chicken was moist and delicious. We could have kept eating naan for longer....yes, the waiters seem super vigilant about filling water glasses! ;-). We really enjoyed our lunch here and the price is very reasonable. ($12 pp)
(5)
Nirmal M.
I rate it as best Indian restaurant in Atlanta area.
(4)
Cindy W.
Since Panahar was a little too far for my friend and I, we decided on Cafe Bombay. The weekend buffet is $12, which isn't awful. I'm not even sure if I'm spelling half the things correctly, but the menu selection included: Khadafi chicken Punjabi Khadafi paneer tandoori chicken- that really red chicken? chicken tikka masala - tomato and cream stewed chicken goat curry some coconut-based cream vegetable curry some type of fried vegetable and curry saag palak- spinach curry vegetable pakoras - fried veggie mixture raita- creamy cucumber & yogurt based sauce salad preserved vegetable accompaniments naan gajar halwar- dessert chopped carrot mixture fruit custard rice pudding gulab jamun I think overall the food was palatable, but my only gripes were that the spice was SO toned down, and that the meat was quite dry/overcooked and thus, tough. The best dishes were the vegetable curries, tikka masala, tandoori chicken, and goat curry (though you really had to dig to find anything other than bones and sauce). The raita cucumber sauce is completely refreshing, though the salad needed some work. There were brown edges to them! Ew! The naan wasn't fluffy, per se; it retained a more egg-like crepe texture than anything else. The rice pudding wasn't bad, and I've always gagged on gulab jamuns, no matter what renditions, so I steered clear on those. The fruit custard/pudding/sauce was very thin, and I don't know if it was intentional or not, but the fruit in it was canned. Kind of gross....the gajar halwar was all right though, but it is what it is- sweetened carrot mixture. Cafe Bombay remains one of the better furnished Indian restaurants I've been to, replete with dark, granite tables, very dim lighting, and eccentric/religious baubles/statues near the food. I found the music to be kind of disconcerting and waaaay too mellow. I just wanted to curl up and cry, listening to piano renditions of Guzarish and Apologize (One Republic). I didn't think the food was overly salty, but I was definitely feeling the weight when I ingest too much sodium 5 hours afterwards. Definitely drink a lot of water after you eat here. Overall, not bad, but I'm not dying to come here. I reaally, really lamented the toned down spices. So much lost potential. It's like taming a tiger. Who does that?
(3)
Mark S.
Very good consistent food. Very friendly staff and owners. The lamb vindaloo will light you up, but it's worth it! Also, try the lunch buffet.
(4)
Kevin J.
I hate to leave a negative review however the food tonight was so incredibly horrible that I can't ignore it. This was the second time we ate there, the first was decent and warranted a second visit... now we regret it. We ordered an appetizer (the vegetable platter... it was fantastic), a chicken korma and a butter chicken. Sadly, the butter chicken tasted like pure tomato paste and the chicken korma lacked any flavor at all. We tried to bring it to their attention but it took almost 20 minutes to do so (and it wasn't that busy). When we finally spoke to them, they fixed it without question however it still wasn't good. We will NOT be returning again.
(1)
Sara M.
I wish I wasn't still full from dinner because I really want to eat my leftovers. The food was awesome and made me glad I chose this place to treat my SO for his birthday. The service was a little slow, but the food more than made up for it. This is definitely a place I'll have to come back to. From the outside, the place looks a bit like a possibly seedy nightclub. The windows are darkly tinted so you can't see inside and there are a couple of random posters tacked up near the door. Inside, though, the decor is classy and intimate. This place is perfect for a dinner with friends or a group date. We were brought water pretty quickly, but after that, it took a while for anyone to come by. Both of us ordered Indian beer. I went with the Taj Majal, which was smooth but flavorful. My dude chose the Haywards 5000. It was also good, but I liked mine better. We placed an order for vegetable samosas and naan. My SO chose the samosas, which were good, but I've never been a huge fan of the seasoning in them. The naan, though, was excellent. Warm, soft, and just plain yummy. I had to make a concerted effort to stop eating it so that I'd have room for my meal. I chose the lamb tikka masala. Ohhhh my goodness it was good. The sauce was mild and creamy with just a touch of sweetness. My SO had the lamb vindaloo, which is a spicy dish. I tried a bit of rice mixed with the sauce and yikes. It's a slow spiciness that sneaks up on you. He said that it was good, but kept sneaking spoonfuls of my sauce to mix with his rice. The guy who kept refilling our waters was on top of things. I don't think my glass ever got even halfway empty. But our server was a little slow in the beginning. And when we ordered dessert from someone different, it took a while to come out. But it certainly wasn't bad service and will not deter us from coming back.
(4)
Han L.
ehhh, I had the lunch buffet. It's a solid 3 in my book. The servers here were very attentive, helpful, and friendly. I liked how the dude brought my messy self more napkins, even before I requested any. That's conscientiousness! It's a decently decorated restaurant w leatherette chairs. It's 10.99 for lunch buffet. It's naan tasted like tortillas. Good buffet food: I. chicken tikki massala - most tender meat on buffet II. kheer ( rice pudding) - not too sweet, has milky taste, bit of pistachio, I'm guessing, in it III. galjjar ka halwa ( shredded carrots) - I can eat this all day long. It tastes almost like sweet potato souffle, but via carrots! Some of the other foods: tandoori - ehh -- it's ok galub jamun - not good; did not tasted fresh palak paneer - clearly it's been sitting out, so it was oxidated green and salty. Hey, I still ate it. I like that shite I'd like to try items from their menu one day and compare them to the buffet items. Yelp 365 #35/365
(3)
J. W.
My son and I waited out Atlanta rush hour traffic after spending several hours with my angry, demented mother. It was a refreshing oasis in the middle of two miserable sh*#storms. We had the chicken korma and chicken Goa, both delicious. The food is perfectly seasoned and cooked to well. The staff is attentive, albeit drenched in Polo cologne. I will definitely return to try their lunch buffet.
(4)
Ivan S.
I like Indian food, but I don't crave it like I do other cuisines. Cafe Bombay could make me change that. Everything I had, from the Desi wings to the paneer cheese encrusted naan to the chicken masaala, made me actually want to call the Delta Airlines CSR I bitched at last week and apologize to him directly for my bad behavior. I think his name was "Ken." The food came out quickly and they handled our large crowd pretty easily. But we weren't the only large crowd there as most tables had at least 6 or more tops to deal with. The room itself was pretty nice, our tables topped with Corian and only one of the four needed Macguyvering to fix the wobble. Eric S. brought some "You've been yelped!" cards but failed to actually leave them on the table. He was going to go back in when we pointed out the "Yelp loves us!" sticker on the door. And you know what? Yelp does indeed love Cafe Bombay. Five stars!
(5)
Bongo S.
For a white southern boy, I love ethnic food. Maybe it's my affinity for Buford Hwy, which I grew up off of and still live nearby. I could never fathom spending my time or money on the trendy joints that have sprung up in my hometown in the last 10 years (closer to five probably) but that's just me. Cafe Bombay fills a need in my soul to get something quick, tasty and cheap. I have eaten off the menu a few times, but that gives a limited space on my plate for the things that I really want, which is meat. The lunch buffet is 10 bucks and I can sample a variety of decent Indian treats. Unlimited naan, okay it's cold, but it's a filler anyway, and choices of somewhat under seasoned protein. Like I said, in and out in under 30 minutes and I have the farts all day. My dog loves that when it's hot out and the window are up and the air is on .
(3)
Adree O.
I had not been a huge fan of Indian food till I finally visited Cafe Bombay. I had been wanting to come over a year. A friend of mine came by and said she had a taste for spice. The perfect time to visit Cafe bombay. We went for the lunch buffet on a friday and I also brought my 9 year old son (who is very finicky). the place wasnt crowded at all but still had enough patrons to make me feel that it must be ok. I tried so many different things and most were very tasty. I absolutely loved the Chicken Tikka Masala and the biryani. The fact that they serve biryani is why I wanted to come in the first place. I will be back!
(5)
Animal L.
ok food but worst of all is interacting with the terrible manager named ricky, if it wasn't for him I would love going there
(1)
Damien B.
I go here for lunch. Good food on the buffet. Service might be a little slow but the place is packed out for lunch during the week.
(5)
Ken M.
I visited this resteraunt with a friend from out of town. This was my first experience with Indian food and I had no idea what to order. I followed his lead in ordering and it was absolutely delicious.
(4)
Yvonne G.
First of all, Cafe Bombay is not my place at all. I heard about this place from my friends. Since I really enjoyed Indian food from some other places. I decided to try Cafe Bombay. Maybe I just didn't order the right things. Second, OMG. I didn't find their health score at the restaurant. So I checked online after I got home. It was 71-C, low C!!! It was from August 19th, 2010. They had other scores also. The highest was 90, the lowest was 60. I guess it might be my first and last visit unless my friends drag me to there. These are what did we order: Beverages: Mango Lassi - $4.00 (3 and half stars) It wasn't the best Mango Lassi I had ever had. But it wasn't the worst either. Rose Water Lassi - $4.00 (2 Stars) It was too watery. I like sticky Lassi better. Appetizers: Assorted Vegetable Platter - $8.00 (4 stars) There were one Assortment of Samosa, one Spring Roll which was cut into half and some Vegetable Pakoras. It was my favor after all. The Spring Roll tasted like some Chinese Spring Roll. It was nothing special. Usually, I like Samosa a lot. Cafe Bombay's was okay. I had better one before. About Pakoras, it was some deep-fried potatoes with cumin, and it was really good. Entree: Chili Chicken - $12.00 (2 stars) From their menu's description: Chicken with bell peppers and onions in a spicy chili sauce. I was really disappointed when I had the first bit. And I didn't want to try one more bit of it. The Chili Chicken tasted like from some Americanized Chinese sweet and sour chicken with some chili sauce. It was the lest thing I expected at an Indian restaurant. And we also ordered some oily lamb dish which was not worth to mention it. The naan was pretty good, tasted like garlic bread. The rice we ordered was okay. That's about everything.
(2)
Dai T.
Lunch buffet is awesome. Tikka Masala! Saag Paneer! Curry Shrimp Goa! (wasn't great and not usually on the menu...but the sauce was pretty darn tasty) Great way to try some good Indian food without the hefty price tag. Buffet price seems to change based on weekday vs weekend. $9.99 vs $12.99 but still great value for the food. Also, its nice to see Indians eating here. For some reason, it gives the food some street cred in my book!
(4)
Mia C.
One of the best Indian buffets I've had in Atlanta. Though it is situated in a rundown strip mall, the food makes up for the location. We went for the dinner buffet and was impressed.
(4)
Dio S.
A very decent dinner can be had with a group. Underwhelming lunch buffet. At the lunch buffet I was offended by the soggy, flavorless Chicken 65. Several vegetarian dishes are good, but the only meat dish worth eating is the goat curry, like many have said. Also disappointing was limited selection of pastry items. It is a more expensive lunch buffet than most Indian places, without seemingly having an obviously larger selection or higher quality. I had good experience eating dinner here with group. The quality of dinner items was good with a respectable variety one would expect from a place that does banquets and has belly dancers. After eating here several times, it feels like an okay place. Kind of expensive for what you get. And I definitely won't be doing the lunch buffet again.
(3)
D L.
Usually go for lunch buffet. The selection seems slimmed down from previous years. Food is okay. Naan is okay. Rice is okay. Service is okay. For the price, eh, I don't think the food is good enough to warrant subsequent visitations.
(2)
Kevin K.
Wow, this is alongside Rose of India in Chamblee as the best Indian food I've had in Atlanta! (And Rose of India has good days and bad days.) It REALLY hit the spot, and I wasn't even hungover. Went for lunch buffet, which is the biggest buffet I've ever seen at an Indian restaurant. Two whole separate spreads - one vegetarian, one meat. Makes it very easy for vegetarians. The Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Biryani, and Matar Paneer were the highlights for me. This is also one of the "nicer" Indian restaurants I've been in anywhere. Unless they're pointlessly fancy and overpriced, Indian restaurants tend to be pretty no-frills. This one definitely felt like an Indian restaurant, but just at the very nicest end of that feel. It's clearly extremely popular. The place is huge and it was packed. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Megan W.
I've only been lucky enough to enjoy the ($10) lunch buffet. Try not to go during peak lunch hours because it does get super crowded and the register is right in the middle of the two buffets which causes the line for food and paying customers to intertwine. Try the chicken tiki masala- you won't regret it. They also have a vegetarian option for it, but only on certain days. Oh, and get the carrots! Delish!
(4)
Sabrina J.
Love this place. I go all the time. Halal so I can eat the chicken!! :) Chicken biryani, tikka masala and butter chicken all delicious. They have a lunch buffet that is totally yummy, plenty of options and a good price. Not sure what they are called but little boneless slightly breaded chicken with the red look of tikka was sooo good.I also hardly ever like rice pudding but theirs is super cold and yummy. It is all pretty mild (flavorful, but not HOT spicy) so if you want it hot reiterate it! One of the managers is really nice ( i do not remember his name at the moment). Also I came in late from their lunch buffet (about to close in 15 minutes, but they let me eat from it anyway, even bringing out extra rice pudding even though they said that they would not replenish off of the buffet since it was about to close). The other wai staff is attentive, not overly friendly, but they do whatever you ask in accomodating your food order and do not bother you much. My go to for Indian in ATL. THey also mentioned that they have belly dancing onFridays and Saturday--but I have never been in for it. Also they have hookah in the back room area (also never done it yet), so if I ever get a dinner companion I will probably try it. #singlegirlproblems lol.
(4)
R J.
I actually heard about this restaurant from a chef so I decided to give it a go. For starters, the gentleman who took my order... was very courteous and I would imagine heard me well when I said, "please... less oil in everything if possible"... The If possible thing probably threw him off because the 'to go' order was brimming with oil! The chicken pcs were large, un-marinated hunks of meat which were actually inedible. Lastly, I hate long reviews so I'll just say... when customers say LESS OIL.... Please listen to them! This place is another unimpressive restaurant in the lucrative Indian Atlanta landscape.
(1)
Christofer P.
So not good. It was cheap Indian food for good Indian food prices. We will never go there again. The Trader Joe's frozen meals are better. We'll stick with Planet Bombay (L5P) or Madras, or anything BUT this place. Meh.
(1)
Amaryllia L.
I'm not a big fan of Indian food, mainly because I followed an Indian friend home in 5th grade and experienced real home-cooked Indian food, complete with sitting on the floor and eating luke-warm, bland, mushy food with our hands. Well, that was 20 years ago. Today, I changed my mind because a group of coworkers wanted to come and the positive Yelp reviews made me feel pretty good about it. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality and price ($10) of their lunch buffet...and I no longer have a hatred/fear of Indian food! Clearly, I wasn't the only one who felt that way though because the place was paaacked! Luckily, they have plenty of space to fit everyone so no worries. Minus one star only because the dessert balls in syrup were terrible and the food is actually quite heavy and rich, which isn't ideal for lunch or as a buffet. I left over an hour ago and am still having trouble breathing (stomach taking up my lung space methinks) and struggling to stay awake at work. I'm also feeling extremely unhealthy right now, like my blood is turning into a greasy sludge, so visits back here in the future will be very limited. PS. Goat is da bomb!
(4)
Saira K.
So sorry about my recent lunch experience here. There wasn't any naan, and when it was brought out, it was as hard as a cracker. The biryani was cold. This place has potential. Maybe they've become a bit careless. I have enjoyed lunch and dinner here, but now that the naan is inedible, I'm reluctant to return.
(2)
Treasure A.
So I love Cafe Bombay. I always crave more after I leave. Anyways, here is my review. This is the first Indian restaurant that I visited in Atlanta. My first visit was during the lunch buffet with a professor. She told me what she generally got, but the food was so good that I wound up trying everything. I liked it all especially the spicy chicken and the goat. I usually just eat that with the rice, some naan, and go in for a good 30 minutes. My second or third visit I tried all of the deserts at the recommendation of my server. The rice pudding was soooo good. He brought them all to me, told me the names, and asked how I liked them afterwards. (Interjection: I had Indian food at a traditional Indian wedding that was sponsored by a small family owned company sometime after my first experience with Cafe Bombay and, in my opinion, the food at Cafe Bombay was more flavorful and definitely spicier than that.) Finally, I am eating my leftovers from yesterday. I got the lamb vindaloo, meat samosa, and naan. Yesterday, it was so great. My friend had to stop me from eating all of my vindaloo because it was definitely enough for two people (for only $12!!) Also, the samosa's were much bigger than I expected and two had me very full along with the glass of water that the waiter kept refilling. I was literally sniffing from the spices, but it was so delicious I kept eating. Today, it was even better! I put the naan in the oven, added some almond oil and water to the rice and lamb, let it simmer a little. 15 minutes later I can still taste the spices and flavors in my mouth. I'm literally in bliss right now. I also love the general ambiance of the restaurant and I like the music.
(5)
JaneDoe D.
We saw the owner's adult son take up his plate twice to the buffet without getting a new plate. He was eating as he was putting the new food on top of the old food. The serving spoons were touching where his fork had been. It was disgusting and against the FDA food code! I've been going here a couple of years and the food is alright, but the customer service has always been bad -- they treat you like they don't need or want your business. Now that we've seen the son/manager treat the buffet like his own personal trough, we will not be returning. If you do go, be careful not to fall down the big stair that takes you into the back dining room. It's another thing that is not up to code.
(2)
Ben-Sheryl B.
While my wife and I were on our honeymoon a little over a month ago, she discovered that Indian food was her new favorite food. I took her to Cafe Bombay (where I occassionally go for lunch with my co-workers) and this is her new favorite place. It's buffet but we're so weird, we only get 3 things: naan, rice and chicken tikka masala. It's amazingly good. It's about $11 per person with tax but you stay full ALL DAY (ok maybe because we go overboard there!) but it is so good! We are too scared to try any other Indian restaurants because we are too spoiled here. Delicious!
(5)
J. G.
Great British Indian Restaurant. The Vindaloo is proper hot.
(5)
Tabetha J.
Well, I've been having some exposure to Indian food lately. Apparently I was at a super authentic SOUTH indian restaurant last weekend, so the food was completely different than Cafe Bombay. I came here for lunch. There was the typical Indian Buffet going on. This is more along the lines of what I'm used to when it comes to Indian food. I had some butter chicken, some rice, some pink kind of meat and some yellow spicy rice, potatoes... I liked everything I ate. The atmosphere was nice and the wait staff literally stands there watching the dining room waiting to either pour you some water, clear your plate, or just give you a smile. Good stuff. I wonder what dinner is like...
(4)
Malay B.
One of the worst places I have eaten in my life. Rude waiters, nasty behavior from everyone. Seems like they are not happy having customers there. Avoid at all cost.
(1)
Renee B.
I took the guy here for his bday last year and we went on a night when they had the bellydancers. We had the goat curry and some other stuff but all i remembered was the naan. It was so good. We went back another time for the lunch buffet and since then, I've gone back by myself a few times for the lunch take out. I always get the Biryani rice, Goat curry and Naan. What I do is dip my naan in the curry and omg it's so good. I take it back to the lunch room at work and I can see the vultures lurking around waiting for my leftovers or castaways but I give them the evil eye and they all fall back. *smirks*
(4)
Kevin Z.
The staff is slipping. Only need to listen to themselves to improve the small items that need improvement. 1. To chastise a customer for wanting hot naan during lunch with the admonition " if i do it for you, i have to do it for everyone", is the same as saying " all the customers are demanding hot naan at lunch". A customer focused restaurant would say, why not deliver hot naan to each table with the water and silver ware? How hard is that? 3 minutes after it sits on the buffet its cold and is easily fixed. 2. bring back the wings on lunch..chicken 65 gets dry fast. 3. cook the goat an hour longer....way to tough and chewy. The Chef must be a vegiterian. Do these things and I will give a 5 star rating. From a loyal customer.....15 years plus. 4. where is the bindhi and the lentels?
(3)
Zewditu D.
I was very happy with my visit to Cafe Bombay. We needed a spot for a quick lunch and buffet was a great idea to get in and out. I mostly load up on chicken tikka masala, and Cafe Bombay did not disappoint. Also, very good was the red chicken. Yum. Will definitely be making a return visit. Very affordable for all the food you are able to get.
(4)
Robert M.
I have to rate what I tasted...and what I tasted was the lunch buffet. I imagine dinner is better and maybe will come back at some point to try this. Maybe. However.... I had the lunch buffet. Let me be clear on this point: I hate buffets. Let me be crystal clear on this point: Buffets suck. Almost every buffet I've ever been to sucked. Save a few in Vegas for breakfast, and Nori Nori here in Atlanta is a decent buffet. Otherwise, they suck. Suck. Suck. Suck. Cafe Bombay is no exception. I felt like Clark Griswald eating blue noisy jello molds. It sucked. Pretty much every meat dish was overcooked. There was some surprise chicken dish that was not only dry, but flavorless. The tikka masala was brutal. The tandoori was well done to say the least. The naan was limp. There were shards of bone in my biryani attempting to puncture body parts. The vegetarian side was marginally better than the meat side. The desserts were scary. Didn't even attempt that. Hate to buffets. Much hate. I don't know why I subject myself to this abuse. At $10, it makes it even worse. To sum it up: Suck. Hate.
(2)
Karen N.
Really liked the food. Good nan, rice, lamb vindaloo and several other vegetarian dishes. We went on Friday night and it was crowded-a good sign. But the order taking was chaotic and they had a belly dancer starting at about 8:30 p.m. with very loud music. Nothing against belly dancing, but it seemed a little early for the loud music, and belly dancing is not even an Indian tradition. What up? Friends say that the lunch buffet is a really good value.
(3)
pauper c.
I am reviewing their lunch buffet here. Cons: 1. Extremely bad vegetarian options. The vegetarian curries are also cheap, quickly made ones. 2. None of the items had a standard quality. The vegetables they use are cheap. The spinach in palak paneer was tasting very old. The curries are so much oily. The rice is just brittle which means it is old. Quality is overall bad. 3. The Nans are not fresh and your teeth will hence break biting them. 4. The overall service is bad, which is pardonable if they had good food atleast. Will never go here anymore. There are many other great Indian lunch buffet places, who give better quality food and use better quality ingredients.
(1)
Amanda M.
My husband and I enjoyed coming here for the lunch buffet. I have to agree now with the 1 and 2 star ratings. Once a few months ago, I was given a water glass with a huge missing shard at the lip and to large cracks running down the sides. I accidentally drank from it before noticing. One of the zombie wait staff who have no skills or training took the glass in the back with no apology and just threw it away. I never received a new glass of water. When we called the manager over, he handled it well and was very concerned. At the time, none of us were sure whether I had sallowed any of the glass, but I am fine and have had no problems. I was impressed with him personally, but his clueless staff are a liability he should be more concerned about. It took us a few months after that to return. But today we were in the mood for Indian buffet, so we decided to make a return trip and give Cafe Bombay another chance. My two star rating is for the fact that the zombie wait staff seemed even worse this time. There seel to be a dozen people who appear to work there, wearing name tags, yet you are treated like cattle at best. But worse is the lack of value of the food vs. the price you pay for it. If this was your only experience at an Indian restaurant, you would think India only had 10 dishes total. The vegetarian side of the buffet today had spinach but not any of those Indian cheese cubes (paneer?), there was a basic chick pea dish lacking complex flavor, and the two other choices were an onion dumpling that just tasted like flour swimming in a thick gravy also tasting like flour, and then another dish that was some kind of chick pea flour ball in another sauce. If you go to panahar, you will get dishes that contain fresh vegetables like cauliflour and whole fingerling potatoes, not flour-based balls of filler smothered with bland gravy. seeing the negligent behavior of the staff first hand at Cafe Bombay and reading reviews here of people getting sick from the food, I do not even want to imagine what goes on in the kitchen.
(2)
Winston G.
Went to this place with a number of other Emory Law folk and had a great meal here. We were able to try a number of dishes, including the samosas, the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, shrimp vindaloo, and some vegetable dishes. They were all up to par with what a great Indian restaurant should be. The naan was also well made. I didn't like the service very much (we were with about 10 people) and the rice was way too dry/old. However, all in all, I enjoyed my meal and will be coming back here again.
(4)
Roy A.
Probably not fair to rate a restaurant on the basis of its lunch buffet. For that reason, I'm giving it an extra star, for the benefit of the doubt. Buffet food was reasonable in price, REASONABLY flavored, albeit bland on the heat scale, and excessively focused on meat. For the price, a pretty good Indian buffet. Personally, a better choice is across the mall at Chat Patti, the vegetarian Indian cafe.
(4)
Robert H.
Piled in here Sunday 3:30 for the buffet after being too late for another place Selection is basic meats / veg and salad. Most of the dishes resemble Indian food and probably contain a vast majority of the same ingredients. Sub par at best. Then throw in 15 bucks a pop (with Soda ) phew..... Thoughts on a couple of items I tried Budgia: I was surprised to see this on the buffet, very daring !! Turns out too daring. Supposed to be warm. crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Actually, luke , dry, spongy and tough.. Naan Supposed to be hot fluffy and light. Closer to pita bread than naan. To be fair though only a few buffets pull this off by delivering the bread to your table when you arrive. Roti would be a far better choice for a buffet Chicken 65 OK I never heard of this dish until I moved to Atlanta nevertheless this version tastes like fried chicken soaked in red food coloring I don't consider this traditional Indian fare all tastes remarkably bland. better off going to an Indian grocery store buying some sauce in a jar and experimenting that way. Crikey, I could put together something better than this with my eyes shut.. CYA !
(1)
Dina C.
Due to traffic and other circumstances, I ended up back here for dinner. We got a lamb kabob and the dry chili paneer. It was really good and huge upgrade in flavor and quality from the lunch buffet. The dry chili paneer was incredible. I won't come here for the buffet, but I might make this a dinner spot.
(3)
Mike Y.
I've visited Cafe Bombay twice already and the second experience wasn't as good. We had a party of 5 so they sat us in the party room where I'm guessing they do the catered events. Midway through the drinks the lights dimmed and they started blasting some middle eastern music. A belly dancer came out and started to perform. It was actually quite annoying... I just wanted to eat my dinner in peace. Our table ordered a variety of curries that all kind of tasted the same. The only difference being the goat curry which had good flavor, but was full of bones and not much meat. the curries ran the gamut from mild to decently spicy. The Tikka Misala was spicy but not overwhelming. Everything else was just meh... I used to like this place for solid Indian cuisine in Atlanta, but after this experience I might go try others.
(3)
Seung G.
This was my first experience at an Indian place where most of the customers weren't Indian. The Not-So-Good To start things off, I wasn't quite sure if the Tandoori Chicken was cooked in the actual clay stove. It didn't have the full tandoori flavoring compared to other places. Also, the naan wasn't really warm. Since this was during buffet time, the naan was just sitting out with no heating. Overall, this place had a limited selection in food options. What's Good? Service was great. They had a lot of waiters that immediately picked up finished place and always refilled water. Most of the dishes I did like. Even with the limited choices in food, most of the dishes were good.
(3)
Kaundinya G.
Best Indian food in Atlanta. Goat curry is a die for! Friendly staff make me feel at home whenever I drop by :-)
(5)
Helen P.
Very good buffet style Indian cuisine. My favorite are the goat curry, tiki masala, and rice pudding. The place always seem to be over staffed with about 15 waiters standing around. I have never gone during dinner hours but I heard there are belly dancers at night. Overall, if you crave Indian food this is my recommendation.
(4)
Brian C.
The buffet is amazing, both in quality and value. No where else can you get such a huge variety of absolutely delicious Indian food. Every single thing here is so good.
(5)
John B.
I rarely give out 5 stars because rarely is everything perfect. Everything wasn't perfect here either, but easily dismissed. The service is a bit unusual, at least to us. The waiter takes the order, but other guys bring the food and yet other guys bus the table. Nobody is particularly friendly. The service is excellent, but unusual. I don't hold it against them, but if you like friendly chatter with a server, you will not get it here. The food: Out gold standard is the lamb bryani at Mount Everst in Evanston, IL. It's to die for. Well, the lamb bryani at Cafe Bombay was even better. Nuff said! Atmosphere: Very traditional looking. I have not been in India, but this is what I would expect there.
(5)
Tomasz J.
We went there and it was a great decision! Food was delicious, I can't complain about service. We had chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and meat samosa. Everything was delicious and we will definitely come back after some time. If you like Indian food, Cafe Bombay is definitely worth to check.
(5)
Andre M.
12-4 lunch buffet is amazing!!! Both the chicken and goat were awesome. One of the best Indian restaurants in the perimeter.
(4)
Nishant G.
Best Indian restaurant in all of Atlanta, hands down. Fantastic service, fantastic atmosphere, and the food, holy whoa, I thought my mom was back there. Toooooo good! If you're looking for the best indian restaurant experience in Atlanta, this is it.
(5)
John C.
Cafe Bombay Indian cuisine best in the ATL area.They try to offer a great variety of foods during the lunch buffet along with the tandoori chicken favorite. Remember your in the ATL, I've had much better but this is the best in the area...you will not be disappointed. .
(3)
Andrea P.
Came here from Buckhead for the lunch buffet and thought it was a great value at $10 for a weekday. The food was delicious and it was a good spread. Obviously the spiciness was very tempered so it would appeal to the masses. I liked that not all of the chicken options were drowning in sauce. The potatoes and peppers ended up being my favorite. Service was also good - water was constantly refilled and plates were quickly cleared. It had a nice crowd at lunch but there was hardly ever a wait to get food and they kept everything well supplied.
(4)
Aditya S.
Must say, the current four stars rating of this place is flattering at best. There are so many other places with better Indian food. We ordered Kadhai Paneer (1), Veg Makhani (2), Naan(3) and Samosa Chat (4). 1 was served in a pool of oil. 2 was just tomato puree. 3 and 4 were Okay. Food was served quickly but that would be the case if you cook anything with so much oil. Maybe the non-vegetarian and Thali servings are better. But I wouldn't bother to check them out again. My money is better spent at so many other places in Atlanta. And they had a belly-dancer walking around the tables. For someone coming from India, it was totally bizarre to see that being labeled as an Indian experience. My advice - go there if someone recommends a particular dish. If you are new to Indian food and wanna try out things, find some place else.
(2)
Scott K.
Stopped through Cafe Bombay with a Canadian friend who had a taste for Indian food. Nice decor, relaxing and with very good service. We started off with Chicken Chat, a dish that I had never heard of, but sounded good. It was delicious. Kind of reminiscent of Thai Nam Tok salad. Next was the Chili Chicken. I'm really tired of spots that have warn you, "spicy" but in reality about as spicy as ketchup. That was not the case here. Spicy truly means Spicy in this place. Excellent, I'll be back.
(4)
Philip K.
I'm not connoisseur of Indian food, but I was very impressed with the food and the service at Cafe Bombay. The waiters were all very friendly and patient as they helped us navigate the menu and answered all of our questions. I tried the Lamb Vindaloo...the spice level was perfect, and it was bursting with flavor. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and look forward to returning for more.
(4)
Quality K.
excellent food but get rid of the indian waiters cause they are just too stiff. need to staff the place with people that have a personality and enjoy serving as a career. great food. owners should show less that money matters and concentrate more on taking the time to ensure guests are well taken care of. again, so far as i have experienced, food is great.
(3)
Thanh N.
I went here twice for the lunch buffet (about $10 during the week, $12ish weekends) during my eight night-stay in Atlanta and I really liked it. It was my first time having Indian food and I wasn't disappointed. The Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandori chicken, naan and mint chutney were my favorites. The mango lassi was awesome, but my boyfriend said it's a bit overpriced ($4).
(4)
Raja V.
What can I say. An awesome buffet . The manager, Ricky was very attentive. I will say I was looking for a dish with more kick. Well, Ricky was kind enough to discuss this with us and offer special indian hot sauce at no extra charge. Needless to say, the hot sauce kicked my butt! Still a great overall value. I hope to come back and actually try an entree. P
(5)
Kristen C.
I found this place when we were craving Indian food one night, and this was the only place that was open later than most places. We ordered naan, chicken biryani, chicken tikka, mixed grill, and gobi aloo masala. We loved everything. I think all these dishes were spiced really well, and nothing came out really oily like we usually see when we eat Indian. I've also been here for the weekend buffet, which is also really good. They have a variety of dishes that you are able to try. Service is pretty good here.
(4)
Cindy Z.
I gave this restaurant 2 chances, after having the worst Indian meal for the second time,I will never go back. I got ( medium) Chicken Tikka Masala for the 2nd time, and had to ask to return it both times. My friend got curry chicken, and it didn't even resemble curry, just creamy mush. The first time my family didn't want to hurt my feeling because it was my choice for the night, but then after I complained , the voiced their own opinions-not good!!
(1)
John B.
the best Indian food in The US, let alone GA (I travel coast to coast on a regular basis). Service is fast and concise. I spoke with the Co-owner and I like the operation that he oversees here. The lighting is in a great middle-ground between bright and dim and it accentuates the decor of the place. They don't mess around with spicy curry and their more mild curries are quite delicious! I come here whenever I'm in town and I plan on coming here whenever I can in the future.
(5)
Hanah V.
I love this place! They have a huge, amazing lunch buffet that has a large number of vegetarian options as well as meat. The food is excellent. They make some of the best Chicken Tikka Masala I've ever tasted. They also offer many of their dishes with a choice of lamb or goat, so you can go very exotic if you want to. You wouldn't expect it, but they are also great for kids (as long as your kids will eat Indian food). We often bring our 1-year-old with us, and all the waiters love him.
(5)
Jennifer S.
Best Indian food i've ever had in this city! The Tikka Masala is AWESOME! Service was excellent, food even better!! Wish I lived a little closer to this place, I'd make it a weekly thing! A+++
(5)
Vivian C.
Food is pretty darn good- I've gotten the butter chicken every single time, cause I can't quite move past it, as unhealthy as it is. Their naan is sooooo good, and is something to definitely get. Only drawback is that while the service itself is good, they do rush you, and I get the feeling that spending more than 45 minutes in there for a meal is pretty much all they think you should get.
(3)
K P.
So, so delicious!! Drove up from Mid-town (farther than we usually go) and realized we'll be doing the drive more in the future, as the food and service was so good! The prices were fantastic - dinner entrees for $12.00 and I had leftovers! Check it out!
(5)
Johnathon T.
Cafe Bombay is known in particular and renowned for one thing - an outstanding lunch buffet at a very reasonable price. Their food is exceptional. Everything is fresh, well prepared and cooked just right. As others have pointed out, the chicken tikka masala is an exceptional treat, boasting an exquisite sauce that when sopped up with Naan bread tastes incredible. Their tandoori chicken is also very good, served grilled just right with smoked onions on the buffet line. The atmosphere is nice too and the service has always been exceptional on my visits.
(4)
Jonathan Z.
Buffet style, good food.
(4)
Errynne B.
I love this place... I would give it 5 stars except for the fact that I have never actually been there, I've only ordered delivery. My favorite dish is Chicken Tikka Masala and it is delicious! It's perfect with Naan as well. I wish the portions had a bit more chicken, but overall it is really good. The paneer dishes are also very good. If you're an Indian food fan like me, you should check this place out whether you go to the restaurant or order delivery.
(4)
Gina A.
I've had the delicious lunch buffet numerous times. If this weren't so far from my home, I would go weekly. The Chicken Tikka Masala is To.Die.For. It's mild and creamy and delicious, and I could eat it for days. Everything else is consistently good on the buffet, and the servers are always extremely friendly and attentive. If I could be there right now, I would. I've also gotten carry-out a number of times, and it's always great. The entrees are often a little on the spicy side for me, but I do like my food VERY mild.
(5)
J L.
GREATEST CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA I HAVE EVER HAD. I order it almost every time I go there, and it is the best, better than the food I had in Mumbai in December. Guaranteed awesome food.
(5)
Scott M.
This place was average. Actually thought this was the place that was by 300 Bowling alley until I realized that it wasnt when I got there. I guess that was the first dissapointment. Got the all inclusive meal for like $55 bucks. Comes with a crap load of food and can definitely feed 2-3 ppl. This makes things extremely easy to order specifically if you arent to familiar with Indian food. Had a good time, but the owner said a bone head comment to me that almost got that azz whipped. Fortunately I was having a good day. Doubt I'll be back, I am sure there is better Indian food in the city.
(2)
Veda R.
I was dragged here again by my family. This trip IS AND WAS THE LAST. Rude servers. I was talking to my mom and asked if we should grab an extra chair for the table as we had a semi-large group. The server overheard me and mocked me by repeating what I said in a very exaggerated tone. I'm serious. I know I have a high pitched voice, but was that really necessary? Me: "We need an extra chair." Server: "You mean this extra chair?" and pointed to a "chair". Me: "no, asshole." I'm seriously never going back Also -- Douchebag that was in charge of the "raw chicken" incident still works there, SMH.
(1)
Cristina K.
I recommend coming here for the lunch buffet. It's a bit pricey for dinner. The curried goat is very tasty and tender, as is the butter chicken. Naan is always hot and fresh. Basmati rice is also very fresh and not overcooked. Lentils are well seasoned, less starchy than I've had at other Indian restaurants. Waiters are attentive, restroom is clean, and the ambiance is unexpectedly nice for the price. I hear there's live entertainment on the weekends too. Some of the negatives were that the Chicken 65 had a little too much breading. Since it's a buffet, I guess you can just pick it off the meat. And I'm not sure what happened to the palak paneer last time I was there. It was just spinach, no paneer. I really hope they're not cutting down on costs. Overall, good value lunch place.
(4)
Cherry L.
went for the weekend lunch buffet on sunday afternoon. not. a. fan. sadly, I don't think i'll be trying this place again :( +1 star bc the waiter was very nice and attentive to my water cup. That sunday, i called a few diff indian restaurants that offer buffest and decided on this one (bc my friend said she wanted chicken 65--mighta been my mistake to go somewhere other than zyka for chicken 65!!). The place is a little hard to find--behind/near/around the corner/under the bridge/through the woods next to target/taco bell/tin roof--basically, the first right on briarcliff after your pass N Druid (away from Emory). basicallllly, nothing was THAT good or stood out here. flavors were just ok, curries and chicken were just ok. the chicken 65 was HORRIBLE--like a bad chinese restaurant breaded sweet n sour chicken type. all the dishes were so syrupy and slightly sweet...EVERYTHING!!! I had to drench everything in the cilantro chutney to make it taste decent. sorry to say, i wont be back!
(2)
Ankur J.
Super oily food. Looks like each bowl of food has at least 1/4 bowl of oil in it! Although certain items are not so bad.
(2)
Michael K.
Lunch Buffet was cheap, but..... The Tandoori Chicken was pretty dry. Chicken Tikka Masala was weird. It did not taste like most Tikka Masalas I've had..it tasted more like a butter chicken. The Naan was good. Their vegeterian noodles were pretty good (I wish they had one with meat, though. Then it'd be BOMB). Both of the kinds of rice they offered were cold, and not good. Overall, mehhhhhh. I've had better lunch buffets (in general) for $10, and I've had delicious Indian lunch buffets for $8. I think they should offer fewer dishes, but make them with better quality.
(3)
Abhi G.
Been to Bombay cafe several times. This used to be my favorite indian restaurant when we moved in Atlanta 2 years back. Now that I have been to all Indian restaurants in Atlanta, it is still among top 4. Ambience-wise this is probably the most authentic indian restaurant, and the same goes for the service. Food is not bad either, I prefer their À la carte over their buffet.
(4)
Kiran K.
I don't know how this place got so many good reviews. I believe it might be due to the ambience and service (that's the reason for my two stars). But, as an Indian (and I also tried many different Indian restaurants), I can definitely tell that the food is absolutely tasteless.
(2)
Roman G.
Best Indian food in Atlanta. Quick service, great staff and the food is delicious! The prices are on the high end for Indian food. They are also a big caterer in the Southeastern region. Highly recommend.
(4)
Ashvini S.
Excellent Indian food and outstanding service after a long time. Main person who made our evening so special over there is Kanna. Will definitely go back.
(5)
Emma W.
The main reason I've always preferred Indian buffets over actual sit down restaurants is just the general trend that seems to exist in regards to disproportionate curry to rice ratios. Well played Cafe Bombay, not only are you fantastic with your food related ratios but your naan is also super delicious and fluffy. Upon arriving back to my hotel afterwards and promptly collapsing into a food coma induced slumber, I'm pretty sure I had dreams that I was laying on huge, billowy pieces of Cafe Bombay's naan rather than the hotel pillows.
(4)
Jessica Y.
I am a Bradfordian (someone from a small city called Bradford in the north of England renowned for excellent cheap curry) who is searching for a decent curry fix in Atl! I have tried several places and been dissapointed, I have also tried Purnima on Buford where I have to advise the food is excellent but the overall atmosphere and and experience is lacking!! Well the searching is over, I have found my curry haven. I completed my third visit here last night. On walking into cafe Bombay immediately you are pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and decor which is inviting, friendly and luxurious in that over the top tacky indian restaurant kind of way. I think you know what I mean. It is often busy but never crowded. The staff are friendly and seat you immediately. Last night there was a belly dancer which was great. She was dancing with children, there's a very laid back vibe which I like. They take your order in a timely manner and bring you water and free poppadums and pickles (always a sign of an excellent curry house). There is a bar here if you want a beer. The food is great. I have tried: Lamb rogan josh 5 stars- big tender chunks, not fatty, nice sauce not too spicy. Lamb korma- 5 stars- as above. A little bit of spice in the korma sauce which is good. Chicken tikka masala- 4 star- good, very mild and a little sweet so 4 not 5. Big chunks of tender chicken. Pea and potato curry- 4 star - tasty. Very spicy but goes well with raita. Chicken afghan (mango)- 5 star plus the best curry on the menu. Sweet, creamy a bit spicy. I did share this though, may be a bit much on its own. Rice is great and you get lots of it, it comes with curry you dont pay extra which is how it should be. Original and peshwari naans (filled with Sultanas and coconut) are delicious. I had the thali where you get to try two of the special curries. You also get raita, salad, naan, rice and rice pudding. Its great value and i would recommend if you like the sound of the special curries, you can share the naan on this with your friend. See photo. I have been to the lunch buffet where I have tried other dishes too. I would not recommend going to this. Its good value, 10 dollars all you can eat, but the food is not as good. I would only give the buffet 3 stars. Bring your ten dollars back on an evening and put it to one of the dishes i mention above. I can not wait to come back here. I will definately be trying vegetable samosas then because they look amazing!!!
(5)
Chan V.
Amazing chicken tiki masala and tandori chicken wings. Must try the bullet naan which is jalapeño naan. If that's not your thing then there is a book of a menu for you to pick from. The butter chicken with garlic naan is also fabulous. This is my new favorite Indian restaurant.
(5)
Dani O.
Food is best Indian cuisine in Atlanta. Authentic food and setting. The buffet style allows for eating at your preferred pace and also to try several different entrees. Setting is relaxing and intimate. Great for lunch or dinner.
(5)
Tom C.
Cafe Bombay is the place to be for Indian Lunch Buffet for $9.99. Especially if you are hungry and looking for quality. This isn't crappy Indian food. It's at a fine dining Indian restaurant. During lunch they do buffet for customers. Their chicken tandoori, chicken tika masala, goat curry were all tasty and good. My vegetarian friend loved their vegetarian options. He is Indian and he said it was a quality Indian restaurant to his standards. Definitely going to have to come back for more Indian lunch buffett!
(4)
Paul E.
If I didn't have food poisoning from their chutneys and rude staff behavior, this review would have been better. Let me break it down to a few categories. Food-- (as someone grew up in parts of South and knows how to cook most of the dishes) the only item worth mentioning is chole bhatorey(chickpea curry). I was appalled to find the palak paneer being made with cheap cheese (to those who were raving about it on the reviews-- paneer is not your publix cheese on the shelf; please taste something authentic before claiming it as awesome). The tikka masala was dry and it was evident they didn't cook it fresh. The tandoori chicken was very dry as well. The chicken biriyani was pretty good. From the looks of it, these people don't know how to do non veg items very well. Service-- the staff was always hovering over you, taking plates away even before you were done. This created this pressure of "you need to leave ASAP", which is a very tacky south Asian technique they use in those parts. Given the naan was super thin and hard, I asked for some fresh naan on the table when they were bringing out a new batch. 99% of all restaurants are more than happy to do it, but the waiter very rude said that I need to order from the menu. He also went on to explain how they are the most popular restaurant in Atlanta and how only " small" restaurants do it. Very discourteous Price-- reasonable;$13 for the buffet. However considering only one dish was made to taste, I have eaten better. Overall, I have been to 20+ Indian restaurants in Atlanta and this will rank in the bottom 2. Still having food poisoning issues. Do NOT try their chutneys.
(2)
jennifer s.
Best lamb vindaloo I've had in atlanta. The sauce is so savory with the right amount of spice. Their naan is nice and fluffy and delicious. The rice has perfect flavor and texture. Ive only eaten take out here but the service was always very courteous and inviting. Def recommend this place
(5)
Emma F.
Solid Indian Restaurant. The food is not as spicy as I am used for Indian places (actually not spicy at all really) so if you want it spicy ask for it that way. The servers are nice and the place is pleasant. What we had: Meat Samosa: Average Veggie Pakora: Average Butter Chicken: Slightly Above Average Goat Rhogan Josh: Average Lamb Vindaloo: Average and not spicy at all in spite of the warning. Mixed Tandoori Grill: Above average Palak Paneer: Average Mango Lassi: Below Average So, with so many averages why the four stars vs three? Because I have realized that my idea of average Indian food is actually really good Indian food. I'm super picky and the mere fact that I would go back, means it's pretty damn good. Overall, if you come here, you won't be disappointed, unless you like really spicy Indian food, in which case tell them so and I'm sure they'll oblige. I will be asking for things with a lot of spice next time.
(4)
Karthi S.
The food is not up to the mark no varieties No spicy No appetizer in veg food Chicken butter masala not good
(1)
Ahmed A.
Great Indian food and a friendly staff. Had the Lamb curry, Chicken malai kabab, spinach paneer, Afghani chicken and dal makhani. Also tried the rice and the naan with the food. All of it was good quality and it all came with generous portions. The Afghani chicken had mangoes in the sauce and provided a unique sweet flavor. I would definitly go there again!
(5)
Melissa P.
My husband and I visited Cafe Bombay on a Sunday afternoon. They had a buffet with a pretty big variety. One side was dedicated to vegetarian cuisine. There were a decent amount of customers but plenty of wait staff...perhaps too many. They were hovering over our table. Which I guess is better than lack of staff. Needless to say, our glasses were always full. The chicken Tikka was good. The chicken was a little dry but it was fine when eaten with plenty of sauce. The spinach paneer was delicious! The Naan was fresh and warm. The rice was perfectly cooked. Nothing was too spicy and it was all pretty tasty. I look forward to returning!
(3)
Alison W.
yummy! I really like Cafe Bombay a lot... It's a family owned restaurant that's pretty nice all around. The only reason I am not giving the full 5 stars is that the staff can be a bit rude at times, especially the head waiter. There's always confusion about who is supposed to do what, but I guess it also gets super busy on weekends. The lunch buffet is a pretty nice spread, but I prefer to go for dinner on the weekends when the food is fresh and the bellydancer is giving lessons. Now I just need a better outfit and I'm good to go when the music hits!
(3)
Sireesha A.
If you are an Indian, don't go here! Worse if you are a vegetarian! The food is horrible in the buffet. Rajma was completely diluted and looked like water. The other veggie curry reminded me of the hostel food back in India! Paneer curry was sweet and rice was hardly flavored! Even the desserts were pitiful. One of the worst Indian lunch buffets I have had in my life! My boyfriend swore he could make twice as good chicken tikka at home! Never ever again am I going back to this restaurant! Such misleading reviews!!
(1)
Sydney G.
One of my must-eat spots whenever I visit Atlanta. I love their paneer, it's some of the best I've ever had. I think they do a great job of keeping the buffet full and fresh and I've had the opportunity to try a number of dishes I might not ordinarily order off the menu.
(5)
Anh L.
This is the buffet of all Indian buffets. All i can say is im blown away by almost everything. The reviews here are truthful. Im probably going into a diabetic coma right now as im eating this food. The vegetable curry in coconut cream has a buttery and creamy texture. The goat curry is by far the best i ever had from any other indian buffets. The meat just falls off the bone and soft.. There's so much herbs and spices in the rice... im overstuffed but i keep on eating.. The service is excellent, I was always attend to when I walked through the door. My water was constantly refilled by three different waiter. They each ask me if i needed any help. The atmosphere is quiet, ambience, and romantic with granite tables all around. They really have done a good job on the decor.
(5)
Heather N.
This is a solid Indian buffet, but I am taking a star off for chewy cold naan on the buffet (not served hot at the table), and a serious lack of spice in all of the dishes. The tart plum & green chutneys are tasty, but needed some samosas/papadum/pakora/patties/chaat to put them on. The veg korma was quite nice- it reminded me that lima beans are actually good. The goat curry had a great, earthy, cinnamony sauce. ChickenTikka is straight up Campbell's tomato soup. Not much else really stood out, but I did leave happy and (overly) full.
(3)
Shardule S.
Not-so-good: Nothing will ever beat homecooked Indian food Good: Papad to start is a nice touch Service is prompt and friendly Portion is decently sized (had a small takeaway bag for leftovers) Price isn't cheap but not terribly expensive Overall, nothing will ever come close to 'Mom's food'. However, if you're looking for a solid Indian meal with nice decor for not too high of a price, this is the place. Busy, but not super packed, Cafe Bombay is a good bet to for a tasty Indian meal.
(5)
Rahul M.
Excellent food. Good ambience. Good service. Nice staff. Complimentary rice was a pleasant surprise. Bhel puri was awesome
(5)
Anushree K.
I went in for a late lunch at Cafe Bombay with a group of friends. The food was very good, right amount of flavor and spice. The server helped us choose the curries (we did not want a sweet curry) and the paneer kadhai and vegetable tikka masala we ordered were yummy. The assorted vegetable platter for starter is a good way to sample a lot of appetizers. The nan is huge and we could share 3 naans between 5 people. Overall a good experience. I took off a star as there was lack of co-ordination between the staff, we got our check without asking for it and we had to send it back as we wanted to have dessert :)
(4)
Jovan E.
Freakin awesome!! This is my go to spot for Indian food. Nice ambience, perfect for casual dining or even date night. Food is always quick yet perfectly seasoned. Lamb palaak is my personal fave. The best Indian in Atlanta!
(5)
Jessica C.
This place is great for lunch buffets as well as awesome for their sit down meals. -Buffet The buffet has a variety of items including vegetarian. The buffet includes naan, rice, and a section of desserts. It's also a great price (around $11) -Menu items Not going for the buffet is also good. The menu items come out hot and fresh. The naan comes out steaming. I would definitely recommend the chicken vindaloo if spicy food is your thing. Coming for dinner is great because I usually can take home half of my entree, rice, and half of my naan for lunch the next day. -Service The service is great. They are attentive and your water is always filled to the rim. They don't make you wait to bring you the check and will back your take home boxes for you.
(5)
Irene B.
I've been here a few times and consistently the food is amazing, but the service is pretty slow. If you're coming for a meal it's definitely a time commitment. I usually order the chicken tikka masala with garlic naan and have sampled a few other items. All of them were fantastic and the food portions are large so you'll leave with leftovers. They also serve rice with the entrees at no cost, but the food in general is on the pricier side. Expect to spend around 15 to 20 bucks if you want an entree and naan. Cons: I don't know what it is but the later into the night it gets, the darker it gets in the restaurant. I understand the theme of a calm and relaxing ambience, but the staff will always dim the lights to the point where you can't see your friend sitting across from you.
(3)
Randy H.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to Indian food. I will say that this is probably the best I've had (so far) in Atlanta. We had a large party. The service was not the quickest but I understand it can be hard with a large party.The food was great. I had the lamb vindaloo - which is very spicy. If you can't handle spicy, I would not recommend. Otherwise, it is delicious. It came with rice to share of course. The taste of the lamb and the sauce it was in was very flavorful. The spicyness was flavorfull and not harsh. Some people think mouth on fire when things are spicy. That does not make good spicy food. Good spicy food gives you that spicyness WITH flavor. I cannot describe how good this is. You have to try for yourself. Their drink menu is moderately priced. They have great cocktails for about $8.
(4)
Lindsay E.
I loved my experience at Cafe Bombay, and I can't wait to come back! Great food, great atmosphere in the back room, and very friendly staff. Bonus: awesome belly dancer (family friendly) on Friday nights! The only thing I'd change is making sure we make a reservation! When we first walked in, we saw the simple front dining room packed, mostly with ethnically Indian folk, which got us excited for the food, because surely the kitchen was doing something right to have attracted this clientele. There were also many folks who came in to pick up take out orders. (If I liked closer, we'd be getting take out a lot!) We told the staff that we were there to watch the belly dancer, and we ended up waiting for about 10 minutes for everything to be ready. They were seeing out a very large party, and I think the staff was a bit overwhelmed. They told us "Just a moment" maybe 5 times, which made us laugh. Anyway, after a while we were escorted to the back dining area, which is beautifully decorated! Very plush and colorful. The chai was delicious, I just wish I could have gotten more. The free crispy papadums they brought out with a green sauce was a happy surprise and very tasty. We got lamb naan as an appetizer and loved it. The naan is so pillowy soft! For our entrees, I ordered the chicken tikka masala with naan, and my husband ordered a lamb curry (gosht korma, we think) that was a little too spicy for me but very, very delicious. I love-love-loved my chicken tikka masala! It was so creamy and such a great blend between sweet and savory. I cannot recommend this enough. I wanted to try everything! We'll definitely be back again, most likely on belly dancer night. I personally know the performer on the night we visited (she's short and blonde), and she knows and loves her craft. She doesn't make the dance more sensual than it's designed to be, and you could tell she enjoyed performing for everyone.
(5)
John E.
Cafe Bombay is located at 2615 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30329 - I'm not sure if this area is called Briarcliff or if there's a better term for it, perhaps North Druid Hills? - I generally access the restaurant either from the North Druid Hills Exit on I85 (restaurant is East of the interstate) or the back way from Clairmont Rd turning sound onto Briarcliff Rd. The restaurant is in the end of a shopping-center row sort of on the back side of Target so it's a bit hard to see. It is however, well worth trying. I've now eaten here about a dozen times, first visiting for a friend's party (they have a great large dining area in the back and can easily handle large-ish groups of say 25 or so at one long table) and more often visiting for an excellent lunch buffet. In general the flavors are a bit muted compared to those foods I sampled in India, more Northern style I believe.I particularly like their vindaloo dishes which will provide a level of heat and flavors that make you say "Oh yeah!" Service at Cafe Bombay is top notch with very attentive, even throughout their very busy lunch buffet. Evenings the place is busy and filled with a broad spectrum of locals and visitors to Atlanta. The bar is better than most similar restaurants I've experienced and they even have the very good Lion Stout from Sri Lanka which I recommend - it's more effervescent than most stouts and lacks the chalkiness you sometimes get with a black beer, with more smokiness and less chocolate. The lunch buffet (about $10) has a good mixture of vegetarian and meat options (mostly chicken and a little goat or lamb). There's usually a pan of veggie biryani along with some seasoned basmati, a few dols and sambar or similar soup. You'll also typically find sag or aloo paneer, some type of curried vegetables and pakora. For dinner I've tried: Aloo Gobi - this is a cauliflower dish primarily, though at Bombay it's about half potatoes too. I liked this dish but prefer the all cauliflower version. It's especially good with a bit of mint chutney. Vegetable Vindaloo - one of my favorite dishes here with good spice levels and flavors. Chicken 65 - I'm not quite sure of the original recipe as I've had this a number of different ways - it's most commonly white meat chicken marinated in curd (similar to tandoori) - at Bombay it's fried and some sliced onion and cilantro is added. The flavors of this dish gets a bit lost with those spicier flavors in the other curry dishes but it's still very good - I think most Americans would enjoy this as a fried chicken dish, Indian style. Sag Paneer - this mostly green leaf vegetable dish is quite good - I really like the paneer they have at Bombay as the consistency is more like homemade. Garlic Naan - they use real chopped garlic here with a bit of ghee - very authentic tasting to me. Pepper (Bullet) Naan - I do love me some bullet naan and the version I've gotten at Bombay is exceptional. It is covered with chopped green chiles and very tasty - not for the faint of heart or weak palate. The exterior of the restaurant is a bit deceptive - it makes the place look small and the heavy window treatments and lack of lighting will make you think the restaurant is closed - do indeed come inside - you'll thank me later. There's plenty of parking. (longer review posted in my food blog)
(4)
Queenie D.
$13 WEEKEND BUFFET TILL 4PM Chicken Biryani is delicioius!!! Chicken tikka masala is my fave! There was goat dish and tandoori chicken and they were all so yummy ... oh my goodness my stomach is growling with my thinking about the food! Most definitely worth your time and money. The decor is clean and to the point. Staff was courteous and professional. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. This is definitely my new fave place to chow down!!
(5)
Dave M.
Solid lunch buffet ($10). They have about 4 meat choices (chickens and lamb) as well as several vegetarian choices. Their naan is so good. I can dip it in the tiki masala all day. They have a salad bar with a yogurt dressing. They have a couple of dessert puddings that I didn't try (looked too sweet for me). The place is pretty large and got full quick during lunch. The tables and chairs are quality. They have an overabundance of servers standing around to take your plates away and refill your water. You won't have to worry about going thirsty. They were all friendly. I'm guessing the older lady taking payment at the register is the owner. She's just all business, not friendly or unfriendly. I would recommend this place.
(4)
Cassandra M.
Came for lunch with a coworker and O.M.G. this place is nice. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful and quiet. You felt like you should whisper during lunch. The lunch buffet was excellent! The service was friendly and prompt. I loved the tandoori chicken, the naan, the spinach, I could go on and on. My guest and I loved it.
(5)
Ariel N.
Absolutely amazing place! Ate here on Friday with a few friends and my husband, who hates anything non American lol. Needless to say, he was amazed by the food. He loved EVERYTHING surprisingly. The food was SO good and the waiter was very personable and really helped us understand the menu and explained everything to us. Needless to say, he steered us right because everyone loved their choices. We also ordered a few drinks, they were awful. The bartender totally skimmed us on the liquor. We ended up getting beers, instead of wasting money on the poorly made drinks. After dinner we decided to do some hookah! It was such a fun experience. We sat by the bar and it was pretty private feeling. Hookah is $25. We ended up staying at the place for a total of 3 hours. The belly dancing was also enjoyable. Oh, and we did not even have a wait. We were seated right away. I would 100% suggest this place, but the bartenders are not great.
(4)
Sarah J.
Cafe Bombay is a favorite of mine for eat in and delivery. They have a lunch buffet which is great for trying new things, but my mainstay is the Palak Paneer, which has just the right amount of spice, and the Mango Lassi. Cafe Bombay uses a delivery service called "Food People," which I have found to be a bit slow. When the food gets to me, though, it's worth the wait.
(4)
Mit P.
Had the weekend buffet. Okay but not great. 1) Sauces were pretty good - especially paneer tikka masala, but the dishes overall didn't seem like they were that fresh. The chicken in particular did not seem very good quality. I would stick with vegetarian here since the meat quality is cheap. 2) Dishes are a bit strange. The Samosa for instance have this weird cheesy filling which is completely out of place. The Kofta curry has also an odd sauce which isn't very spicy. 3) It is cheap at $13 so that likely explains above.
(2)
Jessica W.
Located close to Emory's campus, cafe Bombay has awesome Indian food. I've been several times for the lunch buffet, which is great. Last time I stopped by was for dinner & I ordered my favorite chicken Goan curry; if you like coconut, this is the dish to try! Service is usually friendly, although not always the most efficient. Prices are reasonable & the food is delicious!
(4)
Sri K.
Quality lunch buffet at a competitive price ($10.95 weekdays, open till 3:30 pm). I arrived at 3 pm knowing that the buffet would be closing in 30 minutes. My expectations are adjusted given the circumstances. At no point did I feel rushed nor did I expect them to bring out hot, freshly cooked trays of food. Food: Great food for what any reasonable person would expect from a buffet. Nearly all of the reviews knocking the buffet griped about how it is not spicy enough or perfect for their palate. Great observation! A buffet is specifically designed to appeal to the masses, while maintaining the essence of the food. There were 3 buffet stations (non-vegetarian, vegetarian, chutney/dessert). Winner: Goat Curry - While non of the dishes were spicy enough for my taste, the goat was succulent and flavorful enough to overcome this problem. I got my money's worth on this alone. Coupled with the naan, this is what made this buffet a 4 star joint. Other meat dishes: the acceptable chicken tikka masala (same sauce as the paneer), the edible chicken biryani, worth tasting malai kabob, and nothing special tandoori chicken. The mango custard was also tops. Just don't expect ice in your water. Atmosphere: Laid back yet classy. Fit for any occasion. Service: On point and attentive with enough wait staff to serve a larger crowd.
(4)
Sandeep G.
The food in my opinion is above average and nothing unique. The service though is quite good and fast. The fact that it is on Briarcliff Road in a strip mall from where most of the businesses have relocated is not good news for this place. This place has a strong loyal clients but there are many more better Indian Restaurants in that area and more are coming up.
(3)
Lanchana S.
Finally tried this place out with my Mr. Heard lots of good reviews about this place but never had a chance to try it out. The atmosphere is inviting.. Attentive staff. They have standard Indian menu with carnivores and lots of vegetarian options. We started with complimentary papad and green chutney which was delicious then tried paneer wrap, Gobi Manchurian with gravy, Matar Paneer, garlic naan and bullet naan. Naans was fresh and super soft, which was good. Everything else was average. This place is not up to the hike, had high expectation. I will definitely give them another shot but for buffet!!
(3)
Thomas L.
Going to Cafe Bombay for lunch buffet is similar to going to a Chinese buffet. The food isn't necessarily 100% authentic, it might not be the most elegant tasting, but you will feel very satisfied with a food coma afterwards. Cafe Bombay offers the basic variety of curries, chicken tandori, chicken curry, and Naan bread are some of the dishes that I eat frequently. Theres also a decent selection on vegetarian curries for people who dont eat meat. The sauce is definitely very heavy, one can taste the butter and fat but it's one of those guilty pleasures that will ruin your diet for the past week. Price wise it's very reasonable for a lunch buffet, something around 13 or 14 dollars after tip and tax.
(3)
Travis H.
The Rogan Josh was the best thing I tried on the menu. Wait staff were very friendly and attentive.
(4)
Nicki K.
Cafe Bombay ranks one of my fave Indian restaurants. I mostly go to Indian restaurants for lunch. I've actually never had their lunch buffet and just have gone for dinner. Why??? Hmmm, hello...belly dancer! I love watching them. I always get amazed at how much a woman can move. Trust me, it's hard, I've taken belly dancing classes before. I've been to other restaurants that have belly dancing but I prefer Desi food over Mediterranean food anyways. So I met with girlfriends. They've never been to Cafe Bombay and were excited to go when I told them about the belly dancer. It was a different belly dancer than the one I've seen before. The belly dancer here do more of a performance and are really good and talented, especially with using props like candles and a sword. The workers here are courteous and quick. I always love going to Desi restaurants cause my water gets refill quickly, even halfway. I have a problem with going to most Asian restaurants since I have to beg for water. Dinner dishes come with rice so I ordered regular naan with the Goa chicken curry. I like to try new dishes when I go out. I've never had it before. Honestly, the name Goa made me curious to try cause I every time I think about Goa, I think of the Hindi movie, Dil Chahta Hai. The flavor was more on the sweet side. My friend ordered the Shrimp Vindaloo, OMG, I should've ordered that instead, it was the perfect amount of spiciness for my taste! Another friend ordered the chicken 65. My daughter ordered the egg biryani and it was really tasty. I went backwards but for appetizers, we ordered meat samosas (it was beef from what my friends said, I don't eat beef), veggie samosas, pani puri, & masala wings. We stayed for almost 3 hours, just chatting and watching the belly dancer. I love this place. I want to go an check the lunch buffet one day. I might as well. Texas Sari Sapne is next door, I used to go to the old location when I was younger.
(5)
Raj A.
Food was good for an Indian restaurant, Setup is better and hygiene appeared well taken care of. Service wasnt expected but seems like a smooth running ship. We had the buffet, the tandoori chicken was 8/10, butter chicken, very creamy was 8/10 biryani 6/10 and goat curry was delish 7/10..though goat was not tender or easy to chew...deserts were ok..we reached at last hour so maybe they werent interested in rotating the tables..total bill $212 for 12 guests and 5lbs takeaway..One star takeaway for buffet policy that isn't disclosed upfront and kinda don't make sense, and one star take away for dried goat in goat curry and overall lack of service..Service manager initial responses were rude but when he realised this may go up on a public review he sang an entirely different tune
(3)
Amelia J.
Wonderful staff and great food, but Cafe Bombay didn't quite live up to the hype for me. I did love that it was a buffet, as it gave me the chance to try a lot of Indian foods I was curious about, but too hesitant to order. But, like most buffets, the food had a sort of cheap feel to it. I would be happy to go back if someone wanted to try it or loved it, but I don't think it's making my list of favorites.
(4)
Emmie L.
This place was awesome. I have heard great things about their lunch buffett, but I haven't had a chance to try it. My friends and I came in for dinner one evening. First impressions - this place is dark. Hardly any light is let in. Feels mysterious. The textures are little muffled - the marble tables, the dark carpet, the elephants - I couldn't get a single theme from the decor which bothered me. Though, this isn't a deal breaker. Most people aren't as concerned with interior design. We decided to get the meal for two and added on butter chicken. The meal for two comes with two samosas, chicken tikki masala, palak paneer, rice, and two kinds of naan. Wow, this was great food. I was in heaven. The butter garlic naan had me on the verge of tears. The samosas were larger than I usually have them which was pleasant. It was a ton of food, definitely enough for two or even three people. We didn't manage to finish it. Aside from the food, the best part of this dining experience is the service. Some of the best I've ever had. Truly attentive and kind. I crave this place all the time. I've already been back twice in the span of two months.
(4)
Rosalind C.
I was wrong, I admit it. My first review is from 2008, and I've returned numerous times since I moved to Atlanta in 2011. Great lunch spot, solid and reliable. I crave it sometimes, so that first visit was an aberration. Sorry, great spot for some good Indian food in the Atlanta area.
(4)
Ashley S.
This is my go to Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is such a good deal for around $11. Large variety of foods to try, and the service is great. They got rid of the paneer tikka masala from the lunch buffet :( :(
(5)
Marcella G.
A spectacular lunch buffet for $11! Why I said it's spectacular? Because I came out happy and full :) Anyway, I recently trying not to eat meat (I used to do this back in IL, just because...) so I ate their spring roll and naan bread (nom nom nom). I love love their tomato and cheese sauce (I forgot the name but mm mm mm). Their palak paneer is too salty for my taste, but edible. The salad bar also good along with the mango dessert. It was very refreshing. I may not eat meat, but their meat selection looked very very tempting. My coworker ate the goat (they said it's the best). The chicken biryani looks ahmazing! Slurppp~ Service was fast and efficient even with a full house place (lunch time very packed; I saw a lot of office workers). Everytime I came back to my table with a new plate, my dirty plate was gone. This was my second time eating here. My first time coming here(summer last year) was also a pleasant visit. My friend and I tried the goat and mango chicken something. Both plates were wonderful. This place worth a next visit. Definitely!
(4)
Khuram D.
Nice Indian restaurant in Decatur with a nicer atmosphere than most others. The lunch buffet on the weekends is $12 and is more than others in the area but has a decent selection for both veg and non-veg. The food has good flavor, I tried a little bit of a variety of dishes. The manager was very nice, would recommend.
(3)
Deepak S.
After reading a lot of rave reviews and word of mouth, I decided to give it a spin. And I'm sorry to say that it didn't live up to my expectations or I can say for any foodie it won't stand. Craftsmanship, depth, taste and love was missing from the food. I tried chicken tikka sizzler and vegetarian thali and almost all of them stand to same standards. I will though give them five stars for ambiance. In terms of service, overall it was good but their servers are too casual and seemed in rush all the time. They were too focused on their assigned tables which could be good or bad at the same time. If you want to enjoy flavorful and mouth watering India food, take a drive and go to Sitar in Alpharetta.
(3)
Kareem I.
It was one of the worst experience ever in my life. I don't usually write bad reviews but seriously they deserve to shut down. The food was late, the server was very rude and they added extra 3 naan on my check that we didn't order. Finally they added 20% tip and they didn't remove it. Seriously dont go there
(1)
Seo P.
Lamb afghani is my favorite! I prefer ordering off the menu during lunch buffet. I've tried almost everything from the the menu. Chicken sagg, butter chicken, goat vindaloo, goat korma are also really tasty. This place is certainly the place to go if you are looking for Indian cuisine.
(5)
Victoria G.
I've been to a lot of Indian lunch buffets, and this one is one of the best. I'm not the only person that thinks this either - the restaurant opens at noon on Sundays and there were people already sitting inside waiting to eat when I got there. The restaurant started filling up immediately. The food was awesome. There was a great vegetarian selection, and my partner that eats meat loved the options. One of my biggest pet peeves at an Indian lunch buffet is that they usually don't have enough naan. But this place had an entire pan full of it, freshly baked and warm! Also, they had some non-typical buffet items, and a variety of desserts that don't usually appear on Indian buffets. The quality of the food was excellent for a buffet, and everything was mildly spiced - which I think is the only option for a buffet. Service was spot on. The people were a bit cold (?), but they always made sure my water was filled and ready to go - so I really can't complain. Go here - especially if you're new to the Indian-food scene. This is a great place to test out a bunch of yummy dishes.
(4)
Jimmy J.
GARLIC. NAAN. BABY. I wish I could use their garlic naan for pillows - it's so good. Lady gaga and her meat dress? pshhh... it's me and my garlic naan dress baby. I got the lamb vindaloo and the garlic naan, BOMBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB. Stop reading reviews here, and GET SOME.
(5)
Mathews A.
I went for Dinner. They arranged the seat for us very quickly. We ordered Special Biriyani and Prawn Biriyani.It was the best biriyani i ever had in America. As per our request they gave medium spice which was perfect even for the kids. The servers are great. I will sure come back here.
(5)
MK S.
First Visit : Went around noon on saturday. Gets the "Wow" factor. Nice environment, Nice servants, Many foreign visitors. Good food. Enjoyed. Definitely a five star, i would give if i haven't been there for the second time. Second Visit : Admired by the first visit, went to the same restaurant, next weekend. This time a bit late around 1.30 PM. Not too much crowd, but people are there something around 20 and scattered. Lots of empty places. I liked the mutton (goat) gravy they served during the first time and with the same expectation, took only mutton sauce and meat this time with rice. To my surprise, the food was not that hot and when i was eating, i find that the sauce was not fresh enough. I doubt, if they made it on the same day or served the left over food from previous day. Well, I have to mention that i just took mutton (goat) sauce and rice and left home. Later that day was a horrible nightmare. Got my stomach, a burnt feeling and suffered severe stomach ache and dizziness for the whole night. Next day full of loose stools... Have to end up with Imodium from Walgreens to stop it. I do not know what happened to me. Is this because, i had a slight overdose of mutton pieces than my wife. But my wife had not any problem. She took also goat but also some veggie stuffs. I had a similar situation, when i visited india and drank the water from the store. (I usually take my bottle of water since then wherever i go even within US). So something to be blamed either the Meat or the Sauce which were served cold. Regarding cleanliness, just don't ever look down. My Kid thrown her spoon on the carpet and she is a toddler and wanted to get the same spoon. When she got it i found, it was pinned to lots of hairs on it. So, not even worth for two stars for cleanliness. But however, the table is served neat with nice cutleries and smiling faces. Thats fine for one time visit. Chicken 65: For the first time, they served chicken 65 and the second time, a marinated chicken. They call it as chicken 65, but it is actually they made it similar to plantain buggy, with plantain replaced with chicken 65. (slightly marinated chicken piece, coated with the gram flour). This is the way little buddies who start their cooking makes chicken-65 and not the way they make it in professional restaurants. For example, try chicken-65 in zyka restaurent located on scott blvd and you know atleast a feeling of what chicken-65 looks like. The marinated chicken served during the second visit was bit dry and i didn't wanted to try too much. The good thing is that the gulab jamun are served hot both times, and nann's are replaced every 10 mins and you end up getting fresh always. I never eat veggies when i have non-veg items on store. But i try the desserts. The same desserts, rice pudding and fruit cocktails. Bit boring guys.. $13 weekend buffet is not cheap, for example, if you drive 30 miles above to gwineet, i found Moksha restaurant, with the similar menu (but you will get a fresh nan to your table and options for you to make chaat items yourself) with nice atmosphere (bar+similar) restaurants with nice food. Well, i went there just for one time and it is difficult for me to drive second time, but its worth to go for the second time and i believe, i won't get similar bitter experience. (May be you will find better restaurants closer by, but still i am exploring ..)
(1)
Rachel K.
Note: I am not an expert on indian food I've been here only once but the folks here left a very good impression on me 1. It's pretty big on the inside. I think I saw some outdoor seating? It may kind of look weird outside but once you step inside it is pretty nice. Parking is good too. I easily found a spot during lunch time! 2. Reason I came here. Since I'm not huge on indian food, I liked the fact they had a buffet. If I were an expert, I probably would have ordered off the menu. (Since I'm more into korean food, I can definitely pick items off menu versus buffet like foods when it comes to korean) 3. I actually had 2 full plates. It was very good. Kind of spicy. But liked it! Their chicken foods, whew, great. On the other cart, they had more soft foods. Equally as good, but spicy. They also had 2 kinds of rice! 4. Service. Was. On. Point. Even when they were busy, my bf and I were taken care of. I saw several families there too, so I could tell it was hectic but still, very happy with their service. If you're like me, and barely know indian food, come here and try the buffet. :)
(5)
Quinn V.
Lunch buffet for a cheap price at ~$8. The buffet has all that usual Indian dishes. There's a vegetarian bar, and from goat meat to tandoor chicken. There's also Rice pudding and mango for dessert. For the price, it is a solid place for lunch.
(4)
Brandi T.
Awesome awesome awesome. I ordered takeout here on a whim and man was it amazing. I'm no connoisseur of Indian food but I know what I like. I ordered The wings and chicken tikka masala with naan bread and it was divine. The wings were great and spicy and the the chicken tikka was tender and flavorful. From order to delivery time it took about 90 minutes but it was well worth the wait. Can't wait to dine in!
Hands down the best Indian restaurant in Atlanta. The quality and taste is just on another level. I've lived in Atlanta for 19 years, every other Indian restaurant here have always just been mediocre. Zyka was decent at one point but is also down to mediocre now. Try the the Spicy Chicken Biryani, but careful it can be addicting. Tandoori chicken everywhere else is just too dry. However, here the Tandoori Wings are dripping with flavor. The prices are reasonable and the portions are crazy.
(5)
Levi B.
This place was great. I got the butter chicken hot which was delicious. One hiccup and about 7/10 on my hot scale. My wife got chicken tikka masala. I wasn't such a fan of it. The curry was super yummy but the chicken was dry. She loves it that way but not me. Out of the 3 Indian restaurants we went to in ATL this place has the best tasting curries.
(5)
Marisa F.
DON'T EVER ORDER DELIVERY FROM THIS RESTAURANT. I'm pretty sure you are all going to be as grossed out by this story by I am. (They use GrubHub) which I will be deleting my account and NEVER using again. This evening I've had to deal with the most incompetent people. Their driver delivered the wrong order to my apartment this evening we opened the food up and had it spread on the counter and started serving ourselves before we realized that some of the food was wrong. We called the restaurant and the delivery man came back with the right order over 30 minutes later and they wanted to take the wrong order back so it could delivered to the right person. I told the guy we already opened up all the food and ate some of the stuff that we thought was ours so the guy said ok and left. Then a really nasty guy from the company called me demanding the food back so it could be served to the right person. 1) We have already opened it to check if it was ours and ate some of it because we ordered some of the same thing. The first thing we pulled out was what I knew was mine and started eating it....... Two::: that's gross that they wanted to serve it. Would you want to eat cold food that someone has stuck there fingers in seeing if it was theres? Which honestly I had. Three::: that's against a number of health violations. If someone gets the wrong order you have to throw it out. BY LAW it cannot be reserved especially meat and especially when it has already gone cold. I've worked in the food industry and known food inspectors. I will honestly be reporting them to the health department and I HIGHLY suggest Cafe Bombay find a new delivery service. Go to the restaurant and pick up your food.... don't use this service.
(2)
E V.
There were several events in my life recently that made me feel like God might be mad at me, but then I found this restaurant on yelp, and I knew that God must really, really love me. This food was indescribably good. The naan was so amazing that I almost hid it from my husband, so I could eat it all myself. Wow....just wow!!
(5)
No N.
WHAT A RIPOFF. This place is OVERPRICED!! Their naan tastes like it came from a pancake mix box and was cooked on a girdle and left sitting out in the rain. The chicken tasted like it was left out in That Desert for one thousand and one nights. The samosas were doughy and stuffed with what tasted like cream cheese. It was like I was eating the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Not to mention they were half frozen.
(1)
Amy H.
I have lived in Atlanta for a year, and after trying all the Indian around Candler Park, I had to go north to find some good stuff. I've only gotten Cafe Bombay for take out, but each time the food is great. It's what I expect from your average Indian restaurant. I've had the lamb biryani, tikki masala, saag paneer and mali kofta. I liked them all. The naan is good. I've had better basmati rice and raita, but no biggie. Dining room was full on Saturday night, and a lot of Indian families are here, which is a good sign.
(4)
Autumn S.
I'm new to indian food but really enjoyed the chicken masala there.
(4)
Tiff H.
Probably wasn't such a good idea to come to an Indian buffet when my stomach was feeling a little precarious after some suspicious tuna sashimi at Nori Nori the night before. But being as adventurous as I am when it comes to food and since I had been itching to come here for months (...years....?), I finally made it out to Cafe Bombay. The Saturday lunch buffet consisted of two lines of food offerings. One row contained different curries, some looking extremely appetizing and some.. not so much. The curries were all very interesting and different and I made an attempt to try all of them. The naan was crispy but a little dry, so I preferred the basmati rice with my curry. The gulab jamun (sweet freaking amazing balls of fried dough) were soooo good. For some reason, it reminded me of the sugar donuts that Chinese super buffets offer, which are a guilty pleasure of mine. After two though, I definitely couldn't stomach another one. The second line of food contained some classic Indian dishes like the chicken tandoori and the tikka masala. The tandoori was very dry, although the sauce was flavorful and quite tasty. The tikka masala was delicious, although it borderline tasted like tomato sauce... or tomato bisque... I was a little disappointed when I left, but I would like to give Cafe Bombay another shot one day when I'm in the area.
(3)
Michelle C.
Two words: Lunch buffet. Cant go wrong. However, service here is horrible. If the food wasn't so good I would give them a 1 star for crappy service.
(4)
Kashif K.
Cafe Bombay and I go back a long way. And my love for the food here has only grown over the years. While the other "traditional American Indian" dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken are great, the more "out of the box" Chicken Shahi Korma and Chicken Afghani (chicken cooked in a creamy, mildly spiced mango sauce) are outstanding. The Shrimp Poori here is also among the best I've ever had. The service is attentive and friendly, and they exhibit a genuine interest in ensuring that you enjoy your meal. The staff are very gracious and helpful, providing suggestions and recommendations, as needed.
(5)
Asim K.
Went for lunch buffet on a Sunday.. I liked the tandoori chicken and naan. Otherwise the food was lacking flavor. When I eat Indian food I expect a certain level of heat. While the food here was good and there was lots of variety it was lacking spice.. It tasted like watered down Indian food catered towards goras.
(3)
Phoebe W.
This is my favorite Indian food in the city. I go for the lunch buffet almost every Sunday and it's always consistently delicious. As a vegetarian, I am always pleased to have all of the vegetarian options. Baingan ka bharta, palak paneer, navratan korma, and those delicious onion pakora! I love it all and have brought many of my friends who previously didn't like Indian food and now love it!
(5)
Shelby S.
Always delicious and good prices.
(5)
james m.
I've been eating here for many years, always love it.
This place is perfect for their Indian lunch buffet. There are so many choices. I've been here during the weekday as well as their weekend lunch buffet (weekend is a little more expensive but selections are still very similar, you're not missing out on a big difference if you do weekday lunch buffet). There is a meat buffet section and a vegetarian buffet section, which is very nice. I love their tikka masala and their goat curry (goat curry is probably my favorite). I mix it with saag paneer and rice and eat it all up in one bite. Good spices. Some of their curries can be very oily, it's probably from the butter and cream, but their flavors are good. I also like their tandoori chicken, I always dip it in their mint chutney sauce. I cannot forget their dessert section. I have a crazy sweet tooth. They have gulab jamun, which is like a ball that is milk solids and dough and it is soaked in some sort of syrup. I have to dip every bite into the syrup. It's very, very, very sweet but I love it. I have also been here for dinner for my aunt's birthday, but I wouldn't come back for their dinner. I would stick to their lunch buffet.
(4)
Ahmed H.
Food wasn't bad. Not spectacular, just decent. Would come again....except for horrendous service. Waited 40 minutes for small bowl of chicken that likens itself to an appetizer, instead of the full plate entree I was expecting. No waiter ever really spoke to me. Didn't have a menu for 10 minutes. Sitting here now after my dismal meal that I waited forever for and considering just dining and dashing - if it was legal. Instead I'll just leave no monetary tip and a tip to pay attention to their diners, even if they are eating alone. So disappointed, had high hopes.
(2)
Yane Y.
It's been too long, Cafe Bombay. Way too long...!!! I've been here in years past for their dinner, primarily, but decided to come for the lunch break on Veteran's holiday - thank you soldiers! My husband had never been but I've been waiting to introduce him to this place. And... I guess my little one as well (1.5 years old). We went for lunch and arrived around 12:45. While it was busy, there was still room for us and a baby. The lunch crowd appeared to be a good variety of business people, casual lunch meetings and friends. They were always on top of our water and also quick to pick up our plates when cleaning up. It's been awhile since I visited so the whole ambience was a bit different from back in the day. It seems they stepped up their game and added granite counter tables! As for food, I loved their chicken tikka masala, chicken biryani, soft cheese tikka masala, naan, chicken tandoori and chicken tandoori wings, eggplant curry, and sweet carrot dessert. The main I have is that the chicken tandoori wings were much more moist than the chicken tandoori drumsticks. Apart from that, no other real comments. It was delicious. Oh! They had their meat dishes split from their vegetarian dishes. My husband loved their vegetarian dishes. I must admit that they were good. For example, the eggplant? I'm not a big fan of eggplants but it did me good! Flavor was perfect... I'm coming back again soon...!!!
(5)
Rahul G.
I've had two meals here and they were both excellent. The first time I had the lunch buffet. It was delicious and there was a wide variety to choose from. The second time i came with my parents for dinner. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We enjoyed the naans. Some of the best we've had. Fluffy buttery and warm. My parents claimed the goat rogan josh was just as good as back home (they're originally from India) . The service was prompt and attentive. Something that is usually lacking at Indian restaurants. Overall, it exceeded my expectations and I will be back on a regular basis.
(5)
Anise M.
I am a frequent diner of Bombay Cafe and have never been disappointed! The food is so tasteful! Very well spiced and never under or over cooked no matter if your there for lunch or dinner. The restaurant setup is cozy, well spaced and you can't help but feel so good to be there because the staff is awesome! They are very nice and make sure you have everything at the table that you want and need. I will be a forever client here! -Anise M
(5)
Parita S.
Superior and prompt service. The food was fantastic and not "watered down" like a lot of Indian places I've been to as they try to save money. They also have a unique drink menu which was impressive - my lycheetini was everything I had hoped for and more! Will definitely return!
(5)
Jonathan S.
If you don't know, I feel bad for you. LUNCH BUFFET. It's around $11 bucks for all you can eat naan, chicken tikka masala, biryani, etc. I've also been for the dinner service and enjoy that as well, although it's hard to pay dinner prices when I typically go there for the lunch buffet. They also do hookah in the back room. If you do the buffet: Note how quickly the waiters refill your cup of water. It's pretty funny. You take a sip and they fill it back up. If you do the dinner: There's value in the mix grill. Although the meat can be a little dry.
(4)
Mike S.
Not quite sure what the positive fuss is about this place, it's mediocre at best. Stopped in for the lunch buffet and had a small sampling of everything offered; good deal of vegetables but everything was very conservatively spiced and fell short of "flavorful", landing somewhere between "bland" and "uninspiring". Chicken tikka masala was tender but under-seasoned, with the sauce overpowered by tomato. The naan was relatively fresh but lukewarm. Overall, a fairly decent place for a quick lunch if you are in the area and have a hampering for Indian. Otherwise, I would not suggest it for much more. As others have noted, I have some reservations about the establishment's food safety. The ice water had a pungent taste, which if Heather V.'s tip holds any veracity, would be from the black mold growing in the ice machine. Watch out. Props for quick and attentive service though.
(2)
Ash H.
Oh my god... I never write a review but this time I felt obligated. The food was horrible! Chicken Tikka masala was either spoiled or made terribly without any flavor, it smelled so bad and was sour! And trust me I know indian food.
(1)
Solera F.
Food was excellent! Best Indian food I've ever had. Flavorful, great presentation, fast, good portions AUTHENTIC
(5)
American A.
Decent Indian food. You will be better off going there for dinner. I have been there several times for lunch. The lunch buffet quality s not worth the price.
(2)
Vijay P.
Very good belly dance , average food , bad service
(2)
C S.
Yum yum yum yummmmm! Delicious food and great price for the lunch buffet. ($10 per person) definitely worth the price! Many different dishes to try and lots of desserts! They even have fresh warm nan on the buffet. Can't wait to come back here
(5)
Nina P.
Love this place so much! The outside does not do it justice! The inside is nice and the service is excellent. All the waiters were attentive and helpful in service and food choices. I recommend the butter chicken with the assortment of nan!!!! This stuff really fills you up and it is extremely delicious! I highly recommend. I plan to make this my regular spot to grab some Indian dishes.
(5)
Sol A.
I have never been so grateful about a place opening in a holiday. A friend and I didn't feel like cooking on the 25th and we were craving some good food. She suggested this place and i just said yes, completey surprised they were actually open. The food is amaizing.. I had eggplant, naan and rice (I'm vegetarian) and my friends had chicken and we both were happy with our food. The service was good, the only thing that we didn't like is the closed atmosphere that you start feeling at the end of your stay. i started sneezing from all the spices in the room! Good place, definetively going back for more!
(4)
Anas A.
I went there with my wife ,, Very uglay place , dont go there, and very bad manager.. nothing clean, if you hate someone send him to this place
(1)
Brian K.
I have a love-hate relationship with Indian restaurants. On one hand, the food is bursting with flavor and undeniably delicious. However, on the other hand, a visit to one of these establishments can leave you reeking of an ungodly stench - to the point where even a plague infested leper would scoff at you on the streets. Fortunately, Cafe Bombay is an exception to the norm, or at least just has a good ventilation system. This is sufficient enough justification for the place to become my go-to joint when the butter chicken fever hits. Food: Cafe Bombay specializes in traditional Indian cuisine, some of which has been modified for the American palate. Much of the food is prepared with the use of a tandoor (clay oven) and karahi (Indian wok) - most entrees are served with basmati rice. The restaurant does offer a lunch buffet that appears to be quit popular, but I visited during the evening and ordered from the standard dinner menu. My dining partner and I opted to start with the paneer pakora, which was generously portioned and well flavored. For an entree, I had the butter chicken and an order of the paneer naan. Both were delicious and among the better renditions of the dishes that I've had in Atlanta. Service: Attentive, but not particularly personable. We were promptly seated upon arrival and the service was efficient throughout the meal, but the servers all lacked any semblance of personality. Atmosphere: The interior of Cafe Bombay is clean, open, and nicely appointed. The restaurant consists of a front dining room and a larger back room for overflow and private events. The buffet line is located in the front room near the entrance. The clientele is a mix of both Indian and non-Indian people, which is typically a good sign when it comes to ethnic cuisine. Although a few of the reviewers seem to be lamenting the authenticity of the offerings here, I found it to be comparable in quality to, if not superior to, what I've experienced elsewhere in the city. Cost: Moderately priced. Appetizers are $4-$7, soups are $5, single entrees are $10-$13, thalis are $11-$16, and desserts are $4-$6. Rice is $3-$13 and bread is $2-$4. Other: Cafe Bombay has a Briarcliff address, but it's actually physically accessed via Woodcliff Drive, which runs off Briarcliff Rd. next to the Target plaza. It's in the same plaza as Tin Roof Cantina and Queen of Sheba Ethiopian. Free and ample parking is available in the plaza's lot. The restaurant has a large private banquet hall and also has catering affiliations with most major hotel chains in the Atlanta area.
(4)
Stephanie M.
Having only dined here for lunch I would like to check it out in the evenings the place looks like it would be fun at night with a big open dining room in the back with a bar and belly dancing offered ! At times I have been the first customer through the doors sitting, just waiting for them to nod their heads in my direction so I can leap from my seat and examine the untouched virgin bar before having my way with it. Other times I've been the last to leave and enjoyed the all you can eat lunch each and every time. Two kinds of rice as well as Birini are offered, vegetarian dishes are available, sometimes a fried veggie or a mix of and salad. Chicken is prepared in a handful of styles Tikka, Masala and Tandoori are usually at your fingertips. Trying the different textures, flavors and sauces makes for an interesting lunch all are yum. Your eyes can get the best of you so eat what you take and try not to waste. The food is kept at the proper temperature, replenished as needed and your plates removed often.Try to get here early the tables will fill up quickly during the lunch rush.
(4)
Christy M.
Just like Emma says, this is a solid restaurant. The food isn't as well spiced as it is other places I've tried, but it wasn't bad. This is a good place to bring people who might be shy about trying Indian food for the first time. Mostly North Indian food, very approachable for most people. The lunch buffet is very well-priced and has a good variety of veg and non-veg options. The dishes are all labeled (which I really appreciated), and they taste good. You won't have "The best _____ of your life" here but you can expect to enjoy whatever you eat. The veggie samosas in particular are tasty. Cafe Bombay is hugely popular in my office because it's nearby, decent quality, and a good value. The service is quietly efficient at lunchtime, the ambiance is subdued but not smothering. I've heard that it's incredibly crowded at peak meal times, but I've been right at opening time and then later around 2, and both times were pretty quiet while the food was still hot and fresh-tasting.
(4)
Shannendoah G.
I am really happy to live so close to a quality restaurant like this. When I found out that they deliver I almost lost my mind. I just relocated to Atlanta and the only delivery in my home city was pizza. I am looking forward to working my way through the menu starting with the lamb vindaloo.
(5)
Ruksana H.
I cannot believe I have not written a review for this place. Chanced upon it my first year in Atlanta and thought I'd go try. Best decision ever. Their lunch buffets are the bomb. I have been lunching and dining there since for the past nine years and have never ever found fault with their food, service or ambience. Every single time I've eaten here, the taste has been the same. That goat curry they make is fantastic. Everything on the buffet rocks - and we are talking 5-6 dishes each for veg and non-veg as well as condiments and 2- desserts. I don't even know if they've bothered increasing their prices of almost a decade. Not that it would stop me! I've celebrated one birthday there as well, taking over the event hall at the back with a large group of friends. Food was served steaming hot, within minutes. Love their shrimp curry too, the Goan one I think. I've taken friends from other cities there and they loved it. I've taken family from India to this place and they swore that goat curry did them in. Recommend it 100% any day.
(5)
Joy B.
Wonderful lunch buffet. Great food, really delicious and friendly staff. Fast service as well. Large inside with several dining areas. Ample parking as well.
(4)
Amrita R.
I came here for my birthday last year and it was pretty good.. I've never done the buffet but they have delicious curries... especially the paneer. I dream about that paneer.. Oh and that naan is the best ever! My friends love the thali here, and say the goat curry is delicious. The chicken lollipops were also good. My only complaint with this place is that it's a bit pricy, and very very greasy/buttery. I'm sure that's why I enjoy the paneer so much, but I definitely can't, or shouldn't eat here very often! They had belly dancing on a Saturday night when I went once, and it was not bad but a little hard to talk over the music.
(4)
ILAN S.
I've had better Indian food. The service is good, and the flavor of the good is good, but it's not as good as other restaurants. The lamb/goat is very fatty...it's hard to find good pieces. The eggplant is just greasy mush. The rice pudding was soupy. The butter chicken is a little dry. Again, not bad, but, I won't be coming back as long as other places are open
(3)
Kevin W.
This is our go to place for Indian food in Atlanta since it was recommended by a friend and we tend to repeat the same ethnic places that we like. I have never been here for the lunch buffet and only for dinner. I guess maybe the food is better when it's not buffet? The service is always pretty good. Although at times you have to flag down a waiter/waitress for more naan or rice after the meal is served. Anyway, I normally get the Bombay mixed grill. The portion is large enough to make 2 meals. It doesn't come with sauce like some of the other items, but gives a nice sampler of meats i.e. chicken, salmon, shrimp and some kind of sausage. I guess the biggest reason I get this one is because it isn't served in a bowl with lots of sauce (I can't handle how rich some of the sauces are). 4/5 for great portion size and enough flavor for me without overpowering. I've had the chicken 65 which I've seen at a few restaurants. It was pretty bland compared to other menu items. In essence it was like the lightly breaded version of boneless chicken wings you can get at most wing places with coloring. I'd say this menu item is a 2/5. I've also had the butter chicken. This one comes in a rich creamy sauce. It has a creamy flavor with a tomato twist? I like getting this one on occasion because it's just so rich. I'd say this menu item is 3/5 since the flavor is average. The naan though is amazing. Particularly the garlic naan. In a group of 4, we can go through 3 orders of this along with rice in a sitting because it's so good. The naan pieces are large, maybe about the size of half a plate each.
(4)
Alex K.
All in all a tasty buffet for an affordable price. Everything was tasty and I ate til I could eat no more. The meats were a little dry, but otherwise it was good. I was happy and would come back when I had another craving for Indian food.
(3)
Tom N.
This is the second time I've tried Indian food, and I was impressed. The service was great. The restaurant noise is very quiet. We had the chicken masala with basmati rice. We also had a couple of appetizers. Our bill wasn't too bad (around $30+).
(4)
Jessica M.
I finally made it to Cafe Bombay after a year in Atlanta without a car. While hard to reach by public transportation, this restaurant is a destination worth a visit for affordable and authentic indian cuisine. We had a variety of dishes but I'd recommend the vegetable samosas - they were light and the tamarind sauce that accompanied the appetizer was delicious. The waiter also recommended many types of specialty drinks he could make for us; in the end they were tasty but not that strong so keep that in mind -- they were $7.50 each.
(4)
Wanda J.
The food is overpriced, but decent. The hubs and I went for a group dinner and ordered the carnivorous dinner for two, which came with samosa appetizer, naan, rice, lamb curry, chicken tikka masala, and rice pudding for dessert. The portions looked small when it first came out, but it was actually more than enough for the both of us. We were sweatin' curry by the end of dinner. Looking back, that dinner probably could have fed 3-4 of us. Anyway, the food was just ok, nothing to yelp about. It was definitely overpriced. We left paying $41 with tip. The lunch buffet is probably better for the price, and you get more of a selection.
(3)
Joe L.
Good food, but oily and kind of expensive. Even though the majority of the meat dishes here (and all the meat dishes in the lunch buffet) are served with a curry, most of them seem to be overcooked. The chicken has also been consistently dry here (even though it is simmered with the curry) and the beef has been on and off. Only the goat has been consistently moist (and that is mainly because of the high fat content in the goat meat). The tikka massala here is pretty spicy; even my friends who are used to eating spicy foods here were sweating a little bit. The roti and naan here are usually fresh, though I do think they are a bit dry. I'm not super familiar with Indian breads so I can't really say if thats supposed to be normal or not. But they did seem a bit too dry to eat by themselves. The best part of the lunch buffet is being able to try out the differnt curries with the rice roti, naan.Personally, I would just take a big piece of roti, the mix together some rice and one type of curry, and use the roti to pick it up. Its awesome. However, after a while, the meal becomes very one note, with nothing much to break up the constant assault of spices on your mouth. While the lunch here is a good deal (buffet for 10 I think) but not spectacular, the dinner is straight up expensive. One curry dish and unlimited bread and rice for like 10 - 15 dollars (the good ones are like 13 - 15). I think thats a bit too much for what you're getting. So in the end, a good but very one note buffet with a decent price, over priced dinner, and sometimes dry chicken and beef. If you want a good introduction to Indian food, I think this is a good place to start.
(3)
Jason B.
Um.... yes yes yes.... Get it in you. It could stand to be a little spicier, but other than that... YUM YUM!
(5)
Kevin F.
Cafe Bombay is an excellent example of Indian food. Their menu is American enough where I was able to interpret to some degree what each item was while at the same time, authentic enough where I felt like I was eating in India. I know this is a good place, because I was the only white guy there. And that is always a good sign. The atmosphere was very mellow, and similar to a fine dining restaurant. You can get away with casual clothing, but I would recommend throwing on a collared shirt. The food wasn't (surprisingly) that spicy (which is a good thing for my virgin taste buds). The fluffy bread was to die for. I love dipping it in the heaping bowl of curry and stuffing it into my watering mouth. The waiting staff was very prompt and friendly. I thought it was interesting they didn't server any ice in my water. I usually freeze to death at restaurants, because of the icey drinks. That was not the case at this venue. Lack of ice means more water to help put out the spicy fire in one's mouth.
(4)
Shazia T.
I absolutely love their food and come often. I love the atmosphere and the owner is really cool, too! My favorites are the butter chicken (chicken makhni), chicken tikka masala, goat curry, rajmah, malai kofta, paneer makhni, and paneer tikka masala. The palak paneer is ok. When you're craving really good Indian food, come to Cafe Bombay. They serve halal food, which makes me happy. This is my favorite restaurant in ATL.
(5)
Corey J.
This is my first visit to Cafe Bombay and my experience was just "mehh". First of all, they need to cut the air conditioner down lower, I was literally drippin with sweat, fannin myself like a high-haired Southern Baptist church lady. I was fixin to axe them to move that fan they had blowin on the hostess over to me. On to the food, I have never had Chicken Tikka Masala before but I'm sorry, I didn't like it. There was a hint of that spoiled milk taste in it that just turned me off. The Chicken 65 I don't understand, is it suppose to be crunchy almost all the way through? One bite was all I needed, NEXT! Then there was another dry, bland grilled chicken dish that was uninspiring and disappointing. I will say that the vegetarian portion of the menu was quite good, particularly the potatoes and something that resembled pureed vomit, but tasted like spinach., that was pretty good. The best part of the meal was the curry goat, I have actually prepared goat a few times, I actually bought the goat meat from the Indian store right next door to CB so clearly the goat I prepared and the goat I had here was from the same source yet mine was alot more fall off the bone tender....and I'm by no means an Iron Chef. HMMMMMMMM.
(2)
Lynn H.
I am allergic to nuts and love Indian food... couid there be a sadder situation?? Every time I have eaten at an Indian place, I have asked about the ingredients, been assured that there are no nuts and still end up in anaphylaxis and sometimes the hospital. ONLY one restaurant has never mislead me: Cafe Bombay. They know what's in their food and are happy to tell you. The food is great and the servers are very attentive. I love the buffet and it's reasonably priced. Also, a great hangover cure.
(5)
Frank G.
This is my new favorite Indian restaurant in Atlanta. The food and service was excellent. Our server was accommodating and knew the menu well. I was with a group of "first-timers" and he knew exactly what they would like. We ordered the Mixed Grill for appetizer - which was excellent. Our meals consisted of all the typical fare - Chicken Korma, Saag Paneer, etc. However, the Goat Vinadaloo was outstanding. Also, the Naan was some of the best I have ever had. All-around great experience. Our group (10 people) sat around the lower benches and cushions (not on the floor). It was nice but since were were in the corner, it made conversation with everyone a little awkward. I would opt for the table next time.
(4)
Scott S.
Decent Indian Buffet, a lil Americanized. On my 1st visit to Cafe Bombay I was impressed with the freshness and flavor of the dishes offered. Their lunch buffet is very impressive and the weekend buffet is the best. It is a bit less spicy than their entree counterparts, they have a killer selection of traditional curry, vegetable and rice dishes. This is due to probably the menu being more Americanized then it should be, but I guess you have to attract the crowds to get in. Some of my personal favorites dishes at Cafe Bombay are : Chicken Tikka Masal, Bombay Aloo, Navratan Korma and Chicken 65 Their staff is always friendly and is sure to keep your glass of water or alcohol full, which is definitely key at an Indian restaurant. Like I mentioned earlier, the spice factor isn't as high as I am accustomed to, but you will be blessed with one of the best Indian Buffets in town.
(4)
Michelle B.
In my quest to find good Indian food, I tried Cafe Bombay for the lunch buffet. Not bad! Vegetarian items are separated from meat items and selection was pretty extensive. The dhal was tasty, once you got past the runny texture, and the mixed curry was quite nice (mostly spinach, yum); just look out for the garnish! I thought it was coconut; it was actually long strands of ginger...a bit surprising to the bite. The paneer tikka, as another reviewer noted, tasted like canned tomato soup. The meat items, in their own buffet, were OK; I was disappointed that three out of four were chicken. The tandoori was good, but the Chicken 65 (or was it 67? 69?) was cold which made it really hard to cut and chew. The goat curry was mostly bones, which is to be expected, but this one was extremely so. I wonder if they ever have lamb? The chutneys were tasty, and the hot onion and pickles made up for the lack of heat in any of the dishes. Please! Serve the naan at the table; don't put it on the buffet! It gets cold and chewy in the pan, and only worse when it gets to your plate!
(3)
Belle S.
Good food, nice atmosphere, ample seating, there was a bellydancing show, but this place had lousy service. Came for a birthday dinner celebration on Friday night and they made things pretty complicated...got mad when they mixed up a few orders. This place was also very expensive for Indian food. Its in a convenient location with plenty of parking, but I probably wouldn't come back since there are cheaper options nearby.
(3)
Elizabeth G.
I don't recommend the lunch buffet because the food sits out and isn't as good, but I've had really good dinners at this place. Don't expect good service, but if you can get past that this is a pretty good place for basic Indian food.
(3)
Darren L.
Great lunch buffet. I'd give it 5 stars but the Nan is honestly subpar. For $12 it should be fresh and brought to you. Panahar is really quite good too but Cafe Bombay is just that; the Bombay!
(4)
James M.
Food is delicious but the service is extremely horrible. The server just left the food on table and started talking to his friend. Water was not refilled. I gave 1 star for food.
(1)
Lorne C.
So, I must admit that I didn't like this place when I first went two years ago, but now this place has become one of my standard places to go since the restaurant changed around. I have had the lunch buffet many times. I have gone with one friend and with groups of 10 or more. They have the space and seem to handle the business well. The food is just great for a buffet (though once in a while - it can be a bit greasy). Last week, I ordered two complete dinners for two and I needed them to go. The food was actually quite good, though I was disappointed with the saag paneer (as it was too greasy which it does not need to be). Overall a good experience.
(4)
Michael T.
Let me preface this review by saying, I have had some of the worst Indian food in the world.....east village of new york city.....also had some of the best in the world too.....upper west side new york city. Cafe Bombay is really really good and ranks up there as some very tasty indian in my opinion. The ingredients are fresh, the dishes creative, and nice portion sizes. We had the laacha paratha (buttered bread) and also a sweet bread (forgot the name, I don't think it was on the menu actually, we asked for it, and they knew what we wanted, it is a bread with some type sweet fruit like cherries or coconut, basically whatever they have on hand, it is great, I promise). Also got the chicken tikka masala and ginger chicken- very good!! Also got a vegetable dish - sarsoon ka saag - spinach and greens - awesome! In the end, if you are looking for some really high quality authentic indian food then this is the spot!!!
(4)
Tom W.
Great Indian Resturant! The chicken wings are awesome!
(5)
Michael T.
I wrote this from Cafe Bombay on my iPhone so I could jot down impressions real-time. Dinner started with a great mint chutney that was spicy and fresh-tasting. I also ordered a mango lassi that was very delicious and had a nice pink color. An indifferent waiter brought the food and unceremoniously deposited the plates on the table. My chicken vindaloo was tender and embellished with plenty of cilantro. The chicken tasted delicious. But the basmati rice was plain, not even a single pea or cardamom seed. The vindaloo was not too spicy, so if you like yours searingly hot, better ask for it. All in all, this is definitely the best Indian food I have had in Atlanta. Unfortunately, the mango ice cream was frozen, I had to let it melt before it became palatable. The waiter claimed the kulfi was not from a supplier but housemade, using the chef's recipe which requires freezing.
(4)
Marina T.
For 4 years I have been looking for good Indian restaurants in Atlanta and have been repeatedly disappointed by the lack of them. Then I discovered Cafe Bombay and stuffed myself with the lunch buffet on a weekend to the point where I spent the rest of the day lying on my couch crying in pain. It was that good and it had been that friggin long since I had decent Indian food in Atlanta. I still wish there was more of this good stuff here but so far I haven't found another restaurant on the same level. Lots of variety for the buffet. Great for vegetarians too. It seems they also have a party room attached to the restaurant.
(5)
Katie W.
Yummy, yummy, yummy... I came here for lunch on a Sunday and had the buffet. The buffet is pretty big. There were four or five vegetarian dishes and then another four or five dishes with meat. I tried some of each and everything was good. They also had several desserts, lots of sauces, plentiful rice and naan, salad fixings - all very good. The service was great and the staff was very friendly. The price was reasonable, too. I don't remember what all the dishes were that I tried so I won't embellish too much but I will just say that I really like this place and I will be back. But, maybe not on a day when I have things to do after I eat here because I was exhausted when I left. It was really hard to stay away and out of a food coma. I recommend eating here on a Sunday and then going home to lie on the sofa and watch football. And, not to eat again until the next day.
(5)
TJ W.
My daughter & I went here recently when she came home from college for the holidays. She had never had Indian food. I've had it before & just recently returned from Spain where I went to an Indian restaurant that was magnificently yummy!! Bombay had been referred to me by a few of my co-workers who frequent the place regularly several who are Indian so I felt pretty confident going in that it would be a good choice. Well needless to say she loved it & we had Indian food again a few days later in Louisiana since she is now such a fan. The waiter suggested a dinner that was priced for 2 that included an appetizer, 2 entrees and a dessert. He said that it was a good "starter" option that allows you to try a variety since we didn't go for the lunchtime buffet which is ALL THE RAGE! We were very pleased with the meal & even ordered several other items that I enjoyed when in Spain that I wanted her to try. Final Comment - Very good food, great service, Very pleasant experience!
(4)
Addy C.
Cafe Bombay's lunch buffet is the best in Atlanta - I used to come here many times when I worked in midtown. After a long hiatus, I went again last week w/ a friend and the food's still very good, the place very packed. My favorites were the chicken kebobs marinated in cream cheese, the tandoori chicken, and the pureed sweet carrots for dessert. Service was very good & attentive, as usual. The lunch buffet is $10.05 + tax on Mon-Fri, and $11.99 + tax on Sat-Sun.
(4)
Sabrina C.
I'll be honest right around the corner from this joint is my favorite Indian place, it looks like an indian deli however and isn't open for dinner. This is a nice sit down Indian place, it offers a lunch buffet that is ok. The paneer is good as are many of the lentil dishes.
(3)
Lauren A.
Great food! Too bad it wasn't until AFTER we paid and ate that I realized the health inspection score was an 85. *disappointed sigh* I'll be back when they step up some.
(3)
Tig G.
Amazing! Loved all the food we had. great service, server made the whole table laugh.
(5)
Perry F.
This is the first Indian restaurant I've ever gone to and as far as I'm concerned it can be the last. The tikka masala is so buttery and spicy and good that the only answer is monogamy. Culinary monogamy to this restaurant. I like it and I intend to put a ring on it. All joking aside, I can't comment or discount people's bad experiences but I've always had great and consistent service and food. The first time I came here for the buffet I sampled a little bit of everything, even a brown meat I didn't recognize. Turns out it was goat. Do you realize the internal struggle that would have wracked me if I was in a position to convince myself to eat goat? Cafe Bombay and the poor labeling at its buffet made that decision for me. I wouldn't change it for the world. One last anecdote: I took my extremely foreign-food-phobic boyfriend here despite his protests. He ended up loving the naan so much that now he gets a few orders to go and keeps it at home to heat up later in the oven. So that's two thumbs up for the price of one in this review!
(5)
Anj M.
I'm Indian, so my standards for Indian food are fairly high. That said, this is my go-to place to take people who haven't had Indian food before and/or can't handle spice. I've been for dinner before, and like an earlier reviewer, was super confused by the belly dancer. It'd be a lot like having a Hula dancer in a Chinese restaurant...*vague* similarities in culture, but not really. Once I got over the belly-dancing weirdness, dinner was alright. The reason this gets 4 stars and not 3 is because of the location (close to Emory and Executive Park), and the lunch buffet. Whenever my hankering for Indian food gets really hardcore on a weekday, I grab some friends and race here over the lunch break. I'm glad this place exists, but I wouldn't be sad if something better/more authentic opened up in a similar location.
(4)
Victoria D.
Great menu, very authentic, reasonably priced, and completely yummy. I had a combination dinner and for $13 I had chicken tikka masala, creamed spinach, rice, naan bread, a cucumber/mint sauce, and a dessert of a rice and sweet milk. It was beautifully presented, with each dish being in a small tin and placed on a round tray. It was easy to share the food around so we could all try it, and I had leftovers. My one complaint would be that it was really not spicy, and I wasn't even asked if I wanted it spicy or not spicy. Not sure if this is because I'm not Indian and it's just a stereotype that we don't like spicy food, but next time I'll just make sure to tell them I want the dish to be spicier. All in all, a good place.
(3)
Jonah K.
This place has gone downhill, but its still good for buffet. Its odd that the dinner service is not as fresh as the buffet. I am not sure why this is the case, but I am only going for buffet in the future.
(3)
Julia S.
Meh. The waiter was very accommodating and nice, and the appetizer I got was AWESOME. However, just about every single vegetarian appetizer had cream and/or paneer. They were willing to change one of the entrees so I could eat it, but it was kind of bleh. My point is, this place would probably be awesome for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, for vegans not so much. And sorry, but I think Panahar's naan is better.
(3)
H J.
Cafe Bombay is definitely one of the best Indian lunch buffets I've ever had. This place is always crowded during their lunch hours, so get there early! I've also had dinner here a few times and I must say that the quality of both the food and the service is much better at dinner. So far I've only had their chicken tikka masala and vindaloo, which were both very good. But I wouldn't recommend making the tikka masala "spicy" since it really doesn't turn out spicy at all and just makes the curry extra oily from the "spicy" oil they add to it. Prices of their dinner entrees were also very reasonable compared to Indian restaurants in CA, so I was happy :)
(4)
Kyle S.
After reading everyone else's review I feel I should preface this by saying that while I've been here multiple times, its only been for the lunch buffet. That being said: THE LUNCH BUFFET IS INCREDIBLY AWESOME. While surely a bit less spicy than their entree counterparts, they have a killer selection of traditional curry, vegetable and rice dishes. Can I go ahead and say now that their spinach saag is deliciously creamy with a ton of flavor?! Probably my favorite dish. They have their take on chicken 65, which in this case taste pretty much like souped-up Chick-fil-a strips on crack. Delicious, flavorfully spicy crack. I mean, comparing traditional Indian food to a chain might sound like a put down, but I'm pretty sure that when I'm talking about Chick-Fil-A to southerners that's an amazing compliment. The most interesting part isn't even the food. I swear each time I go there the music soundtrack is pulled straight from a selection of Guitar Hero tracks (Eric Clapton's Cliffs of Dover seems to be the most popular) interspersed with elevator-jazz renditions of 80's rock hits. Imagine for a second, Bryan Adam's "Run To You" in acoustic jazz playback. Laughing yet? Try Blue Oyster Cult's "Burning For You." I don't know who makes this stuff, or how an Indian spot gets a hold of it, but maybe you just have to go there and hear it for yourselves. Go for the Chick-Fil-A, stay for the music. haha.
(5)
Elliot K.
My girlfriend and I don't like cooking on Friday night. We made it through the whole week, you know, so don't we deserve a break? We also haven't felt much like going out lately, so we've slowly been working our way through our Netflix queue and Decatur-area takeout. The brief look I got at the place while picking up food was nice, if a little dark. The place was hopping, too, so I felt like I'd made the right choice. The food was both a bit better and a bit more expensive than what I've had at Chat Patti. There seem to be plenty more Indian joints around, though, so I may have to revise my opinions after increasing my sample size.
(4)
Josh H.
We ate dinner here based on Yelp reviews, and calling this place a four star is right on. The restaurant itself is not terribly distinctive, but was pleasant (could've done without the Dehli Muzak) The surprises began with the delivery of the nan bread. Seriously? There were only two of us, we could never finish it, although we really wanted to as it was piping hot, crisp on the bottom, and delicious. The curry that followed continued the welcome surprise. My Goan Shrimp was perfectly spiced and my partner's Tikka Masala was as well. Service was brisk and unobtrusive, which can be difficult in an empty restaurant (we went very early), and the food was entirely worth the price. It may be in a Target-anchored strip mall, but Cafe Bombay is definitely worth the trip.
(4)
Linda W.
Not impressed. Had the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and malai kofta and everything was okay. Portions were very small for the price and flavors were bland. The chicken tikka masala tasted like something I could get from the frozen food aisle at patel brothers; the butter chicken was swimming in more than half an inch of oil; the malai kofta consisted of two (just two) hard mash potato-vegetable croquettes. Would not come here again for the food.
(2)
Sean B.
This was my go-to place for Indian food when I still lived in Atlanta. I first found out about it through some Indian classmates who brought some food from Cafe Bombay to a potluck, and I've been hooked ever since! They have a great buffet during lunch hours, but a number of times when I went, they didn't have my favorite dish (chicken tikka masala) on the buffet. I asked them about it, and they said they only make it for the buffet on a certain day (I forget which); however, when I returned on that day a few weeks later, it still wasn't there. Also, they close the kitchen during a few hours every day, so you can't order between around 1pm and 3pm (I forget the exact hours; please call to verify). For these reasons, I'm knocking it down to 4 stars, but the food is fantastic!
(4)
Dlorah J.
For my first review, I've decided to review my fave Indian restaurant, Cafe Bombay. Its conveniently located on Briarcliff , right across the street from the Target. I usually go to the lunch buffet, available Monday-Friday from 11:30p to 3:30p and on Saturday from 12p-4p. Some of my favorites from the buffet include the chicken tikka masala, chicken 65, and the tandoori chicken. They also usually offer curry goat, but I just really love chicken. The paneer tikka masala and palak paneer are also really reeeally good, I always end up piling more on my plate than I can finish, but I just can't help myself. Oh and the naan is always warm, fresh, and delicious. Overall, they have a wide variety of dishes for both vegetarians and carnivores, as well as a sampling of chutneys, rice, and I enjoy the raita. The only issue I've found is that sometimes the service sometimes falls short. Refills and checks can be a long time coming, even if they're not too busy in the front. Also, ordering off the menu rather than taking advantage of the buffet can be pricey. So I definitely recommend checking it during lunch.
(4)
Jason K.
What a disappointment! I was so excited to come to this place after reading rave reviews. If this is the best Indian restaurant Atlanta has to offer then its pretty pathetic. Creativity - 3 Basically everything you would find any other Indian cuisine. Presentation - 4 Pretty clean and appetizing Service - 2 I don't know, it almost felt like they had a very condescending demeanor about them. Atmosphere 2 - They try to be formal/fine but not quite their almost like they cut corners. Flavor - 2 Appetizer: desi chicken the flavors were ok but nothing wow. En tree' - Chicken curry and Goat Curry: we clearly asked them to make it hot and they warned me that it would be hot. It came out as hot as a spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy's. The curry were both extremely oily and lacking flavor. Execution - 5 I will give them perfect for execution. The desi chicken was moist on the inside with crispy skin from the outside with just a small amount of char on the corners for flavor. The chicken and the goat inside the curries were extremely moist and succulent. In the end, I was extremely disappointed, I drove all the way from East Cobb just to try this restaurant out and it wasn't worth the drive. Agreed I'm no expert in Indian food but I know good food and this wasn't it!
(2)
Jarrod C.
4 stars for food quality, 2 stars for atmosphere and false advertising... We went specifically on a Thursday night for the website advertised $15 all you can eat tapas. We get there and are told, "We stopped doing that, we'll change the website tomorrow." Well, a week later it's still on their website! We had a few appetizers (cheese naan was fantastic) that were pretty good and then we passed around our meals. The goat curry, ginger chicken, lamb dahiwala, and chicken biryani were all enjoyed by most. The chicken biryani was too spicy for my wife (she's had it other places) so she was disapointed with that. Their menu doesn't do a good job of letting you know what dishes are spicy and which ones aren't. It wasn't bad, but I probably would try another Indian place out first before going back.
(3)
Eric G.
I have eaten here 4 times now. The Chicken Tika Masala and Chicken thundri is superb. The fresh nan which is an indian bread could be a meal in itself. For someone who gets attached to one restaraunt I could probably eat there for the next few months and still not get burnout. Put all of your ideas about indian cuisine out of your head and you will have a great meal.For those who like to smoke a hooka they have a great room in the back just for that. The service is a little bit slow but it is family owned and operated. The owner takes all of the orders and seats everyone. Just thiking about is making me hungry. Thanks to my friend Hiren for turning me on to this great place. It's located across from Target Greatland on N Druid Hills and Briarcliff road. Ok now 5 times just got back. OMG sooo good
I've only been for the lunch buffet. It's standard Indian fare, nothing special. I remember it being better back in the day though. Still, if I get an Indian itch, most of the time Cafe Bombay can scratch it.
(3)
Ashley P.
Cafe Bombay is now officially my go-to Indian place in Atlanta. Being variety-lover than I am, I *love* the lunch buffet. Picture 2 buffet bars, one vegetarian and one for the meat-eaters, each with 5 or 6 different dishes and flanked by various desserts and sauces. As far as I can tell, the selection is, for the most part, constant with a few rotating dishes. Some of my personal favorites: Chicken TIkka Masala- sweet and creamy Bombay Aloo- delicious potatoes Navratan Korma- creamy mixed veggie curry Chicken 65- I think they call it something else, but it's basically the same thing as the Chicken 65 I've seen elsewhere. Little fried chicken strips with spices. See Kyle S.'s review. The staff is always friendly and is sure to keep your glass full, which is definitely key at an Indian restaurant. That said, none of the food on the buffet is spicy at all, which is probably my only complaint. I mean I understand that it is a buffet and everyone has to eat it, so you can't make it super spicy. But come on! It's Indian food! Maybe just two or three spicy things? Either way, go, try it, it's easily one of the best Indian buffets I've encountered.
(5)
Leslie W.
Cafe Bombay is pretty solid as far as AYCE Indian joints go. Lunch can be really crowded, but you're usually in and out within an hour so not too much trouble there. I've only eaten the buffet (what can I say, I love variety) so I can't comment on the menu but they usually have several choices on the hot tables. I've been pleasantly surprised each time I go. Standard dishes Daal, Chana Masala, Samosas, and Naan, Mint Chutney, but they don't serve the same thing every single day, there's always something new. The only bad is that it can get very hot in the restaurant. I guess with the people and the hot bars, they can't control it, but Whew!, I roast every time. Not like I need help sweating considering the spices. The other bad, and this is no reflection on the restaurant, but I stuff myself to the point of discomfort every time. I don't know if this is something I can complain about, but my stomach certainly does. Now if I can just work out some sort of peace negotiations between my taste buds and my stomach, life would be perfect.
(4)
Brian H.
Thanks to my wife, I've become more of a fan of authentic Indian Food. I'm a Korean who pretty much thought homemade Korean curry from a box was Indian, so I do not claim to be much of an Indian Food expert. Anyhow, now I'm discovering more what real Indian tastes like, and I'm indeed starting to crave it once in a while. Thanks again to yelp I found out about this place. My better half and I were craving Indian for lunch, and thankfully heard about this place from y'all. Went here for lunch today and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. My wife had Chicken Makuni (not sure if that's spelled right) curry and I had the lunch buffet. Both were very good choices! The lunch buffet was good value considering regular dishes cost about a buck more than the buffet. I'm not really a fan of buffets, but this place does a good job of keeping the food fresh and tasty. I had a total of 3 rounds of which my first sampled most everything they had. I especially like the goat curry, but everything else I tried was good. They even have a decent selection of desserts of which my favorite was the rice pudding. Anyhow, I recommend this place to anyone in the area that's looking for some good hearty Indian. Will definitely be back~ 4.49 stars which could easily be a 5 upon a next visit.
(4)
sarah v.
The first time I came here, I wasn't extremely impressed by the food. (Maybe I was just in a bad mood or something) However, everytime since then (and there have been many) I have been completely satisfied. I either get veggie korma or chicken tika masala and always ask for it hot. I love their sweet naan. I started getting some sort of hot potatoe pancake, chickpea appetizer after having it a bunch of times with a friend. All of these items are so yummy; I'm literally getting hungry thinking about them and I just ate. They are that good . They lose a star for service. Now, the service is friendly, but sometimes I feel a little bit of attitude coming my way depending on the server. One of the other waiters says he thinks it's just a language thing. Whatever it is, its minor, and I still love the food and people here.
(4)
Taralee A.
Best Indian Food I have had in California or Georgia. Ever. Period. The buffet is more than a deal. Staff is incredible.
(5)
Leigh N.
On my review last year, I gave this restaurant 4 stars. However, having been back a few times over the past few months, I am deducting a star because the service here is horrible! I've experience long waits for food -- even drinks and appetizers -- and the staff seems very aloof and inattentive. This is a shame, because the food here is very good. However, dinner should not take 2 hours on a slow Thursday night!
(3)
Peter C.
Indian friend brought me here and tried the two person meal so I got to try more than one thing. Overall food was great, atmosphere made me a little sleepy though.
(4)
Chad W.
LOVE THIS PLACE! I am still a bit new to Atlanta so there are still lots of places to try, but this is the BEST Indian food I have found yet. Great Lunch Buffet for those of you who are new to Indian food- a buffet is a good way to try many things at once. PURE COMFORT FOOD!
(5)
Don A.
This is my first Indian food experience that I can recall. When I came here for lunch, the place was jam-packed. It was a little more expensive for a lunch than what I am used to seeing. The food was alright, but none of the dishes stood out to me leaving me craving for more. I did however enjoy rice pudding dessert, while many of my coworkers disagreed. It sorta brought me back to a kid when my mother made a similar dessert dish.
(3)
Deanna J.
I've yet to only go for dinner, but from what other reviews are saying so far, the vibe is pretty different during the hours of the golden lunch buffet. I went for dinner (buffet line quietly empty), and it was a refreshing change from the mostly-buffet Indian I've had. It's pretty dark in here (probably good so no one can see you sweating if you end up ordering something one pepper over your spicy tolerance) and has a bit of an elegant vibe during the evenings. Maybe we faked off our waitress and looked like pros, but being the Indian buffet eaters we are, actually knowing what to order off the menu is a challenge after knowing the dishes by sight only. They have a few 'pre-packaged' options, like the meal for two, which you can also get vegetarian, and the blingged out 'Bombay Feast,' for all you high rollers out there.
(4)
Dhara S.
This is the first Indian restaurant I tried after coming in Atlanta, and after that, i tried a couple of more too, so far this one has been the best among. Food: It resembles a lot to the authentic Indian food, though it is a bit of Americanization of every dish. I am a vegan and so I do not have tried their hallmark dishes, but as far as from what I have tried, i liked it a lot Staff: Good people. They have a true concern about their customers and they really want to keep them coming back. The staff here is made of saints if you compare it with a place called "planet Bombay"- the worst restaurant in Atlanta. rates: It is not that expensive and I think they fairly give services and food for what they charge of. Ambiance: Average. The noise level is less than any normal American restaurant. They try to play some bollywood tunes but I think it is too low to notice for anyone! buffet v/s dinner: Buffet is cheaper, a lot of variety to try from and they serve hot. If u r planning to come here for dinner, try lunch once, the dinner is little better than them and you can personalize the dishes as well. Some caution: the fritters are too oily. (but the entrees are moderately oiled) If you have a typical Indian palate, ask them to make everything a little spicy. Some best features: Rice. Amazing!!
(4)
Katie R.
The owners are so nice, and the butter chicken is amazing.
(5)
Style d.
Yeah, the buffet is a staple in my diet. Just in case you go outside buffet hours here are my suggestions: Beginners or picky eaters- try the Tikka Masala with chicken, lamb or paneer (cubes of yummy cheese). Its a yogurt/tomato based sauce that is not spicy. Its mildly sweet and very creamy. (it makes my stomach very happy). the lamb kabob is tasty too and it comes with big pieces of onion and bell pepper. This does not come with rice or sauce. chicken byriani is a good dish to try if you like asian food but are unsure if you will like Indian food. Its chicken and rice with tons of seasonings that smell really good. This does not come with a sauce, but it doesn't need one. If you like mildly-spicy- Try the Chicken Tikka (not the same as Tikka masala). This sauce is brown and spicy if you are not used to spiced foods. Its mild if you are a spice-lover. If you like the spicy-spicy (I can't take it, but you may like it) Gosht vindaloo Chicken Khadai Palaak paneer (spicy spinach/cheese dish) Other stuff: If you like naan, get the bread basket so you can try onion naan and parantha. Heaven. Order a lassi at the beginning of the meal but don't drink it till the end. By that time the ice has melted and its not as thick and you can slurp it down faster. (To me fast is good. If you like'em thick then drink it during the meal. Other note: the yogurty coolness is very soothing if you eat something too spicy) Plus! If you need a party venue you can rent out the hall in the back. And sometimes they have belly dancers. Buffet protocal: walk in sit down go get your food eat Repeat the last 2 steps as needed. People don't usually order from the menu durign buffet hours, so if you want a menu you will have to ask for one. Also, this establishment pools their tips so you generousity is being shared.
(4)
Mike G.
I have to update my rating to 5 since I have been coming here ever since I found it. The food and service is great and the prices are very reasonable! The buffet is the best Indian buffet I've had in Atlanta!
(5)
Andle G.
This is my FAVORITE indian resturant of all time (and I have been to tons). It is almost a weekly pilgrimage even though I know live on the south side of town. They get pretty busy for the lunch buffett but I have only waited once for a seat, nighttime dining is usually more intimate as I have never seen more than a few tables full. The lunch buffett is my favorite because of so many options. I am a vegitarian so I can not comment on the chicken tiki but people seem to love it. Their punjabi Kadhi and they have this pea type curry (nattavarian ??) that is so good and I have never had before. The Raita, aloo gobi, etc are all wonderful. It is a sensory overload...a large array of verggie and meat dishes, relishes and desserts. The only thing I am not so hot on their Sag Paneer but that was never my favorite dish anyway. And Nan bread from a buffett can get too crisp if a fresh batch has not just been placed out. But overall it is delightful. The buffett is a wonderful place to try out a bunch of different dishes. I have had indian food in many many cities across the globe and I once lived with an Indian family as a student so I feel like I know my indian food -- or at least know what I like. This place is worth the drive and their buffett runs late on the weekends.
(5)
Amanda S.
This was my first venture into Indian cuisine, and while I haven't yet tried the lunch buffet, from the one dish I have tried (tikka masala with chicken), I'm not sure I want to go back. It was incredibly, incredibly bland. I could have achieved the same effect by putting some chicken in tomato soup. Midway through my meal, I was asked to move to a different table (even though I had been seated by a waiter, it's not a seat yourself kind of deal) because they needed to accommodate a large group and needed the space that I was sitting in. I found this incredibly off-putting. My friends that have been here love the buffet, so perhaps they will convince me to return and I'll up my rating, but otherwise it's sadly a no. EDIT: So my friends did convince me to return for the lunch buffet, and I'm adding a star. I was disappointed and surprised that they had so little to choose from, considering how massive the menu is. I made it a point to try pretty much everything they offered, and I was delighted to find that their other items weren't quite as bland as what I had on my first visit. The Chicken 65 is definitely worth a try, at any rate. The service was also lacking at best, as I spent half my meal with an empty water glass.
(3)
Alan P.
I've been looking for a good north Indian restaurant for a while and finally I've found one! Not too greasy, big menu with english descriptions so you can experiment, and even a lunch buffet. Should definitely go on your indian cuisine rotation.
(4)
Pinak B.
This is undoubtedly one of the best places for Indian food in Atl. Go for the buffet for lunch time and fill yourself up with awesome chicken biryani, tikka, tandoori and gulab jamoon. Most Indian buffet places will make the buffet dishes in a different oil and sub-standard, but these guys serve you the exact same food as the entrees. Dinners are for Friday night when the belly dancer and hukkah make it a totally un-Indian experience but fun nevertheless. For entrees, try the Kheema and the Chicken Tikka. Even the veggie dishes are good ... go for the paneer tikka. The owner is often around so you ae taken good care of. Go there a few times and they will start recognising you and making suggestions.
(5)
Wendy I.
The food was bland, service non-existent, and ambience dreary. Very pedestrian fare. The lunch buffet food at 1pm was not held at an appropriate temperature. Won't be going back to this place and I suggest you skip it also.
(2)
Wendy C.
I am usually not a fan of buffets in general, however, the lunch buffet at Cafe Bombay is AMAZING!!! Not only is the food really fresh, and delicious, but it's only $9.95! So much to choose from. My favorite dishes are the saag paneer, and the tikka masala chicken. My tummy is grumbling just thinking about it. Definitely check this place out if you love Indian food, and are on a budget!
(5)
Garrin H.
I've been to several Indian restaurants in the area, and my experience has been very hit or miss with Indian cuisine in general. Cafe Bombay delivered the goods. I had the Afghan Mango Chicken (dinner), and let's just say this was one of those meals where you have to scrape every last bit off your plate. It was that good! Cafe Bombay is tucked away just near the Target, off of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Roads, in the Toco Hills area. Definitely more convenient for us intown folk...driving to the Indian restaurants off of Lawrenceville Hwy & N. Druid feels like a hike to me. Would I go back? Most definitely.
(5)
Dave A.
I never expected to crave Indian food on a regular basis - until I ate at Cafe Bombay. I usually order a lamb dish but everything on the menu is outstanding. The nan is warm and soft for soaking up the fresh authentic sauces. Ask to sit in the back dining room for a more festive and memorable experience - complete with belly dancing, a Bollywood soundtrack, and opulent decor with throw pillows in every nook.
(5)
Aanal P.
Being an Indian, I am a bit picky about my Indian food....imagine that!!! So I decided to try Cafe Bombay one day for lunch. They do have a buffet and I have always tried to stay away from buffets but decided to give this one a try. I LOVED IT! The chicken tikka masala....a favorite of many...was so tasty. And their vegetarian dishes were delicious as well. I have gone back several times and taken my co-workers with me. My boss who was scared to try Indian food.....gave me a hug after we ate here, and told me he really enjoyed it. The service is good, the buffett offers many varieties and the price is not bad at all for all that they offer. I have been to Cafe Bombay for dinner as well, and the food was just as good. I don't care for Shrimp dishes too much, but I tried their Shrimp Biryani.....yummmmmm........
(5)
Lindsay H.
FABULOUS FOOD! Chicken Tikka Masala was to die for, and I love that they give you a TON of naan when ordered! Highly recommend.
(5)
Anisha H.
okk so my cousins and I decided to order in Indian, since my cousins live soo close to Cafe Bombay, we decided to try it out!!! We got..Chicken Makhani, bindi curry (Okra) and Paneer Tikka (Panneer is like cottage cheese) ....so we had enough for the veggy ppl in the house!! I don't expect Indian food to be anything like home cooking or anything but I do expect it to have some sort of spice and flavor.... When we got the food...I was blown away on how RED the tikka curry were...like really red!! I had never seen Chicken Makhani that red, orange yes..Red...no no...so I started having second thoughts and said ummm can I get a sandwhich instead...lol...but being a foody I said okk lets try it out!!! Absolutely no flavor..it tasted like there was no spice in the food...or like we indians call it..no masala!!! I was highly disappointed.... But I have to say the bindi curry was really good and the rice was decent!!! I am not sure if I will go back here again..its def going to be my last choice in options...
(3)
Nikkie F.
I love to try new things, but I am timid about going it alone. So, I have been wanting to try/have Indian food for the longest time, but never had the opportunity until recently. One week ago a group of friends came here for dinner, we all got something different and passed them around the table to share - family style. If it's any indication - I have already been back three times since then. The food is to die for. The Punjabi Aloo Chat appetizer, and Vegetable Samosas were delicious. Naan (the bread) is amazing! Tandoori Shrimp, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Butter Chicken (5 stars just for THIS) are all things I can personally vouch for their amazing-ness. I can't wait to go back and try more! The first time we went, the waitstaff was a bit slow but in all fairness we had a large group and it was later in the evening. The next times I went the waitstaff was prompt, friendly, conversational, and even witty and charming! Although, bonus point because he may have been flirting. :) I really need to go for the lunch buffet - I've heard it's good and it will allow me to try even more things. I think I will most definitely have to visit India now - if for no other reason than the food. MMMmmmmMMMMmmmm! I'm hungry just thinking about it!
(5)
Keith H.
I gave it a 4 star, but it's really a 3 1/2 in my book. Food was good and it the restaurant was clean. The waiters kind of hover which is good but kind of creepy. I went on a Saturday for lunch. There was a good variety on the buffet and like I said everything was good. I'd go back.
(4)
Derek S.
Went there for the first time. It's dimly lit and kind of dirty. I ordered butter chicken. It was decent. I don't remember what the others ordered but I do remember ordering was a cluster. We had to ask for some of the items we ordered multiple times before receiving them and then they billed us for double on some of the items. For some reason they came and took my beverage during the meal and never brought it back leaving me nothing to drink. I don't think I will return. I only gave them the second star because they had belly dancer that danced with fire.
(2)
Al M.
Good food and decent ambience. Ordered the following veg appetizer platter - had spring rolls, cauliflower fritters and Samos with aloo tikki's was good. The kabob platter was outstanding - especially the seekh kabob. One of the best that I have had in Atlanta. The chicken tikka was the only thing onthe platter that did nit taste as good. Too dry. Ordered te paneer tikka masala which was a bit too sweet for my liking Also ordered the butter chicken which was again too sweet for my liking. But both doges were authentic and prepared with the right consistency. The rogan Josh was the best out of the three curry dishes I ordered. Overall - one of the better Indian restaurants on this side of the city that I had a chance to dine in. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Tiana M.
The food was pretty good. They offer a buffet for lunch and I'm not sure if a menu is available as I didn't ask. However, there is a great variety for vegetarians and carnivores on the buffet. Our water glasses stayed filled, and the waitstaff was pleasant. Because it is a buffet, you can quickly get in and out, and definitely full. I enjoyed it, but I'd have to say the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because I've had better Indian food and more of a personalized experience for the same price. Still say, go if you've never had it before!
(4)
Robert S.
One of the best Indian restaurants in Atlanta and certainly some of the best Indian fare anywhere.
(4)
Dave B.
On a recent weekend, my wife and I went to Cafe Bombay as we were craving Indian food and the reviews looked pretty good. We both love vindaloo and she ordered the chicken and I ordered the lamb. The appetizer was good (can't remember what it was) and the roti was good. The problem came when the vindaloos arrived. My lamb vindaloo was great. My wife's chicken was terrible. She doesn't like lamb but she tasted the sauce in mine and it was 100% different than hers. I tasted hers and we agreed that it tasted like tomato sauce. Plain tomato sauce. We sent it back. The waiter was very, very nice and seemed embarrassed. A bit later, the owner and/or chef returned with a new dish which he laid in front of my wife and asked if she had ever had a vindaloo. He went on to explain to her that tomatoes are not used in the dish. He seemed insulted that she didn't like his dish and basically suggested she didn't order the right thing. What we should have said to him is that we love vindaloo and have had it many times and what we've just learned is that we just don't like yours. The remade dish was slightly better but not enough. Had she gotten that originally, she probably would have eaten it and not complained though not ordered it again, but after that, she didn't eat it at all. It was still on the bill. Three is probably generous but I'm hoping that the story above will be enough to deter some business even if some of the food is good. I do NOT recommend the chicken vindaloo.
(3)
Dennis D.
We the Shrimp Puri for appetizers, when it came out I didn't know what to think? But it tasted great! For dinner I had the chicken butter masala with garlic nan. My wife had the Chicken Tikka Masala with cheese nan. My wife and I agreed this was the best Indian food that we had eaten in a long time. They will get your food out to you in a reasonable time... other than that! Do espect anything service wise. So if you want a good meal, and can ignore the poor customer service, eat here!
(4)
Margo R.
The infamous weekend buffet is a must try for fans of Indian food, and especially those who are skeptical about trying the cuisine. The array of spicy, sweet, salty, vegetarian & non vegetarian, etc, is bound to please even the pickiest of eaters. With the buffet, you have the option of trying everything, which is definitely something to take advantage of at Cafe Bombay. Take a few pieces of nan and experiment with the assorted yogurt-based sauces. There's also a flavorful variety of meats, rices, potatoes, and vegetables. For only $10 you will go home feeling satisfied and pleasantly full. I've never had to wait for a table, so there's no need to rush. Take your time, try something new, and enjoy!
(5)
Jesse W.
We just got back from our first visit to Cafe Bombay and we walked away with smiles on our faces. The food was delicious and I always had a cup full of Diet Coke. Our appetizer was amazing, although the name of it escapes me at the moment. For our entrees, I had the Chicken Vindaloo and the lady had the Chicken Tikka Masala. Although she would have liked her entree a little spicier, we both were very impressed with the quality of the food. And the final surprise was the bill, we left with full bellies without having to empty our wallets. As good as it gets in terms of bang for the buck.
(5)
Kristine M.
I went with a group of ten, and we got a bunch of different dishes, and ended up sharing them around. It was awesome. A few things were a wee bit too spicy for me, but just about everything was excellent. I ordered the lamb dohiwhalla, which was very tender and good. I didn't try the Desi wings, and since some people said their lips were trembling after trying them, I'm glad I wimped out there. Refills of a drinks were a tad slow, but maybe that's because some of us were chugging water like it was going out of style. I loved the naan, but if you're going to use Indian bread to eat your food, try the roti, instead. It's unleavened and thinner than naan, so you don't get quite so full so quickly. And have a mango yogurt shake thing if you go over your spice limit. Not that I ever overestimate my tolerance. The place was standing room only by the time we left, and most of the tables were full of south Asians, so that was definitely a good sign. And they have a "They love us on Yelp!" sticker by the door. Awwww.
(4)
Carole M.
Behind a bland strip mall exterior sits this Indian restaurant which is clearly a favorite of Atlanta's Indian community. We stopped in on a Saturday at lunch to find the room packed. There are vegetarian and meat entrees, as well as raita and other salads, naan and dessert. The saag was a standout; everything else was okay but not special. Go hungry, though, because the weekend buffet is $12/person.
(4)
Sid P.
This place was pretty awesome; we had a giant party all eating each other's stuff and trying everything. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala which was *aaaaawesome.* The Butter Chicken was pretty great, and the Desi Wings were basically Indian-style hot wings. Awesome. Naan was delicious and filling. I also had a giant bottle of decent lager called ROYAL CHALLENGE. I am proud to say I met that challenge head on and conquered it. It was pretty seriously crowded on a Saturday, and I'd say 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the crowd was Indian, so that's probably a good sign. Service might have been slow if we'd been paying attention, but we had a large enough group that we stayed entertained. Apparently they have belly dancing and whatnot most saturdays, but we got c-blocked by someone having a birthday party in the back room. I hope they got rocks - I totally wanted to see some gyrating ladies.
(4)
Josh W.
I went there for lunch with a friend. The food was pretty good. I especially enjoyed the Chicken Marsala. I wasn't a big fan of the goat curry though. I have to admit that the place smells overwhelmingly of goat a little. It's a funky scent and not really pleasant. The lunch buffet was about $10 before tip. The service was a tad slow but not that bad.
(3)
Lauren W.
Love the food here. Probably one of the best Indian place in ATL. Love their nans. Keep it up!
(4)
Sara S.
My boyfriend and I go to Cafe Bombay at least twice a month because we love it so much. The food and service is wonderful, and we always look forward to our meals there! Our favorite dinner is butter chicken, goa shrimp and an order of naan.
(5)
Ashish A.
Having a job that involves long term travel, I had the pleasure of staying in Atlanta for 5 months and having a few meals at Cafe Bombay. The subdued exteriors hide a place of good food that I loved to visit again and again - for lunch with colleagues and for dinner with family. The dal makhni, paneer tikka are really good. The lunch buffet is excellent. Never tried a desert as would be so full after the main course. 4 stars: The only missing star is because of a little "attitude" in the owners. Seems like a family run business, the co-owner, a young guy, would hardly smile or say thank you, even though we were regulars and leave 20% tip, just a turn off, but ignore the idiot, will learn with age. But, go there, for good food.
(4)
Kerry M.
UPDATE DECEPTIVE MANAGEMENT!! FOOD SAFETY ISSUE!!! This restaurant has a current (8-19-10) health score of 71, Their score on (4-1-10) was a 70 but they have their score from last year posted- 90 from (8-27-09). Nice atmosphere, good service, but the food was lacking. Almost Americanized in their spice levels. No complexity to their sauces. How can you overcook and have dry meat in a heavy sauce? The Naan was leathery and fought your teeth. The goat was average. FOOD SAFETY- cold foods were warm, and the hot foods were barely warm. Would I not eat here again. They knew that a re-score visit was following the April inspection, but failed to make changes.
(1)
Jennifer J.
The hubby talked this place up and I was finally in the mood to venture out of my comfort zone which consists of Peachtree St. So off we go for some Indian food served buffet style since it was lunch. I have to say that I actually thought it was very good. I loved the curry chicken and some other things that I cannot recall or pronounce and the naan was really yummy, too. The atmosphere was lovely. I enjoyed my experience all the way around. I tried things I normally wouldn't have tried; although I may not try them again. Yay Cafe Bombay!
(3)
Praylani H.
I went there for lunch yesterday and the food was great, nice vibe and not too pricey.
(4)
Ann D.
I can't say enough. Everything was phenomenal...the food, the service, the atmosphere. I especially liked the onion relish, the chicken tikka, and the naan. If you're in Atlanta looking for Indian food, this is the place to go. We went for a late lunch (around 2pm) and the place was fairly empty, but the longer we were there a steady stream of people were coming into the restaurant. A number of the patrons were Indian, which I think speaks volumes aout the quality and authenticity of the food. Enjoy!
(5)
Christian S.
Got a takeout order of Chicken Tikka Masala and garlic naan, and I was NOT disappointed. The sauce had the perfect blend of creaminess and tangyness. The chicken was moist and well cut (no bite-down surprises) and the rice had an excellent flavor. The garlic naan may have been better than any that I've tried before. Moist but not soggy, garlic not under or overpowering, and plentiful serving size. My only complaint (which may not be a complaint for many) is that the chicken pieces were very large, and I would have preferred them to be more bite-sized. Overall this is now my #2 Indian restaurant, between Atlanta, GA and Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus Ohio. (#1 being Ambar India in Cincinnati)
(4)
Shilvi L.
Cafe Bombay is hands down the BEST indian food in Atlanta. The menu is extensive and provides something for everyone. I recommend the lunch buffet if you haven't had Indian food and are looking to try it out. The lunch buffet is awesome! They have usually 4 veg and non veg dishes, rice, naan, pakoras, salads, deserts for $10 and it's all you can eat. The service is excellent and the owners are very friendly. I highly encourage you to try this place out.
(5)
mindy G.
YAY CAFE BOMBAY!! I loved this place! The appetizer was just about as tasty as anything could be. My Tikka masala lacked the heat I had requested, but I think that may have been due to the unhappy server we had. Drinks were always flowing and it was definitely priced for those who are trying to watch their spending right now. I am pretty hard to please and rarely give out the ole' 5-star-- but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in this gem of a place!
(5)
Jessie T.
This is the ONLY place I go anymore for Indian food. Their lunch menu is okay, with a tasty buffet selection, but what you really should come here for is the dinner. They have a great vegetarian selection suited to both the spicey lover and non-spicey lover (like me), which is especially nice for those of us who want the great taste but not the burning fire of Indian cuisine. I've always had great service there, and it's a staple place for my family to eat out at. It's pricey, but you'll leave full. My favorite menu item: the palaak paneer with naan bread and some red wine.
(4)
Chris P.
Usually come here for the lunch buffet or with my wife for dinner on the weekends. Took some friends and visitors this week for a birthday get together. Got the floor seating during belly dancing performance (Friday-Saturday 8pm on). Very fun, cool place to take visitors. Always great food and friendly service.
(5)
Laura M.
We got takeout. The malai kofta was delish. The rice was complimentary. My bf's dish was not as crazy delicious as mine, apparently, but he still snarfed it down. More expensive than some of the authentic mom'n'pop Indian places around, but still reasonable. I'd eat here again.
(4)
j t.
Great lunch buffet, but wish there was some service. I've been to this restaurant a few times and my latest trip lacked service. It appears they had only 2 people working both dining rooms, while there were several hosts seating people.
(3)
Louise G.
Great place for lunch. I'm not big on Indian food, but even I found plenty to fill me up and even go back for more. Great for the vegetarian or meat lover as well. This was one of my co-workers' choice for lunch and it is one of his favorites. The food was tasty and mild and there was plenty of it! Great way to get a nice hot meal quickly on a rainy, dreary day.
(3)
V K.
Everybody recommended (and still recommends) this place when I was new to Decatur/Atlanta. I went for dinner once and didn't like it too much. Since then I've had lunch buffet a number of times which is decent - the menu selection is excellent, the food is good (but not the best). Some items are too Americanized and not as authentic or spicy as at some other Indian restaurants. A 3.5 star for the lunch buffet. The dessert (hot Gulab Jamuns!) is definitely the best.
(3)
D.L H.
Best Indian Food in Atlanta I have found so far. Still on the quest for that ultimate Indian Cuisine that I have yet to find since Queens NY!!
(4)
duane m.
The lunch buffet is the perfect entry into Indian if you are weary of trying something as daring as Indian cuisine seems to be to so many. There are lots of delicious things to try, and all the staples that I love about Indian (the spinach cheese stuff, the curry chickens, the nan bread, etc... don't expect me to remember the names). There are also a ton of options for vegetarian folks, and the buffet even includes dessert; all for under $10! If you are looking for delicious Indian, look no further, you will be stuffed when you leave!
(5)
j l.
i'd like to throw in a half-star here, yes? so let's call it 3.5... i love having dinner here--the chicken tikka masala, rogan josh, and vindaloo are all absolutely delicious, and i wake up many days CRAVING the spicy chickpeas! i think the name of that dish is chole batura, but i never order it by name--only by making the signal for "mound of spicy yumminess". all of the breads are great as well. the owner always welcomes us and everyone is generally friendly...at dinner. the two times i've ventured over there for lunch have been less enjoyable. the first time, we didn't realize there was a buffet, and none of the things we were hungry for were available...so we asked to order off the menu. getting service from that point on was like pulling teeth, and our food took for-ev-er. we left saying that we'd surely take the buffet next time! several perfectly wonderful cafe bombay dinners later, we decide on doing lunch here today (chat patti closed on monday!?) they close at 3:30. we arrived at 2:30, took a look at the buffet...and asked for the regular menu, silly us! the waiter huffed and puffed and brought them over exclaiming, 'you have to hurry because the kitchen is closed in 10 minutes.' 10 minutes?? the sign says lunch is over in an hour! i'm telling you, it was not friendly. so buffet it was...there was not much to choose from, the dishes were lukewarm, the naan was chewy and old. i have worked in the resto industry for a long time, and when customers come in to your establishment to spend their money and enjoy themselves, you should be gracious and welcoming even if they walk in 5 minutes before you close! here we were, with an hour to spare and we were met with dagger eyes and hostility. yuck. but like i said, dinner is a whole different story. i still love you, cafe bombay, just not before the sun goes down.
(4)
Tauheedah M.
Well was looking for a good Indian buffet yesterday, and after searching Yelp I decided to venture here. Good Choice! Lunch Buffet was delish! For those to whom it matters they said that all the meat is halal (muslim owners). We had Tandoori Chicken that was moist and hubbys favorite, Chicken 65 were these breaded spiced up chicken fingers that were tender as heck and for added bonus I dipped them in my mint chutney and oohwee :-) well, really, I dip anything I can in that mint chutney! Chicken Tikka Masala was my personal fav. nice and tender sauce was on point. They had a curry goat dish but I didn't try it but hubby said it was good. Now I did have one gripe, the rice...the description above said basmati rice w/ peas and I didn't see not one pea. I thought maybe it was because they were all gone so on my 2nd trip up I looked again and nope not one pea. The vegetarian dishes on the buffet were all great I can't really remember the names....one was a spinach dish but they didn't call it saag, one was veg. pakora (dipped that in the mint chutney, so good), and there were a few more. Needless to say we didn't eat again yesterday and we went around 1:45. Stomachs stayed full, so technically we had brunner (breakfast, lunch and dinner). I think I will be back next sat. Oh and the price for all of that deliciousness was $11.99 pp for the sat. buffet.
(4)
Jinnah J.
This place gets a 3 stars from me. We went for lunch and had the buffet. The place was clean, good presentation. Food was pretty decent. The only thing i didn't like was that most the food was cold. Everything was fresh, but it needed to have constant heat. Service was good. I did ask for a coke and never got it. Not to worry though I had water and it was fine. I will be going back there sometime.
(3)
Gina C.
My bf and I went to an Indian wedding back in July and they catered food from Cafe Bombay. It was delicious so we definitely had to go to the restaurant. When we got there the host asked us if we wanted to go sit in the quiet room or the music room. We didn't know what he was talking about so we chose the quiet room. I left to go to the bathroom and I peeked into the music room and there were people dancing and music blaring. It was a different vibe from your normal restaurant atmosphere. I told my bf that we had to sit in the music room. They had low tables where you sit on the floor with pillows and regular tables as well. There was also a belly dancer that danced all around the room. Little kids were also dancing with the girl but they got annoying after a while bc they were running all around the restaurant. We ordered the chicken tikka masala and chicken basil. I loved the chicken tikka masala. It was delicious! We wiped it clean with the naan! I didn't care for the chicken basil. I'm not one to crave Indian food but if it's Cafe Bombay, I'm there!
(4)
C V.
Love going here for dinner or lunch buffet. The lamb vindaloo, lamb korma and chicken tikka masala are heavenly. The service has been really really nice lately and I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Brenna S.
Have driven by this place a thousand times and never stopped to check it out. Don't make that mistake! For a weeknight dinner it was wonderful--delicious Indian dishes cooked to our spicy specifications. The manager showed us the back room which is open on weekends for belly dancing and the low tables with pillows that other reviews refer to. Can't wait to go back with another couple on weekend!
(4)
Sherry F.
Certainly not the best Indian food I've had, but not bad either. I had the chicken korma and my husband had the lamb tikka masala. The naan was some of the worst naan I've ever had. Our service was pretty good - no problems there. Also, the atmosphere was nice. We experienced the belly dancer. She was good, however, the music was far too loud and (and maybe it's just me) but the sound system used seemed faulty .
(3)
Melissa K.
Perfect lunch buffet. The tandoori wings were especially yummy. There are plenty of selections for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. I could have gone for some mango dessert, but they only had the rice one. I will be back for more.
(5)
Falicia G.
Yum! I had the lunch buffet here. Wait, keep reading...it was amazing. I know, they had the most delicious vegetarian (and meat) options to choose from. Plus, the place was filled with Indian people which was a great sign. I had so many items from the buffet that I couldn't tell you which was the best. All of it was great. I loved the Nan! I sat in the back room which was so beautiful: dark reds and purples with pillows everywhere. The tables were placed pretty close together though. I definitely got to know my neighbors.
(5)
Jaina P.
This was the first Indian restaurant I went to when I first moved to Atlanta and my first experience was great. I went back a few times after and their food and service just wasn't the same. Food was often coming out cold and the taste just doesn't hit the spot, there's no kick to it. As far as the service, terrible! Three times of the handful that I've been there I've felt rushed. Definitely not my go-to for Indian food anymore.
(2)
Stephanie T.
We go here in a regular basis and have tried many menu items. Everything is good so far! They are also accommodating and patient with my food allergies.
(4)
Rangoli B.
The food was great, delivery just takes forever! Last time I ordered it was a 2.5 hour wait and I wasn't contacted by the driver when the food arrived.
(4)
Kayla H.
I was visiting from out of town and decided to give Bombay Cafe a try. I really liked it. I was craving paneer makhani, but I didn't see it or the menu. When I asked about it, the waiter said he would have it made for me even though it wasn't on the menu. Awesome! Everything tasted great. I'd never tried paneer pakora, but I'm glad I did.
(5)
Zahid K.
Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time here. This has to be one of the worst Indian restaurants in Atlanta. Cheap, low quality food. I've been to hundreds (if not thousands) of Indian/Pakistani restaurants. My parents are Pakistani and my mom cooks this type of food at home all the time. I know what I'm talking about. Go to Zyka, Kabob Hut, or Lahore Grill-- these are MUCH better restaurants in the same price range.
(1)
Nikki S.
Love this place! Their lunch buffet is packed with a variety of tasty items. The staff is very friendly & always remember me when I come back in. Their Chicken Tikka Masala is my favorite. I cannot get enough of it. By far, it is the best Indian I've eaten in Atlanta.
(5)
Jonathan C.
Visited Cafe Bombay several times. Loved the lunch buffet. Then one evening I asked for a rice pudding to go, got home, opened the container, took a couple bites, and, to my surprise, there were two HUGE bugs in the pudding. They were big and black and nasty looking. One was cut in half and the other was fully intact. Both dead. Needless to say I won't be going here again. Can't get the image of those bugs sticking up halfway out of the rice pudding out of my head whenever I consider going back for lunch. If there were two in that one pudding, then there must be more crawling around in the kitchen. No thanks.
(2)
Dan I.
The food here is just bad and *very* overpriced. My chicken tikka masala tasted like tomato soup with a few chunks of boneless chicken in it. Very bland and milky. Also, the entree was $14 where at authentic Indian places you can get it for $7 and it tastes much better. Ordered some Naan, it was $3 for one piece that had been precut into quarters (overpriced again) and didn't taste fresh at all. This restaurant is obviously for people who don't know what real Indian food tastes like or how much it should cost. The employees were very friendly and service was good, which bumps it up to 2 stars.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : 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.
James L.
Love this place. My only criticism is that I like my Pakura cooked crispy.
(4)Amelia J.
Wonderful staff and great food, but Cafe Bombay didn't quite live up to the hype for me. I did love that it was a buffet, as it gave me the chance to try a lot of Indian foods I was curious about, but too hesitant to order. But, like most buffets, the food had a sort of cheap feel to it. I would be happy to go back if someone wanted to try it or loved it, but I don't think it's making my list of favorites.
(4)Yilia H.
great food with reasonable price. Good environment. I recommend lamb shank.
(5)Kay H.
I love this place. After trying other locations closer to home this place is always worth the trip. Key ingredient: consistency. Always the same,well prepared meal. Very basic layout and nothing fancy about it, but it works!
(4)Rahul M.
Excellent food. Good ambience. Good service. Nice staff. Complimentary rice was a pleasant surprise. Bhel puri was awesome
(5)Brandi T.
Awesome awesome awesome. I ordered takeout here on a whim and man was it amazing. I'm no connoisseur of Indian food but I know what I like. I ordered The wings and chicken tikka masala with naan bread and it was divine. The wings were great and spicy and the the chicken tikka was tender and flavorful. From order to delivery time it took about 90 minutes but it was well worth the wait. Can't wait to dine in!
(5)Jovan E.
Freakin awesome!! This is my go to spot for Indian food. Nice ambience, perfect for casual dining or even date night. Food is always quick yet perfectly seasoned. Lamb palaak is my personal fave. The best Indian in Atlanta!
(5)Mike S.
Have been here 3 times so far and feel its pretty solid. My wife is from the UK so she's an Indian food expert too....and a tough critic! First visit was good so we went back....Second visit was off...Naans were greasy and flavours weren't as great. However we gave it one more chance a few weeks ago and they hit a home run. All dishes were great and they prepped it extra spicy for us (gluttons for heat)... Also liked the belly dancer in the back room. We'll be sure and check this place out again.
(4)Sharda B.
My experience was horrible..my husband and I went out on a date night and decided to go to Bombay Café.. Service was very poor the guy was just talking over our food and spitting all over it we did not even eat it we just paid and left and on top of that he run outside the to ask for a tip, smh when I left a $10 on the table he didn't see it, It don't even deserve 2 but I'm doing it to be nice
(2)Sheehan T.
Hands down the best Indian restaurant in Atlanta. The quality and taste is just on another level. I've lived in Atlanta for 19 years, every other Indian restaurant here have always just been mediocre. Zyka was decent at one point but is also down to mediocre now. Try the the Spicy Chicken Biryani, but careful it can be addicting. Tandoori chicken everywhere else is just too dry. However, here the Tandoori Wings are dripping with flavor. The prices are reasonable and the portions are crazy.
(5)Anushree K.
I went in for a late lunch at Cafe Bombay with a group of friends. The food was very good, right amount of flavor and spice. The server helped us choose the curries (we did not want a sweet curry) and the paneer kadhai and vegetable tikka masala we ordered were yummy. The assorted vegetable platter for starter is a good way to sample a lot of appetizers. The nan is huge and we could share 3 naans between 5 people. Overall a good experience. I took off a star as there was lack of co-ordination between the staff, we got our check without asking for it and we had to send it back as we wanted to have dessert :)
(4)Silvia G.
I love this place, I have lunch buffet at least once every two weeks since I found it. The food is absolutely delicious, great variety of dishes and desserts. I think I'm officially a "regular", the staff is amazing, very attentive. I try a little bit of everything on the buffet and I like it all, my favorite part is the warm Gulab Jamun (dessert). If you haven't tried this place, I really recommend that you do.
(5)Jahmal L.
(+) Great service and genuine interest from an enthusiastic waiter staff. The food appeared magically and sizzling after only 10 minutes, which was great as I was grumpy and hungry. The chicken tikka, masala, and Chole Peshawari were all adequately tasty. Price was right, on average of $11 per dish. (-) Being a NYC transplant, I know good Indian food. The spices were a bit on the subdued side. Just lacking a bit of energy. -20 Overall - W. 80/100. Score. Solid ATLien Indian spot. Go for it. They also offer belly dancing, if you are into that kind of thing.
(4)Cindy B.
Very good food. The vindaloo will light a fire in you. The lunch buffet is perfect, meat on one side, vegetarian on the other. I really appreciate that. The service is always pleasant. The decor and furniture is nice. My only complaint is that it's on the salty side.
(4)Brian S.
Food is great! They have lunch buffet M-F from 11:30am - 3:30PM and Sat. and Sun. from 12pm - 4pm. It's also decent cost given that on weekdays it's $10.95 before tip. Good place to try different Indian foods.
(4)Rangoli B.
The food was great, delivery just takes forever! Last time I ordered it was a 2.5 hour wait and I wasn't contacted by the driver when the food arrived.
(4)Kayla H.
I was visiting from out of town and decided to give Bombay Cafe a try. I really liked it. I was craving paneer makhani, but I didn't see it or the menu. When I asked about it, the waiter said he would have it made for me even though it wasn't on the menu. Awesome! Everything tasted great. I'd never tried paneer pakora, but I'm glad I did.
(5)Zahid K.
Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time here. This has to be one of the worst Indian restaurants in Atlanta. Cheap, low quality food. I've been to hundreds (if not thousands) of Indian/Pakistani restaurants. My parents are Pakistani and my mom cooks this type of food at home all the time. I know what I'm talking about. Go to Zyka, Kabob Hut, or Lahore Grill-- these are MUCH better restaurants in the same price range.
(1)Kristen C.
I found this place when we were craving Indian food one night, and this was the only place that was open later than most places. We ordered naan, chicken biryani, chicken tikka, mixed grill, and gobi aloo masala. We loved everything. I think all these dishes were spiced really well, and nothing came out really oily like we usually see when we eat Indian. I've also been here for the weekend buffet, which is also really good. They have a variety of dishes that you are able to try. Service is pretty good here.
(4)Cindy Z.
I gave this restaurant 2 chances, after having the worst Indian meal for the second time,I will never go back. I got ( medium) Chicken Tikka Masala for the 2nd time, and had to ask to return it both times. My friend got curry chicken, and it didn't even resemble curry, just creamy mush. The first time my family didn't want to hurt my feeling because it was my choice for the night, but then after I complained , the voiced their own opinions-not good!!
(1)Emma W.
The main reason I've always preferred Indian buffets over actual sit down restaurants is just the general trend that seems to exist in regards to disproportionate curry to rice ratios. Well played Cafe Bombay, not only are you fantastic with your food related ratios but your naan is also super delicious and fluffy. Upon arriving back to my hotel afterwards and promptly collapsing into a food coma induced slumber, I'm pretty sure I had dreams that I was laying on huge, billowy pieces of Cafe Bombay's naan rather than the hotel pillows.
(4)A P.
Positives: Green chili with lentil crackers, mango lasse (had to send the first one back after they brought it in ice), lamb gohst (told them not to puree the spinach), shrimp with ginger, service (after they realized we're trying to help them improve) Could be better: naan (had to send it back for add'l baking, onion pakoras (sent the first batch back). Don't understand why they let them soak in the batter. They become chewey rather than crispy light.
(3)Animal L.
ok food but worst of all is interacting with the terrible manager named ricky, if it wasn't for him I would love going there
(1)Damien B.
I go here for lunch. Good food on the buffet. Service might be a little slow but the place is packed out for lunch during the week.
(5)Ken M.
I visited this resteraunt with a friend from out of town. This was my first experience with Indian food and I had no idea what to order. I followed his lead in ordering and it was absolutely delicious.
(4)Sherry F.
Certainly not the best Indian food I've had, but not bad either. I had the chicken korma and my husband had the lamb tikka masala. The naan was some of the worst naan I've ever had. Our service was pretty good - no problems there. Also, the atmosphere was nice. We experienced the belly dancer. She was good, however, the music was far too loud and (and maybe it's just me) but the sound system used seemed faulty .
(3)Melissa K.
Perfect lunch buffet. The tandoori wings were especially yummy. There are plenty of selections for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. I could have gone for some mango dessert, but they only had the rice one. I will be back for more.
(5)John B.
the best Indian food in The US, let alone GA (I travel coast to coast on a regular basis). Service is fast and concise. I spoke with the Co-owner and I like the operation that he oversees here. The lighting is in a great middle-ground between bright and dim and it accentuates the decor of the place. They don't mess around with spicy curry and their more mild curries are quite delicious! I come here whenever I'm in town and I plan on coming here whenever I can in the future.
(5)Shardule S.
Not-so-good: Nothing will ever beat homecooked Indian food Good: Papad to start is a nice touch Service is prompt and friendly Portion is decently sized (had a small takeaway bag for leftovers) Price isn't cheap but not terribly expensive Overall, nothing will ever come close to 'Mom's food'. However, if you're looking for a solid Indian meal with nice decor for not too high of a price, this is the place. Busy, but not super packed, Cafe Bombay is a good bet to for a tasty Indian meal.
(5)Mark S.
Very good consistent food. Very friendly staff and owners. The lamb vindaloo will light you up, but it's worth it! Also, try the lunch buffet.
(4)Kevin J.
I hate to leave a negative review however the food tonight was so incredibly horrible that I can't ignore it. This was the second time we ate there, the first was decent and warranted a second visit... now we regret it. We ordered an appetizer (the vegetable platter... it was fantastic), a chicken korma and a butter chicken. Sadly, the butter chicken tasted like pure tomato paste and the chicken korma lacked any flavor at all. We tried to bring it to their attention but it took almost 20 minutes to do so (and it wasn't that busy). When we finally spoke to them, they fixed it without question however it still wasn't good. We will NOT be returning again.
(1)Amrita R.
I came here for my birthday last year and it was pretty good.. I've never done the buffet but they have delicious curries... especially the paneer. I dream about that paneer.. Oh and that naan is the best ever! My friends love the thali here, and say the goat curry is delicious. The chicken lollipops were also good. My only complaint with this place is that it's a bit pricy, and very very greasy/buttery. I'm sure that's why I enjoy the paneer so much, but I definitely can't, or shouldn't eat here very often! They had belly dancing on a Saturday night when I went once, and it was not bad but a little hard to talk over the music.
(4)Mit P.
Had the weekend buffet. Okay but not great. 1) Sauces were pretty good - especially paneer tikka masala, but the dishes overall didn't seem like they were that fresh. The chicken in particular did not seem very good quality. I would stick with vegetarian here since the meat quality is cheap. 2) Dishes are a bit strange. The Samosa for instance have this weird cheesy filling which is completely out of place. The Kofta curry has also an odd sauce which isn't very spicy. 3) It is cheap at $13 so that likely explains above.
(2)Sydney G.
One of my must-eat spots whenever I visit Atlanta. I love their paneer, it's some of the best I've ever had. I think they do a great job of keeping the buffet full and fresh and I've had the opportunity to try a number of dishes I might not ordinarily order off the menu.
(5)Sarah J.
Cafe Bombay is a favorite of mine for eat in and delivery. They have a lunch buffet which is great for trying new things, but my mainstay is the Palak Paneer, which has just the right amount of spice, and the Mango Lassi. Cafe Bombay uses a delivery service called "Food People," which I have found to be a bit slow. When the food gets to me, though, it's worth the wait.
(4)Jessica C.
This place is great for lunch buffets as well as awesome for their sit down meals. -Buffet The buffet has a variety of items including vegetarian. The buffet includes naan, rice, and a section of desserts. It's also a great price (around $11) -Menu items Not going for the buffet is also good. The menu items come out hot and fresh. The naan comes out steaming. I would definitely recommend the chicken vindaloo if spicy food is your thing. Coming for dinner is great because I usually can take home half of my entree, rice, and half of my naan for lunch the next day. -Service The service is great. They are attentive and your water is always filled to the rim. They don't make you wait to bring you the check and will back your take home boxes for you.
(5)Melissa P.
My husband and I visited Cafe Bombay on a Sunday afternoon. They had a buffet with a pretty big variety. One side was dedicated to vegetarian cuisine. There were a decent amount of customers but plenty of wait staff...perhaps too many. They were hovering over our table. Which I guess is better than lack of staff. Needless to say, our glasses were always full. The chicken Tikka was good. The chicken was a little dry but it was fine when eaten with plenty of sauce. The spinach paneer was delicious! The Naan was fresh and warm. The rice was perfectly cooked. Nothing was too spicy and it was all pretty tasty. I look forward to returning!
(3)Sireesha A.
If you are an Indian, don't go here! Worse if you are a vegetarian! The food is horrible in the buffet. Rajma was completely diluted and looked like water. The other veggie curry reminded me of the hostel food back in India! Paneer curry was sweet and rice was hardly flavored! Even the desserts were pitiful. One of the worst Indian lunch buffets I have had in my life! My boyfriend swore he could make twice as good chicken tikka at home! Never ever again am I going back to this restaurant! Such misleading reviews!!
(1)Irene B.
I've been here a few times and consistently the food is amazing, but the service is pretty slow. If you're coming for a meal it's definitely a time commitment. I usually order the chicken tikka masala with garlic naan and have sampled a few other items. All of them were fantastic and the food portions are large so you'll leave with leftovers. They also serve rice with the entrees at no cost, but the food in general is on the pricier side. Expect to spend around 15 to 20 bucks if you want an entree and naan. Cons: I don't know what it is but the later into the night it gets, the darker it gets in the restaurant. I understand the theme of a calm and relaxing ambience, but the staff will always dim the lights to the point where you can't see your friend sitting across from you.
(3)Randy H.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to Indian food. I will say that this is probably the best I've had (so far) in Atlanta. We had a large party. The service was not the quickest but I understand it can be hard with a large party.The food was great. I had the lamb vindaloo - which is very spicy. If you can't handle spicy, I would not recommend. Otherwise, it is delicious. It came with rice to share of course. The taste of the lamb and the sauce it was in was very flavorful. The spicyness was flavorfull and not harsh. Some people think mouth on fire when things are spicy. That does not make good spicy food. Good spicy food gives you that spicyness WITH flavor. I cannot describe how good this is. You have to try for yourself. Their drink menu is moderately priced. They have great cocktails for about $8.
(4)Lindsay E.
I loved my experience at Cafe Bombay, and I can't wait to come back! Great food, great atmosphere in the back room, and very friendly staff. Bonus: awesome belly dancer (family friendly) on Friday nights! The only thing I'd change is making sure we make a reservation! When we first walked in, we saw the simple front dining room packed, mostly with ethnically Indian folk, which got us excited for the food, because surely the kitchen was doing something right to have attracted this clientele. There were also many folks who came in to pick up take out orders. (If I liked closer, we'd be getting take out a lot!) We told the staff that we were there to watch the belly dancer, and we ended up waiting for about 10 minutes for everything to be ready. They were seeing out a very large party, and I think the staff was a bit overwhelmed. They told us "Just a moment" maybe 5 times, which made us laugh. Anyway, after a while we were escorted to the back dining area, which is beautifully decorated! Very plush and colorful. The chai was delicious, I just wish I could have gotten more. The free crispy papadums they brought out with a green sauce was a happy surprise and very tasty. We got lamb naan as an appetizer and loved it. The naan is so pillowy soft! For our entrees, I ordered the chicken tikka masala with naan, and my husband ordered a lamb curry (gosht korma, we think) that was a little too spicy for me but very, very delicious. I love-love-loved my chicken tikka masala! It was so creamy and such a great blend between sweet and savory. I cannot recommend this enough. I wanted to try everything! We'll definitely be back again, most likely on belly dancer night. I personally know the performer on the night we visited (she's short and blonde), and she knows and loves her craft. She doesn't make the dance more sensual than it's designed to be, and you could tell she enjoyed performing for everyone.
(5)John E.
Cafe Bombay is located at 2615 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30329 - I'm not sure if this area is called Briarcliff or if there's a better term for it, perhaps North Druid Hills? - I generally access the restaurant either from the North Druid Hills Exit on I85 (restaurant is East of the interstate) or the back way from Clairmont Rd turning sound onto Briarcliff Rd. The restaurant is in the end of a shopping-center row sort of on the back side of Target so it's a bit hard to see. It is however, well worth trying. I've now eaten here about a dozen times, first visiting for a friend's party (they have a great large dining area in the back and can easily handle large-ish groups of say 25 or so at one long table) and more often visiting for an excellent lunch buffet. In general the flavors are a bit muted compared to those foods I sampled in India, more Northern style I believe.I particularly like their vindaloo dishes which will provide a level of heat and flavors that make you say "Oh yeah!" Service at Cafe Bombay is top notch with very attentive, even throughout their very busy lunch buffet. Evenings the place is busy and filled with a broad spectrum of locals and visitors to Atlanta. The bar is better than most similar restaurants I've experienced and they even have the very good Lion Stout from Sri Lanka which I recommend - it's more effervescent than most stouts and lacks the chalkiness you sometimes get with a black beer, with more smokiness and less chocolate. The lunch buffet (about $10) has a good mixture of vegetarian and meat options (mostly chicken and a little goat or lamb). There's usually a pan of veggie biryani along with some seasoned basmati, a few dols and sambar or similar soup. You'll also typically find sag or aloo paneer, some type of curried vegetables and pakora. For dinner I've tried: Aloo Gobi - this is a cauliflower dish primarily, though at Bombay it's about half potatoes too. I liked this dish but prefer the all cauliflower version. It's especially good with a bit of mint chutney. Vegetable Vindaloo - one of my favorite dishes here with good spice levels and flavors. Chicken 65 - I'm not quite sure of the original recipe as I've had this a number of different ways - it's most commonly white meat chicken marinated in curd (similar to tandoori) - at Bombay it's fried and some sliced onion and cilantro is added. The flavors of this dish gets a bit lost with those spicier flavors in the other curry dishes but it's still very good - I think most Americans would enjoy this as a fried chicken dish, Indian style. Sag Paneer - this mostly green leaf vegetable dish is quite good - I really like the paneer they have at Bombay as the consistency is more like homemade. Garlic Naan - they use real chopped garlic here with a bit of ghee - very authentic tasting to me. Pepper (Bullet) Naan - I do love me some bullet naan and the version I've gotten at Bombay is exceptional. It is covered with chopped green chiles and very tasty - not for the faint of heart or weak palate. The exterior of the restaurant is a bit deceptive - it makes the place look small and the heavy window treatments and lack of lighting will make you think the restaurant is closed - do indeed come inside - you'll thank me later. There's plenty of parking. (longer review posted in my food blog)
(4)Queenie D.
$13 WEEKEND BUFFET TILL 4PM Chicken Biryani is delicioius!!! Chicken tikka masala is my fave! There was goat dish and tandoori chicken and they were all so yummy ... oh my goodness my stomach is growling with my thinking about the food! Most definitely worth your time and money. The decor is clean and to the point. Staff was courteous and professional. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. This is definitely my new fave place to chow down!!
(5)Anh L.
This is the buffet of all Indian buffets. All i can say is im blown away by almost everything. The reviews here are truthful. Im probably going into a diabetic coma right now as im eating this food. The vegetable curry in coconut cream has a buttery and creamy texture. The goat curry is by far the best i ever had from any other indian buffets. The meat just falls off the bone and soft.. There's so much herbs and spices in the rice... im overstuffed but i keep on eating.. The service is excellent, I was always attend to when I walked through the door. My water was constantly refilled by three different waiter. They each ask me if i needed any help. The atmosphere is quiet, ambience, and romantic with granite tables all around. They really have done a good job on the decor.
(5)Alison W.
yummy! I really like Cafe Bombay a lot... It's a family owned restaurant that's pretty nice all around. The only reason I am not giving the full 5 stars is that the staff can be a bit rude at times, especially the head waiter. There's always confusion about who is supposed to do what, but I guess it also gets super busy on weekends. The lunch buffet is a pretty nice spread, but I prefer to go for dinner on the weekends when the food is fresh and the bellydancer is giving lessons. Now I just need a better outfit and I'm good to go when the music hits!
(3)Dave M.
Solid lunch buffet ($10). They have about 4 meat choices (chickens and lamb) as well as several vegetarian choices. Their naan is so good. I can dip it in the tiki masala all day. They have a salad bar with a yogurt dressing. They have a couple of dessert puddings that I didn't try (looked too sweet for me). The place is pretty large and got full quick during lunch. The tables and chairs are quality. They have an overabundance of servers standing around to take your plates away and refill your water. You won't have to worry about going thirsty. They were all friendly. I'm guessing the older lady taking payment at the register is the owner. She's just all business, not friendly or unfriendly. I would recommend this place.
(4)Cassandra M.
Came for lunch with a coworker and O.M.G. this place is nice. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful and quiet. You felt like you should whisper during lunch. The lunch buffet was excellent! The service was friendly and prompt. I loved the tandoori chicken, the naan, the spinach, I could go on and on. My guest and I loved it.
(5)Ariel N.
Absolutely amazing place! Ate here on Friday with a few friends and my husband, who hates anything non American lol. Needless to say, he was amazed by the food. He loved EVERYTHING surprisingly. The food was SO good and the waiter was very personable and really helped us understand the menu and explained everything to us. Needless to say, he steered us right because everyone loved their choices. We also ordered a few drinks, they were awful. The bartender totally skimmed us on the liquor. We ended up getting beers, instead of wasting money on the poorly made drinks. After dinner we decided to do some hookah! It was such a fun experience. We sat by the bar and it was pretty private feeling. Hookah is $25. We ended up staying at the place for a total of 3 hours. The belly dancing was also enjoyable. Oh, and we did not even have a wait. We were seated right away. I would 100% suggest this place, but the bartenders are not great.
(4)Sri K.
Quality lunch buffet at a competitive price ($10.95 weekdays, open till 3:30 pm). I arrived at 3 pm knowing that the buffet would be closing in 30 minutes. My expectations are adjusted given the circumstances. At no point did I feel rushed nor did I expect them to bring out hot, freshly cooked trays of food. Food: Great food for what any reasonable person would expect from a buffet. Nearly all of the reviews knocking the buffet griped about how it is not spicy enough or perfect for their palate. Great observation! A buffet is specifically designed to appeal to the masses, while maintaining the essence of the food. There were 3 buffet stations (non-vegetarian, vegetarian, chutney/dessert). Winner: Goat Curry - While non of the dishes were spicy enough for my taste, the goat was succulent and flavorful enough to overcome this problem. I got my money's worth on this alone. Coupled with the naan, this is what made this buffet a 4 star joint. Other meat dishes: the acceptable chicken tikka masala (same sauce as the paneer), the edible chicken biryani, worth tasting malai kabob, and nothing special tandoori chicken. The mango custard was also tops. Just don't expect ice in your water. Atmosphere: Laid back yet classy. Fit for any occasion. Service: On point and attentive with enough wait staff to serve a larger crowd.
(4)Sandeep G.
The food in my opinion is above average and nothing unique. The service though is quite good and fast. The fact that it is on Briarcliff Road in a strip mall from where most of the businesses have relocated is not good news for this place. This place has a strong loyal clients but there are many more better Indian Restaurants in that area and more are coming up.
(3)Lanchana S.
Finally tried this place out with my Mr. Heard lots of good reviews about this place but never had a chance to try it out. The atmosphere is inviting.. Attentive staff. They have standard Indian menu with carnivores and lots of vegetarian options. We started with complimentary papad and green chutney which was delicious then tried paneer wrap, Gobi Manchurian with gravy, Matar Paneer, garlic naan and bullet naan. Naans was fresh and super soft, which was good. Everything else was average. This place is not up to the hike, had high expectation. I will definitely give them another shot but for buffet!!
(3)Thomas L.
Going to Cafe Bombay for lunch buffet is similar to going to a Chinese buffet. The food isn't necessarily 100% authentic, it might not be the most elegant tasting, but you will feel very satisfied with a food coma afterwards. Cafe Bombay offers the basic variety of curries, chicken tandori, chicken curry, and Naan bread are some of the dishes that I eat frequently. Theres also a decent selection on vegetarian curries for people who dont eat meat. The sauce is definitely very heavy, one can taste the butter and fat but it's one of those guilty pleasures that will ruin your diet for the past week. Price wise it's very reasonable for a lunch buffet, something around 13 or 14 dollars after tip and tax.
(3)Travis H.
The Rogan Josh was the best thing I tried on the menu. Wait staff were very friendly and attentive.
(4)Nicki K.
Cafe Bombay ranks one of my fave Indian restaurants. I mostly go to Indian restaurants for lunch. I've actually never had their lunch buffet and just have gone for dinner. Why??? Hmmm, hello...belly dancer! I love watching them. I always get amazed at how much a woman can move. Trust me, it's hard, I've taken belly dancing classes before. I've been to other restaurants that have belly dancing but I prefer Desi food over Mediterranean food anyways. So I met with girlfriends. They've never been to Cafe Bombay and were excited to go when I told them about the belly dancer. It was a different belly dancer than the one I've seen before. The belly dancer here do more of a performance and are really good and talented, especially with using props like candles and a sword. The workers here are courteous and quick. I always love going to Desi restaurants cause my water gets refill quickly, even halfway. I have a problem with going to most Asian restaurants since I have to beg for water. Dinner dishes come with rice so I ordered regular naan with the Goa chicken curry. I like to try new dishes when I go out. I've never had it before. Honestly, the name Goa made me curious to try cause I every time I think about Goa, I think of the Hindi movie, Dil Chahta Hai. The flavor was more on the sweet side. My friend ordered the Shrimp Vindaloo, OMG, I should've ordered that instead, it was the perfect amount of spiciness for my taste! Another friend ordered the chicken 65. My daughter ordered the egg biryani and it was really tasty. I went backwards but for appetizers, we ordered meat samosas (it was beef from what my friends said, I don't eat beef), veggie samosas, pani puri, & masala wings. We stayed for almost 3 hours, just chatting and watching the belly dancer. I love this place. I want to go an check the lunch buffet one day. I might as well. Texas Sari Sapne is next door, I used to go to the old location when I was younger.
(5)Raj A.
Food was good for an Indian restaurant, Setup is better and hygiene appeared well taken care of. Service wasnt expected but seems like a smooth running ship. We had the buffet, the tandoori chicken was 8/10, butter chicken, very creamy was 8/10 biryani 6/10 and goat curry was delish 7/10..though goat was not tender or easy to chew...deserts were ok..we reached at last hour so maybe they werent interested in rotating the tables..total bill $212 for 12 guests and 5lbs takeaway..One star takeaway for buffet policy that isn't disclosed upfront and kinda don't make sense, and one star take away for dried goat in goat curry and overall lack of service..Service manager initial responses were rude but when he realised this may go up on a public review he sang an entirely different tune
(3)Tomasz J.
We went there and it was a great decision! Food was delicious, I can't complain about service. We had chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and meat samosa. Everything was delicious and we will definitely come back after some time. If you like Indian food, Cafe Bombay is definitely worth to check.
(5)Andre M.
12-4 lunch buffet is amazing!!! Both the chicken and goat were awesome. One of the best Indian restaurants in the perimeter.
(4)Nishant G.
Best Indian restaurant in all of Atlanta, hands down. Fantastic service, fantastic atmosphere, and the food, holy whoa, I thought my mom was back there. Toooooo good! If you're looking for the best indian restaurant experience in Atlanta, this is it.
(5)Emmie L.
This place was awesome. I have heard great things about their lunch buffett, but I haven't had a chance to try it. My friends and I came in for dinner one evening. First impressions - this place is dark. Hardly any light is let in. Feels mysterious. The textures are little muffled - the marble tables, the dark carpet, the elephants - I couldn't get a single theme from the decor which bothered me. Though, this isn't a deal breaker. Most people aren't as concerned with interior design. We decided to get the meal for two and added on butter chicken. The meal for two comes with two samosas, chicken tikki masala, palak paneer, rice, and two kinds of naan. Wow, this was great food. I was in heaven. The butter garlic naan had me on the verge of tears. The samosas were larger than I usually have them which was pleasant. It was a ton of food, definitely enough for two or even three people. We didn't manage to finish it. Aside from the food, the best part of this dining experience is the service. Some of the best I've ever had. Truly attentive and kind. I crave this place all the time. I've already been back twice in the span of two months.
(4)Rosalind C.
I was wrong, I admit it. My first review is from 2008, and I've returned numerous times since I moved to Atlanta in 2011. Great lunch spot, solid and reliable. I crave it sometimes, so that first visit was an aberration. Sorry, great spot for some good Indian food in the Atlanta area.
(4)Ashley S.
This is my go to Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is such a good deal for around $11. Large variety of foods to try, and the service is great. They got rid of the paneer tikka masala from the lunch buffet :( :(
(5)Marcella G.
A spectacular lunch buffet for $11! Why I said it's spectacular? Because I came out happy and full :) Anyway, I recently trying not to eat meat (I used to do this back in IL, just because...) so I ate their spring roll and naan bread (nom nom nom). I love love their tomato and cheese sauce (I forgot the name but mm mm mm). Their palak paneer is too salty for my taste, but edible. The salad bar also good along with the mango dessert. It was very refreshing. I may not eat meat, but their meat selection looked very very tempting. My coworker ate the goat (they said it's the best). The chicken biryani looks ahmazing! Slurppp~ Service was fast and efficient even with a full house place (lunch time very packed; I saw a lot of office workers). Everytime I came back to my table with a new plate, my dirty plate was gone. This was my second time eating here. My first time coming here(summer last year) was also a pleasant visit. My friend and I tried the goat and mango chicken something. Both plates were wonderful. This place worth a next visit. Definitely!
(4)Khuram D.
Nice Indian restaurant in Decatur with a nicer atmosphere than most others. The lunch buffet on the weekends is $12 and is more than others in the area but has a decent selection for both veg and non-veg. The food has good flavor, I tried a little bit of a variety of dishes. The manager was very nice, would recommend.
(3)Deepak S.
After reading a lot of rave reviews and word of mouth, I decided to give it a spin. And I'm sorry to say that it didn't live up to my expectations or I can say for any foodie it won't stand. Craftsmanship, depth, taste and love was missing from the food. I tried chicken tikka sizzler and vegetarian thali and almost all of them stand to same standards. I will though give them five stars for ambiance. In terms of service, overall it was good but their servers are too casual and seemed in rush all the time. They were too focused on their assigned tables which could be good or bad at the same time. If you want to enjoy flavorful and mouth watering India food, take a drive and go to Sitar in Alpharetta.
(3)Kareem I.
It was one of the worst experience ever in my life. I don't usually write bad reviews but seriously they deserve to shut down. The food was late, the server was very rude and they added extra 3 naan on my check that we didn't order. Finally they added 20% tip and they didn't remove it. Seriously dont go there
(1)Seo P.
Lamb afghani is my favorite! I prefer ordering off the menu during lunch buffet. I've tried almost everything from the the menu. Chicken sagg, butter chicken, goat vindaloo, goat korma are also really tasty. This place is certainly the place to go if you are looking for Indian cuisine.
(5)MK S.
First Visit : Went around noon on saturday. Gets the "Wow" factor. Nice environment, Nice servants, Many foreign visitors. Good food. Enjoyed. Definitely a five star, i would give if i haven't been there for the second time. Second Visit : Admired by the first visit, went to the same restaurant, next weekend. This time a bit late around 1.30 PM. Not too much crowd, but people are there something around 20 and scattered. Lots of empty places. I liked the mutton (goat) gravy they served during the first time and with the same expectation, took only mutton sauce and meat this time with rice. To my surprise, the food was not that hot and when i was eating, i find that the sauce was not fresh enough. I doubt, if they made it on the same day or served the left over food from previous day. Well, I have to mention that i just took mutton (goat) sauce and rice and left home. Later that day was a horrible nightmare. Got my stomach, a burnt feeling and suffered severe stomach ache and dizziness for the whole night. Next day full of loose stools... Have to end up with Imodium from Walgreens to stop it. I do not know what happened to me. Is this because, i had a slight overdose of mutton pieces than my wife. But my wife had not any problem. She took also goat but also some veggie stuffs. I had a similar situation, when i visited india and drank the water from the store. (I usually take my bottle of water since then wherever i go even within US). So something to be blamed either the Meat or the Sauce which were served cold. Regarding cleanliness, just don't ever look down. My Kid thrown her spoon on the carpet and she is a toddler and wanted to get the same spoon. When she got it i found, it was pinned to lots of hairs on it. So, not even worth for two stars for cleanliness. But however, the table is served neat with nice cutleries and smiling faces. Thats fine for one time visit. Chicken 65: For the first time, they served chicken 65 and the second time, a marinated chicken. They call it as chicken 65, but it is actually they made it similar to plantain buggy, with plantain replaced with chicken 65. (slightly marinated chicken piece, coated with the gram flour). This is the way little buddies who start their cooking makes chicken-65 and not the way they make it in professional restaurants. For example, try chicken-65 in zyka restaurent located on scott blvd and you know atleast a feeling of what chicken-65 looks like. The marinated chicken served during the second visit was bit dry and i didn't wanted to try too much. The good thing is that the gulab jamun are served hot both times, and nann's are replaced every 10 mins and you end up getting fresh always. I never eat veggies when i have non-veg items on store. But i try the desserts. The same desserts, rice pudding and fruit cocktails. Bit boring guys.. $13 weekend buffet is not cheap, for example, if you drive 30 miles above to gwineet, i found Moksha restaurant, with the similar menu (but you will get a fresh nan to your table and options for you to make chaat items yourself) with nice atmosphere (bar+similar) restaurants with nice food. Well, i went there just for one time and it is difficult for me to drive second time, but its worth to go for the second time and i believe, i won't get similar bitter experience. (May be you will find better restaurants closer by, but still i am exploring ..)
(1)Victoria G.
I've been to a lot of Indian lunch buffets, and this one is one of the best. I'm not the only person that thinks this either - the restaurant opens at noon on Sundays and there were people already sitting inside waiting to eat when I got there. The restaurant started filling up immediately. The food was awesome. There was a great vegetarian selection, and my partner that eats meat loved the options. One of my biggest pet peeves at an Indian lunch buffet is that they usually don't have enough naan. But this place had an entire pan full of it, freshly baked and warm! Also, they had some non-typical buffet items, and a variety of desserts that don't usually appear on Indian buffets. The quality of the food was excellent for a buffet, and everything was mildly spiced - which I think is the only option for a buffet. Service was spot on. The people were a bit cold (?), but they always made sure my water was filled and ready to go - so I really can't complain. Go here - especially if you're new to the Indian-food scene. This is a great place to test out a bunch of yummy dishes.
(4)Jimmy J.
GARLIC. NAAN. BABY. I wish I could use their garlic naan for pillows - it's so good. Lady gaga and her meat dress? pshhh... it's me and my garlic naan dress baby. I got the lamb vindaloo and the garlic naan, BOMBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB. Stop reading reviews here, and GET SOME.
(5)Mathews A.
I went for Dinner. They arranged the seat for us very quickly. We ordered Special Biriyani and Prawn Biriyani.It was the best biriyani i ever had in America. As per our request they gave medium spice which was perfect even for the kids. The servers are great. I will sure come back here.
(5)Nikki S.
Love this place! Their lunch buffet is packed with a variety of tasty items. The staff is very friendly & always remember me when I come back in. Their Chicken Tikka Masala is my favorite. I cannot get enough of it. By far, it is the best Indian I've eaten in Atlanta.
(5)Rachel K.
Note: I am not an expert on indian food I've been here only once but the folks here left a very good impression on me 1. It's pretty big on the inside. I think I saw some outdoor seating? It may kind of look weird outside but once you step inside it is pretty nice. Parking is good too. I easily found a spot during lunch time! 2. Reason I came here. Since I'm not huge on indian food, I liked the fact they had a buffet. If I were an expert, I probably would have ordered off the menu. (Since I'm more into korean food, I can definitely pick items off menu versus buffet like foods when it comes to korean) 3. I actually had 2 full plates. It was very good. Kind of spicy. But liked it! Their chicken foods, whew, great. On the other cart, they had more soft foods. Equally as good, but spicy. They also had 2 kinds of rice! 4. Service. Was. On. Point. Even when they were busy, my bf and I were taken care of. I saw several families there too, so I could tell it was hectic but still, very happy with their service. If you're like me, and barely know indian food, come here and try the buffet. :)
(5)Quinn V.
Lunch buffet for a cheap price at ~$8. The buffet has all that usual Indian dishes. There's a vegetarian bar, and from goat meat to tandoor chicken. There's also Rice pudding and mango for dessert. For the price, it is a solid place for lunch.
(4)Christy M.
Just like Emma says, this is a solid restaurant. The food isn't as well spiced as it is other places I've tried, but it wasn't bad. This is a good place to bring people who might be shy about trying Indian food for the first time. Mostly North Indian food, very approachable for most people. The lunch buffet is very well-priced and has a good variety of veg and non-veg options. The dishes are all labeled (which I really appreciated), and they taste good. You won't have "The best _____ of your life" here but you can expect to enjoy whatever you eat. The veggie samosas in particular are tasty. Cafe Bombay is hugely popular in my office because it's nearby, decent quality, and a good value. The service is quietly efficient at lunchtime, the ambiance is subdued but not smothering. I've heard that it's incredibly crowded at peak meal times, but I've been right at opening time and then later around 2, and both times were pretty quiet while the food was still hot and fresh-tasting.
(4)Shannendoah G.
I am really happy to live so close to a quality restaurant like this. When I found out that they deliver I almost lost my mind. I just relocated to Atlanta and the only delivery in my home city was pizza. I am looking forward to working my way through the menu starting with the lamb vindaloo.
(5)Ruksana H.
I cannot believe I have not written a review for this place. Chanced upon it my first year in Atlanta and thought I'd go try. Best decision ever. Their lunch buffets are the bomb. I have been lunching and dining there since for the past nine years and have never ever found fault with their food, service or ambience. Every single time I've eaten here, the taste has been the same. That goat curry they make is fantastic. Everything on the buffet rocks - and we are talking 5-6 dishes each for veg and non-veg as well as condiments and 2- desserts. I don't even know if they've bothered increasing their prices of almost a decade. Not that it would stop me! I've celebrated one birthday there as well, taking over the event hall at the back with a large group of friends. Food was served steaming hot, within minutes. Love their shrimp curry too, the Goan one I think. I've taken friends from other cities there and they loved it. I've taken family from India to this place and they swore that goat curry did them in. Recommend it 100% any day.
(5)Kiran K.
I don't know how this place got so many good reviews. I believe it might be due to the ambience and service (that's the reason for my two stars). But, as an Indian (and I also tried many different Indian restaurants), I can definitely tell that the food is absolutely tasteless.
(2)Jessica Y.
I am a Bradfordian (someone from a small city called Bradford in the north of England renowned for excellent cheap curry) who is searching for a decent curry fix in Atl! I have tried several places and been dissapointed, I have also tried Purnima on Buford where I have to advise the food is excellent but the overall atmosphere and and experience is lacking!! Well the searching is over, I have found my curry haven. I completed my third visit here last night. On walking into cafe Bombay immediately you are pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and decor which is inviting, friendly and luxurious in that over the top tacky indian restaurant kind of way. I think you know what I mean. It is often busy but never crowded. The staff are friendly and seat you immediately. Last night there was a belly dancer which was great. She was dancing with children, there's a very laid back vibe which I like. They take your order in a timely manner and bring you water and free poppadums and pickles (always a sign of an excellent curry house). There is a bar here if you want a beer. The food is great. I have tried: Lamb rogan josh 5 stars- big tender chunks, not fatty, nice sauce not too spicy. Lamb korma- 5 stars- as above. A little bit of spice in the korma sauce which is good. Chicken tikka masala- 4 star- good, very mild and a little sweet so 4 not 5. Big chunks of tender chicken. Pea and potato curry- 4 star - tasty. Very spicy but goes well with raita. Chicken afghan (mango)- 5 star plus the best curry on the menu. Sweet, creamy a bit spicy. I did share this though, may be a bit much on its own. Rice is great and you get lots of it, it comes with curry you dont pay extra which is how it should be. Original and peshwari naans (filled with Sultanas and coconut) are delicious. I had the thali where you get to try two of the special curries. You also get raita, salad, naan, rice and rice pudding. Its great value and i would recommend if you like the sound of the special curries, you can share the naan on this with your friend. See photo. I have been to the lunch buffet where I have tried other dishes too. I would not recommend going to this. Its good value, 10 dollars all you can eat, but the food is not as good. I would only give the buffet 3 stars. Bring your ten dollars back on an evening and put it to one of the dishes i mention above. I can not wait to come back here. I will definately be trying vegetable samosas then because they look amazing!!!
(5)L S.
Not only is the food amazing, but the service as well. I usually go for the lunch buffet. The goat curry is probably some of the best goat curry I've ever had. The saag is also delightful.
(5)Purnima S.
Of all the Indian restaurants I have tried in Atlanta in past one year (I have tried most of the) , I like this place the best. Food is good, the ambience is decent, we have belly dancing Friday's which is cool. I want to give it 4.5 starts but did not want to give it a 4 either, therefore 5 is where I settle :)
(5)Alicia D.
As far as Indian food is considered in ATL: THIS. IS. IT. You won't find better quality to price ratio other than here. The servings are large, the staff is super friendly and attentive, and the flavors and food are full and fresh. My boyfriend and I have made this our date night go-to, because its just that damn good. We probably go here 3-4 times a month. Go for the Aloo Tiki Chat for an appetizer. And of course, you can never go wrong with Chicken Tikka Masala. (We order ours "extra spicy" for the flavoring).
(5)Jaina P.
This was the first Indian restaurant I went to when I first moved to Atlanta and my first experience was great. I went back a few times after and their food and service just wasn't the same. Food was often coming out cold and the taste just doesn't hit the spot, there's no kick to it. As far as the service, terrible! Three times of the handful that I've been there I've felt rushed. Definitely not my go-to for Indian food anymore.
(2)Stephanie T.
We go here in a regular basis and have tried many menu items. Everything is good so far! They are also accommodating and patient with my food allergies.
(4)Thanh N.
I went here twice for the lunch buffet (about $10 during the week, $12ish weekends) during my eight night-stay in Atlanta and I really liked it. It was my first time having Indian food and I wasn't disappointed. The Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandori chicken, naan and mint chutney were my favorites. The mango lassi was awesome, but my boyfriend said it's a bit overpriced ($4).
(4)Raja V.
What can I say. An awesome buffet . The manager, Ricky was very attentive. I will say I was looking for a dish with more kick. Well, Ricky was kind enough to discuss this with us and offer special indian hot sauce at no extra charge. Needless to say, the hot sauce kicked my butt! Still a great overall value. I hope to come back and actually try an entree. P
(5)Rashar d.
This place is soooo good. The buffet is so very tasty and the customer service is top notch. I love the way the food is seasoned it is just orgasmically tasty!
(5)Stacy S.
Came here for their lunch buffet. The food here was excellent! I was surprised that they did not have curry chicken though. Ambiance and decor were lovely!
(4)Elizabeth S.
Was in town for business, and went Monday night with a colleague/friend. SO good. In fact, so good that when someone Wednesday night suggested we go there I didn't object, even though I usually like to diversify my dining options on business trips. Night one, we shared an order of the chat -- it's a pretty big order, too much for two people, especially with the food that followed. The raw onion flavor was a bit overpowering, but the spice was great -- nice kick to it, too! My friend got the Afghani chicken with mango and loved it; I had the chicken korma, and also love it. We had an order of naan -- perhaps the best I've had to date. Ordered a second and almost finished it! Night two, 8 of us went and they were able to accommodate us without a reservation. Most of us ordered Thalis -- great price for the amount of food provided. The choices for the Thali were limited, but it was fine since they were all delicious: Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Paneer, Rice, Naan, Raita (excellent raita!) and what I think was rice pudding; I was too full! I would definitely return here next time I'm in the area and recommend it highly!
(4)Michelle M.
Based on the reviews I had high hopes. Hopes DASHED! The Chicken Tikka Masala was TERRIBLE. It tasted like Chef Boyardee tomato sauce was used to to cook the chicken in. YUCK! The Rogan Josh (which is my FAVORITE Indian dish) was WAY too salty...probably an effort to cover the fact that it had no flavor. What stumps me about this is that the place was FULL of Asian Indians, which is usually a sign that the food in a place is good. That was not the case here. Maybe they have separate food for Americans? Will NOT return!
(1)Nishant J.
Ok - quick review. My fave punjabi restaurant in Atlanta (The review is veggie centric ). Probably the best ambiance for Indian food in Atl (only one as good is bhojanic but bhojanic food is so bland and meh..) They got hookah and free papad/chutney on the table which def. adds something for me. Ok the pluses on food - Their Malai kofta/ Shahi paneer almost the same gravy are to die for. Comparable to some good to very good punjabi restaurants in Bombay ! Im a sucker for good nan and this place has the best bullet and garlic nan in town. The palak gravies are good too as is the tarka daal. Their gobhi manchurian was surprisingly good too as was the amritsari paneer (appetizer) The not so good is the service and the panner makhni or the red gravy mix vegetable or veg makhni/korma. Stay away from these. All in all its become a weekly hang out !
(4)ILAN S.
I've had better Indian food. The service is good, and the flavor of the good is good, but it's not as good as other restaurants. The lamb/goat is very fatty...it's hard to find good pieces. The eggplant is just greasy mush. The rice pudding was soupy. The butter chicken is a little dry. Again, not bad, but, I won't be coming back as long as other places are open
(3)Kelly Z.
Came here for dinner last night, we got veggie samosas and shared the chicken tikka masala with onion naan. They gave us a complimentary spiced cracker with a green chutney. The cracker was very salty and the chutney didn't really work with it. Samosas- filled with potato chunks and peas, tamarind sauce that came with it was perfectly sweet. pretty good. Chicken tikka masala- I asked for it spicy but it was completely mild which was disappointing. Flavor was on point and lots of big chunks of white meat chicken. Onion naan- soo good. buttery, oniony, naany perfection. This was more than enough food for two people and we had leftovers, the samosas and the creamy curry were delicious but both were on the heavier side. Service was attentive and very friendly. Also, this is probably one of the nicest indian restaurants I've been to in terms of ambience. They have the high backed leather chairs I love so much!
(3)Savita N.
The decor is nice and busy restaurant thats why i think they dont care to welcome you with smile ,i went for sunday buffet wih family , the food is always same from Monday to sunday and this time the saag was stale even my mom said it , one guy with chef coat on don't know was chef or buffet refiller I told him about it and the owner with no expression always was listeling but never took any action . I was there Half an hour after that but they didn't change it . Please beware if you go and eat the buffet . They charge for 10 year old kid for full adult price even all American restaurant have different kids rate.
(1)Sara M.
I wish I wasn't still full from dinner because I really want to eat my leftovers. The food was awesome and made me glad I chose this place to treat my SO for his birthday. The service was a little slow, but the food more than made up for it. This is definitely a place I'll have to come back to. From the outside, the place looks a bit like a possibly seedy nightclub. The windows are darkly tinted so you can't see inside and there are a couple of random posters tacked up near the door. Inside, though, the decor is classy and intimate. This place is perfect for a dinner with friends or a group date. We were brought water pretty quickly, but after that, it took a while for anyone to come by. Both of us ordered Indian beer. I went with the Taj Majal, which was smooth but flavorful. My dude chose the Haywards 5000. It was also good, but I liked mine better. We placed an order for vegetable samosas and naan. My SO chose the samosas, which were good, but I've never been a huge fan of the seasoning in them. The naan, though, was excellent. Warm, soft, and just plain yummy. I had to make a concerted effort to stop eating it so that I'd have room for my meal. I chose the lamb tikka masala. Ohhhh my goodness it was good. The sauce was mild and creamy with just a touch of sweetness. My SO had the lamb vindaloo, which is a spicy dish. I tried a bit of rice mixed with the sauce and yikes. It's a slow spiciness that sneaks up on you. He said that it was good, but kept sneaking spoonfuls of my sauce to mix with his rice. The guy who kept refilling our waters was on top of things. I don't think my glass ever got even halfway empty. But our server was a little slow in the beginning. And when we ordered dessert from someone different, it took a while to come out. But it certainly wasn't bad service and will not deter us from coming back.
(4)Adree O.
I had not been a huge fan of Indian food till I finally visited Cafe Bombay. I had been wanting to come over a year. A friend of mine came by and said she had a taste for spice. The perfect time to visit Cafe bombay. We went for the lunch buffet on a friday and I also brought my 9 year old son (who is very finicky). the place wasnt crowded at all but still had enough patrons to make me feel that it must be ok. I tried so many different things and most were very tasty. I absolutely loved the Chicken Tikka Masala and the biryani. The fact that they serve biryani is why I wanted to come in the first place. I will be back!
(5)Paige N.
I really need to learn to pace myself more... but it was so tasty I didn't want to stop! I met a couple of girlfriends at Cafe Bombay for dinner the other night, I'd been once before for their lunch buffet (also fantastically delish!), but this was my first dinner experience. And like I said, no one held back - calories be damned! My two friends have dined there many times (one's from India originally, so she really knows her stuff), and they both recommended I order one of the thalis since they come with your choice of two or three veggie and meat dishes, naan, rice, raita yogurt (like tatziki sauce) and rice pudding for dessert. Game on! To get the full effect of Cafe Bombay I ordered one veggie and one meat that night: I ordered a spicy veggie combo of peas and mushrooms and the chicken tikka masala (I love me some chicken tikka!). Both my friends also got thali combos but they stuck to vegetarian ones. And when the platters came out, I was delighted. It was a beautiful presentation - fresh baked naan and shredded lettuce in the middle of a round platter surrounded by five little individual dishes of basmati rice, steaming peas and mushrooms, hot chicken tikka masala, raita yogurt and a dish of rice pudding to finish it off. Hellooooo carb overload! But it was so good! The tikka was spectacular - I literally sopped up every bit of leftover sauce with my naan, the peas and mushrooms were awesome, the rice was moist and fluffy and the naan... I don't think I've ever had naan that good before. It was like crack cocaine in bread form! And even though I was beyond full before I even hit dessert, you can bet you bottom dollar I finished off the rice pudding. I think we all felt a little guilty afterward, but like I said it was so good, it was impossible to stop without finishing everything. And that's a really good reason I work out - so I can eat with abandon (sometimes at least - when the occasion warrants it). Along with the excellent food, the staff was very friendly and attentive taking our drink orders, refilling our water glasses regularly, and brining our food and check promptly. The decor is very comfortable too - plush chairs to linger in, nice table clothes and white napkins, and lower lighting that makes the whole place feel warm and welcoming. If you haven't tried Cafe Bombay yet, and you like some well prepared Indian food, go! Go, go, go! It's a great deal for really great food!
(5)Kirti A.
The buffet was excellent. Decent number of varieties. Though, the sweets looked old, biryani was just awesome and chicken tikka masala was authentic. Will be back for the biryani
(4)L. W.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant! I always get the couples special. For $32 you get two apps, 2 entrees, naan and dessert. It's all amazing and I always have lunch the next day. The servers could be a little more attentive but they are nice enough and as long as the food keeps tasting the way it does I will keep coming back!
(4)Brian C.
The buffet is amazing, both in quality and value. No where else can you get such a huge variety of absolutely delicious Indian food. Every single thing here is so good.
(5)John B.
I rarely give out 5 stars because rarely is everything perfect. Everything wasn't perfect here either, but easily dismissed. The service is a bit unusual, at least to us. The waiter takes the order, but other guys bring the food and yet other guys bus the table. Nobody is particularly friendly. The service is excellent, but unusual. I don't hold it against them, but if you like friendly chatter with a server, you will not get it here. The food: Out gold standard is the lamb bryani at Mount Everst in Evanston, IL. It's to die for. Well, the lamb bryani at Cafe Bombay was even better. Nuff said! Atmosphere: Very traditional looking. I have not been in India, but this is what I would expect there.
(5)Stephanie V.
This place is the... dare I say it... Bombay! First off, the service was impeccable. Our server was kind, and our water glasses were never empty. Secondly, the price isn't bad at all at $11 per person, and there are plenty of dishes to meet the needs of carnivores and vegetarians alike! I'm sure you could pick out some great gluten-free dishes, too. Once you're done, you just walk up to the cashier-- no need to wait for your check, then your card, etc. and she was also very nice. My favourite thing is how GOOD all of the food was. Well-spiced, fresh dishes (long before things ran out they were replacing them with fresh stuff! I've not seen that in many other buffets before) and plenty for everyone. Great Halal meat dishes.
(5)Christina J.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is nicer than what I was expecting. We had several different servers and I couldn't keep track of them except for two. One of them was a really sweet young kid with braces who gave us some extra bismati rice for our to go boxes and was all smiles the entire time. Another guy recommended a vegetarian dish that was "not on the menu" that consisted of spinach and chickpeas in a curry sauce. What came out was basically chicken saag (and that's what it said on the final bill). It was still good though and we're not vegetarians (see below) so we didn't say anything about the mix up. But he did come over to the table, looked at the chicken saag and noticed that it wasn't what he recommended by muttering something under his breath, but never directly said anything to us about it. We started off with the meat samosas and punjabi aloo chat. I thought the meat samosas were better than most other samosas I've had and the punjabi aloo chat was crisp and light. For our entrees, we had naan, chicken tikka misala (which was the entire reason we came here- my date was craving it) and the chicken saag. The naan and chicken tikka misala were both ok. I thought the chicken tikka misala was a little too sweet, which was odd. But the chicken saag was tasty, definitely my favorite of the entrees. There was also a bellydancer at certain points. It was a cool idea but a little unsettling when I saw a 9 year old girl stick a dollar bill in her skirt. They also have hookahs, which we didn't try. Seems like it would be good for a group setting on a Friday or Saturday night out but I was surprised as to how many families were there with their kids.
(3)Megan F.
A delicious, reliable standby for me and my friends for Indian food. The food is consistently good, served in large portions, and fairly priced. The lunch buffet is definitely where it's at though; I always leave a bit too full and happy.
(5)Jessica B.
This place is awesome. I had always been afraid to try Indian food because I always hated the way it smelled when people made it. It wash't the food I was actually afraid of; I just didn't want to be around those smells. My sister convinced me that Indian food was amazing and I had to try it. And as a foodie, I couldn't let something like fragrance keep me from trying anything. So we went to this place, and the first thing I noticed was that it was full of Indian people! I thought to myself, "Man...this is going to be great food!" You typically don't go to ethnic restaurants and see the people there because usually the ethnic food we serve in America isn't authentic. The second thing I noticed was that I didn't smell anything :-) The third thing I noticed was that there were all different types of people: black people (well, not that many lol), white people, old people, young people, business people, hipsters. I like places like that. Anyway, the food was awesome, and this is now one of my favorite restaurants! The food is not spicy like I thought it would be. The dining rooms are decorated nicely, and I think at times they have a belly dancer. But I think you may have to make reservations for that because she was there one night while we were, but we weren't seated on that side. Oh, the service is just ok. I hate to say it, but I never expect exceptional service from Asian restaurants. They are not rude people, but they just aren't raised when the kind of "manners" we are here in the southern US. So, don't get angry with them. Also, they have very thick accents, and I often have no idea what they're saying to me, so I just smile and nod. Oh! One more thing. I've only been there for dinner, but I think they must have a buffet for lunch. I'd like to make it sometime so I can try more things.
(5)Mary S.
Had vegetarian thali for dinner, with remarkably good bread, raita, spicy spinach paneer, and curried onion fritters--all very good, served in cute little bowls on a biggish round platter. The atmosphere was pleasing and peaceful and the service was attentive, pleasant. The other clientele, oddly, were lumpy, frumpy Americans (my own kind) and elegant, beautiful, carefully dressed folks from the mysterious east. You know, with flashing kohl-rimmed eyes and ankle bracelets and stuff. Why? For lunch they have a buffet, with vegetarian and meat-centric dishes in two different lines, I like that. Anyway, their food is very good and they take good care of you.
(3)Laura N.
Cafe Bombay is still my favorite Indian lunch buffet, serving Punjabi food, which is my favorite type of Indian cuisine. The price of the lunch buffet is currently $10 per person - less expensive than the price in 2010. I adore the chicken tikka masala, kadhai paneer, palak paneer, tandoori chicken, and the biryani. The saffron rice is also good. The naan was great when it was fresh out of the oven, but it turned rubbery once it got cold. Sit in the room with the pillows for a more exotic dining experience. This restaurant is still, by far, the classiest Indian restaurant I've ever visited.
(5)Mick D.
You know that passage out of the _Kama Sutra_ where... Nevermind. Suffice it to say that the food is really good. And it doesn't matter if you're a carnivore or a vegetarian. Everything we ate was spiced in good balance, but if you want something hot enough to blow your pantaloons off, I'm sure they'll have no problem accommodating you. Most people know of this place for their highly regarded lunch buffet. Indeed, before this review, the buffet was all I'd ever experienced, and I will tell you that the buffet does present a very nice cross section of Indian dishes. I would easily bring an Indian-food neophyte here, and the "initiated" will also find plenty to enjoy. The cooks here really do seem to know what they're doing. There must be a traditionalist or two back in the kitchen. There's a reason this place gets so packed at lunchtimes, and it does stay busy throughout the lunch hours. I finally ate dinner at Cafe Bombay (no buffet at dinnertime), and was pleased to find the experience to be quite nice, perhaps even more enjoyable than the lunch buffet. Dinner dishes are hand-crafted. Guests seem to get more attention. And (of course) folks aren't in a rush to get back to work. Much more relaxed than the lunch hours, people are actually lingering over their meals. And it's true, the meal is worth lingering over. We chose to sample a wide variety of things among our table: The Chicken Malai Kabab and the Seekh Kabab (we chose chicken), are total hits. Especially the Seekh Kabab, minced chicken with spices and herbs, skewered and grilled. I'd never had it before, and will definitely have it again. We got the "Bread Basket" (three pieces of naan: Garlic naan, Onion naan, and Plain naan). I really enjoyed the Onion naan. I'll go back for that. We had the Matar Paneer (total crowd pleaser), some Dal Makhani (yum!), and the Gobi Manchurian (Spiced cauliflower cooked with bell peppers & onions in chili soy sauce). This Indo-Sino fusion dish is apparently a hit even among folks living in India, and I can see why. It rocks! We tried the Kadhai Shrimp, too (shrimp cooked with stir fried bell peppers and onions). I don't normally eat seafood at Indian restaurants (ahem!) , but I'm glad I tried this. It wasn't overdone, and it didn't clash with anything else on the table. The thing that really impresses me: even though I only eat here maybe two or three times a year, they remember me. And at dinner, they even remembered that they typically only ever see me at lunch. How they remember this, I have no idea. I do think Cafe Bombay is genuinely interested in taking care of their customers. Cafe Bombay has a private room for events both large and small, and I might just have to take a group there sometime...
(5)Michelle F.
Enjoyed Cafe Bombay my entree was too spice for me I know its Indian food but my hubby who likes Thai said it was to spice for him. So ask about the spice level before ordering. I must say the waiter asked about my meal and said it was to spice for me he remade the dish without me asking. Which speaks to their excellent level of customer service that I received. The restaurant is located in strip mall with several other restaurants that I might try.
(4)Zlatko U.
I went here the other night with a friend of mine. We had a phenomenal meal. This included a split appetizer and a main course that left us with food babies. Heck, I even had enough for leftovers! The service was pretty good, and our water glasses were always quickly filled. Unfortunately, they were closing down a bit early and kind of kicked us out with the looks and cleaning activity around us.
(4)Cynthia D.
The lentil dish and naan I had was amazing but I can't stand rude service! They kept trying to rush us out. Four ladies out to dinner, all drinking and all ordering food? What was so bad about us?? There were plenty of open tables, no wait at the door, but the servers kept demanding that we hurry up. Also, we got there at 5:30pm so it's not like we were keeping them past closing time. About 4 of them stopped by trying to put my carry-out in a plastic bag. I hate plastic bags because I love the environment so I kept politely refusing the bag. Finally, this guy came up, didn't even ask, grabbed my food, threw it in a plastic bag, and walked off without saying anything. Whhhaaat. Definitely had intense, prompt service!! Despite all this, I can't drop below three stars because the ambiance is very cute, the restaurant was easy to park at, and the food was great!! Maybe we just caught them on a weird night.
(3)Natasha G.
Love this place. I have been coming here for a few years and love the atmosphere and the people. The staff is always welcoming and friendly. The curry chicken entre is to die for. If are in the mood for fine Indian cuisine, I would recommend you come here. This is the number one spot for sure.
(5)Cindy W.
Since Panahar was a little too far for my friend and I, we decided on Cafe Bombay. The weekend buffet is $12, which isn't awful. I'm not even sure if I'm spelling half the things correctly, but the menu selection included: Khadafi chicken Punjabi Khadafi paneer tandoori chicken- that really red chicken? chicken tikka masala - tomato and cream stewed chicken goat curry some coconut-based cream vegetable curry some type of fried vegetable and curry saag palak- spinach curry vegetable pakoras - fried veggie mixture raita- creamy cucumber & yogurt based sauce salad preserved vegetable accompaniments naan gajar halwar- dessert chopped carrot mixture fruit custard rice pudding gulab jamun I think overall the food was palatable, but my only gripes were that the spice was SO toned down, and that the meat was quite dry/overcooked and thus, tough. The best dishes were the vegetable curries, tikka masala, tandoori chicken, and goat curry (though you really had to dig to find anything other than bones and sauce). The raita cucumber sauce is completely refreshing, though the salad needed some work. There were brown edges to them! Ew! The naan wasn't fluffy, per se; it retained a more egg-like crepe texture than anything else. The rice pudding wasn't bad, and I've always gagged on gulab jamuns, no matter what renditions, so I steered clear on those. The fruit custard/pudding/sauce was very thin, and I don't know if it was intentional or not, but the fruit in it was canned. Kind of gross....the gajar halwar was all right though, but it is what it is- sweetened carrot mixture. Cafe Bombay remains one of the better furnished Indian restaurants I've been to, replete with dark, granite tables, very dim lighting, and eccentric/religious baubles/statues near the food. I found the music to be kind of disconcerting and waaaay too mellow. I just wanted to curl up and cry, listening to piano renditions of Guzarish and Apologize (One Republic). I didn't think the food was overly salty, but I was definitely feeling the weight when I ingest too much sodium 5 hours afterwards. Definitely drink a lot of water after you eat here. Overall, not bad, but I'm not dying to come here. I reaally, really lamented the toned down spices. So much lost potential. It's like taming a tiger. Who does that?
(3)Han L.
ehhh, I had the lunch buffet. It's a solid 3 in my book. The servers here were very attentive, helpful, and friendly. I liked how the dude brought my messy self more napkins, even before I requested any. That's conscientiousness! It's a decently decorated restaurant w leatherette chairs. It's 10.99 for lunch buffet. It's naan tasted like tortillas. Good buffet food: I. chicken tikki massala - most tender meat on buffet II. kheer ( rice pudding) - not too sweet, has milky taste, bit of pistachio, I'm guessing, in it III. galjjar ka halwa ( shredded carrots) - I can eat this all day long. It tastes almost like sweet potato souffle, but via carrots! Some of the other foods: tandoori - ehh -- it's ok galub jamun - not good; did not tasted fresh palak paneer - clearly it's been sitting out, so it was oxidated green and salty. Hey, I still ate it. I like that shite I'd like to try items from their menu one day and compare them to the buffet items. Yelp 365 #35/365
(3)J. W.
My son and I waited out Atlanta rush hour traffic after spending several hours with my angry, demented mother. It was a refreshing oasis in the middle of two miserable sh*#storms. We had the chicken korma and chicken Goa, both delicious. The food is perfectly seasoned and cooked to well. The staff is attentive, albeit drenched in Polo cologne. I will definitely return to try their lunch buffet.
(4)Ivan S.
I like Indian food, but I don't crave it like I do other cuisines. Cafe Bombay could make me change that. Everything I had, from the Desi wings to the paneer cheese encrusted naan to the chicken masaala, made me actually want to call the Delta Airlines CSR I bitched at last week and apologize to him directly for my bad behavior. I think his name was "Ken." The food came out quickly and they handled our large crowd pretty easily. But we weren't the only large crowd there as most tables had at least 6 or more tops to deal with. The room itself was pretty nice, our tables topped with Corian and only one of the four needed Macguyvering to fix the wobble. Eric S. brought some "You've been yelped!" cards but failed to actually leave them on the table. He was going to go back in when we pointed out the "Yelp loves us!" sticker on the door. And you know what? Yelp does indeed love Cafe Bombay. Five stars!
(5)Bongo S.
For a white southern boy, I love ethnic food. Maybe it's my affinity for Buford Hwy, which I grew up off of and still live nearby. I could never fathom spending my time or money on the trendy joints that have sprung up in my hometown in the last 10 years (closer to five probably) but that's just me. Cafe Bombay fills a need in my soul to get something quick, tasty and cheap. I have eaten off the menu a few times, but that gives a limited space on my plate for the things that I really want, which is meat. The lunch buffet is 10 bucks and I can sample a variety of decent Indian treats. Unlimited naan, okay it's cold, but it's a filler anyway, and choices of somewhat under seasoned protein. Like I said, in and out in under 30 minutes and I have the farts all day. My dog loves that when it's hot out and the window are up and the air is on .
(3)Yvonne G.
First of all, Cafe Bombay is not my place at all. I heard about this place from my friends. Since I really enjoyed Indian food from some other places. I decided to try Cafe Bombay. Maybe I just didn't order the right things. Second, OMG. I didn't find their health score at the restaurant. So I checked online after I got home. It was 71-C, low C!!! It was from August 19th, 2010. They had other scores also. The highest was 90, the lowest was 60. I guess it might be my first and last visit unless my friends drag me to there. These are what did we order: Beverages: Mango Lassi - $4.00 (3 and half stars) It wasn't the best Mango Lassi I had ever had. But it wasn't the worst either. Rose Water Lassi - $4.00 (2 Stars) It was too watery. I like sticky Lassi better. Appetizers: Assorted Vegetable Platter - $8.00 (4 stars) There were one Assortment of Samosa, one Spring Roll which was cut into half and some Vegetable Pakoras. It was my favor after all. The Spring Roll tasted like some Chinese Spring Roll. It was nothing special. Usually, I like Samosa a lot. Cafe Bombay's was okay. I had better one before. About Pakoras, it was some deep-fried potatoes with cumin, and it was really good. Entree: Chili Chicken - $12.00 (2 stars) From their menu's description: Chicken with bell peppers and onions in a spicy chili sauce. I was really disappointed when I had the first bit. And I didn't want to try one more bit of it. The Chili Chicken tasted like from some Americanized Chinese sweet and sour chicken with some chili sauce. It was the lest thing I expected at an Indian restaurant. And we also ordered some oily lamb dish which was not worth to mention it. The naan was pretty good, tasted like garlic bread. The rice we ordered was okay. That's about everything.
(2)Dai T.
Lunch buffet is awesome. Tikka Masala! Saag Paneer! Curry Shrimp Goa! (wasn't great and not usually on the menu...but the sauce was pretty darn tasty) Great way to try some good Indian food without the hefty price tag. Buffet price seems to change based on weekday vs weekend. $9.99 vs $12.99 but still great value for the food. Also, its nice to see Indians eating here. For some reason, it gives the food some street cred in my book!
(4)Mia C.
One of the best Indian buffets I've had in Atlanta. Though it is situated in a rundown strip mall, the food makes up for the location. We went for the dinner buffet and was impressed.
(4)Dio S.
A very decent dinner can be had with a group. Underwhelming lunch buffet. At the lunch buffet I was offended by the soggy, flavorless Chicken 65. Several vegetarian dishes are good, but the only meat dish worth eating is the goat curry, like many have said. Also disappointing was limited selection of pastry items. It is a more expensive lunch buffet than most Indian places, without seemingly having an obviously larger selection or higher quality. I had good experience eating dinner here with group. The quality of dinner items was good with a respectable variety one would expect from a place that does banquets and has belly dancers. After eating here several times, it feels like an okay place. Kind of expensive for what you get. And I definitely won't be doing the lunch buffet again.
(3)D L.
Usually go for lunch buffet. The selection seems slimmed down from previous years. Food is okay. Naan is okay. Rice is okay. Service is okay. For the price, eh, I don't think the food is good enough to warrant subsequent visitations.
(2)Kevin K.
Wow, this is alongside Rose of India in Chamblee as the best Indian food I've had in Atlanta! (And Rose of India has good days and bad days.) It REALLY hit the spot, and I wasn't even hungover. Went for lunch buffet, which is the biggest buffet I've ever seen at an Indian restaurant. Two whole separate spreads - one vegetarian, one meat. Makes it very easy for vegetarians. The Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Biryani, and Matar Paneer were the highlights for me. This is also one of the "nicer" Indian restaurants I've been in anywhere. Unless they're pointlessly fancy and overpriced, Indian restaurants tend to be pretty no-frills. This one definitely felt like an Indian restaurant, but just at the very nicest end of that feel. It's clearly extremely popular. The place is huge and it was packed. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Megan W.
I've only been lucky enough to enjoy the ($10) lunch buffet. Try not to go during peak lunch hours because it does get super crowded and the register is right in the middle of the two buffets which causes the line for food and paying customers to intertwine. Try the chicken tiki masala- you won't regret it. They also have a vegetarian option for it, but only on certain days. Oh, and get the carrots! Delish!
(4)Sabrina J.
Love this place. I go all the time. Halal so I can eat the chicken!! :) Chicken biryani, tikka masala and butter chicken all delicious. They have a lunch buffet that is totally yummy, plenty of options and a good price. Not sure what they are called but little boneless slightly breaded chicken with the red look of tikka was sooo good.I also hardly ever like rice pudding but theirs is super cold and yummy. It is all pretty mild (flavorful, but not HOT spicy) so if you want it hot reiterate it! One of the managers is really nice ( i do not remember his name at the moment). Also I came in late from their lunch buffet (about to close in 15 minutes, but they let me eat from it anyway, even bringing out extra rice pudding even though they said that they would not replenish off of the buffet since it was about to close). The other wai staff is attentive, not overly friendly, but they do whatever you ask in accomodating your food order and do not bother you much. My go to for Indian in ATL. THey also mentioned that they have belly dancing onFridays and Saturday--but I have never been in for it. Also they have hookah in the back room area (also never done it yet), so if I ever get a dinner companion I will probably try it. #singlegirlproblems lol.
(4)R J.
I actually heard about this restaurant from a chef so I decided to give it a go. For starters, the gentleman who took my order... was very courteous and I would imagine heard me well when I said, "please... less oil in everything if possible"... The If possible thing probably threw him off because the 'to go' order was brimming with oil! The chicken pcs were large, un-marinated hunks of meat which were actually inedible. Lastly, I hate long reviews so I'll just say... when customers say LESS OIL.... Please listen to them! This place is another unimpressive restaurant in the lucrative Indian Atlanta landscape.
(1)Christofer P.
So not good. It was cheap Indian food for good Indian food prices. We will never go there again. The Trader Joe's frozen meals are better. We'll stick with Planet Bombay (L5P) or Madras, or anything BUT this place. Meh.
(1)Amaryllia L.
I'm not a big fan of Indian food, mainly because I followed an Indian friend home in 5th grade and experienced real home-cooked Indian food, complete with sitting on the floor and eating luke-warm, bland, mushy food with our hands. Well, that was 20 years ago. Today, I changed my mind because a group of coworkers wanted to come and the positive Yelp reviews made me feel pretty good about it. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality and price ($10) of their lunch buffet...and I no longer have a hatred/fear of Indian food! Clearly, I wasn't the only one who felt that way though because the place was paaacked! Luckily, they have plenty of space to fit everyone so no worries. Minus one star only because the dessert balls in syrup were terrible and the food is actually quite heavy and rich, which isn't ideal for lunch or as a buffet. I left over an hour ago and am still having trouble breathing (stomach taking up my lung space methinks) and struggling to stay awake at work. I'm also feeling extremely unhealthy right now, like my blood is turning into a greasy sludge, so visits back here in the future will be very limited. PS. Goat is da bomb!
(4)Saira K.
So sorry about my recent lunch experience here. There wasn't any naan, and when it was brought out, it was as hard as a cracker. The biryani was cold. This place has potential. Maybe they've become a bit careless. I have enjoyed lunch and dinner here, but now that the naan is inedible, I'm reluctant to return.
(2)Treasure A.
So I love Cafe Bombay. I always crave more after I leave. Anyways, here is my review. This is the first Indian restaurant that I visited in Atlanta. My first visit was during the lunch buffet with a professor. She told me what she generally got, but the food was so good that I wound up trying everything. I liked it all especially the spicy chicken and the goat. I usually just eat that with the rice, some naan, and go in for a good 30 minutes. My second or third visit I tried all of the deserts at the recommendation of my server. The rice pudding was soooo good. He brought them all to me, told me the names, and asked how I liked them afterwards. (Interjection: I had Indian food at a traditional Indian wedding that was sponsored by a small family owned company sometime after my first experience with Cafe Bombay and, in my opinion, the food at Cafe Bombay was more flavorful and definitely spicier than that.) Finally, I am eating my leftovers from yesterday. I got the lamb vindaloo, meat samosa, and naan. Yesterday, it was so great. My friend had to stop me from eating all of my vindaloo because it was definitely enough for two people (for only $12!!) Also, the samosa's were much bigger than I expected and two had me very full along with the glass of water that the waiter kept refilling. I was literally sniffing from the spices, but it was so delicious I kept eating. Today, it was even better! I put the naan in the oven, added some almond oil and water to the rice and lamb, let it simmer a little. 15 minutes later I can still taste the spices and flavors in my mouth. I'm literally in bliss right now. I also love the general ambiance of the restaurant and I like the music.
(5)JaneDoe D.
We saw the owner's adult son take up his plate twice to the buffet without getting a new plate. He was eating as he was putting the new food on top of the old food. The serving spoons were touching where his fork had been. It was disgusting and against the FDA food code! I've been going here a couple of years and the food is alright, but the customer service has always been bad -- they treat you like they don't need or want your business. Now that we've seen the son/manager treat the buffet like his own personal trough, we will not be returning. If you do go, be careful not to fall down the big stair that takes you into the back dining room. It's another thing that is not up to code.
(2)Ben-Sheryl B.
While my wife and I were on our honeymoon a little over a month ago, she discovered that Indian food was her new favorite food. I took her to Cafe Bombay (where I occassionally go for lunch with my co-workers) and this is her new favorite place. It's buffet but we're so weird, we only get 3 things: naan, rice and chicken tikka masala. It's amazingly good. It's about $11 per person with tax but you stay full ALL DAY (ok maybe because we go overboard there!) but it is so good! We are too scared to try any other Indian restaurants because we are too spoiled here. Delicious!
(5)J. G.
Great British Indian Restaurant. The Vindaloo is proper hot.
(5)Tabetha J.
Well, I've been having some exposure to Indian food lately. Apparently I was at a super authentic SOUTH indian restaurant last weekend, so the food was completely different than Cafe Bombay. I came here for lunch. There was the typical Indian Buffet going on. This is more along the lines of what I'm used to when it comes to Indian food. I had some butter chicken, some rice, some pink kind of meat and some yellow spicy rice, potatoes... I liked everything I ate. The atmosphere was nice and the wait staff literally stands there watching the dining room waiting to either pour you some water, clear your plate, or just give you a smile. Good stuff. I wonder what dinner is like...
(4)Malay B.
One of the worst places I have eaten in my life. Rude waiters, nasty behavior from everyone. Seems like they are not happy having customers there. Avoid at all cost.
(1)Renee B.
I took the guy here for his bday last year and we went on a night when they had the bellydancers. We had the goat curry and some other stuff but all i remembered was the naan. It was so good. We went back another time for the lunch buffet and since then, I've gone back by myself a few times for the lunch take out. I always get the Biryani rice, Goat curry and Naan. What I do is dip my naan in the curry and omg it's so good. I take it back to the lunch room at work and I can see the vultures lurking around waiting for my leftovers or castaways but I give them the evil eye and they all fall back. *smirks*
(4)Phoebe W.
This is my favorite Indian food in the city. I go for the lunch buffet almost every Sunday and it's always consistently delicious. As a vegetarian, I am always pleased to have all of the vegetarian options. Baingan ka bharta, palak paneer, navratan korma, and those delicious onion pakora! I love it all and have brought many of my friends who previously didn't like Indian food and now love it!
(5)Shelby S.
Always delicious and good prices.
(5)james m.
I've been eating here for many years, always love it.
(5)TJ W.
My daughter & I went here recently when she came home from college for the holidays. She had never had Indian food. I've had it before & just recently returned from Spain where I went to an Indian restaurant that was magnificently yummy!! Bombay had been referred to me by a few of my co-workers who frequent the place regularly several who are Indian so I felt pretty confident going in that it would be a good choice. Well needless to say she loved it & we had Indian food again a few days later in Louisiana since she is now such a fan. The waiter suggested a dinner that was priced for 2 that included an appetizer, 2 entrees and a dessert. He said that it was a good "starter" option that allows you to try a variety since we didn't go for the lunchtime buffet which is ALL THE RAGE! We were very pleased with the meal & even ordered several other items that I enjoyed when in Spain that I wanted her to try. Final Comment - Very good food, great service, Very pleasant experience!
(4)Addy C.
Cafe Bombay's lunch buffet is the best in Atlanta - I used to come here many times when I worked in midtown. After a long hiatus, I went again last week w/ a friend and the food's still very good, the place very packed. My favorites were the chicken kebobs marinated in cream cheese, the tandoori chicken, and the pureed sweet carrots for dessert. Service was very good & attentive, as usual. The lunch buffet is $10.05 + tax on Mon-Fri, and $11.99 + tax on Sat-Sun.
(4)Sabrina C.
I'll be honest right around the corner from this joint is my favorite Indian place, it looks like an indian deli however and isn't open for dinner. This is a nice sit down Indian place, it offers a lunch buffet that is ok. The paneer is good as are many of the lentil dishes.
(3)Lauren A.
Great food! Too bad it wasn't until AFTER we paid and ate that I realized the health inspection score was an 85. *disappointed sigh* I'll be back when they step up some.
(3)Tig G.
Amazing! Loved all the food we had. great service, server made the whole table laugh.
(5)Perry F.
This is the first Indian restaurant I've ever gone to and as far as I'm concerned it can be the last. The tikka masala is so buttery and spicy and good that the only answer is monogamy. Culinary monogamy to this restaurant. I like it and I intend to put a ring on it. All joking aside, I can't comment or discount people's bad experiences but I've always had great and consistent service and food. The first time I came here for the buffet I sampled a little bit of everything, even a brown meat I didn't recognize. Turns out it was goat. Do you realize the internal struggle that would have wracked me if I was in a position to convince myself to eat goat? Cafe Bombay and the poor labeling at its buffet made that decision for me. I wouldn't change it for the world. One last anecdote: I took my extremely foreign-food-phobic boyfriend here despite his protests. He ended up loving the naan so much that now he gets a few orders to go and keeps it at home to heat up later in the oven. So that's two thumbs up for the price of one in this review!
(5)Heather N.
This is a solid Indian buffet, but I am taking a star off for chewy cold naan on the buffet (not served hot at the table), and a serious lack of spice in all of the dishes. The tart plum & green chutneys are tasty, but needed some samosas/papadum/pakora/patties/chaat to put them on. The veg korma was quite nice- it reminded me that lima beans are actually good. The goat curry had a great, earthy, cinnamony sauce. ChickenTikka is straight up Campbell's tomato soup. Not much else really stood out, but I did leave happy and (overly) full.
(3)Anj M.
I'm Indian, so my standards for Indian food are fairly high. That said, this is my go-to place to take people who haven't had Indian food before and/or can't handle spice. I've been for dinner before, and like an earlier reviewer, was super confused by the belly dancer. It'd be a lot like having a Hula dancer in a Chinese restaurant...*vague* similarities in culture, but not really. Once I got over the belly-dancing weirdness, dinner was alright. The reason this gets 4 stars and not 3 is because of the location (close to Emory and Executive Park), and the lunch buffet. Whenever my hankering for Indian food gets really hardcore on a weekday, I grab some friends and race here over the lunch break. I'm glad this place exists, but I wouldn't be sad if something better/more authentic opened up in a similar location.
(4)Victoria D.
Great menu, very authentic, reasonably priced, and completely yummy. I had a combination dinner and for $13 I had chicken tikka masala, creamed spinach, rice, naan bread, a cucumber/mint sauce, and a dessert of a rice and sweet milk. It was beautifully presented, with each dish being in a small tin and placed on a round tray. It was easy to share the food around so we could all try it, and I had leftovers. My one complaint would be that it was really not spicy, and I wasn't even asked if I wanted it spicy or not spicy. Not sure if this is because I'm not Indian and it's just a stereotype that we don't like spicy food, but next time I'll just make sure to tell them I want the dish to be spicier. All in all, a good place.
(3)Jonah K.
This place has gone downhill, but its still good for buffet. Its odd that the dinner service is not as fresh as the buffet. I am not sure why this is the case, but I am only going for buffet in the future.
(3)Kevin Z.
The staff is slipping. Only need to listen to themselves to improve the small items that need improvement. 1. To chastise a customer for wanting hot naan during lunch with the admonition " if i do it for you, i have to do it for everyone", is the same as saying " all the customers are demanding hot naan at lunch". A customer focused restaurant would say, why not deliver hot naan to each table with the water and silver ware? How hard is that? 3 minutes after it sits on the buffet its cold and is easily fixed. 2. bring back the wings on lunch..chicken 65 gets dry fast. 3. cook the goat an hour longer....way to tough and chewy. The Chef must be a vegiterian. Do these things and I will give a 5 star rating. From a loyal customer.....15 years plus. 4. where is the bindhi and the lentels?
(3)Zewditu D.
I was very happy with my visit to Cafe Bombay. We needed a spot for a quick lunch and buffet was a great idea to get in and out. I mostly load up on chicken tikka masala, and Cafe Bombay did not disappoint. Also, very good was the red chicken. Yum. Will definitely be making a return visit. Very affordable for all the food you are able to get.
(4)Robert M.
I have to rate what I tasted...and what I tasted was the lunch buffet. I imagine dinner is better and maybe will come back at some point to try this. Maybe. However.... I had the lunch buffet. Let me be clear on this point: I hate buffets. Let me be crystal clear on this point: Buffets suck. Almost every buffet I've ever been to sucked. Save a few in Vegas for breakfast, and Nori Nori here in Atlanta is a decent buffet. Otherwise, they suck. Suck. Suck. Suck. Cafe Bombay is no exception. I felt like Clark Griswald eating blue noisy jello molds. It sucked. Pretty much every meat dish was overcooked. There was some surprise chicken dish that was not only dry, but flavorless. The tikka masala was brutal. The tandoori was well done to say the least. The naan was limp. There were shards of bone in my biryani attempting to puncture body parts. The vegetarian side was marginally better than the meat side. The desserts were scary. Didn't even attempt that. Hate to buffets. Much hate. I don't know why I subject myself to this abuse. At $10, it makes it even worse. To sum it up: Suck. Hate.
(2)Karen N.
Really liked the food. Good nan, rice, lamb vindaloo and several other vegetarian dishes. We went on Friday night and it was crowded-a good sign. But the order taking was chaotic and they had a belly dancer starting at about 8:30 p.m. with very loud music. Nothing against belly dancing, but it seemed a little early for the loud music, and belly dancing is not even an Indian tradition. What up? Friends say that the lunch buffet is a really good value.
(3)pauper c.
I am reviewing their lunch buffet here. Cons: 1. Extremely bad vegetarian options. The vegetarian curries are also cheap, quickly made ones. 2. None of the items had a standard quality. The vegetables they use are cheap. The spinach in palak paneer was tasting very old. The curries are so much oily. The rice is just brittle which means it is old. Quality is overall bad. 3. The Nans are not fresh and your teeth will hence break biting them. 4. The overall service is bad, which is pardonable if they had good food atleast. Will never go here anymore. There are many other great Indian lunch buffet places, who give better quality food and use better quality ingredients.
(1)Amanda M.
My husband and I enjoyed coming here for the lunch buffet. I have to agree now with the 1 and 2 star ratings. Once a few months ago, I was given a water glass with a huge missing shard at the lip and to large cracks running down the sides. I accidentally drank from it before noticing. One of the zombie wait staff who have no skills or training took the glass in the back with no apology and just threw it away. I never received a new glass of water. When we called the manager over, he handled it well and was very concerned. At the time, none of us were sure whether I had sallowed any of the glass, but I am fine and have had no problems. I was impressed with him personally, but his clueless staff are a liability he should be more concerned about. It took us a few months after that to return. But today we were in the mood for Indian buffet, so we decided to make a return trip and give Cafe Bombay another chance. My two star rating is for the fact that the zombie wait staff seemed even worse this time. There seel to be a dozen people who appear to work there, wearing name tags, yet you are treated like cattle at best. But worse is the lack of value of the food vs. the price you pay for it. If this was your only experience at an Indian restaurant, you would think India only had 10 dishes total. The vegetarian side of the buffet today had spinach but not any of those Indian cheese cubes (paneer?), there was a basic chick pea dish lacking complex flavor, and the two other choices were an onion dumpling that just tasted like flour swimming in a thick gravy also tasting like flour, and then another dish that was some kind of chick pea flour ball in another sauce. If you go to panahar, you will get dishes that contain fresh vegetables like cauliflour and whole fingerling potatoes, not flour-based balls of filler smothered with bland gravy. seeing the negligent behavior of the staff first hand at Cafe Bombay and reading reviews here of people getting sick from the food, I do not even want to imagine what goes on in the kitchen.
(2)Winston G.
Went to this place with a number of other Emory Law folk and had a great meal here. We were able to try a number of dishes, including the samosas, the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, shrimp vindaloo, and some vegetable dishes. They were all up to par with what a great Indian restaurant should be. The naan was also well made. I didn't like the service very much (we were with about 10 people) and the rice was way too dry/old. However, all in all, I enjoyed my meal and will be coming back here again.
(4)Roy A.
Probably not fair to rate a restaurant on the basis of its lunch buffet. For that reason, I'm giving it an extra star, for the benefit of the doubt. Buffet food was reasonable in price, REASONABLY flavored, albeit bland on the heat scale, and excessively focused on meat. For the price, a pretty good Indian buffet. Personally, a better choice is across the mall at Chat Patti, the vegetarian Indian cafe.
(4)Robert H.
Piled in here Sunday 3:30 for the buffet after being too late for another place Selection is basic meats / veg and salad. Most of the dishes resemble Indian food and probably contain a vast majority of the same ingredients. Sub par at best. Then throw in 15 bucks a pop (with Soda ) phew..... Thoughts on a couple of items I tried Budgia: I was surprised to see this on the buffet, very daring !! Turns out too daring. Supposed to be warm. crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Actually, luke , dry, spongy and tough.. Naan Supposed to be hot fluffy and light. Closer to pita bread than naan. To be fair though only a few buffets pull this off by delivering the bread to your table when you arrive. Roti would be a far better choice for a buffet Chicken 65 OK I never heard of this dish until I moved to Atlanta nevertheless this version tastes like fried chicken soaked in red food coloring I don't consider this traditional Indian fare all tastes remarkably bland. better off going to an Indian grocery store buying some sauce in a jar and experimenting that way. Crikey, I could put together something better than this with my eyes shut.. CYA !
(1)Dina C.
Due to traffic and other circumstances, I ended up back here for dinner. We got a lamb kabob and the dry chili paneer. It was really good and huge upgrade in flavor and quality from the lunch buffet. The dry chili paneer was incredible. I won't come here for the buffet, but I might make this a dinner spot.
(3)Mike Y.
I've visited Cafe Bombay twice already and the second experience wasn't as good. We had a party of 5 so they sat us in the party room where I'm guessing they do the catered events. Midway through the drinks the lights dimmed and they started blasting some middle eastern music. A belly dancer came out and started to perform. It was actually quite annoying... I just wanted to eat my dinner in peace. Our table ordered a variety of curries that all kind of tasted the same. The only difference being the goat curry which had good flavor, but was full of bones and not much meat. the curries ran the gamut from mild to decently spicy. The Tikka Misala was spicy but not overwhelming. Everything else was just meh... I used to like this place for solid Indian cuisine in Atlanta, but after this experience I might go try others.
(3)Seung G.
This was my first experience at an Indian place where most of the customers weren't Indian. The Not-So-Good To start things off, I wasn't quite sure if the Tandoori Chicken was cooked in the actual clay stove. It didn't have the full tandoori flavoring compared to other places. Also, the naan wasn't really warm. Since this was during buffet time, the naan was just sitting out with no heating. Overall, this place had a limited selection in food options. What's Good? Service was great. They had a lot of waiters that immediately picked up finished place and always refilled water. Most of the dishes I did like. Even with the limited choices in food, most of the dishes were good.
(3)Kevin W.
This is our go to place for Indian food in Atlanta since it was recommended by a friend and we tend to repeat the same ethnic places that we like. I have never been here for the lunch buffet and only for dinner. I guess maybe the food is better when it's not buffet? The service is always pretty good. Although at times you have to flag down a waiter/waitress for more naan or rice after the meal is served. Anyway, I normally get the Bombay mixed grill. The portion is large enough to make 2 meals. It doesn't come with sauce like some of the other items, but gives a nice sampler of meats i.e. chicken, salmon, shrimp and some kind of sausage. I guess the biggest reason I get this one is because it isn't served in a bowl with lots of sauce (I can't handle how rich some of the sauces are). 4/5 for great portion size and enough flavor for me without overpowering. I've had the chicken 65 which I've seen at a few restaurants. It was pretty bland compared to other menu items. In essence it was like the lightly breaded version of boneless chicken wings you can get at most wing places with coloring. I'd say this menu item is a 2/5. I've also had the butter chicken. This one comes in a rich creamy sauce. It has a creamy flavor with a tomato twist? I like getting this one on occasion because it's just so rich. I'd say this menu item is 3/5 since the flavor is average. The naan though is amazing. Particularly the garlic naan. In a group of 4, we can go through 3 orders of this along with rice in a sitting because it's so good. The naan pieces are large, maybe about the size of half a plate each.
(4)Alex K.
All in all a tasty buffet for an affordable price. Everything was tasty and I ate til I could eat no more. The meats were a little dry, but otherwise it was good. I was happy and would come back when I had another craving for Indian food.
(3)Tom N.
This is the second time I've tried Indian food, and I was impressed. The service was great. The restaurant noise is very quiet. We had the chicken masala with basmati rice. We also had a couple of appetizers. Our bill wasn't too bad (around $30+).
(4)Jessica M.
I finally made it to Cafe Bombay after a year in Atlanta without a car. While hard to reach by public transportation, this restaurant is a destination worth a visit for affordable and authentic indian cuisine. We had a variety of dishes but I'd recommend the vegetable samosas - they were light and the tamarind sauce that accompanied the appetizer was delicious. The waiter also recommended many types of specialty drinks he could make for us; in the end they were tasty but not that strong so keep that in mind -- they were $7.50 each.
(4)Wanda J.
The food is overpriced, but decent. The hubs and I went for a group dinner and ordered the carnivorous dinner for two, which came with samosa appetizer, naan, rice, lamb curry, chicken tikka masala, and rice pudding for dessert. The portions looked small when it first came out, but it was actually more than enough for the both of us. We were sweatin' curry by the end of dinner. Looking back, that dinner probably could have fed 3-4 of us. Anyway, the food was just ok, nothing to yelp about. It was definitely overpriced. We left paying $41 with tip. The lunch buffet is probably better for the price, and you get more of a selection.
(3)Joe L.
Good food, but oily and kind of expensive. Even though the majority of the meat dishes here (and all the meat dishes in the lunch buffet) are served with a curry, most of them seem to be overcooked. The chicken has also been consistently dry here (even though it is simmered with the curry) and the beef has been on and off. Only the goat has been consistently moist (and that is mainly because of the high fat content in the goat meat). The tikka massala here is pretty spicy; even my friends who are used to eating spicy foods here were sweating a little bit. The roti and naan here are usually fresh, though I do think they are a bit dry. I'm not super familiar with Indian breads so I can't really say if thats supposed to be normal or not. But they did seem a bit too dry to eat by themselves. The best part of the lunch buffet is being able to try out the differnt curries with the rice roti, naan.Personally, I would just take a big piece of roti, the mix together some rice and one type of curry, and use the roti to pick it up. Its awesome. However, after a while, the meal becomes very one note, with nothing much to break up the constant assault of spices on your mouth. While the lunch here is a good deal (buffet for 10 I think) but not spectacular, the dinner is straight up expensive. One curry dish and unlimited bread and rice for like 10 - 15 dollars (the good ones are like 13 - 15). I think thats a bit too much for what you're getting. So in the end, a good but very one note buffet with a decent price, over priced dinner, and sometimes dry chicken and beef. If you want a good introduction to Indian food, I think this is a good place to start.
(3)Jason B.
Um.... yes yes yes.... Get it in you. It could stand to be a little spicier, but other than that... YUM YUM!
(5)Kevin F.
Cafe Bombay is an excellent example of Indian food. Their menu is American enough where I was able to interpret to some degree what each item was while at the same time, authentic enough where I felt like I was eating in India. I know this is a good place, because I was the only white guy there. And that is always a good sign. The atmosphere was very mellow, and similar to a fine dining restaurant. You can get away with casual clothing, but I would recommend throwing on a collared shirt. The food wasn't (surprisingly) that spicy (which is a good thing for my virgin taste buds). The fluffy bread was to die for. I love dipping it in the heaping bowl of curry and stuffing it into my watering mouth. The waiting staff was very prompt and friendly. I thought it was interesting they didn't server any ice in my water. I usually freeze to death at restaurants, because of the icey drinks. That was not the case at this venue. Lack of ice means more water to help put out the spicy fire in one's mouth.
(4)Shazia T.
I absolutely love their food and come often. I love the atmosphere and the owner is really cool, too! My favorites are the butter chicken (chicken makhni), chicken tikka masala, goat curry, rajmah, malai kofta, paneer makhni, and paneer tikka masala. The palak paneer is ok. When you're craving really good Indian food, come to Cafe Bombay. They serve halal food, which makes me happy. This is my favorite restaurant in ATL.
(5)Corey J.
This is my first visit to Cafe Bombay and my experience was just "mehh". First of all, they need to cut the air conditioner down lower, I was literally drippin with sweat, fannin myself like a high-haired Southern Baptist church lady. I was fixin to axe them to move that fan they had blowin on the hostess over to me. On to the food, I have never had Chicken Tikka Masala before but I'm sorry, I didn't like it. There was a hint of that spoiled milk taste in it that just turned me off. The Chicken 65 I don't understand, is it suppose to be crunchy almost all the way through? One bite was all I needed, NEXT! Then there was another dry, bland grilled chicken dish that was uninspiring and disappointing. I will say that the vegetarian portion of the menu was quite good, particularly the potatoes and something that resembled pureed vomit, but tasted like spinach., that was pretty good. The best part of the meal was the curry goat, I have actually prepared goat a few times, I actually bought the goat meat from the Indian store right next door to CB so clearly the goat I prepared and the goat I had here was from the same source yet mine was alot more fall off the bone tender....and I'm by no means an Iron Chef. HMMMMMMMM.
(2)Lynn H.
I am allergic to nuts and love Indian food... couid there be a sadder situation?? Every time I have eaten at an Indian place, I have asked about the ingredients, been assured that there are no nuts and still end up in anaphylaxis and sometimes the hospital. ONLY one restaurant has never mislead me: Cafe Bombay. They know what's in their food and are happy to tell you. The food is great and the servers are very attentive. I love the buffet and it's reasonably priced. Also, a great hangover cure.
(5)Frank G.
This is my new favorite Indian restaurant in Atlanta. The food and service was excellent. Our server was accommodating and knew the menu well. I was with a group of "first-timers" and he knew exactly what they would like. We ordered the Mixed Grill for appetizer - which was excellent. Our meals consisted of all the typical fare - Chicken Korma, Saag Paneer, etc. However, the Goat Vinadaloo was outstanding. Also, the Naan was some of the best I have ever had. All-around great experience. Our group (10 people) sat around the lower benches and cushions (not on the floor). It was nice but since were were in the corner, it made conversation with everyone a little awkward. I would opt for the table next time.
(4)Scott S.
Decent Indian Buffet, a lil Americanized. On my 1st visit to Cafe Bombay I was impressed with the freshness and flavor of the dishes offered. Their lunch buffet is very impressive and the weekend buffet is the best. It is a bit less spicy than their entree counterparts, they have a killer selection of traditional curry, vegetable and rice dishes. This is due to probably the menu being more Americanized then it should be, but I guess you have to attract the crowds to get in. Some of my personal favorites dishes at Cafe Bombay are : Chicken Tikka Masal, Bombay Aloo, Navratan Korma and Chicken 65 Their staff is always friendly and is sure to keep your glass of water or alcohol full, which is definitely key at an Indian restaurant. Like I mentioned earlier, the spice factor isn't as high as I am accustomed to, but you will be blessed with one of the best Indian Buffets in town.
(4)Johnathon T.
Cafe Bombay is known in particular and renowned for one thing - an outstanding lunch buffet at a very reasonable price. Their food is exceptional. Everything is fresh, well prepared and cooked just right. As others have pointed out, the chicken tikka masala is an exceptional treat, boasting an exquisite sauce that when sopped up with Naan bread tastes incredible. Their tandoori chicken is also very good, served grilled just right with smoked onions on the buffet line. The atmosphere is nice too and the service has always been exceptional on my visits.
(4)Jonathan Z.
Buffet style, good food.
(4)Michelle B.
In my quest to find good Indian food, I tried Cafe Bombay for the lunch buffet. Not bad! Vegetarian items are separated from meat items and selection was pretty extensive. The dhal was tasty, once you got past the runny texture, and the mixed curry was quite nice (mostly spinach, yum); just look out for the garnish! I thought it was coconut; it was actually long strands of ginger...a bit surprising to the bite. The paneer tikka, as another reviewer noted, tasted like canned tomato soup. The meat items, in their own buffet, were OK; I was disappointed that three out of four were chicken. The tandoori was good, but the Chicken 65 (or was it 67? 69?) was cold which made it really hard to cut and chew. The goat curry was mostly bones, which is to be expected, but this one was extremely so. I wonder if they ever have lamb? The chutneys were tasty, and the hot onion and pickles made up for the lack of heat in any of the dishes. Please! Serve the naan at the table; don't put it on the buffet! It gets cold and chewy in the pan, and only worse when it gets to your plate!
(3)Belle S.
Good food, nice atmosphere, ample seating, there was a bellydancing show, but this place had lousy service. Came for a birthday dinner celebration on Friday night and they made things pretty complicated...got mad when they mixed up a few orders. This place was also very expensive for Indian food. Its in a convenient location with plenty of parking, but I probably wouldn't come back since there are cheaper options nearby.
(3)Elizabeth G.
I don't recommend the lunch buffet because the food sits out and isn't as good, but I've had really good dinners at this place. Don't expect good service, but if you can get past that this is a pretty good place for basic Indian food.
(3)Darren L.
Great lunch buffet. I'd give it 5 stars but the Nan is honestly subpar. For $12 it should be fresh and brought to you. Panahar is really quite good too but Cafe Bombay is just that; the Bombay!
(4)James M.
Food is delicious but the service is extremely horrible. The server just left the food on table and started talking to his friend. Water was not refilled. I gave 1 star for food.
(1)Lorne C.
So, I must admit that I didn't like this place when I first went two years ago, but now this place has become one of my standard places to go since the restaurant changed around. I have had the lunch buffet many times. I have gone with one friend and with groups of 10 or more. They have the space and seem to handle the business well. The food is just great for a buffet (though once in a while - it can be a bit greasy). Last week, I ordered two complete dinners for two and I needed them to go. The food was actually quite good, though I was disappointed with the saag paneer (as it was too greasy which it does not need to be). Overall a good experience.
(4)Hanah V.
I love this place! They have a huge, amazing lunch buffet that has a large number of vegetarian options as well as meat. The food is excellent. They make some of the best Chicken Tikka Masala I've ever tasted. They also offer many of their dishes with a choice of lamb or goat, so you can go very exotic if you want to. You wouldn't expect it, but they are also great for kids (as long as your kids will eat Indian food). We often bring our 1-year-old with us, and all the waiters love him.
(5)Jennifer S.
Best Indian food i've ever had in this city! The Tikka Masala is AWESOME! Service was excellent, food even better!! Wish I lived a little closer to this place, I'd make it a weekly thing! A+++
(5)Vivian C.
Food is pretty darn good- I've gotten the butter chicken every single time, cause I can't quite move past it, as unhealthy as it is. Their naan is sooooo good, and is something to definitely get. Only drawback is that while the service itself is good, they do rush you, and I get the feeling that spending more than 45 minutes in there for a meal is pretty much all they think you should get.
(3)K P.
So, so delicious!! Drove up from Mid-town (farther than we usually go) and realized we'll be doing the drive more in the future, as the food and service was so good! The prices were fantastic - dinner entrees for $12.00 and I had leftovers! Check it out!
(5)Falicia G.
Yum! I had the lunch buffet here. Wait, keep reading...it was amazing. I know, they had the most delicious vegetarian (and meat) options to choose from. Plus, the place was filled with Indian people which was a great sign. I had so many items from the buffet that I couldn't tell you which was the best. All of it was great. I loved the Nan! I sat in the back room which was so beautiful: dark reds and purples with pillows everywhere. The tables were placed pretty close together though. I definitely got to know my neighbors.
(5)Cristina K.
I recommend coming here for the lunch buffet. It's a bit pricey for dinner. The curried goat is very tasty and tender, as is the butter chicken. Naan is always hot and fresh. Basmati rice is also very fresh and not overcooked. Lentils are well seasoned, less starchy than I've had at other Indian restaurants. Waiters are attentive, restroom is clean, and the ambiance is unexpectedly nice for the price. I hear there's live entertainment on the weekends too. Some of the negatives were that the Chicken 65 had a little too much breading. Since it's a buffet, I guess you can just pick it off the meat. And I'm not sure what happened to the palak paneer last time I was there. It was just spinach, no paneer. I really hope they're not cutting down on costs. Overall, good value lunch place.
(4)Cherry L.
went for the weekend lunch buffet on sunday afternoon. not. a. fan. sadly, I don't think i'll be trying this place again :( +1 star bc the waiter was very nice and attentive to my water cup. That sunday, i called a few diff indian restaurants that offer buffest and decided on this one (bc my friend said she wanted chicken 65--mighta been my mistake to go somewhere other than zyka for chicken 65!!). The place is a little hard to find--behind/near/around the corner/under the bridge/through the woods next to target/taco bell/tin roof--basically, the first right on briarcliff after your pass N Druid (away from Emory). basicallllly, nothing was THAT good or stood out here. flavors were just ok, curries and chicken were just ok. the chicken 65 was HORRIBLE--like a bad chinese restaurant breaded sweet n sour chicken type. all the dishes were so syrupy and slightly sweet...EVERYTHING!!! I had to drench everything in the cilantro chutney to make it taste decent. sorry to say, i wont be back!
(2)Ankur J.
Super oily food. Looks like each bowl of food has at least 1/4 bowl of oil in it! Although certain items are not so bad.
(2)Michael T.
Let me preface this review by saying, I have had some of the worst Indian food in the world.....east village of new york city.....also had some of the best in the world too.....upper west side new york city. Cafe Bombay is really really good and ranks up there as some very tasty indian in my opinion. The ingredients are fresh, the dishes creative, and nice portion sizes. We had the laacha paratha (buttered bread) and also a sweet bread (forgot the name, I don't think it was on the menu actually, we asked for it, and they knew what we wanted, it is a bread with some type sweet fruit like cherries or coconut, basically whatever they have on hand, it is great, I promise). Also got the chicken tikka masala and ginger chicken- very good!! Also got a vegetable dish - sarsoon ka saag - spinach and greens - awesome! In the end, if you are looking for some really high quality authentic indian food then this is the spot!!!
(4)Tom W.
Great Indian Resturant! The chicken wings are awesome!
(5)Michael T.
I wrote this from Cafe Bombay on my iPhone so I could jot down impressions real-time. Dinner started with a great mint chutney that was spicy and fresh-tasting. I also ordered a mango lassi that was very delicious and had a nice pink color. An indifferent waiter brought the food and unceremoniously deposited the plates on the table. My chicken vindaloo was tender and embellished with plenty of cilantro. The chicken tasted delicious. But the basmati rice was plain, not even a single pea or cardamom seed. The vindaloo was not too spicy, so if you like yours searingly hot, better ask for it. All in all, this is definitely the best Indian food I have had in Atlanta. Unfortunately, the mango ice cream was frozen, I had to let it melt before it became palatable. The waiter claimed the kulfi was not from a supplier but housemade, using the chef's recipe which requires freezing.
(4)Marina T.
For 4 years I have been looking for good Indian restaurants in Atlanta and have been repeatedly disappointed by the lack of them. Then I discovered Cafe Bombay and stuffed myself with the lunch buffet on a weekend to the point where I spent the rest of the day lying on my couch crying in pain. It was that good and it had been that friggin long since I had decent Indian food in Atlanta. I still wish there was more of this good stuff here but so far I haven't found another restaurant on the same level. Lots of variety for the buffet. Great for vegetarians too. It seems they also have a party room attached to the restaurant.
(5)Katie W.
Yummy, yummy, yummy... I came here for lunch on a Sunday and had the buffet. The buffet is pretty big. There were four or five vegetarian dishes and then another four or five dishes with meat. I tried some of each and everything was good. They also had several desserts, lots of sauces, plentiful rice and naan, salad fixings - all very good. The service was great and the staff was very friendly. The price was reasonable, too. I don't remember what all the dishes were that I tried so I won't embellish too much but I will just say that I really like this place and I will be back. But, maybe not on a day when I have things to do after I eat here because I was exhausted when I left. It was really hard to stay away and out of a food coma. I recommend eating here on a Sunday and then going home to lie on the sofa and watch football. And, not to eat again until the next day.
(5)Gina A.
I've had the delicious lunch buffet numerous times. If this weren't so far from my home, I would go weekly. The Chicken Tikka Masala is To.Die.For. It's mild and creamy and delicious, and I could eat it for days. Everything else is consistently good on the buffet, and the servers are always extremely friendly and attentive. If I could be there right now, I would. I've also gotten carry-out a number of times, and it's always great. The entrees are often a little on the spicy side for me, but I do like my food VERY mild.
(5)J L.
GREATEST CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA I HAVE EVER HAD. I order it almost every time I go there, and it is the best, better than the food I had in Mumbai in December. Guaranteed awesome food.
(5)Scott M.
This place was average. Actually thought this was the place that was by 300 Bowling alley until I realized that it wasnt when I got there. I guess that was the first dissapointment. Got the all inclusive meal for like $55 bucks. Comes with a crap load of food and can definitely feed 2-3 ppl. This makes things extremely easy to order specifically if you arent to familiar with Indian food. Had a good time, but the owner said a bone head comment to me that almost got that azz whipped. Fortunately I was having a good day. Doubt I'll be back, I am sure there is better Indian food in the city.
(2)Jesse W.
We just got back from our first visit to Cafe Bombay and we walked away with smiles on our faces. The food was delicious and I always had a cup full of Diet Coke. Our appetizer was amazing, although the name of it escapes me at the moment. For our entrees, I had the Chicken Vindaloo and the lady had the Chicken Tikka Masala. Although she would have liked her entree a little spicier, we both were very impressed with the quality of the food. And the final surprise was the bill, we left with full bellies without having to empty our wallets. As good as it gets in terms of bang for the buck.
(5)Kristine M.
I went with a group of ten, and we got a bunch of different dishes, and ended up sharing them around. It was awesome. A few things were a wee bit too spicy for me, but just about everything was excellent. I ordered the lamb dohiwhalla, which was very tender and good. I didn't try the Desi wings, and since some people said their lips were trembling after trying them, I'm glad I wimped out there. Refills of a drinks were a tad slow, but maybe that's because some of us were chugging water like it was going out of style. I loved the naan, but if you're going to use Indian bread to eat your food, try the roti, instead. It's unleavened and thinner than naan, so you don't get quite so full so quickly. And have a mango yogurt shake thing if you go over your spice limit. Not that I ever overestimate my tolerance. The place was standing room only by the time we left, and most of the tables were full of south Asians, so that was definitely a good sign. And they have a "They love us on Yelp!" sticker by the door. Awwww.
(4)Carole M.
Behind a bland strip mall exterior sits this Indian restaurant which is clearly a favorite of Atlanta's Indian community. We stopped in on a Saturday at lunch to find the room packed. There are vegetarian and meat entrees, as well as raita and other salads, naan and dessert. The saag was a standout; everything else was okay but not special. Go hungry, though, because the weekend buffet is $12/person.
(4)Jennifer J.
The hubby talked this place up and I was finally in the mood to venture out of my comfort zone which consists of Peachtree St. So off we go for some Indian food served buffet style since it was lunch. I have to say that I actually thought it was very good. I loved the curry chicken and some other things that I cannot recall or pronounce and the naan was really yummy, too. The atmosphere was lovely. I enjoyed my experience all the way around. I tried things I normally wouldn't have tried; although I may not try them again. Yay Cafe Bombay!
(3)Sid P.
This place was pretty awesome; we had a giant party all eating each other's stuff and trying everything. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala which was *aaaaawesome.* The Butter Chicken was pretty great, and the Desi Wings were basically Indian-style hot wings. Awesome. Naan was delicious and filling. I also had a giant bottle of decent lager called ROYAL CHALLENGE. I am proud to say I met that challenge head on and conquered it. It was pretty seriously crowded on a Saturday, and I'd say 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the crowd was Indian, so that's probably a good sign. Service might have been slow if we'd been paying attention, but we had a large enough group that we stayed entertained. Apparently they have belly dancing and whatnot most saturdays, but we got c-blocked by someone having a birthday party in the back room. I hope they got rocks - I totally wanted to see some gyrating ladies.
(4)Josh W.
I went there for lunch with a friend. The food was pretty good. I especially enjoyed the Chicken Marsala. I wasn't a big fan of the goat curry though. I have to admit that the place smells overwhelmingly of goat a little. It's a funky scent and not really pleasant. The lunch buffet was about $10 before tip. The service was a tad slow but not that bad.
(3)Lauren W.
Love the food here. Probably one of the best Indian place in ATL. Love their nans. Keep it up!
(4)Sara S.
My boyfriend and I go to Cafe Bombay at least twice a month because we love it so much. The food and service is wonderful, and we always look forward to our meals there! Our favorite dinner is butter chicken, goa shrimp and an order of naan.
(5)Ashish A.
Having a job that involves long term travel, I had the pleasure of staying in Atlanta for 5 months and having a few meals at Cafe Bombay. The subdued exteriors hide a place of good food that I loved to visit again and again - for lunch with colleagues and for dinner with family. The dal makhni, paneer tikka are really good. The lunch buffet is excellent. Never tried a desert as would be so full after the main course. 4 stars: The only missing star is because of a little "attitude" in the owners. Seems like a family run business, the co-owner, a young guy, would hardly smile or say thank you, even though we were regulars and leave 20% tip, just a turn off, but ignore the idiot, will learn with age. But, go there, for good food.
(4)Kerry M.
UPDATE DECEPTIVE MANAGEMENT!! FOOD SAFETY ISSUE!!! This restaurant has a current (8-19-10) health score of 71, Their score on (4-1-10) was a 70 but they have their score from last year posted- 90 from (8-27-09). Nice atmosphere, good service, but the food was lacking. Almost Americanized in their spice levels. No complexity to their sauces. How can you overcook and have dry meat in a heavy sauce? The Naan was leathery and fought your teeth. The goat was average. FOOD SAFETY- cold foods were warm, and the hot foods were barely warm. Would I not eat here again. They knew that a re-score visit was following the April inspection, but failed to make changes.
(1)Julia S.
Meh. The waiter was very accommodating and nice, and the appetizer I got was AWESOME. However, just about every single vegetarian appetizer had cream and/or paneer. They were willing to change one of the entrees so I could eat it, but it was kind of bleh. My point is, this place would probably be awesome for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, for vegans not so much. And sorry, but I think Panahar's naan is better.
(3)H J.
Cafe Bombay is definitely one of the best Indian lunch buffets I've ever had. This place is always crowded during their lunch hours, so get there early! I've also had dinner here a few times and I must say that the quality of both the food and the service is much better at dinner. So far I've only had their chicken tikka masala and vindaloo, which were both very good. But I wouldn't recommend making the tikka masala "spicy" since it really doesn't turn out spicy at all and just makes the curry extra oily from the "spicy" oil they add to it. Prices of their dinner entrees were also very reasonable compared to Indian restaurants in CA, so I was happy :)
(4)Kyle S.
After reading everyone else's review I feel I should preface this by saying that while I've been here multiple times, its only been for the lunch buffet. That being said: THE LUNCH BUFFET IS INCREDIBLY AWESOME. While surely a bit less spicy than their entree counterparts, they have a killer selection of traditional curry, vegetable and rice dishes. Can I go ahead and say now that their spinach saag is deliciously creamy with a ton of flavor?! Probably my favorite dish. They have their take on chicken 65, which in this case taste pretty much like souped-up Chick-fil-a strips on crack. Delicious, flavorfully spicy crack. I mean, comparing traditional Indian food to a chain might sound like a put down, but I'm pretty sure that when I'm talking about Chick-Fil-A to southerners that's an amazing compliment. The most interesting part isn't even the food. I swear each time I go there the music soundtrack is pulled straight from a selection of Guitar Hero tracks (Eric Clapton's Cliffs of Dover seems to be the most popular) interspersed with elevator-jazz renditions of 80's rock hits. Imagine for a second, Bryan Adam's "Run To You" in acoustic jazz playback. Laughing yet? Try Blue Oyster Cult's "Burning For You." I don't know who makes this stuff, or how an Indian spot gets a hold of it, but maybe you just have to go there and hear it for yourselves. Go for the Chick-Fil-A, stay for the music. haha.
(5)Elliot K.
My girlfriend and I don't like cooking on Friday night. We made it through the whole week, you know, so don't we deserve a break? We also haven't felt much like going out lately, so we've slowly been working our way through our Netflix queue and Decatur-area takeout. The brief look I got at the place while picking up food was nice, if a little dark. The place was hopping, too, so I felt like I'd made the right choice. The food was both a bit better and a bit more expensive than what I've had at Chat Patti. There seem to be plenty more Indian joints around, though, so I may have to revise my opinions after increasing my sample size.
(4)Josh H.
We ate dinner here based on Yelp reviews, and calling this place a four star is right on. The restaurant itself is not terribly distinctive, but was pleasant (could've done without the Dehli Muzak) The surprises began with the delivery of the nan bread. Seriously? There were only two of us, we could never finish it, although we really wanted to as it was piping hot, crisp on the bottom, and delicious. The curry that followed continued the welcome surprise. My Goan Shrimp was perfectly spiced and my partner's Tikka Masala was as well. Service was brisk and unobtrusive, which can be difficult in an empty restaurant (we went very early), and the food was entirely worth the price. It may be in a Target-anchored strip mall, but Cafe Bombay is definitely worth the trip.
(4)Sean B.
This was my go-to place for Indian food when I still lived in Atlanta. I first found out about it through some Indian classmates who brought some food from Cafe Bombay to a potluck, and I've been hooked ever since! They have a great buffet during lunch hours, but a number of times when I went, they didn't have my favorite dish (chicken tikka masala) on the buffet. I asked them about it, and they said they only make it for the buffet on a certain day (I forget which); however, when I returned on that day a few weeks later, it still wasn't there. Also, they close the kitchen during a few hours every day, so you can't order between around 1pm and 3pm (I forget the exact hours; please call to verify). For these reasons, I'm knocking it down to 4 stars, but the food is fantastic!
(4)Dlorah J.
For my first review, I've decided to review my fave Indian restaurant, Cafe Bombay. Its conveniently located on Briarcliff , right across the street from the Target. I usually go to the lunch buffet, available Monday-Friday from 11:30p to 3:30p and on Saturday from 12p-4p. Some of my favorites from the buffet include the chicken tikka masala, chicken 65, and the tandoori chicken. They also usually offer curry goat, but I just really love chicken. The paneer tikka masala and palak paneer are also really reeeally good, I always end up piling more on my plate than I can finish, but I just can't help myself. Oh and the naan is always warm, fresh, and delicious. Overall, they have a wide variety of dishes for both vegetarians and carnivores, as well as a sampling of chutneys, rice, and I enjoy the raita. The only issue I've found is that sometimes the service sometimes falls short. Refills and checks can be a long time coming, even if they're not too busy in the front. Also, ordering off the menu rather than taking advantage of the buffet can be pricey. So I definitely recommend checking it during lunch.
(4)Leigh N.
On my review last year, I gave this restaurant 4 stars. However, having been back a few times over the past few months, I am deducting a star because the service here is horrible! I've experience long waits for food -- even drinks and appetizers -- and the staff seems very aloof and inattentive. This is a shame, because the food here is very good. However, dinner should not take 2 hours on a slow Thursday night!
(3)Peter C.
Indian friend brought me here and tried the two person meal so I got to try more than one thing. Overall food was great, atmosphere made me a little sleepy though.
(4)Jason K.
What a disappointment! I was so excited to come to this place after reading rave reviews. If this is the best Indian restaurant Atlanta has to offer then its pretty pathetic. Creativity - 3 Basically everything you would find any other Indian cuisine. Presentation - 4 Pretty clean and appetizing Service - 2 I don't know, it almost felt like they had a very condescending demeanor about them. Atmosphere 2 - They try to be formal/fine but not quite their almost like they cut corners. Flavor - 2 Appetizer: desi chicken the flavors were ok but nothing wow. En tree' - Chicken curry and Goat Curry: we clearly asked them to make it hot and they warned me that it would be hot. It came out as hot as a spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy's. The curry were both extremely oily and lacking flavor. Execution - 5 I will give them perfect for execution. The desi chicken was moist on the inside with crispy skin from the outside with just a small amount of char on the corners for flavor. The chicken and the goat inside the curries were extremely moist and succulent. In the end, I was extremely disappointed, I drove all the way from East Cobb just to try this restaurant out and it wasn't worth the drive. Agreed I'm no expert in Indian food but I know good food and this wasn't it!
(2)Jarrod C.
4 stars for food quality, 2 stars for atmosphere and false advertising... We went specifically on a Thursday night for the website advertised $15 all you can eat tapas. We get there and are told, "We stopped doing that, we'll change the website tomorrow." Well, a week later it's still on their website! We had a few appetizers (cheese naan was fantastic) that were pretty good and then we passed around our meals. The goat curry, ginger chicken, lamb dahiwala, and chicken biryani were all enjoyed by most. The chicken biryani was too spicy for my wife (she's had it other places) so she was disapointed with that. Their menu doesn't do a good job of letting you know what dishes are spicy and which ones aren't. It wasn't bad, but I probably would try another Indian place out first before going back.
(3)Eric G.
I have eaten here 4 times now. The Chicken Tika Masala and Chicken thundri is superb. The fresh nan which is an indian bread could be a meal in itself. For someone who gets attached to one restaraunt I could probably eat there for the next few months and still not get burnout. Put all of your ideas about indian cuisine out of your head and you will have a great meal.For those who like to smoke a hooka they have a great room in the back just for that. The service is a little bit slow but it is family owned and operated. The owner takes all of the orders and seats everyone. Just thiking about is making me hungry. Thanks to my friend Hiren for turning me on to this great place. It's located across from Target Greatland on N Druid Hills and Briarcliff road. Ok now 5 times just got back. OMG sooo good
(4)Tracy W.
Café Bombay is a must try! I went here with a friend and I must say the food was amazing...! I was soooo looking forward to eating Indian food all day and had a major taste for it...which I must say was the bomb! We ordered a dinner dish that comes with a combination of 5 Indian dishes to share. I waited all day to eat because I wanted to eat nothing but Indian food at Bombay and had not eaten all day...however, I could not wait any longer! (Famished!) I had a quick snack before heading over to Bombay...(my friend was a little annoyed by this..hehehehe) but yet, this did not take away from my experience at Café Bombay! The food just made you want to eat more and more.... I was a little disappointed though that I could not see the belly dancing which is held 8-10pm on Friday/Sat nights. If there is a private party going on the belly dancing will not take place and so we did not get a chance to check that out.......boooo ;-( We had this mango shake to top off our food and trust me...that was ooooooh sooooo gooooood! Very refreshing...Café Bombay was a great time... I had a great meal with great company! Nice place to be on a Friday night.... Check it out!
(4)Denise H.
I've only been for the lunch buffet. It's standard Indian fare, nothing special. I remember it being better back in the day though. Still, if I get an Indian itch, most of the time Cafe Bombay can scratch it.
(3)Ashley P.
Cafe Bombay is now officially my go-to Indian place in Atlanta. Being variety-lover than I am, I *love* the lunch buffet. Picture 2 buffet bars, one vegetarian and one for the meat-eaters, each with 5 or 6 different dishes and flanked by various desserts and sauces. As far as I can tell, the selection is, for the most part, constant with a few rotating dishes. Some of my personal favorites: Chicken TIkka Masala- sweet and creamy Bombay Aloo- delicious potatoes Navratan Korma- creamy mixed veggie curry Chicken 65- I think they call it something else, but it's basically the same thing as the Chicken 65 I've seen elsewhere. Little fried chicken strips with spices. See Kyle S.'s review. The staff is always friendly and is sure to keep your glass full, which is definitely key at an Indian restaurant. That said, none of the food on the buffet is spicy at all, which is probably my only complaint. I mean I understand that it is a buffet and everyone has to eat it, so you can't make it super spicy. But come on! It's Indian food! Maybe just two or three spicy things? Either way, go, try it, it's easily one of the best Indian buffets I've encountered.
(5)Chad W.
LOVE THIS PLACE! I am still a bit new to Atlanta so there are still lots of places to try, but this is the BEST Indian food I have found yet. Great Lunch Buffet for those of you who are new to Indian food- a buffet is a good way to try many things at once. PURE COMFORT FOOD!
(5)Don A.
This is my first Indian food experience that I can recall. When I came here for lunch, the place was jam-packed. It was a little more expensive for a lunch than what I am used to seeing. The food was alright, but none of the dishes stood out to me leaving me craving for more. I did however enjoy rice pudding dessert, while many of my coworkers disagreed. It sorta brought me back to a kid when my mother made a similar dessert dish.
(3)Leslie W.
Cafe Bombay is pretty solid as far as AYCE Indian joints go. Lunch can be really crowded, but you're usually in and out within an hour so not too much trouble there. I've only eaten the buffet (what can I say, I love variety) so I can't comment on the menu but they usually have several choices on the hot tables. I've been pleasantly surprised each time I go. Standard dishes Daal, Chana Masala, Samosas, and Naan, Mint Chutney, but they don't serve the same thing every single day, there's always something new. The only bad is that it can get very hot in the restaurant. I guess with the people and the hot bars, they can't control it, but Whew!, I roast every time. Not like I need help sweating considering the spices. The other bad, and this is no reflection on the restaurant, but I stuff myself to the point of discomfort every time. I don't know if this is something I can complain about, but my stomach certainly does. Now if I can just work out some sort of peace negotiations between my taste buds and my stomach, life would be perfect.
(4)Brian H.
Thanks to my wife, I've become more of a fan of authentic Indian Food. I'm a Korean who pretty much thought homemade Korean curry from a box was Indian, so I do not claim to be much of an Indian Food expert. Anyhow, now I'm discovering more what real Indian tastes like, and I'm indeed starting to crave it once in a while. Thanks again to yelp I found out about this place. My better half and I were craving Indian for lunch, and thankfully heard about this place from y'all. Went here for lunch today and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. My wife had Chicken Makuni (not sure if that's spelled right) curry and I had the lunch buffet. Both were very good choices! The lunch buffet was good value considering regular dishes cost about a buck more than the buffet. I'm not really a fan of buffets, but this place does a good job of keeping the food fresh and tasty. I had a total of 3 rounds of which my first sampled most everything they had. I especially like the goat curry, but everything else I tried was good. They even have a decent selection of desserts of which my favorite was the rice pudding. Anyhow, I recommend this place to anyone in the area that's looking for some good hearty Indian. Will definitely be back~ 4.49 stars which could easily be a 5 upon a next visit.
(4)sarah v.
The first time I came here, I wasn't extremely impressed by the food. (Maybe I was just in a bad mood or something) However, everytime since then (and there have been many) I have been completely satisfied. I either get veggie korma or chicken tika masala and always ask for it hot. I love their sweet naan. I started getting some sort of hot potatoe pancake, chickpea appetizer after having it a bunch of times with a friend. All of these items are so yummy; I'm literally getting hungry thinking about them and I just ate. They are that good . They lose a star for service. Now, the service is friendly, but sometimes I feel a little bit of attitude coming my way depending on the server. One of the other waiters says he thinks it's just a language thing. Whatever it is, its minor, and I still love the food and people here.
(4)Taralee A.
Best Indian Food I have had in California or Georgia. Ever. Period. The buffet is more than a deal. Staff is incredible.
(5)Deanna J.
I've yet to only go for dinner, but from what other reviews are saying so far, the vibe is pretty different during the hours of the golden lunch buffet. I went for dinner (buffet line quietly empty), and it was a refreshing change from the mostly-buffet Indian I've had. It's pretty dark in here (probably good so no one can see you sweating if you end up ordering something one pepper over your spicy tolerance) and has a bit of an elegant vibe during the evenings. Maybe we faked off our waitress and looked like pros, but being the Indian buffet eaters we are, actually knowing what to order off the menu is a challenge after knowing the dishes by sight only. They have a few 'pre-packaged' options, like the meal for two, which you can also get vegetarian, and the blingged out 'Bombay Feast,' for all you high rollers out there.
(4)Linda W.
Not impressed. Had the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and malai kofta and everything was okay. Portions were very small for the price and flavors were bland. The chicken tikka masala tasted like something I could get from the frozen food aisle at patel brothers; the butter chicken was swimming in more than half an inch of oil; the malai kofta consisted of two (just two) hard mash potato-vegetable croquettes. Would not come here again for the food.
(2)Dhara S.
This is the first Indian restaurant I tried after coming in Atlanta, and after that, i tried a couple of more too, so far this one has been the best among. Food: It resembles a lot to the authentic Indian food, though it is a bit of Americanization of every dish. I am a vegan and so I do not have tried their hallmark dishes, but as far as from what I have tried, i liked it a lot Staff: Good people. They have a true concern about their customers and they really want to keep them coming back. The staff here is made of saints if you compare it with a place called "planet Bombay"- the worst restaurant in Atlanta. rates: It is not that expensive and I think they fairly give services and food for what they charge of. Ambiance: Average. The noise level is less than any normal American restaurant. They try to play some bollywood tunes but I think it is too low to notice for anyone! buffet v/s dinner: Buffet is cheaper, a lot of variety to try from and they serve hot. If u r planning to come here for dinner, try lunch once, the dinner is little better than them and you can personalize the dishes as well. Some caution: the fritters are too oily. (but the entrees are moderately oiled) If you have a typical Indian palate, ask them to make everything a little spicy. Some best features: Rice. Amazing!!
(4)Katie R.
The owners are so nice, and the butter chicken is amazing.
(5)Garrin H.
I've been to several Indian restaurants in the area, and my experience has been very hit or miss with Indian cuisine in general. Cafe Bombay delivered the goods. I had the Afghan Mango Chicken (dinner), and let's just say this was one of those meals where you have to scrape every last bit off your plate. It was that good! Cafe Bombay is tucked away just near the Target, off of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Roads, in the Toco Hills area. Definitely more convenient for us intown folk...driving to the Indian restaurants off of Lawrenceville Hwy & N. Druid feels like a hike to me. Would I go back? Most definitely.
(5)Style d.
Yeah, the buffet is a staple in my diet. Just in case you go outside buffet hours here are my suggestions: Beginners or picky eaters- try the Tikka Masala with chicken, lamb or paneer (cubes of yummy cheese). Its a yogurt/tomato based sauce that is not spicy. Its mildly sweet and very creamy. (it makes my stomach very happy). the lamb kabob is tasty too and it comes with big pieces of onion and bell pepper. This does not come with rice or sauce. chicken byriani is a good dish to try if you like asian food but are unsure if you will like Indian food. Its chicken and rice with tons of seasonings that smell really good. This does not come with a sauce, but it doesn't need one. If you like mildly-spicy- Try the Chicken Tikka (not the same as Tikka masala). This sauce is brown and spicy if you are not used to spiced foods. Its mild if you are a spice-lover. If you like the spicy-spicy (I can't take it, but you may like it) Gosht vindaloo Chicken Khadai Palaak paneer (spicy spinach/cheese dish) Other stuff: If you like naan, get the bread basket so you can try onion naan and parantha. Heaven. Order a lassi at the beginning of the meal but don't drink it till the end. By that time the ice has melted and its not as thick and you can slurp it down faster. (To me fast is good. If you like'em thick then drink it during the meal. Other note: the yogurty coolness is very soothing if you eat something too spicy) Plus! If you need a party venue you can rent out the hall in the back. And sometimes they have belly dancers. Buffet protocal: walk in sit down go get your food eat Repeat the last 2 steps as needed. People don't usually order from the menu durign buffet hours, so if you want a menu you will have to ask for one. Also, this establishment pools their tips so you generousity is being shared.
(4)Mike G.
I have to update my rating to 5 since I have been coming here ever since I found it. The food and service is great and the prices are very reasonable! The buffet is the best Indian buffet I've had in Atlanta!
(5)Andle G.
This is my FAVORITE indian resturant of all time (and I have been to tons). It is almost a weekly pilgrimage even though I know live on the south side of town. They get pretty busy for the lunch buffett but I have only waited once for a seat, nighttime dining is usually more intimate as I have never seen more than a few tables full. The lunch buffett is my favorite because of so many options. I am a vegitarian so I can not comment on the chicken tiki but people seem to love it. Their punjabi Kadhi and they have this pea type curry (nattavarian ??) that is so good and I have never had before. The Raita, aloo gobi, etc are all wonderful. It is a sensory overload...a large array of verggie and meat dishes, relishes and desserts. The only thing I am not so hot on their Sag Paneer but that was never my favorite dish anyway. And Nan bread from a buffett can get too crisp if a fresh batch has not just been placed out. But overall it is delightful. The buffett is a wonderful place to try out a bunch of different dishes. I have had indian food in many many cities across the globe and I once lived with an Indian family as a student so I feel like I know my indian food -- or at least know what I like. This place is worth the drive and their buffett runs late on the weekends.
(5)Amanda S.
This was my first venture into Indian cuisine, and while I haven't yet tried the lunch buffet, from the one dish I have tried (tikka masala with chicken), I'm not sure I want to go back. It was incredibly, incredibly bland. I could have achieved the same effect by putting some chicken in tomato soup. Midway through my meal, I was asked to move to a different table (even though I had been seated by a waiter, it's not a seat yourself kind of deal) because they needed to accommodate a large group and needed the space that I was sitting in. I found this incredibly off-putting. My friends that have been here love the buffet, so perhaps they will convince me to return and I'll up my rating, but otherwise it's sadly a no. EDIT: So my friends did convince me to return for the lunch buffet, and I'm adding a star. I was disappointed and surprised that they had so little to choose from, considering how massive the menu is. I made it a point to try pretty much everything they offered, and I was delighted to find that their other items weren't quite as bland as what I had on my first visit. The Chicken 65 is definitely worth a try, at any rate. The service was also lacking at best, as I spent half my meal with an empty water glass.
(3)Alan P.
I've been looking for a good north Indian restaurant for a while and finally I've found one! Not too greasy, big menu with english descriptions so you can experiment, and even a lunch buffet. Should definitely go on your indian cuisine rotation.
(4)Pinak B.
This is undoubtedly one of the best places for Indian food in Atl. Go for the buffet for lunch time and fill yourself up with awesome chicken biryani, tikka, tandoori and gulab jamoon. Most Indian buffet places will make the buffet dishes in a different oil and sub-standard, but these guys serve you the exact same food as the entrees. Dinners are for Friday night when the belly dancer and hukkah make it a totally un-Indian experience but fun nevertheless. For entrees, try the Kheema and the Chicken Tikka. Even the veggie dishes are good ... go for the paneer tikka. The owner is often around so you ae taken good care of. Go there a few times and they will start recognising you and making suggestions.
(5)Wendy I.
The food was bland, service non-existent, and ambience dreary. Very pedestrian fare. The lunch buffet food at 1pm was not held at an appropriate temperature. Won't be going back to this place and I suggest you skip it also.
(2)Wendy C.
I am usually not a fan of buffets in general, however, the lunch buffet at Cafe Bombay is AMAZING!!! Not only is the food really fresh, and delicious, but it's only $9.95! So much to choose from. My favorite dishes are the saag paneer, and the tikka masala chicken. My tummy is grumbling just thinking about it. Definitely check this place out if you love Indian food, and are on a budget!
(5)Dave A.
I never expected to crave Indian food on a regular basis - until I ate at Cafe Bombay. I usually order a lamb dish but everything on the menu is outstanding. The nan is warm and soft for soaking up the fresh authentic sauces. Ask to sit in the back dining room for a more festive and memorable experience - complete with belly dancing, a Bollywood soundtrack, and opulent decor with throw pillows in every nook.
(5)Aanal P.
Being an Indian, I am a bit picky about my Indian food....imagine that!!! So I decided to try Cafe Bombay one day for lunch. They do have a buffet and I have always tried to stay away from buffets but decided to give this one a try. I LOVED IT! The chicken tikka masala....a favorite of many...was so tasty. And their vegetarian dishes were delicious as well. I have gone back several times and taken my co-workers with me. My boss who was scared to try Indian food.....gave me a hug after we ate here, and told me he really enjoyed it. The service is good, the buffett offers many varieties and the price is not bad at all for all that they offer. I have been to Cafe Bombay for dinner as well, and the food was just as good. I don't care for Shrimp dishes too much, but I tried their Shrimp Biryani.....yummmmmm........
(5)Anisha H.
okk so my cousins and I decided to order in Indian, since my cousins live soo close to Cafe Bombay, we decided to try it out!!! We got..Chicken Makhani, bindi curry (Okra) and Paneer Tikka (Panneer is like cottage cheese) ....so we had enough for the veggy ppl in the house!! I don't expect Indian food to be anything like home cooking or anything but I do expect it to have some sort of spice and flavor.... When we got the food...I was blown away on how RED the tikka curry were...like really red!! I had never seen Chicken Makhani that red, orange yes..Red...no no...so I started having second thoughts and said ummm can I get a sandwhich instead...lol...but being a foody I said okk lets try it out!!! Absolutely no flavor..it tasted like there was no spice in the food...or like we indians call it..no masala!!! I was highly disappointed.... But I have to say the bindi curry was really good and the rice was decent!!! I am not sure if I will go back here again..its def going to be my last choice in options...
(3)Nikkie F.
I love to try new things, but I am timid about going it alone. So, I have been wanting to try/have Indian food for the longest time, but never had the opportunity until recently. One week ago a group of friends came here for dinner, we all got something different and passed them around the table to share - family style. If it's any indication - I have already been back three times since then. The food is to die for. The Punjabi Aloo Chat appetizer, and Vegetable Samosas were delicious. Naan (the bread) is amazing! Tandoori Shrimp, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Butter Chicken (5 stars just for THIS) are all things I can personally vouch for their amazing-ness. I can't wait to go back and try more! The first time we went, the waitstaff was a bit slow but in all fairness we had a large group and it was later in the evening. The next times I went the waitstaff was prompt, friendly, conversational, and even witty and charming! Although, bonus point because he may have been flirting. :) I really need to go for the lunch buffet - I've heard it's good and it will allow me to try even more things. I think I will most definitely have to visit India now - if for no other reason than the food. MMMmmmmMMMMmmmm! I'm hungry just thinking about it!
(5)Keith H.
I gave it a 4 star, but it's really a 3 1/2 in my book. Food was good and it the restaurant was clean. The waiters kind of hover which is good but kind of creepy. I went on a Saturday for lunch. There was a good variety on the buffet and like I said everything was good. I'd go back.
(4)Derek S.
Went there for the first time. It's dimly lit and kind of dirty. I ordered butter chicken. It was decent. I don't remember what the others ordered but I do remember ordering was a cluster. We had to ask for some of the items we ordered multiple times before receiving them and then they billed us for double on some of the items. For some reason they came and took my beverage during the meal and never brought it back leaving me nothing to drink. I don't think I will return. I only gave them the second star because they had belly dancer that danced with fire.
(2)Al M.
Good food and decent ambience. Ordered the following veg appetizer platter - had spring rolls, cauliflower fritters and Samos with aloo tikki's was good. The kabob platter was outstanding - especially the seekh kabob. One of the best that I have had in Atlanta. The chicken tikka was the only thing onthe platter that did nit taste as good. Too dry. Ordered te paneer tikka masala which was a bit too sweet for my liking Also ordered the butter chicken which was again too sweet for my liking. But both doges were authentic and prepared with the right consistency. The rogan Josh was the best out of the three curry dishes I ordered. Overall - one of the better Indian restaurants on this side of the city that I had a chance to dine in. Would definitely go back.
(4)Tiana M.
The food was pretty good. They offer a buffet for lunch and I'm not sure if a menu is available as I didn't ask. However, there is a great variety for vegetarians and carnivores on the buffet. Our water glasses stayed filled, and the waitstaff was pleasant. Because it is a buffet, you can quickly get in and out, and definitely full. I enjoyed it, but I'd have to say the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because I've had better Indian food and more of a personalized experience for the same price. Still say, go if you've never had it before!
(4)Robert S.
One of the best Indian restaurants in Atlanta and certainly some of the best Indian fare anywhere.
(4)Ann D.
I can't say enough. Everything was phenomenal...the food, the service, the atmosphere. I especially liked the onion relish, the chicken tikka, and the naan. If you're in Atlanta looking for Indian food, this is the place to go. We went for a late lunch (around 2pm) and the place was fairly empty, but the longer we were there a steady stream of people were coming into the restaurant. A number of the patrons were Indian, which I think speaks volumes aout the quality and authenticity of the food. Enjoy!
(5)Dave B.
On a recent weekend, my wife and I went to Cafe Bombay as we were craving Indian food and the reviews looked pretty good. We both love vindaloo and she ordered the chicken and I ordered the lamb. The appetizer was good (can't remember what it was) and the roti was good. The problem came when the vindaloos arrived. My lamb vindaloo was great. My wife's chicken was terrible. She doesn't like lamb but she tasted the sauce in mine and it was 100% different than hers. I tasted hers and we agreed that it tasted like tomato sauce. Plain tomato sauce. We sent it back. The waiter was very, very nice and seemed embarrassed. A bit later, the owner and/or chef returned with a new dish which he laid in front of my wife and asked if she had ever had a vindaloo. He went on to explain to her that tomatoes are not used in the dish. He seemed insulted that she didn't like his dish and basically suggested she didn't order the right thing. What we should have said to him is that we love vindaloo and have had it many times and what we've just learned is that we just don't like yours. The remade dish was slightly better but not enough. Had she gotten that originally, she probably would have eaten it and not complained though not ordered it again, but after that, she didn't eat it at all. It was still on the bill. Three is probably generous but I'm hoping that the story above will be enough to deter some business even if some of the food is good. I do NOT recommend the chicken vindaloo.
(3)Dennis D.
We the Shrimp Puri for appetizers, when it came out I didn't know what to think? But it tasted great! For dinner I had the chicken butter masala with garlic nan. My wife had the Chicken Tikka Masala with cheese nan. My wife and I agreed this was the best Indian food that we had eaten in a long time. They will get your food out to you in a reasonable time... other than that! Do espect anything service wise. So if you want a good meal, and can ignore the poor customer service, eat here!
(4)Lindsay H.
FABULOUS FOOD! Chicken Tikka Masala was to die for, and I love that they give you a TON of naan when ordered! Highly recommend.
(5)Margo R.
The infamous weekend buffet is a must try for fans of Indian food, and especially those who are skeptical about trying the cuisine. The array of spicy, sweet, salty, vegetarian & non vegetarian, etc, is bound to please even the pickiest of eaters. With the buffet, you have the option of trying everything, which is definitely something to take advantage of at Cafe Bombay. Take a few pieces of nan and experiment with the assorted yogurt-based sauces. There's also a flavorful variety of meats, rices, potatoes, and vegetables. For only $10 you will go home feeling satisfied and pleasantly full. I've never had to wait for a table, so there's no need to rush. Take your time, try something new, and enjoy!
(5)Praylani H.
I went there for lunch yesterday and the food was great, nice vibe and not too pricey.
(4)Christian S.
Got a takeout order of Chicken Tikka Masala and garlic naan, and I was NOT disappointed. The sauce had the perfect blend of creaminess and tangyness. The chicken was moist and well cut (no bite-down surprises) and the rice had an excellent flavor. The garlic naan may have been better than any that I've tried before. Moist but not soggy, garlic not under or overpowering, and plentiful serving size. My only complaint (which may not be a complaint for many) is that the chicken pieces were very large, and I would have preferred them to be more bite-sized. Overall this is now my #2 Indian restaurant, between Atlanta, GA and Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus Ohio. (#1 being Ambar India in Cincinnati)
(4)Shilvi L.
Cafe Bombay is hands down the BEST indian food in Atlanta. The menu is extensive and provides something for everyone. I recommend the lunch buffet if you haven't had Indian food and are looking to try it out. The lunch buffet is awesome! They have usually 4 veg and non veg dishes, rice, naan, pakoras, salads, deserts for $10 and it's all you can eat. The service is excellent and the owners are very friendly. I highly encourage you to try this place out.
(5)mindy G.
YAY CAFE BOMBAY!! I loved this place! The appetizer was just about as tasty as anything could be. My Tikka masala lacked the heat I had requested, but I think that may have been due to the unhappy server we had. Drinks were always flowing and it was definitely priced for those who are trying to watch their spending right now. I am pretty hard to please and rarely give out the ole' 5-star-- but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in this gem of a place!
(5)Jessie T.
This is the ONLY place I go anymore for Indian food. Their lunch menu is okay, with a tasty buffet selection, but what you really should come here for is the dinner. They have a great vegetarian selection suited to both the spicey lover and non-spicey lover (like me), which is especially nice for those of us who want the great taste but not the burning fire of Indian cuisine. I've always had great service there, and it's a staple place for my family to eat out at. It's pricey, but you'll leave full. My favorite menu item: the palaak paneer with naan bread and some red wine.
(4)Chris P.
Usually come here for the lunch buffet or with my wife for dinner on the weekends. Took some friends and visitors this week for a birthday get together. Got the floor seating during belly dancing performance (Friday-Saturday 8pm on). Very fun, cool place to take visitors. Always great food and friendly service.
(5)Laura M.
We got takeout. The malai kofta was delish. The rice was complimentary. My bf's dish was not as crazy delicious as mine, apparently, but he still snarfed it down. More expensive than some of the authentic mom'n'pop Indian places around, but still reasonable. I'd eat here again.
(4)j t.
Great lunch buffet, but wish there was some service. I've been to this restaurant a few times and my latest trip lacked service. It appears they had only 2 people working both dining rooms, while there were several hosts seating people.
(3)Louise G.
Great place for lunch. I'm not big on Indian food, but even I found plenty to fill me up and even go back for more. Great for the vegetarian or meat lover as well. This was one of my co-workers' choice for lunch and it is one of his favorites. The food was tasty and mild and there was plenty of it! Great way to get a nice hot meal quickly on a rainy, dreary day.
(3)j l.
i'd like to throw in a half-star here, yes? so let's call it 3.5... i love having dinner here--the chicken tikka masala, rogan josh, and vindaloo are all absolutely delicious, and i wake up many days CRAVING the spicy chickpeas! i think the name of that dish is chole batura, but i never order it by name--only by making the signal for "mound of spicy yumminess". all of the breads are great as well. the owner always welcomes us and everyone is generally friendly...at dinner. the two times i've ventured over there for lunch have been less enjoyable. the first time, we didn't realize there was a buffet, and none of the things we were hungry for were available...so we asked to order off the menu. getting service from that point on was like pulling teeth, and our food took for-ev-er. we left saying that we'd surely take the buffet next time! several perfectly wonderful cafe bombay dinners later, we decide on doing lunch here today (chat patti closed on monday!?) they close at 3:30. we arrived at 2:30, took a look at the buffet...and asked for the regular menu, silly us! the waiter huffed and puffed and brought them over exclaiming, 'you have to hurry because the kitchen is closed in 10 minutes.' 10 minutes?? the sign says lunch is over in an hour! i'm telling you, it was not friendly. so buffet it was...there was not much to choose from, the dishes were lukewarm, the naan was chewy and old. i have worked in the resto industry for a long time, and when customers come in to your establishment to spend their money and enjoy themselves, you should be gracious and welcoming even if they walk in 5 minutes before you close! here we were, with an hour to spare and we were met with dagger eyes and hostility. yuck. but like i said, dinner is a whole different story. i still love you, cafe bombay, just not before the sun goes down.
(4)Tauheedah M.
Well was looking for a good Indian buffet yesterday, and after searching Yelp I decided to venture here. Good Choice! Lunch Buffet was delish! For those to whom it matters they said that all the meat is halal (muslim owners). We had Tandoori Chicken that was moist and hubbys favorite, Chicken 65 were these breaded spiced up chicken fingers that were tender as heck and for added bonus I dipped them in my mint chutney and oohwee :-) well, really, I dip anything I can in that mint chutney! Chicken Tikka Masala was my personal fav. nice and tender sauce was on point. They had a curry goat dish but I didn't try it but hubby said it was good. Now I did have one gripe, the rice...the description above said basmati rice w/ peas and I didn't see not one pea. I thought maybe it was because they were all gone so on my 2nd trip up I looked again and nope not one pea. The vegetarian dishes on the buffet were all great I can't really remember the names....one was a spinach dish but they didn't call it saag, one was veg. pakora (dipped that in the mint chutney, so good), and there were a few more. Needless to say we didn't eat again yesterday and we went around 1:45. Stomachs stayed full, so technically we had brunner (breakfast, lunch and dinner). I think I will be back next sat. Oh and the price for all of that deliciousness was $11.99 pp for the sat. buffet.
(4)Jinnah J.
This place gets a 3 stars from me. We went for lunch and had the buffet. The place was clean, good presentation. Food was pretty decent. The only thing i didn't like was that most the food was cold. Everything was fresh, but it needed to have constant heat. Service was good. I did ask for a coke and never got it. Not to worry though I had water and it was fine. I will be going back there sometime.
(3)V K.
Everybody recommended (and still recommends) this place when I was new to Decatur/Atlanta. I went for dinner once and didn't like it too much. Since then I've had lunch buffet a number of times which is decent - the menu selection is excellent, the food is good (but not the best). Some items are too Americanized and not as authentic or spicy as at some other Indian restaurants. A 3.5 star for the lunch buffet. The dessert (hot Gulab Jamuns!) is definitely the best.
(3)D.L H.
Best Indian Food in Atlanta I have found so far. Still on the quest for that ultimate Indian Cuisine that I have yet to find since Queens NY!!
(4)duane m.
The lunch buffet is the perfect entry into Indian if you are weary of trying something as daring as Indian cuisine seems to be to so many. There are lots of delicious things to try, and all the staples that I love about Indian (the spinach cheese stuff, the curry chickens, the nan bread, etc... don't expect me to remember the names). There are also a ton of options for vegetarian folks, and the buffet even includes dessert; all for under $10! If you are looking for delicious Indian, look no further, you will be stuffed when you leave!
(5)Gina C.
My bf and I went to an Indian wedding back in July and they catered food from Cafe Bombay. It was delicious so we definitely had to go to the restaurant. When we got there the host asked us if we wanted to go sit in the quiet room or the music room. We didn't know what he was talking about so we chose the quiet room. I left to go to the bathroom and I peeked into the music room and there were people dancing and music blaring. It was a different vibe from your normal restaurant atmosphere. I told my bf that we had to sit in the music room. They had low tables where you sit on the floor with pillows and regular tables as well. There was also a belly dancer that danced all around the room. Little kids were also dancing with the girl but they got annoying after a while bc they were running all around the restaurant. We ordered the chicken tikka masala and chicken basil. I loved the chicken tikka masala. It was delicious! We wiped it clean with the naan! I didn't care for the chicken basil. I'm not one to crave Indian food but if it's Cafe Bombay, I'm there!
(4)C V.
Love going here for dinner or lunch buffet. The lamb vindaloo, lamb korma and chicken tikka masala are heavenly. The service has been really really nice lately and I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)Brenna S.
Have driven by this place a thousand times and never stopped to check it out. Don't make that mistake! For a weeknight dinner it was wonderful--delicious Indian dishes cooked to our spicy specifications. The manager showed us the back room which is open on weekends for belly dancing and the low tables with pillows that other reviews refer to. Can't wait to go back with another couple on weekend!
(4)sameer a.
Amazing indian Mughlai food tried chicken korma and paneer kadhai. Both were amazing The Indian breads were well done and big sized.. In addition, Very courteous service and Clean restroom
(5)Helen P.
Very good buffet style Indian cuisine. My favorite are the goat curry, tiki masala, and rice pudding. The place always seem to be over staffed with about 15 waiters standing around. I have never gone during dinner hours but I heard there are belly dancers at night. Overall, if you crave Indian food this is my recommendation.
(4)Dan I.
The food here is just bad and *very* overpriced. My chicken tikka masala tasted like tomato soup with a few chunks of boneless chicken in it. Very bland and milky. Also, the entree was $14 where at authentic Indian places you can get it for $7 and it tastes much better. Ordered some Naan, it was $3 for one piece that had been precut into quarters (overpriced again) and didn't taste fresh at all. This restaurant is obviously for people who don't know what real Indian food tastes like or how much it should cost. The employees were very friendly and service was good, which bumps it up to 2 stars.
(2)Chris M.
How do you eat the Indian food you crave on a low-carb diet? Well, it's possible. And Cafe Bombay was my most recent test. This review addresses TWO menu items only -- the Bombay Mixed Grill and onion kulcha. (Okay, the bread is NOT on the diet but I wanted it anyway.) I went early on a Monday and there was no one else there when I arrived. So I got to focus on trying to avoid rice, papadams and usual starchy sins and focus on how the MEAT was prepared. I was a bit surprised by how long it took, but was hoping that this was a good sign that the kitchen was taking care. When the dish arrived I was surprised. It came on a sizzling platter (like fajitas) with the aroma of Indian spices filling the senses. Okay. The onion kulcha/naan was nothing special. So let's focus on the varieties of protein offerings on the platter. There were 4 different meats - chicken 3 ways and lamb seekh kebab. The standard Tandoori chicken pieces - one thigh and one leg - were tasty and moist. The tikka pieces - small chunks of breast meat - were a bit overcooked and dry by comparison. By far the best two things on the platter were the seekh kebab and the malai kebab. The lamb was ground and well seasoned with fresh cilantro and peppers. The chicken malai pieces were moist and carried the seasonings perfectly. I think it is the cream sauce used to prepare the malai that made it so good. Only 4 tables of people when I left. Overstuffed. Feeling a little carb guilty from my one slice of naan. But happy that some chicken and lamb became a part if me tonight. Now... to walk off those carbs...
(4)Sak L.
So very good. I should probably branch out and try something else on the menu, but I can't. The chicken tikka misala is delicious.
(4)Bilal A.
I have tried lunch buffet which is good but not great! It has separate vegetarian and non-veg dishes which have varying quality.
(4)Zain K.
Meh. I called ahead of time to ask if they were serving thali for lunch, and was given an affirmative response, only to find that this wasn't the case at all. Too hungry to leave, I had the chicken tikka, nan, lentil soup, and raita. Everything tasted fine, but the chicken was slightly on the dry side and the nan was a little thin for my taste (I prefer nan to be fluffy/chewy as opposed to thin/crisp).
(3)Alex P.
Lets start off by saying, I know a thing or two about indian food and love it. The review is particularly for the lunch buffet, which is better than any I've visited in the past. Selection is very solid and dishes are very tasty. That's saying something considering that I don't usually like buffets. Tandoori dishes are a particular favorite of mine here. Also, their spinach on the buffet is excellent.
(5)Nadia W.
This is my favorite Indian spot to eat at . The service is always greAt, and the good is always fresh and good. The lunch buffet has a good variety for vegetarians and meat eaters - I appreciate this place the workers and the food - Dinner is always good too - sometimes on the weekends they have belly dancers for your entertainment. A cool ethnic place to eat if you want some great chicken Marsala or lamb cooked several different ways.
(5)J P.
Lovely place for a nice Indian lunch. Limited choices on the buffet but all the good standards so everyone in our party was happy. The biryani was good and the tandoor chicken was moist and delicious. We could have kept eating naan for longer....yes, the waiters seem super vigilant about filling water glasses! ;-). We really enjoyed our lunch here and the price is very reasonable. ($12 pp)
(5)Nirmal M.
I rate it as best Indian restaurant in Atlanta area.
(4)Shelly G.
I had always heard of Cafe Bombay but never had the chance to try it. It's a pretty large restaurant with ample seating. On Friday and Saturday nights when they have belly dancing, they ask you if you want to be seated in the regular dining area or the belly dancing area. My friends and I picked the latter since it sounded like a cool cultural experience. It ended up being kind of awkward, she would dance up on whoever was unfortunate enough to pick the non-booth side of the table. And there was a single, sad dollar bill tucked in the front of her skirt. We had to look away. On to the food: They start you off with a cracker type thing with some sort of dipping sauce. It was ok. We ordered the bread basket (naan, onion naan, and garlic naan) with our meals, which was pretty good. I asked the server if he liked the chicken tikka masala or the chicken 65 more, and he said chicken tikka masala without hesitation. I went with it and he did not lead me wrong. It was delicious, very rich with the perfect tomato-y flavor that I couldn't get enough of. When my tummy was stuffed there was still plenty to take home. My only peeve was that it took an hour to get our food, even though the restaurant didn't seem that packed. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and would come be back.
(4)Regina F.
My father is a stickler for tablecloths. His idea of a perfect dining experience involves a nice, starched table drapery that flags to just below the knees. He's even more impressed if the silver utensils outnumber those in Amy Vanderbilt's expose on proper living. Regardless of whether he actually needs (or knows to use) that obscure fishbone-pick-knife-thing, he'll give a restaurant 10 stars, the waiter a 16 percent tip and lavish praises upon how good his steamed chicken breast was for the next year. I, however, find most eating utensils indelibly frustrating. The more objects there are to navigate, the more futile holding composure becomes, and the more quickly I slump under that starchy, hard cloth. Luckily Cafe Bombay extended an olive branch (or a lentil plant) to me and my father. Though there were no bright white sheets cascading over the beautiful marble table tops, the dim lighting accentuated the noir romance of the dining experience. Walls adorned with authentic Indian treasures, conscientious waiters dolling water as freely as the Jog Falls in Karnataka and food as exquisitely and willingly tailored to two very disparate appetites made for an illustrious dining experience. The paneer-baked chicken served on a sizzling skillet allowed the opaque white onions to transform into crystalline, caramelized beauties in just a few minutes. Moist, tender and refreshing, the Chicken Malai Kabab was as tantalizing as Frieda Pinto in any bollywood film. The Bhindi Masala, requested extra spicy, arrived with an almost erotic aromatic arousal. The spices wafted and curled with the steam rising above the copper bowl. Beautifully dark green, hand cut okra soaked in red chilies and adorned with dried spices, one spoonful of this amalgamation had my tongue yearning for more - so much so that licking the bowl seemed almost appropriate. Bombay's na'an, soft, fluffy, warm and not a bit too yeasty, obscured any need for this girl to use the spiked utensils set forth. Though napkins were provided with grace, edible hand cleaners that double as food vehicles are always in order.
(5)Lin G.
Reading that book, Interpreter of Maladies, put me in the mood for Indian food, so we came here. There are two sections, go into the back one, it's so much better. They even had a white girl belly dancing. They asked us for a preference on where to sit when we first walked in and not knowing the difference, I said wherever and of course they put us in the boring section. The atmosphere kind of sucked. I got some sort of chicken curry. It was okay. The naan was really good though. I wanted the thali and the waiter just said they didn't have it. It's always annoying when restaurants don't serve the food that they list on their fucking menu. Fucking tease. Maybe the lunch buffet would be better.
(3)Jonathan C.
Visited Cafe Bombay several times. Loved the lunch buffet. Then one evening I asked for a rice pudding to go, got home, opened the container, took a couple bites, and, to my surprise, there were two HUGE bugs in the pudding. They were big and black and nasty looking. One was cut in half and the other was fully intact. Both dead. Needless to say I won't be going here again. Can't get the image of those bugs sticking up halfway out of the rice pudding out of my head whenever I consider going back for lunch. If there were two in that one pudding, then there must be more crawling around in the kitchen. No thanks.
(2)Audrey F.
Cafe Bombay is pure comfort food for me. There is something about it that just makes any day better. Breakup? Cafe Bombay take out. Birthday? Cafe Bombay in the restaurant. Bombed a grad school exam? Cafe Bombay in the restaurant or take out - so many options. I am guilty of not being very adventurous here. But, what I get is just so incredibly good that I can't imagine getting Cafe Bombay and eating anything else. I always get chicken tikka masala and then obviously rice and naan. Deciding on what naan to get always stirs up an inner struggle. Do I act like a sane person and get a normal order of naan for $1.75? It is your basic naan, it is more than enough for one person and it is delicious. OR, do I embrace my inner desires and order the naan basket for $7.50 which comes with plain naan, garlic naan, and onion naan? It is just so much of a good thing...I realize it is a bit overboard when ordering for one, but I am definitely guilty of getting this tucked into my take out container on more than one occasion. I have tried a number of their other dishes when eating in the restaurant with friends and have not had a bad one yet. Although my love of my normal items prevents me from remembering any of their specifics. Addy C. is spot on that the lunch buffet here is fantastic. Unlimited naan, need I say more? The live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights is absolutely fantastic. It is from 8:00 - 10:30 and is a great show complete with fire twirlers. If you want the full show make sure and sit in the back part of the restaurant that has the couches and low tables - it is where all of the action happens!
(4)Mia T.
Friendly staff. Open 7 days a week. They offer an all you can eat buffet during lunch. If you never tried India food lunch is the perfect time to come. Relaxed atmosphere, great customer service and most importantly, delicious food!
(4)Sophie B.
Went on a Friday night, place was. Pretty packed but there wasn't a wait. I got the vegetarian thali and it was amazing! They bring free appetizer which is always a plus. There was also a belly dancer, entertainment while you eat! If you're looking for Indian food I highly recommend this place! In a strip mall so plenty of parking
(5)Woody W.
I'm a guy who doesn't even like Indian food but this place has a cool vibe and good food. I recommend the Chicken 65 for all the people who can't handle the heavy spices and the cheese naan was great as well.
(5)Kenny C.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is amazing. I don't how to pronounce the names of the food, but it's all taste awesome
(5)Dave B.
I eat here all the time. The buffet is one of the best deals in town. Excellent options, only ~$11. We also order from the menu regularly. I love the matar paneer and paneer tikka masala. The naan is also delicious.
(4)Jesse S.
Good dinner, and ambiance - service was fine and drinks were good - While the portions were a little small for the price, I think this was a great new find for us - if you like Indian it is well worth a try!
(4)B. H.
I live in Birmingham, and my girlfriend is Indian, we suffer from poor Indian food in Birmingham, as there is only 1 good location, but she absolutely loved the lunch buffet as it contained some of her favorite items, particularly the mango yogurt fruit thing. Other than that the tikka is great and the biryani is great. I loved the tikka paneer probably the most out of the non-meat options, but it wasn't there the second time I went. The goat was also very good. There was also naan on the buffet, which was great. The only thing I would have to ding them on is the chicken 65, I was not very impressed with it, but that is the only bad thing on the buffet. Importantly, the meat was fresh and tasty which is especially important for a buffet. We visit Atlanta frequently, and have made this our new place to stop at for Indian food.
(5)Anurag A.
I went there with my GaTech friends for dinner. The place looks good once you enter the restaurant. The server was initially trying to accommodate by joining tables in the main buffet area, but we managed to get a table in the big area with has the bar as well. Now the food part. We ordered 4 appetizers. Gobi manchurian, samosa chat, aloo tikki chat and paneer tikka. Gobi manchurian was not well cooked plus they were kind of raw and the florets were really big in size Everyone liked the Paneer tikka which was spicy and it was well cooked. For our main course we ordered Paneer butter masala and my friends ordered chicken tikka masala and another chicken dish. The entrees were really sweet in flavor and they were just ok. The Naan were really big in size and they were well cooked. My first experience was just ok. But I might visit this place again and will update the rating accordingly.
(3)Judy C.
This was my first experience with Indian food in Atlanta, and I'd say overall it was very good. Café Bombay is highlighted by the clean and intimate atmosphere. My boyfriend and I went on a Sunday night for an early dinner. The majority of the crowd at the time was non-Indian. We ordered lamb palak (spicy), chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and fried egg rolls. The egg rolls came piping hot and were a bit bland, although the cabbage-filling tasted pretty fresh. The garlic naan was light and chewy and very garlic-y. The minced garlic on the bread was not cooked at all and almost looked as if it was thrown on at the end. The lamb palak came out very spicy (as requested). Compared to other palak/saag dishes I've had, the flavor was a little lacking (maybe due to the heat). The chicken tikka masala was oddly sweet - almost like the sweetness of ketchup. Not to be stingy, but I felt like the amount of basmati rice that came out compared to the amount of food we ordered was less than expected. I was impressed by the size of the vegetarian menu and the décor and size of the place. We sat at a small table in the front room, but on the way to the bathroom noticed that the back room was beautifully decorated with a draped ceiling and embroidered throw pillows in the booths. In terms of the quality of service, my water glass was rarely empty. Overall, compared to other Indian joints, I think this restaurant wins out for décor and menu options. Although the food was better than average, I've definitely had better Indian food.
(4)Rohit A.
Never order delivery online. You will keep on waiting ,food will never be delivered. When you call, some stupid guy will sound as if he lives in pre historic era and doesn't have any clue what is Yelp or online ordering system.
(1)Daniel B.
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, my friend and I were hungry and craving Indian food. I impulsively suggested Bhojanic. We pulled up to the restaurant only to find it closed. Fortunately, there were other Indian restaurants in the vicinity, so we headed over to North Druid Hills and Briarcliff where Cafe Bombay and Chat Patti are located. Cafe Bombay sounded good enough to me, so that's where we went. I've heard of Cafe Bombay, but didn't really know much about it. We stumbled upon their lunch buffet, which is offered seven days a week, four hours per day (11:30-3:30 on weekdays, 12:00-4:00 on weekends). I've tried a variety of Indian buffets in metro Atlanta including Swapna, Lahore, and the now-closed Madras Grill. They're all about the same to me. It's buffet food, so obviously it's not going to be as good as freshly-cooked items ordered off the menu. However, the advantage to Indian buffets, and most buffets in general, is the opportunity to try many different items. That's exactly what I did here. I tried *everything* on the buffet and stuffed myself silly. So silly, that I was in pain afterwards (do not recommend). Here's a rundown of most of the buffet items I tried: Vegetable pakora - veggie fritters Punjabi karhi pakora - onion fritters in a yogurt curry Palek - spinach Chinese eggplant Aloo achari - potatoes cooked with special sauces Chicken tikka masala Tandoori chicken - chicken baked in a clay oven Chicken 65 - boneless red chicken Salad with yogurt dressing Chicken with rice - bone-in chicken with what looks like brown fried rice Fruit pudding Kheer - rice pudding Gulab jamun - fried dough balls in sweet syrup Gajjar ka halwa - sweetened shredded carrots with milk As is customary, the carbs to eat with all this food are naan (Indian flatbread) and Indian rice. I like Indian rice because it's long-grain, fragrant, soft, and fluffy. The rice here is not as fluffy, but it's because the rice has been sitting out on the buffet. The naan here also isn't that great. It's very plain and cold. Winners from the buffet included the Chinese eggplant, chicken tikka masala, chicken 65, the fruit and rice puddings, and the sweetened shredded carrots. I love the creamy and sweet chicken tikka masala sauce. The chicken 65 was crispy, tender, and sometimes juicy. The puddings were quite tasty as were the shredded carrots. All had appetizing, creamy, and milky flavors. The losers included the palek, tandoori chicken, and gulab jamun. Palek paneer (spinach with cheese) is one of my favorite Indian dishes, but the palek at Cafe Bombay was not sweet enough. It's hard to get tandoori chicken right, IMO, especially when it's served on a buffet. It was dry. As for the gulab jamun (fried dough balls), that was the biggest disappointment for me. The consistency of their gulab jamun was unappetizing from the moment I bit into them. I think they'd been sitting out too long. The pieces were too saturated and rich. Service was good. Cafe Bombay has two rooms of seating. One of the rooms, which they use for special and private events, comes complete with low tables and cushions on the floor -- traditional Indian-style. The restaurant advertises live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Now that's something I would back for!
(3)Gary D. S.
great buffet. good service. easy to reach from Lenox Mall near downtown Atlanta. Nice relaxed numerous selections to choose from. Many locals present 3/4 full 1:30 Sat afternoon.
(4)Andrea P.
Came here from Buckhead for the lunch buffet and thought it was a great value at $10 for a weekday. The food was delicious and it was a good spread. Obviously the spiciness was very tempered so it would appeal to the masses. I liked that not all of the chicken options were drowning in sauce. The potatoes and peppers ended up being my favorite. Service was also good - water was constantly refilled and plates were quickly cleared. It had a nice crowd at lunch but there was hardly ever a wait to get food and they kept everything well supplied.
(4)Aditya S.
Must say, the current four stars rating of this place is flattering at best. There are so many other places with better Indian food. We ordered Kadhai Paneer (1), Veg Makhani (2), Naan(3) and Samosa Chat (4). 1 was served in a pool of oil. 2 was just tomato puree. 3 and 4 were Okay. Food was served quickly but that would be the case if you cook anything with so much oil. Maybe the non-vegetarian and Thali servings are better. But I wouldn't bother to check them out again. My money is better spent at so many other places in Atlanta. And they had a belly-dancer walking around the tables. For someone coming from India, it was totally bizarre to see that being labeled as an Indian experience. My advice - go there if someone recommends a particular dish. If you are new to Indian food and wanna try out things, find some place else.
(2)Nina P.
Love this place so much! The outside does not do it justice! The inside is nice and the service is excellent. All the waiters were attentive and helpful in service and food choices. I recommend the butter chicken with the assortment of nan!!!! This stuff really fills you up and it is extremely delicious! I highly recommend. I plan to make this my regular spot to grab some Indian dishes.
(5)Sol A.
I have never been so grateful about a place opening in a holiday. A friend and I didn't feel like cooking on the 25th and we were craving some good food. She suggested this place and i just said yes, completey surprised they were actually open. The food is amaizing.. I had eggplant, naan and rice (I'm vegetarian) and my friends had chicken and we both were happy with our food. The service was good, the only thing that we didn't like is the closed atmosphere that you start feeling at the end of your stay. i started sneezing from all the spices in the room! Good place, definetively going back for more!
(4)Anas A.
I went there with my wife ,, Very uglay place , dont go there, and very bad manager.. nothing clean, if you hate someone send him to this place
(1)Dani O.
Food is best Indian cuisine in Atlanta. Authentic food and setting. The buffet style allows for eating at your preferred pace and also to try several different entrees. Setting is relaxing and intimate. Great for lunch or dinner.
(5)Tom C.
Cafe Bombay is the place to be for Indian Lunch Buffet for $9.99. Especially if you are hungry and looking for quality. This isn't crappy Indian food. It's at a fine dining Indian restaurant. During lunch they do buffet for customers. Their chicken tandoori, chicken tika masala, goat curry were all tasty and good. My vegetarian friend loved their vegetarian options. He is Indian and he said it was a quality Indian restaurant to his standards. Definitely going to have to come back for more Indian lunch buffett!
(4)Scott K.
Stopped through Cafe Bombay with a Canadian friend who had a taste for Indian food. Nice decor, relaxing and with very good service. We started off with Chicken Chat, a dish that I had never heard of, but sounded good. It was delicious. Kind of reminiscent of Thai Nam Tok salad. Next was the Chili Chicken. I'm really tired of spots that have warn you, "spicy" but in reality about as spicy as ketchup. That was not the case here. Spicy truly means Spicy in this place. Excellent, I'll be back.
(4)Philip K.
I'm not connoisseur of Indian food, but I was very impressed with the food and the service at Cafe Bombay. The waiters were all very friendly and patient as they helped us navigate the menu and answered all of our questions. I tried the Lamb Vindaloo...the spice level was perfect, and it was bursting with flavor. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and look forward to returning for more.
(4)Quality K.
excellent food but get rid of the indian waiters cause they are just too stiff. need to staff the place with people that have a personality and enjoy serving as a career. great food. owners should show less that money matters and concentrate more on taking the time to ensure guests are well taken care of. again, so far as i have experienced, food is great.
(3)Michael K.
Lunch Buffet was cheap, but..... The Tandoori Chicken was pretty dry. Chicken Tikka Masala was weird. It did not taste like most Tikka Masalas I've had..it tasted more like a butter chicken. The Naan was good. Their vegeterian noodles were pretty good (I wish they had one with meat, though. Then it'd be BOMB). Both of the kinds of rice they offered were cold, and not good. Overall, mehhhhhh. I've had better lunch buffets (in general) for $10, and I've had delicious Indian lunch buffets for $8. I think they should offer fewer dishes, but make them with better quality.
(3)Abhi G.
Been to Bombay cafe several times. This used to be my favorite indian restaurant when we moved in Atlanta 2 years back. Now that I have been to all Indian restaurants in Atlanta, it is still among top 4. Ambience-wise this is probably the most authentic indian restaurant, and the same goes for the service. Food is not bad either, I prefer their À la carte over their buffet.
(4)Jason L.
As a vegetarian who travels throughout the US for a living, I always look for Indian while on the road because of the variety of veg based options. I'm working downtown in Atlanta this week, and Cafe Bombay was well worth the 8 mile / 15 minute drive, which I made solely based on it's high Yelp reviews. We arrived at 12:30 in the middle of the lunch rush, and the large dining area was packed. There was a long line at the buffet, but it moved quickly, and the staff managed to promptly replace items before they ran completely out. It was obvious that they are used to the crowd and they ran like a well oiled machine. Food was incredible. They had all of the usuals - basmati rice, pakoras, palak paneer, aloo gobi, dal, krispy fried onion straws and spinach leaves, korma, in addition to several entrees I'd never tried before. They also had tandori chicken, butter chicken, ground goat meat, and a few other entrees that the meat eaters looked pretty happy about. I usually go into $10 AYCE buffets with limited expectations, but Cafe Bombay was fantastic and I'll be back when I return to the area in a few weeks.
(5)Hanan A.
A little better than the typical Indian Buffet although being on the pricey side nothing really sets this place apart from other places but it has a beautiful dining area, as well good assortment of Halal meat dishes in the buffet. Tends to be a work crowd type of place and enjoyable experience.
(3)Hiroyuki I.
While the food is great, popular among both my American and Indian friends, the service has been sub-par the two times I visited Cafe Bombay. If you can ignore the service, lack-there-of..., its a definite go! Sharing a number of curry with my friends, Ive had a chance to taste eight or so of both the vegetarian and meat curries. They were all wonderful, not too spicy, and not overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed the roasted red pepper curry with chicken and the eggplant potato curry. Both great choices. The appetizers and naan were great as well. I most enjoyed the fritter with cheese and mint. It was a very new taste for me, refreshing (mint) and savory (cheese). However, both times the service was less than professional. The waiters would nag us to order over four times while we told them that we needed more time, when there was hardly anyone else in the place around 5 pm. When the hot entrees arrived and a friend burnt her finger, the waiter asked if she had damaged the table instead of asking her if she were ok... Finally, we asked to split a check among four people, and the server told us how we should split the check instead... We told them that we were very unhappy with the service, but they did not seem to care. I must say that I was taken aback by these things... In the end, I really enjoyed the food here so I have returned. The service never has gotten any better. I would recommend this place to my friends, but be very weary of their service...
(3)Tiffany L.
The food here is great! We are regulars! The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is perfect!
(5)Errynne B.
I love this place... I would give it 5 stars except for the fact that I have never actually been there, I've only ordered delivery. My favorite dish is Chicken Tikka Masala and it is delicious! It's perfect with Naan as well. I wish the portions had a bit more chicken, but overall it is really good. The paneer dishes are also very good. If you're an Indian food fan like me, you should check this place out whether you go to the restaurant or order delivery.
(4)Veda R.
I was dragged here again by my family. This trip IS AND WAS THE LAST. Rude servers. I was talking to my mom and asked if we should grab an extra chair for the table as we had a semi-large group. The server overheard me and mocked me by repeating what I said in a very exaggerated tone. I'm serious. I know I have a high pitched voice, but was that really necessary? Me: "We need an extra chair." Server: "You mean this extra chair?" and pointed to a "chair". Me: "no, asshole." I'm seriously never going back Also -- Douchebag that was in charge of the "raw chicken" incident still works there, SMH.
(1)Kaundinya G.
Best Indian food in Atlanta. Goat curry is a die for! Friendly staff make me feel at home whenever I drop by :-)
(5)Jang C.
Unlike most reviews I've read for Cafe Bombay, I came for dinner, not the lunch buffet. Based on the reviews I've read so far, the dinner seemed like a better experience. I have to agree. The interior looked dark and fancy. It looked like a high class restaurant with folded napkins and so on. I felt it might have been too dark though. I guess it's suppose to be romantic. The servers seemed friendly. They looked a bit serious rather than charming though. Their constant frowning kinda made me feel unwelcome. They should loosen up a bit. Their food tasted great. Their naan came out fresh from their oven. It had browned and blistered nicely. The browning gave it a nice taste. I ordered 1 order of naan. And it looked huge. It was a size of a pizza. The naan had the nice and crispy exterior with the chewiness inside. I liked it. The appetizer we ordered was a mix of vegetables (I forgot what it was called). It had onions, chickpeas, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro. It was topped with yogurt. They asked us if we liked it spicy, and we did. So they added some heat to it, and boy did they ever. It was quite spicy. It also tasted like a vegetarian chiveche because of the cilantro and onions. Overall, it I loved this appetizer because of the heat and how refreshing it tasted. The Lamb Vindaloo tasted good too. The lamb was nice and tender, and the curry had great flavor. It came with some potatoes inside. The curry tasted hot but not as hot as the appetizer we had. We also ordered the Dal Tarka. It had a nice, sweet, savory taste. The lentils were cooked well. I liked this dish also. I felt the mild flavors balanced out the hot flavor of the appetizer and the Vindaloo. Overall, the food at Cafe Bombay had a lot of flavor. And I thought they tasted delicious. It was one of the few times I enjoyed Indian food. Then again, most of the time I eat Indian, I eat the crappy buffets. There's a difference in quality between dinner and buffet it seems. Our entrees came with Basmati rice. I think the rice was enough to eat the entress with. I didn't have to order the naan because the rice plus naan felt like too much food. Especially since the naan was big as a pizza. Then again, the naan did taste good. So it depends on how gluttonous you feel.
(4)Christina A.
Mediocre food, mediocre service. I used to like their lunch buffet, but the prices keep going up and now it doesn't seem worth it.
(3)Steve H.
Delicious! One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. The wait staff is sort of cold, but I can deal with it since the food is so good.
(4)Asma A.
NOT a fan of this place.. If i stop by its usually for the hookah, but even that is not that great.. Food: i think its okay, there are definitely better indian/pakistani restaurants Service: Extremely slowwwwwwwwww If you want desi food, go to decatur to Zyka, or Lukman
(2)Vipul P.
We utilized Ricky and the team at Cafe Bombay to cater my birthday party for 75 guests. He and his team did an excellent job. They showed up on time, were extremely courteous and diligent, but most importantly cooked food on site which was phenomenal. Our guests loved all the food - but the standouts were the tandoori shrimp, lamb chops, keema sliders, pain puri shots, and bhel martinis - and this was only the appetizers. I highly recommend Ricky for any event where you want to have amazing indian food.
(5)Kathleen M.
Cafe Bombay has been on my list for more than a minute, so I was excited when a friend decided to host a little birthday gathering here. The setting was nice and intimate, with dark woods and lots of candlelight. It was pouring rain outside, so it was a nice and cozy little getaway. The menu is huge, so prepare to be overwhelmed. They have lots of options for both vegetarians and meatitarians, as well as combo meal options for 2 if you're just not sure where to start. We ordered a few of the veggie samplers and everything on them was great. Little mini samosas, pakoras, and the classic Indian dish: eggrolls. Weird, yes. Delicious, also yes. The paneer tikka masala was everything I wanted it to be: creamy, hearty, comforting, and flavorful. I was tempted to lick the bowl. The chicken makhni was brightly colored and equally good, although a smidge on the greasy side. Still, I'd happily order both dishes again and again. The prices are a little higher than you might find at other joints around town, but the atmosphere is definitely higher end. Our service was sadly a little off as a few dishes were apparently forgotten and our server wasn't exactly helpful with deciphering certain parts of the menu. All in all, though, a great spot for Indian eats.
(4)Jenny K.
came here the other night. ordered the Chicken Afghani which is basically chicken w spicy mango sauce. it was pretty delicious, came with a choice of rice or naan. I went with the rice which was the better choice imo after trying a bite of my friend's naan. it was about $12,,, which was pretty ridiculous for the amount that we got. the chips you get for free in the beginning weren't that great either...(too salty). however, I'll give cafe bombay some props for the ambiance in there. the lighting was not too dark or too bright and it was an overall 'upscale' restaurant (cloth napkins!!) also, the service was very nice and attentive. I wouldn't go again for dinner but I'll definitely try out the lunch buffet soon to give bombay a second chance.
(3)Haroon Q.
Fresh and fantastic food as well as a depth of flavor. Best tandoori naan in the area and if it's your first time, definitely go for the butter chicken! They are also a great go to choice for take-out. Other great options are their chicken tikka & chicken tikka masala.
(4)Michael L.
Ok, I've had it with this place. First time I got the runs within 30 minutes of my meal, I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Second time...shame on you! *groan* *writhe* Or...shame on me for coming back...granted it's been a while. The food here really is "toned down" in terms of flavor- though their tandoori wings are still tasty. Madras Woodlands beats this place hands down. Can't come back anymore. Not if this is what it does to me....NOT cool.
(2)Michelle K.
I love this place! I truly enjoy Indian cuisine and was happy to stop by for dinner here over the weekend. We were both set on the tandori chicken and it was a great. We missed the buffet but ordering a la carte was easy since we knew what we were craving. The wait staff was extremely courteous and very accommodating. I really liked the fact that the managers at the restaurant was keeping tabs on all the customers dining in and made sure that we were well taken care of. I love their cucumber, dill & yogurt sauce that I use on my tandoori chicken and their sweet, plum sauce (dark.) Cafe Bombay has not disappointed me yet so I will be sure to return when I'm craving Indian, any day of the week. #Yelp 365- 31/365
(5)Ashley W.
I love this place. The food is always consistently good and the portions are always pretty big. I've always ordered to go so I can usually eat from my dish 2 times. I always order the butter chicken with an order of naan. Both have been wonderful and their buffet looks pretty good as well just from glancing at it when coming in the front door. Definitely give this place a try!
(4)Jessica W.
Located close to Emory's campus, cafe Bombay has awesome Indian food. I've been several times for the lunch buffet, which is great. Last time I stopped by was for dinner & I ordered my favorite chicken Goan curry; if you like coconut, this is the dish to try! Service is usually friendly, although not always the most efficient. Prices are reasonable & the food is delicious!
(4)Nafisa A.
Amazing amazing amazing! Everything about this restaurant is amazing. The amount of food they give for the price is totally worth it. I've been there twice, and both times got their chicken biryani. It was amazing. Our server was Sajib. Both times I've been there. Loved his service a lot! When you go there, ask for him. Enjoy!
(5)Kate C.
First thing to know, this place is two very different restaurants. What I mean by that is, there's the buffet and then there's the regular sit-down menu. Buffet: 5 stars. Fresh food. Great variety. Quick service. Full men: 2.5 stars. Some items stand out as good. But overall, it's a minefield. I've found most of the menu items uninspired, overcooked, don't sit well in your stomach type. I know that this makes no sense. But there you have it.
(4)Chan V.
Amazing chicken tiki masala and tandori chicken wings. Must try the bullet naan which is jalapeño naan. If that's not your thing then there is a book of a menu for you to pick from. The butter chicken with garlic naan is also fabulous. This is my new favorite Indian restaurant.
(5)Levi B.
This place was great. I got the butter chicken hot which was delicious. One hiccup and about 7/10 on my hot scale. My wife got chicken tikka masala. I wasn't such a fan of it. The curry was super yummy but the chicken was dry. She loves it that way but not me. Out of the 3 Indian restaurants we went to in ATL this place has the best tasting curries.
(5)Paul E.
If I didn't have food poisoning from their chutneys and rude staff behavior, this review would have been better. Let me break it down to a few categories. Food-- (as someone grew up in parts of South and knows how to cook most of the dishes) the only item worth mentioning is chole bhatorey(chickpea curry). I was appalled to find the palak paneer being made with cheap cheese (to those who were raving about it on the reviews-- paneer is not your publix cheese on the shelf; please taste something authentic before claiming it as awesome). The tikka masala was dry and it was evident they didn't cook it fresh. The tandoori chicken was very dry as well. The chicken biriyani was pretty good. From the looks of it, these people don't know how to do non veg items very well. Service-- the staff was always hovering over you, taking plates away even before you were done. This created this pressure of "you need to leave ASAP", which is a very tacky south Asian technique they use in those parts. Given the naan was super thin and hard, I asked for some fresh naan on the table when they were bringing out a new batch. 99% of all restaurants are more than happy to do it, but the waiter very rude said that I need to order from the menu. He also went on to explain how they are the most popular restaurant in Atlanta and how only " small" restaurants do it. Very discourteous Price-- reasonable;$13 for the buffet. However considering only one dish was made to taste, I have eaten better. Overall, I have been to 20+ Indian restaurants in Atlanta and this will rank in the bottom 2. Still having food poisoning issues. Do NOT try their chutneys.
(2)jennifer s.
Best lamb vindaloo I've had in atlanta. The sauce is so savory with the right amount of spice. Their naan is nice and fluffy and delicious. The rice has perfect flavor and texture. Ive only eaten take out here but the service was always very courteous and inviting. Def recommend this place
(5)Emma F.
Solid Indian Restaurant. The food is not as spicy as I am used for Indian places (actually not spicy at all really) so if you want it spicy ask for it that way. The servers are nice and the place is pleasant. What we had: Meat Samosa: Average Veggie Pakora: Average Butter Chicken: Slightly Above Average Goat Rhogan Josh: Average Lamb Vindaloo: Average and not spicy at all in spite of the warning. Mixed Tandoori Grill: Above average Palak Paneer: Average Mango Lassi: Below Average So, with so many averages why the four stars vs three? Because I have realized that my idea of average Indian food is actually really good Indian food. I'm super picky and the mere fact that I would go back, means it's pretty damn good. Overall, if you come here, you won't be disappointed, unless you like really spicy Indian food, in which case tell them so and I'm sure they'll oblige. I will be asking for things with a lot of spice next time.
(4)Karthi S.
The food is not up to the mark no varieties No spicy No appetizer in veg food Chicken butter masala not good
(1)Ahmed A.
Great Indian food and a friendly staff. Had the Lamb curry, Chicken malai kabab, spinach paneer, Afghani chicken and dal makhani. Also tried the rice and the naan with the food. All of it was good quality and it all came with generous portions. The Afghani chicken had mangoes in the sauce and provided a unique sweet flavor. I would definitly go there again!
(5)Marisa F.
DON'T EVER ORDER DELIVERY FROM THIS RESTAURANT. I'm pretty sure you are all going to be as grossed out by this story by I am. (They use GrubHub) which I will be deleting my account and NEVER using again. This evening I've had to deal with the most incompetent people. Their driver delivered the wrong order to my apartment this evening we opened the food up and had it spread on the counter and started serving ourselves before we realized that some of the food was wrong. We called the restaurant and the delivery man came back with the right order over 30 minutes later and they wanted to take the wrong order back so it could delivered to the right person. I told the guy we already opened up all the food and ate some of the stuff that we thought was ours so the guy said ok and left. Then a really nasty guy from the company called me demanding the food back so it could be served to the right person. 1) We have already opened it to check if it was ours and ate some of it because we ordered some of the same thing. The first thing we pulled out was what I knew was mine and started eating it....... Two::: that's gross that they wanted to serve it. Would you want to eat cold food that someone has stuck there fingers in seeing if it was theres? Which honestly I had. Three::: that's against a number of health violations. If someone gets the wrong order you have to throw it out. BY LAW it cannot be reserved especially meat and especially when it has already gone cold. I've worked in the food industry and known food inspectors. I will honestly be reporting them to the health department and I HIGHLY suggest Cafe Bombay find a new delivery service. Go to the restaurant and pick up your food.... don't use this service.
(2)E V.
There were several events in my life recently that made me feel like God might be mad at me, but then I found this restaurant on yelp, and I knew that God must really, really love me. This food was indescribably good. The naan was so amazing that I almost hid it from my husband, so I could eat it all myself. Wow....just wow!!
(5)No N.
WHAT A RIPOFF. This place is OVERPRICED!! Their naan tastes like it came from a pancake mix box and was cooked on a girdle and left sitting out in the rain. The chicken tasted like it was left out in That Desert for one thousand and one nights. The samosas were doughy and stuffed with what tasted like cream cheese. It was like I was eating the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Not to mention they were half frozen.
(1)Amy H.
I have lived in Atlanta for a year, and after trying all the Indian around Candler Park, I had to go north to find some good stuff. I've only gotten Cafe Bombay for take out, but each time the food is great. It's what I expect from your average Indian restaurant. I've had the lamb biryani, tikki masala, saag paneer and mali kofta. I liked them all. The naan is good. I've had better basmati rice and raita, but no biggie. Dining room was full on Saturday night, and a lot of Indian families are here, which is a good sign.
(4)Autumn S.
I'm new to indian food but really enjoyed the chicken masala there.
(4)Tiff H.
Probably wasn't such a good idea to come to an Indian buffet when my stomach was feeling a little precarious after some suspicious tuna sashimi at Nori Nori the night before. But being as adventurous as I am when it comes to food and since I had been itching to come here for months (...years....?), I finally made it out to Cafe Bombay. The Saturday lunch buffet consisted of two lines of food offerings. One row contained different curries, some looking extremely appetizing and some.. not so much. The curries were all very interesting and different and I made an attempt to try all of them. The naan was crispy but a little dry, so I preferred the basmati rice with my curry. The gulab jamun (sweet freaking amazing balls of fried dough) were soooo good. For some reason, it reminded me of the sugar donuts that Chinese super buffets offer, which are a guilty pleasure of mine. After two though, I definitely couldn't stomach another one. The second line of food contained some classic Indian dishes like the chicken tandoori and the tikka masala. The tandoori was very dry, although the sauce was flavorful and quite tasty. The tikka masala was delicious, although it borderline tasted like tomato sauce... or tomato bisque... I was a little disappointed when I left, but I would like to give Cafe Bombay another shot one day when I'm in the area.
(3)Michelle C.
Two words: Lunch buffet. Cant go wrong. However, service here is horrible. If the food wasn't so good I would give them a 1 star for crappy service.
(4)Kashif K.
Cafe Bombay and I go back a long way. And my love for the food here has only grown over the years. While the other "traditional American Indian" dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken are great, the more "out of the box" Chicken Shahi Korma and Chicken Afghani (chicken cooked in a creamy, mildly spiced mango sauce) are outstanding. The Shrimp Poori here is also among the best I've ever had. The service is attentive and friendly, and they exhibit a genuine interest in ensuring that you enjoy your meal. The staff are very gracious and helpful, providing suggestions and recommendations, as needed.
(5)Asim K.
Went for lunch buffet on a Sunday.. I liked the tandoori chicken and naan. Otherwise the food was lacking flavor. When I eat Indian food I expect a certain level of heat. While the food here was good and there was lots of variety it was lacking spice.. It tasted like watered down Indian food catered towards goras.
(3)John C.
Cafe Bombay Indian cuisine best in the ATL area.They try to offer a great variety of foods during the lunch buffet along with the tandoori chicken favorite. Remember your in the ATL, I've had much better but this is the best in the area...you will not be disappointed. .
(3)Jenna S.
Wonderful. Very attentive staff and amazing buffet. I loved the goat curry and the biriyani. Busy lunch buffet, in a good way, speaks to the quality of the food. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and I plan to come back :)
(5)Andrew W.
The more I eat at Indian restaurants, the more I realize that I like their dinner service significantly more than their lunch buffets. Of course, I'm speaking in generalities here. Nevertheless, I was at Café Bombay for the lunch buffet. To me, buffets are supposed to have the advantage of giving people who aren't familiar with Indian cuisine an opportunity to try various dishes that represent the culture. Alas, as what happens all too often, buffet food is made to feed the masses - and as such is devoid of the things I like most about Indian food: robust flavors with spices and heat. What may be bold and flavorful curries during dinner service are no more than bland slop at a lunch buffet. I sampled from nearly every buffet pan in the hopes of finding something delicious and memorable. I did not find anything. What I did leave with however was an upset stomach - no doubt the cost for mixing and matching a wide spectrum of Indian food. The Chicken Tikka Masala, by which I judge all Indian restaurants (when they have it), was bland like tomato soup. For those who follow my reviews, my search for the best Chicken Tikka Masala in metro-ATL continues - it wasn't to be found at Café Bombay (at least during their lunch buffet). I may need to give them a shot during dinner service - maybe that will make a difference.
(2)Cindy L.
This place is perfect for their Indian lunch buffet. There are so many choices. I've been here during the weekday as well as their weekend lunch buffet (weekend is a little more expensive but selections are still very similar, you're not missing out on a big difference if you do weekday lunch buffet). There is a meat buffet section and a vegetarian buffet section, which is very nice. I love their tikka masala and their goat curry (goat curry is probably my favorite). I mix it with saag paneer and rice and eat it all up in one bite. Good spices. Some of their curries can be very oily, it's probably from the butter and cream, but their flavors are good. I also like their tandoori chicken, I always dip it in their mint chutney sauce. I cannot forget their dessert section. I have a crazy sweet tooth. They have gulab jamun, which is like a ball that is milk solids and dough and it is soaked in some sort of syrup. I have to dip every bite into the syrup. It's very, very, very sweet but I love it. I have also been here for dinner for my aunt's birthday, but I wouldn't come back for their dinner. I would stick to their lunch buffet.
(4)Ahmed H.
Food wasn't bad. Not spectacular, just decent. Would come again....except for horrendous service. Waited 40 minutes for small bowl of chicken that likens itself to an appetizer, instead of the full plate entree I was expecting. No waiter ever really spoke to me. Didn't have a menu for 10 minutes. Sitting here now after my dismal meal that I waited forever for and considering just dining and dashing - if it was legal. Instead I'll just leave no monetary tip and a tip to pay attention to their diners, even if they are eating alone. So disappointed, had high hopes.
(2)Yane Y.
It's been too long, Cafe Bombay. Way too long...!!! I've been here in years past for their dinner, primarily, but decided to come for the lunch break on Veteran's holiday - thank you soldiers! My husband had never been but I've been waiting to introduce him to this place. And... I guess my little one as well (1.5 years old). We went for lunch and arrived around 12:45. While it was busy, there was still room for us and a baby. The lunch crowd appeared to be a good variety of business people, casual lunch meetings and friends. They were always on top of our water and also quick to pick up our plates when cleaning up. It's been awhile since I visited so the whole ambience was a bit different from back in the day. It seems they stepped up their game and added granite counter tables! As for food, I loved their chicken tikka masala, chicken biryani, soft cheese tikka masala, naan, chicken tandoori and chicken tandoori wings, eggplant curry, and sweet carrot dessert. The main I have is that the chicken tandoori wings were much more moist than the chicken tandoori drumsticks. Apart from that, no other real comments. It was delicious. Oh! They had their meat dishes split from their vegetarian dishes. My husband loved their vegetarian dishes. I must admit that they were good. For example, the eggplant? I'm not a big fan of eggplants but it did me good! Flavor was perfect... I'm coming back again soon...!!!
(5)Rahul G.
I've had two meals here and they were both excellent. The first time I had the lunch buffet. It was delicious and there was a wide variety to choose from. The second time i came with my parents for dinner. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We enjoyed the naans. Some of the best we've had. Fluffy buttery and warm. My parents claimed the goat rogan josh was just as good as back home (they're originally from India) . The service was prompt and attentive. Something that is usually lacking at Indian restaurants. Overall, it exceeded my expectations and I will be back on a regular basis.
(5)Anise M.
I am a frequent diner of Bombay Cafe and have never been disappointed! The food is so tasteful! Very well spiced and never under or over cooked no matter if your there for lunch or dinner. The restaurant setup is cozy, well spaced and you can't help but feel so good to be there because the staff is awesome! They are very nice and make sure you have everything at the table that you want and need. I will be a forever client here! -Anise M
(5)Parita S.
Superior and prompt service. The food was fantastic and not "watered down" like a lot of Indian places I've been to as they try to save money. They also have a unique drink menu which was impressive - my lycheetini was everything I had hoped for and more! Will definitely return!
(5)Jonathan S.
If you don't know, I feel bad for you. LUNCH BUFFET. It's around $11 bucks for all you can eat naan, chicken tikka masala, biryani, etc. I've also been for the dinner service and enjoy that as well, although it's hard to pay dinner prices when I typically go there for the lunch buffet. They also do hookah in the back room. If you do the buffet: Note how quickly the waiters refill your cup of water. It's pretty funny. You take a sip and they fill it back up. If you do the dinner: There's value in the mix grill. Although the meat can be a little dry.
(4)Mike S.
Not quite sure what the positive fuss is about this place, it's mediocre at best. Stopped in for the lunch buffet and had a small sampling of everything offered; good deal of vegetables but everything was very conservatively spiced and fell short of "flavorful", landing somewhere between "bland" and "uninspiring". Chicken tikka masala was tender but under-seasoned, with the sauce overpowered by tomato. The naan was relatively fresh but lukewarm. Overall, a fairly decent place for a quick lunch if you are in the area and have a hampering for Indian. Otherwise, I would not suggest it for much more. As others have noted, I have some reservations about the establishment's food safety. The ice water had a pungent taste, which if Heather V.'s tip holds any veracity, would be from the black mold growing in the ice machine. Watch out. Props for quick and attentive service though.
(2)Ash H.
Oh my god... I never write a review but this time I felt obligated. The food was horrible! Chicken Tikka masala was either spoiled or made terribly without any flavor, it smelled so bad and was sour! And trust me I know indian food.
(1)Solera F.
Food was excellent! Best Indian food I've ever had. Flavorful, great presentation, fast, good portions AUTHENTIC
(5)American A.
Decent Indian food. You will be better off going there for dinner. I have been there several times for lunch. The lunch buffet quality s not worth the price.
(2)Vijay P.
Very good belly dance , average food , bad service
(2)C S.
Yum yum yum yummmmm! Delicious food and great price for the lunch buffet. ($10 per person) definitely worth the price! Many different dishes to try and lots of desserts! They even have fresh warm nan on the buffet. Can't wait to come back here
(5)Roman G.
Best Indian food in Atlanta. Quick service, great staff and the food is delicious! The prices are on the high end for Indian food. They are also a big caterer in the Southeastern region. Highly recommend.
(4)Ashvini S.
Excellent Indian food and outstanding service after a long time. Main person who made our evening so special over there is Kanna. Will definitely go back.
(5)Joy B.
Wonderful lunch buffet. Great food, really delicious and friendly staff. Fast service as well. Large inside with several dining areas. Ample parking as well.
(4)Shyam S.
It sucks that I have to downgrade my review to three stars, but I feel the food has become much less authentic from my visit four years ago and is now more in line with the common North Indian buffet fare that is standard across the U.S. Everything tastes like the food you might see at other Indian restaurants. I don't know how to explain it, but the food lacks potency, warmth and the magic that is good Indian food. Granted, I am only talking about the buffet, but their separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian buffet tables used to be the stuff of legend. Not so much anymore, I am sad to report.
(3)Brian K.
I have a love-hate relationship with Indian restaurants. On one hand, the food is bursting with flavor and undeniably delicious. However, on the other hand, a visit to one of these establishments can leave you reeking of an ungodly stench - to the point where even a plague infested leper would scoff at you on the streets. Fortunately, Cafe Bombay is an exception to the norm, or at least just has a good ventilation system. This is sufficient enough justification for the place to become my go-to joint when the butter chicken fever hits. Food: Cafe Bombay specializes in traditional Indian cuisine, some of which has been modified for the American palate. Much of the food is prepared with the use of a tandoor (clay oven) and karahi (Indian wok) - most entrees are served with basmati rice. The restaurant does offer a lunch buffet that appears to be quit popular, but I visited during the evening and ordered from the standard dinner menu. My dining partner and I opted to start with the paneer pakora, which was generously portioned and well flavored. For an entree, I had the butter chicken and an order of the paneer naan. Both were delicious and among the better renditions of the dishes that I've had in Atlanta. Service: Attentive, but not particularly personable. We were promptly seated upon arrival and the service was efficient throughout the meal, but the servers all lacked any semblance of personality. Atmosphere: The interior of Cafe Bombay is clean, open, and nicely appointed. The restaurant consists of a front dining room and a larger back room for overflow and private events. The buffet line is located in the front room near the entrance. The clientele is a mix of both Indian and non-Indian people, which is typically a good sign when it comes to ethnic cuisine. Although a few of the reviewers seem to be lamenting the authenticity of the offerings here, I found it to be comparable in quality to, if not superior to, what I've experienced elsewhere in the city. Cost: Moderately priced. Appetizers are $4-$7, soups are $5, single entrees are $10-$13, thalis are $11-$16, and desserts are $4-$6. Rice is $3-$13 and bread is $2-$4. Other: Cafe Bombay has a Briarcliff address, but it's actually physically accessed via Woodcliff Drive, which runs off Briarcliff Rd. next to the Target plaza. It's in the same plaza as Tin Roof Cantina and Queen of Sheba Ethiopian. Free and ample parking is available in the plaza's lot. The restaurant has a large private banquet hall and also has catering affiliations with most major hotel chains in the Atlanta area.
(4)Stephanie M.
Having only dined here for lunch I would like to check it out in the evenings the place looks like it would be fun at night with a big open dining room in the back with a bar and belly dancing offered ! At times I have been the first customer through the doors sitting, just waiting for them to nod their heads in my direction so I can leap from my seat and examine the untouched virgin bar before having my way with it. Other times I've been the last to leave and enjoyed the all you can eat lunch each and every time. Two kinds of rice as well as Birini are offered, vegetarian dishes are available, sometimes a fried veggie or a mix of and salad. Chicken is prepared in a handful of styles Tikka, Masala and Tandoori are usually at your fingertips. Trying the different textures, flavors and sauces makes for an interesting lunch all are yum. Your eyes can get the best of you so eat what you take and try not to waste. The food is kept at the proper temperature, replenished as needed and your plates removed often.Try to get here early the tables will fill up quickly during the lunch rush.
(4)Angela H.
Recently, I realized I hadn't had Indian food in a while and immediately thought of Cafe Bombay. I had heard about the restaurant numerous times throughout the past year, but I just never made it point to go. Since I wanted to catch up with a friend over dinner, I thought that Cafe Bombay would be the perfect place. We arrived at 8 pm on a Wednesday evening, and the restaurant was packed. As soon as we walked in, an employee approached us and informed us that it would be "just a few minutes." About ten minutes later, another employee told us the same thing. We stood by the entrance for probably a good 15 to 20 minutes before we were seated! My friend, who had been to Cafe Bombay numerous times before, told me that it was odd that the wait was so long, especially since they have a whole other room in the back. It turns out the long wait was an anomaly, especially on a Wednesday evening. As we were finally seated, our server told us that there was a private party going on in the back room, where they would normally seat additional customers. It would have been nice if someone had told us that from the start, and if they were more realistic about the wait time. As a creature of habit, I knew what I wanted even before I walked in. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. Additionally, my friend and I decided to get a Garlic Naan to share. Soon after we ordered, our server brought us their complimentary spicy crackers with cilantro chutney. A quick Google search reveals that these "crackers" are called "Papadums." They were thin, crispy, packed a lot of flavor, and spicier than I had expected. Apparently, the chutney is for dipping the papadums. As a cilantro hater, I did not like the chutney. Although I munched on two pieces of papadum, I wasn't really a fan. Less than 15 minutes after ordering, we were pleased at how quickly our entrees were served. * Garlic Naan ($3) - The "Soft leavened bread" comes in four flavors - bullet (spicy), cheese, garlic, and onion. One order of naan consists of one large piece of naan cut into four slices and served on a plate. It's definitely enough for two, especially if you're getting an entree which also comes with rice. The buttery, garlic-flavored naan was DELICIOUS! I HIGHLY recommend the garlic. =) My only complaint is that my second piece had a HUGE air bubble in it and, therefore, much less garlic flavoring. =( * Chicken Tikka Masala ($11) - My favorite Indian dish is made of "Boneless white pieces of chicken cooked with [our] Chef's special sauce." The chicken was tender, and the orange-colored, creamy sauce was so flavorful and amazing! It's so great with the garlic naan, too. This was definitely one of the tastiest Chicken Tikka Masalas I have ever had! Although I normally like to have leftovers to take home, I have to admit, I completely cleaned the bowl because it was THAT good. It wasn't a small portion, but it's definitely not enough for two. My friend ordered the Butter Chicken, which looked very similar to the Chicken Tikka Masala. Both dishes are normally served with basmati rice, but it was served in one serving bowl for us to share. The rice was cooked just right, and it was more than enough for the two of us. Overall, Cafe Bombay gets 4.5 stars for their delicious, reasonably-priced Indian food and quick service. Unfortunately, I had to round down because of our long, initially unexplained wait. Additionally, I think the servers could be a little friendlier, but that's just me be nitpicky. I will definitely return as I would love to try their lunch buffet and enjoy more of their amazing food! [Review 276 of 366]
(4)Leah G.
I went here last Wednesday for dinner. I had been to the lunch buffet a few times before but its been a while. This was my first dinner experience. I met a friend here and the restaurant was nice and quiet so we were able to catch up without having to shout. It was nice not to loose my voice to be heard by my dinner companions. The service was pretty good. We were there for a couple hours and they kept our waters filled and never seemed impatient for us to leave. In fact the only time they seemed impatient was when it took us a little bit to decide on our order. Which leads to my one small complaint. The menu is very pretty but it is light colored writing on dark colors and patterned backgrounds. When they turned down the lights it was very hard to read. We both had to get out our phones in order to decide what to order I felt like I was trying to decipher cave hieroglyphics but had forgotten the battery in my helmet. We had Bombay Mixed Grill which is a variety from the tandoori grill. We had Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Malai Kabab & Sheek Kabab (lamb). It comes out sizzling and the smell is so mouthwatering that we actually added this to our order after our neighbors came out and we realized we HAD to try it. The different kinds of chicken were all very good and it was nice to have a variety but I wish there had been more lamb. It was definitely my favorite. If I had this again I would probably just get the lamb. Goan Shrimp Curry, which is a coconut based curry. I would definitely recommend it for fans of shrimp and coconut. I am not so good at describing tastes exactly, but the curry was very well flavored with just a hint of the sweet coconut. Chicken Afghani which is chicken in a mango based sauce. It was very tasty but if I went back I wouldn't get the Goan Shrimp Curry and the Chicken Afghani the same time. They both were light curries with a hint of fruit to make them just a tiche sweet. They were excellent, but I would have prefered something a little different to really keep my taste buds happy. We topped all of this off with Mango Lassis, and Naan. We probably good have done with one less dish as I had leftovers for two meals, but we wanted a variety. Overall it was a great time the food was all excellent and it was a nice place to catch up.
(4)Vaidehi P.
Don't bother because buffet is bland. Paneer tikka was exactly like pizza sauce with some spices and paneer! The only possible edible dish was the kadai paneer.
(2)Cece U.
The food here is simply delicious. I have yet to find another Indian restaurant in Atlanta that comes close to the greatness that is Cafe Bombay. There are times when I've eaten here twice in a week. I love Indian food and without Cafe Bombay I do not know how I would go on living in Atlanta.. (minus the fact that my BFF is Indian and cooks pretty tasty meals). Anyway, I am headed there tonight and decided I'd write a review before I head out. I would name my favorite dishes but there are about 10 of them. If you like lamb, I highly recommend the lamb palak...the favorite of my favorites. I always get that and another dish and split with someone. I also really enjoy the papadum and chutney thats served as a free app every time you dine in. It is like the Indian version of chips and salsa...yummy! The service is hit or miss, usually very good but some of my interactions with the employees have been a bit odd. Takeout is also great here! They give you so much sometimes I think the takeout portions sizes are larger than the dine in. I just think of it as making up for the lack of chips and salsa :)
(5)Chris P.
Went here for the lunch buffet. The food is decent quality, but way, way too spicy in most cases (almost all the vegetarian curries) and weirdly underseasoned in one case (the tandoori chicken). I give them credit on a couple of fronts: there was good variety on the buffet, and the waiters were quick to refill food on the buffet as well as the water glass on my table. They weren't particularly friendly service-wise compared to several other places (e.g. Himalayan Spice). I like *some* heat, mind you. It just seems like most everything was turned up to 11 on the chile scale, so that I had trouble discerning some of the more complex curry spices on my palate. Spots like Swapna up in Smyrna do a better job offering a range of spicy heat on their buffet. Still, it could have been an off day, so I'm willing to give these guys another shot in the future.
(3)K P K.
I used to go here before there was Yelp, and had to come back here now to write a review. This has got be one of the best Indian restaurants in the country. That may sound like a stretch, but if you are looking for a authentic Punjabi experience this is the place to go to. No color added, real spices that light up your taste buds, and just excellent kababs and bread. The owner is also a wonderful guy who is truly passionate about his food and restaurants. On extended work trips, we would here here almost 1-2 times per week (never do that ever). This is the first place I will eat when back in Atlanta.
(5)Jen S.
the. best. Indian. buffet. I've ever had. I came in with a friend on a Monday for Lunch Buffet.. I believe the times are 11:30 to 3:30PM but you should call in to make sure I'm right about that. Before tip, the total cost is right below $11 including tax and they have unlimited naan, chicken, lamb, spinach, etc. etc.. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. It's extremely clean and it's convenient to go with friends because you can pay individually at the front. I can't wait to go again!
(5)James L.
Love this place. My only criticism is that I like my Pakura cooked crispy.
(4)Elizabeth S.
Was in town for business, and went Monday night with a colleague/friend. SO good. In fact, so good that when someone Wednesday night suggested we go there I didn't object, even though I usually like to diversify my dining options on business trips. Night one, we shared an order of the chat -- it's a pretty big order, too much for two people, especially with the food that followed. The raw onion flavor was a bit overpowering, but the spice was great -- nice kick to it, too! My friend got the Afghani chicken with mango and loved it; I had the chicken korma, and also love it. We had an order of naan -- perhaps the best I've had to date. Ordered a second and almost finished it! Night two, 8 of us went and they were able to accommodate us without a reservation. Most of us ordered Thalis -- great price for the amount of food provided. The choices for the Thali were limited, but it was fine since they were all delicious: Chicken Tikka Masala, Aloo Paneer, Rice, Naan, Raita (excellent raita!) and what I think was rice pudding; I was too full! I would definitely return here next time I'm in the area and recommend it highly!
(4)Chris P.
Went here for the lunch buffet. The food is decent quality, but way, way too spicy in most cases (almost all the vegetarian curries) and weirdly underseasoned in one case (the tandoori chicken). I give them credit on a couple of fronts: there was good variety on the buffet, and the waiters were quick to refill food on the buffet as well as the water glass on my table. They weren't particularly friendly service-wise compared to several other places (e.g. Himalayan Spice). I like *some* heat, mind you. It just seems like most everything was turned up to 11 on the chile scale, so that I had trouble discerning some of the more complex curry spices on my palate. Spots like Swapna up in Smyrna do a better job offering a range of spicy heat on their buffet. Still, it could have been an off day, so I'm willing to give these guys another shot in the future.
(3)K P K.
I used to go here before there was Yelp, and had to come back here now to write a review. This has got be one of the best Indian restaurants in the country. That may sound like a stretch, but if you are looking for a authentic Punjabi experience this is the place to go to. No color added, real spices that light up your taste buds, and just excellent kababs and bread. The owner is also a wonderful guy who is truly passionate about his food and restaurants. On extended work trips, we would here here almost 1-2 times per week (never do that ever). This is the first place I will eat when back in Atlanta.
(5)Jen S.
the. best. Indian. buffet. I've ever had. I came in with a friend on a Monday for Lunch Buffet.. I believe the times are 11:30 to 3:30PM but you should call in to make sure I'm right about that. Before tip, the total cost is right below $11 including tax and they have unlimited naan, chicken, lamb, spinach, etc. etc.. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. It's extremely clean and it's convenient to go with friends because you can pay individually at the front. I can't wait to go again!
(5)sameer a.
Amazing indian Mughlai food tried chicken korma and paneer kadhai. Both were amazing The Indian breads were well done and big sized.. In addition, Very courteous service and Clean restroom
(5)Chris M.
How do you eat the Indian food you crave on a low-carb diet? Well, it's possible. And Cafe Bombay was my most recent test. This review addresses TWO menu items only -- the Bombay Mixed Grill and onion kulcha. (Okay, the bread is NOT on the diet but I wanted it anyway.) I went early on a Monday and there was no one else there when I arrived. So I got to focus on trying to avoid rice, papadams and usual starchy sins and focus on how the MEAT was prepared. I was a bit surprised by how long it took, but was hoping that this was a good sign that the kitchen was taking care. When the dish arrived I was surprised. It came on a sizzling platter (like fajitas) with the aroma of Indian spices filling the senses. Okay. The onion kulcha/naan was nothing special. So let's focus on the varieties of protein offerings on the platter. There were 4 different meats - chicken 3 ways and lamb seekh kebab. The standard Tandoori chicken pieces - one thigh and one leg - were tasty and moist. The tikka pieces - small chunks of breast meat - were a bit overcooked and dry by comparison. By far the best two things on the platter were the seekh kebab and the malai kebab. The lamb was ground and well seasoned with fresh cilantro and peppers. The chicken malai pieces were moist and carried the seasonings perfectly. I think it is the cream sauce used to prepare the malai that made it so good. Only 4 tables of people when I left. Overstuffed. Feeling a little carb guilty from my one slice of naan. But happy that some chicken and lamb became a part if me tonight. Now... to walk off those carbs...
(4)Sak L.
So very good. I should probably branch out and try something else on the menu, but I can't. The chicken tikka misala is delicious.
(4)Bilal A.
I have tried lunch buffet which is good but not great! It has separate vegetarian and non-veg dishes which have varying quality.
(4)Zain K.
Meh. I called ahead of time to ask if they were serving thali for lunch, and was given an affirmative response, only to find that this wasn't the case at all. Too hungry to leave, I had the chicken tikka, nan, lentil soup, and raita. Everything tasted fine, but the chicken was slightly on the dry side and the nan was a little thin for my taste (I prefer nan to be fluffy/chewy as opposed to thin/crisp).
(3)Alex P.
Lets start off by saying, I know a thing or two about indian food and love it. The review is particularly for the lunch buffet, which is better than any I've visited in the past. Selection is very solid and dishes are very tasty. That's saying something considering that I don't usually like buffets. Tandoori dishes are a particular favorite of mine here. Also, their spinach on the buffet is excellent.
(5)Nadia W.
This is my favorite Indian spot to eat at . The service is always greAt, and the good is always fresh and good. The lunch buffet has a good variety for vegetarians and meat eaters - I appreciate this place the workers and the food - Dinner is always good too - sometimes on the weekends they have belly dancers for your entertainment. A cool ethnic place to eat if you want some great chicken Marsala or lamb cooked several different ways.
(5)Shelly G.
I had always heard of Cafe Bombay but never had the chance to try it. It's a pretty large restaurant with ample seating. On Friday and Saturday nights when they have belly dancing, they ask you if you want to be seated in the regular dining area or the belly dancing area. My friends and I picked the latter since it sounded like a cool cultural experience. It ended up being kind of awkward, she would dance up on whoever was unfortunate enough to pick the non-booth side of the table. And there was a single, sad dollar bill tucked in the front of her skirt. We had to look away. On to the food: They start you off with a cracker type thing with some sort of dipping sauce. It was ok. We ordered the bread basket (naan, onion naan, and garlic naan) with our meals, which was pretty good. I asked the server if he liked the chicken tikka masala or the chicken 65 more, and he said chicken tikka masala without hesitation. I went with it and he did not lead me wrong. It was delicious, very rich with the perfect tomato-y flavor that I couldn't get enough of. When my tummy was stuffed there was still plenty to take home. My only peeve was that it took an hour to get our food, even though the restaurant didn't seem that packed. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and would come be back.
(4)Regina F.
My father is a stickler for tablecloths. His idea of a perfect dining experience involves a nice, starched table drapery that flags to just below the knees. He's even more impressed if the silver utensils outnumber those in Amy Vanderbilt's expose on proper living. Regardless of whether he actually needs (or knows to use) that obscure fishbone-pick-knife-thing, he'll give a restaurant 10 stars, the waiter a 16 percent tip and lavish praises upon how good his steamed chicken breast was for the next year. I, however, find most eating utensils indelibly frustrating. The more objects there are to navigate, the more futile holding composure becomes, and the more quickly I slump under that starchy, hard cloth. Luckily Cafe Bombay extended an olive branch (or a lentil plant) to me and my father. Though there were no bright white sheets cascading over the beautiful marble table tops, the dim lighting accentuated the noir romance of the dining experience. Walls adorned with authentic Indian treasures, conscientious waiters dolling water as freely as the Jog Falls in Karnataka and food as exquisitely and willingly tailored to two very disparate appetites made for an illustrious dining experience. The paneer-baked chicken served on a sizzling skillet allowed the opaque white onions to transform into crystalline, caramelized beauties in just a few minutes. Moist, tender and refreshing, the Chicken Malai Kabab was as tantalizing as Frieda Pinto in any bollywood film. The Bhindi Masala, requested extra spicy, arrived with an almost erotic aromatic arousal. The spices wafted and curled with the steam rising above the copper bowl. Beautifully dark green, hand cut okra soaked in red chilies and adorned with dried spices, one spoonful of this amalgamation had my tongue yearning for more - so much so that licking the bowl seemed almost appropriate. Bombay's na'an, soft, fluffy, warm and not a bit too yeasty, obscured any need for this girl to use the spiked utensils set forth. Though napkins were provided with grace, edible hand cleaners that double as food vehicles are always in order.
(5)Lin G.
Reading that book, Interpreter of Maladies, put me in the mood for Indian food, so we came here. There are two sections, go into the back one, it's so much better. They even had a white girl belly dancing. They asked us for a preference on where to sit when we first walked in and not knowing the difference, I said wherever and of course they put us in the boring section. The atmosphere kind of sucked. I got some sort of chicken curry. It was okay. The naan was really good though. I wanted the thali and the waiter just said they didn't have it. It's always annoying when restaurants don't serve the food that they list on their fucking menu. Fucking tease. Maybe the lunch buffet would be better.
(3)Audrey F.
Cafe Bombay is pure comfort food for me. There is something about it that just makes any day better. Breakup? Cafe Bombay take out. Birthday? Cafe Bombay in the restaurant. Bombed a grad school exam? Cafe Bombay in the restaurant or take out - so many options. I am guilty of not being very adventurous here. But, what I get is just so incredibly good that I can't imagine getting Cafe Bombay and eating anything else. I always get chicken tikka masala and then obviously rice and naan. Deciding on what naan to get always stirs up an inner struggle. Do I act like a sane person and get a normal order of naan for $1.75? It is your basic naan, it is more than enough for one person and it is delicious. OR, do I embrace my inner desires and order the naan basket for $7.50 which comes with plain naan, garlic naan, and onion naan? It is just so much of a good thing...I realize it is a bit overboard when ordering for one, but I am definitely guilty of getting this tucked into my take out container on more than one occasion. I have tried a number of their other dishes when eating in the restaurant with friends and have not had a bad one yet. Although my love of my normal items prevents me from remembering any of their specifics. Addy C. is spot on that the lunch buffet here is fantastic. Unlimited naan, need I say more? The live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights is absolutely fantastic. It is from 8:00 - 10:30 and is a great show complete with fire twirlers. If you want the full show make sure and sit in the back part of the restaurant that has the couches and low tables - it is where all of the action happens!
(4)Mia T.
Friendly staff. Open 7 days a week. They offer an all you can eat buffet during lunch. If you never tried India food lunch is the perfect time to come. Relaxed atmosphere, great customer service and most importantly, delicious food!
(4)Sophie B.
Went on a Friday night, place was. Pretty packed but there wasn't a wait. I got the vegetarian thali and it was amazing! They bring free appetizer which is always a plus. There was also a belly dancer, entertainment while you eat! If you're looking for Indian food I highly recommend this place! In a strip mall so plenty of parking
(5)Woody W.
I'm a guy who doesn't even like Indian food but this place has a cool vibe and good food. I recommend the Chicken 65 for all the people who can't handle the heavy spices and the cheese naan was great as well.
(5)Kenny C.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is amazing. I don't how to pronounce the names of the food, but it's all taste awesome
(5)B. H.
I live in Birmingham, and my girlfriend is Indian, we suffer from poor Indian food in Birmingham, as there is only 1 good location, but she absolutely loved the lunch buffet as it contained some of her favorite items, particularly the mango yogurt fruit thing. Other than that the tikka is great and the biryani is great. I loved the tikka paneer probably the most out of the non-meat options, but it wasn't there the second time I went. The goat was also very good. There was also naan on the buffet, which was great. The only thing I would have to ding them on is the chicken 65, I was not very impressed with it, but that is the only bad thing on the buffet. Importantly, the meat was fresh and tasty which is especially important for a buffet. We visit Atlanta frequently, and have made this our new place to stop at for Indian food.
(5)Anurag A.
I went there with my GaTech friends for dinner. The place looks good once you enter the restaurant. The server was initially trying to accommodate by joining tables in the main buffet area, but we managed to get a table in the big area with has the bar as well. Now the food part. We ordered 4 appetizers. Gobi manchurian, samosa chat, aloo tikki chat and paneer tikka. Gobi manchurian was not well cooked plus they were kind of raw and the florets were really big in size Everyone liked the Paneer tikka which was spicy and it was well cooked. For our main course we ordered Paneer butter masala and my friends ordered chicken tikka masala and another chicken dish. The entrees were really sweet in flavor and they were just ok. The Naan were really big in size and they were well cooked. My first experience was just ok. But I might visit this place again and will update the rating accordingly.
(3)Judy C.
This was my first experience with Indian food in Atlanta, and I'd say overall it was very good. Café Bombay is highlighted by the clean and intimate atmosphere. My boyfriend and I went on a Sunday night for an early dinner. The majority of the crowd at the time was non-Indian. We ordered lamb palak (spicy), chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and fried egg rolls. The egg rolls came piping hot and were a bit bland, although the cabbage-filling tasted pretty fresh. The garlic naan was light and chewy and very garlic-y. The minced garlic on the bread was not cooked at all and almost looked as if it was thrown on at the end. The lamb palak came out very spicy (as requested). Compared to other palak/saag dishes I've had, the flavor was a little lacking (maybe due to the heat). The chicken tikka masala was oddly sweet - almost like the sweetness of ketchup. Not to be stingy, but I felt like the amount of basmati rice that came out compared to the amount of food we ordered was less than expected. I was impressed by the size of the vegetarian menu and the décor and size of the place. We sat at a small table in the front room, but on the way to the bathroom noticed that the back room was beautifully decorated with a draped ceiling and embroidered throw pillows in the booths. In terms of the quality of service, my water glass was rarely empty. Overall, compared to other Indian joints, I think this restaurant wins out for décor and menu options. Although the food was better than average, I've definitely had better Indian food.
(4)Rohit A.
Never order delivery online. You will keep on waiting ,food will never be delivered. When you call, some stupid guy will sound as if he lives in pre historic era and doesn't have any clue what is Yelp or online ordering system.
(1)A P.
Positives: Green chili with lentil crackers, mango lasse (had to send the first one back after they brought it in ice), lamb gohst (told them not to puree the spinach), shrimp with ginger, service (after they realized we're trying to help them improve) Could be better: naan (had to send it back for add'l baking, onion pakoras (sent the first batch back). Don't understand why they let them soak in the batter. They become chewey rather than crispy light.
(3)Michelle M.
Based on the reviews I had high hopes. Hopes DASHED! The Chicken Tikka Masala was TERRIBLE. It tasted like Chef Boyardee tomato sauce was used to to cook the chicken in. YUCK! The Rogan Josh (which is my FAVORITE Indian dish) was WAY too salty...probably an effort to cover the fact that it had no flavor. What stumps me about this is that the place was FULL of Asian Indians, which is usually a sign that the food in a place is good. That was not the case here. Maybe they have separate food for Americans? Will NOT return!
(1)Dave B.
I eat here all the time. The buffet is one of the best deals in town. Excellent options, only ~$11. We also order from the menu regularly. I love the matar paneer and paneer tikka masala. The naan is also delicious.
(4)Jesse S.
Good dinner, and ambiance - service was fine and drinks were good - While the portions were a little small for the price, I think this was a great new find for us - if you like Indian it is well worth a try!
(4)Silvia G.
I love this place, I have lunch buffet at least once every two weeks since I found it. The food is absolutely delicious, great variety of dishes and desserts. I think I'm officially a "regular", the staff is amazing, very attentive. I try a little bit of everything on the buffet and I like it all, my favorite part is the warm Gulab Jamun (dessert). If you haven't tried this place, I really recommend that you do.
(5)Jahmal L.
(+) Great service and genuine interest from an enthusiastic waiter staff. The food appeared magically and sizzling after only 10 minutes, which was great as I was grumpy and hungry. The chicken tikka, masala, and Chole Peshawari were all adequately tasty. Price was right, on average of $11 per dish. (-) Being a NYC transplant, I know good Indian food. The spices were a bit on the subdued side. Just lacking a bit of energy. -20 Overall - W. 80/100. Score. Solid ATLien Indian spot. Go for it. They also offer belly dancing, if you are into that kind of thing.
(4)Daniel B.
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, my friend and I were hungry and craving Indian food. I impulsively suggested Bhojanic. We pulled up to the restaurant only to find it closed. Fortunately, there were other Indian restaurants in the vicinity, so we headed over to North Druid Hills and Briarcliff where Cafe Bombay and Chat Patti are located. Cafe Bombay sounded good enough to me, so that's where we went. I've heard of Cafe Bombay, but didn't really know much about it. We stumbled upon their lunch buffet, which is offered seven days a week, four hours per day (11:30-3:30 on weekdays, 12:00-4:00 on weekends). I've tried a variety of Indian buffets in metro Atlanta including Swapna, Lahore, and the now-closed Madras Grill. They're all about the same to me. It's buffet food, so obviously it's not going to be as good as freshly-cooked items ordered off the menu. However, the advantage to Indian buffets, and most buffets in general, is the opportunity to try many different items. That's exactly what I did here. I tried *everything* on the buffet and stuffed myself silly. So silly, that I was in pain afterwards (do not recommend). Here's a rundown of most of the buffet items I tried: Vegetable pakora - veggie fritters Punjabi karhi pakora - onion fritters in a yogurt curry Palek - spinach Chinese eggplant Aloo achari - potatoes cooked with special sauces Chicken tikka masala Tandoori chicken - chicken baked in a clay oven Chicken 65 - boneless red chicken Salad with yogurt dressing Chicken with rice - bone-in chicken with what looks like brown fried rice Fruit pudding Kheer - rice pudding Gulab jamun - fried dough balls in sweet syrup Gajjar ka halwa - sweetened shredded carrots with milk As is customary, the carbs to eat with all this food are naan (Indian flatbread) and Indian rice. I like Indian rice because it's long-grain, fragrant, soft, and fluffy. The rice here is not as fluffy, but it's because the rice has been sitting out on the buffet. The naan here also isn't that great. It's very plain and cold. Winners from the buffet included the Chinese eggplant, chicken tikka masala, chicken 65, the fruit and rice puddings, and the sweetened shredded carrots. I love the creamy and sweet chicken tikka masala sauce. The chicken 65 was crispy, tender, and sometimes juicy. The puddings were quite tasty as were the shredded carrots. All had appetizing, creamy, and milky flavors. The losers included the palek, tandoori chicken, and gulab jamun. Palek paneer (spinach with cheese) is one of my favorite Indian dishes, but the palek at Cafe Bombay was not sweet enough. It's hard to get tandoori chicken right, IMO, especially when it's served on a buffet. It was dry. As for the gulab jamun (fried dough balls), that was the biggest disappointment for me. The consistency of their gulab jamun was unappetizing from the moment I bit into them. I think they'd been sitting out too long. The pieces were too saturated and rich. Service was good. Cafe Bombay has two rooms of seating. One of the rooms, which they use for special and private events, comes complete with low tables and cushions on the floor -- traditional Indian-style. The restaurant advertises live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Now that's something I would back for!
(3)Gary D. S.
great buffet. good service. easy to reach from Lenox Mall near downtown Atlanta. Nice relaxed numerous selections to choose from. Many locals present 3/4 full 1:30 Sat afternoon.
(4)Angela H.
Recently, I realized I hadn't had Indian food in a while and immediately thought of Cafe Bombay. I had heard about the restaurant numerous times throughout the past year, but I just never made it point to go. Since I wanted to catch up with a friend over dinner, I thought that Cafe Bombay would be the perfect place. We arrived at 8 pm on a Wednesday evening, and the restaurant was packed. As soon as we walked in, an employee approached us and informed us that it would be "just a few minutes." About ten minutes later, another employee told us the same thing. We stood by the entrance for probably a good 15 to 20 minutes before we were seated! My friend, who had been to Cafe Bombay numerous times before, told me that it was odd that the wait was so long, especially since they have a whole other room in the back. It turns out the long wait was an anomaly, especially on a Wednesday evening. As we were finally seated, our server told us that there was a private party going on in the back room, where they would normally seat additional customers. It would have been nice if someone had told us that from the start, and if they were more realistic about the wait time. As a creature of habit, I knew what I wanted even before I walked in. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala. Additionally, my friend and I decided to get a Garlic Naan to share. Soon after we ordered, our server brought us their complimentary spicy crackers with cilantro chutney. A quick Google search reveals that these "crackers" are called "Papadums." They were thin, crispy, packed a lot of flavor, and spicier than I had expected. Apparently, the chutney is for dipping the papadums. As a cilantro hater, I did not like the chutney. Although I munched on two pieces of papadum, I wasn't really a fan. Less than 15 minutes after ordering, we were pleased at how quickly our entrees were served. * Garlic Naan ($3) - The "Soft leavened bread" comes in four flavors - bullet (spicy), cheese, garlic, and onion. One order of naan consists of one large piece of naan cut into four slices and served on a plate. It's definitely enough for two, especially if you're getting an entree which also comes with rice. The buttery, garlic-flavored naan was DELICIOUS! I HIGHLY recommend the garlic. =) My only complaint is that my second piece had a HUGE air bubble in it and, therefore, much less garlic flavoring. =( * Chicken Tikka Masala ($11) - My favorite Indian dish is made of "Boneless white pieces of chicken cooked with [our] Chef's special sauce." The chicken was tender, and the orange-colored, creamy sauce was so flavorful and amazing! It's so great with the garlic naan, too. This was definitely one of the tastiest Chicken Tikka Masalas I have ever had! Although I normally like to have leftovers to take home, I have to admit, I completely cleaned the bowl because it was THAT good. It wasn't a small portion, but it's definitely not enough for two. My friend ordered the Butter Chicken, which looked very similar to the Chicken Tikka Masala. Both dishes are normally served with basmati rice, but it was served in one serving bowl for us to share. The rice was cooked just right, and it was more than enough for the two of us. Overall, Cafe Bombay gets 4.5 stars for their delicious, reasonably-priced Indian food and quick service. Unfortunately, I had to round down because of our long, initially unexplained wait. Additionally, I think the servers could be a little friendlier, but that's just me be nitpicky. I will definitely return as I would love to try their lunch buffet and enjoy more of their amazing food! [Review 276 of 366]
(4)Leah G.
I went here last Wednesday for dinner. I had been to the lunch buffet a few times before but its been a while. This was my first dinner experience. I met a friend here and the restaurant was nice and quiet so we were able to catch up without having to shout. It was nice not to loose my voice to be heard by my dinner companions. The service was pretty good. We were there for a couple hours and they kept our waters filled and never seemed impatient for us to leave. In fact the only time they seemed impatient was when it took us a little bit to decide on our order. Which leads to my one small complaint. The menu is very pretty but it is light colored writing on dark colors and patterned backgrounds. When they turned down the lights it was very hard to read. We both had to get out our phones in order to decide what to order I felt like I was trying to decipher cave hieroglyphics but had forgotten the battery in my helmet. We had Bombay Mixed Grill which is a variety from the tandoori grill. We had Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Malai Kabab & Sheek Kabab (lamb). It comes out sizzling and the smell is so mouthwatering that we actually added this to our order after our neighbors came out and we realized we HAD to try it. The different kinds of chicken were all very good and it was nice to have a variety but I wish there had been more lamb. It was definitely my favorite. If I had this again I would probably just get the lamb. Goan Shrimp Curry, which is a coconut based curry. I would definitely recommend it for fans of shrimp and coconut. I am not so good at describing tastes exactly, but the curry was very well flavored with just a hint of the sweet coconut. Chicken Afghani which is chicken in a mango based sauce. It was very tasty but if I went back I wouldn't get the Goan Shrimp Curry and the Chicken Afghani the same time. They both were light curries with a hint of fruit to make them just a tiche sweet. They were excellent, but I would have prefered something a little different to really keep my taste buds happy. We topped all of this off with Mango Lassis, and Naan. We probably good have done with one less dish as I had leftovers for two meals, but we wanted a variety. Overall it was a great time the food was all excellent and it was a nice place to catch up.
(4)Vaidehi P.
Don't bother because buffet is bland. Paneer tikka was exactly like pizza sauce with some spices and paneer! The only possible edible dish was the kadai paneer.
(2)Cece U.
The food here is simply delicious. I have yet to find another Indian restaurant in Atlanta that comes close to the greatness that is Cafe Bombay. There are times when I've eaten here twice in a week. I love Indian food and without Cafe Bombay I do not know how I would go on living in Atlanta.. (minus the fact that my BFF is Indian and cooks pretty tasty meals). Anyway, I am headed there tonight and decided I'd write a review before I head out. I would name my favorite dishes but there are about 10 of them. If you like lamb, I highly recommend the lamb palak...the favorite of my favorites. I always get that and another dish and split with someone. I also really enjoy the papadum and chutney thats served as a free app every time you dine in. It is like the Indian version of chips and salsa...yummy! The service is hit or miss, usually very good but some of my interactions with the employees have been a bit odd. Takeout is also great here! They give you so much sometimes I think the takeout portions sizes are larger than the dine in. I just think of it as making up for the lack of chips and salsa :)
(5)Jason L.
As a vegetarian who travels throughout the US for a living, I always look for Indian while on the road because of the variety of veg based options. I'm working downtown in Atlanta this week, and Cafe Bombay was well worth the 8 mile / 15 minute drive, which I made solely based on it's high Yelp reviews. We arrived at 12:30 in the middle of the lunch rush, and the large dining area was packed. There was a long line at the buffet, but it moved quickly, and the staff managed to promptly replace items before they ran completely out. It was obvious that they are used to the crowd and they ran like a well oiled machine. Food was incredible. They had all of the usuals - basmati rice, pakoras, palak paneer, aloo gobi, dal, krispy fried onion straws and spinach leaves, korma, in addition to several entrees I'd never tried before. They also had tandori chicken, butter chicken, ground goat meat, and a few other entrees that the meat eaters looked pretty happy about. I usually go into $10 AYCE buffets with limited expectations, but Cafe Bombay was fantastic and I'll be back when I return to the area in a few weeks.
(5)Hanan A.
A little better than the typical Indian Buffet although being on the pricey side nothing really sets this place apart from other places but it has a beautiful dining area, as well good assortment of Halal meat dishes in the buffet. Tends to be a work crowd type of place and enjoyable experience.
(3)Hiroyuki I.
While the food is great, popular among both my American and Indian friends, the service has been sub-par the two times I visited Cafe Bombay. If you can ignore the service, lack-there-of..., its a definite go! Sharing a number of curry with my friends, Ive had a chance to taste eight or so of both the vegetarian and meat curries. They were all wonderful, not too spicy, and not overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed the roasted red pepper curry with chicken and the eggplant potato curry. Both great choices. The appetizers and naan were great as well. I most enjoyed the fritter with cheese and mint. It was a very new taste for me, refreshing (mint) and savory (cheese). However, both times the service was less than professional. The waiters would nag us to order over four times while we told them that we needed more time, when there was hardly anyone else in the place around 5 pm. When the hot entrees arrived and a friend burnt her finger, the waiter asked if she had damaged the table instead of asking her if she were ok... Finally, we asked to split a check among four people, and the server told us how we should split the check instead... We told them that we were very unhappy with the service, but they did not seem to care. I must say that I was taken aback by these things... In the end, I really enjoyed the food here so I have returned. The service never has gotten any better. I would recommend this place to my friends, but be very weary of their service...
(3)Tiffany L.
The food here is great! We are regulars! The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is perfect!
(5)Jang C.
Unlike most reviews I've read for Cafe Bombay, I came for dinner, not the lunch buffet. Based on the reviews I've read so far, the dinner seemed like a better experience. I have to agree. The interior looked dark and fancy. It looked like a high class restaurant with folded napkins and so on. I felt it might have been too dark though. I guess it's suppose to be romantic. The servers seemed friendly. They looked a bit serious rather than charming though. Their constant frowning kinda made me feel unwelcome. They should loosen up a bit. Their food tasted great. Their naan came out fresh from their oven. It had browned and blistered nicely. The browning gave it a nice taste. I ordered 1 order of naan. And it looked huge. It was a size of a pizza. The naan had the nice and crispy exterior with the chewiness inside. I liked it. The appetizer we ordered was a mix of vegetables (I forgot what it was called). It had onions, chickpeas, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro. It was topped with yogurt. They asked us if we liked it spicy, and we did. So they added some heat to it, and boy did they ever. It was quite spicy. It also tasted like a vegetarian chiveche because of the cilantro and onions. Overall, it I loved this appetizer because of the heat and how refreshing it tasted. The Lamb Vindaloo tasted good too. The lamb was nice and tender, and the curry had great flavor. It came with some potatoes inside. The curry tasted hot but not as hot as the appetizer we had. We also ordered the Dal Tarka. It had a nice, sweet, savory taste. The lentils were cooked well. I liked this dish also. I felt the mild flavors balanced out the hot flavor of the appetizer and the Vindaloo. Overall, the food at Cafe Bombay had a lot of flavor. And I thought they tasted delicious. It was one of the few times I enjoyed Indian food. Then again, most of the time I eat Indian, I eat the crappy buffets. There's a difference in quality between dinner and buffet it seems. Our entrees came with Basmati rice. I think the rice was enough to eat the entress with. I didn't have to order the naan because the rice plus naan felt like too much food. Especially since the naan was big as a pizza. Then again, the naan did taste good. So it depends on how gluttonous you feel.
(4)Christina A.
Mediocre food, mediocre service. I used to like their lunch buffet, but the prices keep going up and now it doesn't seem worth it.
(3)Steve H.
Delicious! One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. The wait staff is sort of cold, but I can deal with it since the food is so good.
(4)Asma A.
NOT a fan of this place.. If i stop by its usually for the hookah, but even that is not that great.. Food: i think its okay, there are definitely better indian/pakistani restaurants Service: Extremely slowwwwwwwwww If you want desi food, go to decatur to Zyka, or Lukman
(2)Vipul P.
We utilized Ricky and the team at Cafe Bombay to cater my birthday party for 75 guests. He and his team did an excellent job. They showed up on time, were extremely courteous and diligent, but most importantly cooked food on site which was phenomenal. Our guests loved all the food - but the standouts were the tandoori shrimp, lamb chops, keema sliders, pain puri shots, and bhel martinis - and this was only the appetizers. I highly recommend Ricky for any event where you want to have amazing indian food.
(5)Kathleen M.
Cafe Bombay has been on my list for more than a minute, so I was excited when a friend decided to host a little birthday gathering here. The setting was nice and intimate, with dark woods and lots of candlelight. It was pouring rain outside, so it was a nice and cozy little getaway. The menu is huge, so prepare to be overwhelmed. They have lots of options for both vegetarians and meatitarians, as well as combo meal options for 2 if you're just not sure where to start. We ordered a few of the veggie samplers and everything on them was great. Little mini samosas, pakoras, and the classic Indian dish: eggrolls. Weird, yes. Delicious, also yes. The paneer tikka masala was everything I wanted it to be: creamy, hearty, comforting, and flavorful. I was tempted to lick the bowl. The chicken makhni was brightly colored and equally good, although a smidge on the greasy side. Still, I'd happily order both dishes again and again. The prices are a little higher than you might find at other joints around town, but the atmosphere is definitely higher end. Our service was sadly a little off as a few dishes were apparently forgotten and our server wasn't exactly helpful with deciphering certain parts of the menu. All in all, though, a great spot for Indian eats.
(4)Jenny K.
came here the other night. ordered the Chicken Afghani which is basically chicken w spicy mango sauce. it was pretty delicious, came with a choice of rice or naan. I went with the rice which was the better choice imo after trying a bite of my friend's naan. it was about $12,,, which was pretty ridiculous for the amount that we got. the chips you get for free in the beginning weren't that great either...(too salty). however, I'll give cafe bombay some props for the ambiance in there. the lighting was not too dark or too bright and it was an overall 'upscale' restaurant (cloth napkins!!) also, the service was very nice and attentive. I wouldn't go again for dinner but I'll definitely try out the lunch buffet soon to give bombay a second chance.
(3)Haroon Q.
Fresh and fantastic food as well as a depth of flavor. Best tandoori naan in the area and if it's your first time, definitely go for the butter chicken! They are also a great go to choice for take-out. Other great options are their chicken tikka & chicken tikka masala.
(4)Michael L.
Ok, I've had it with this place. First time I got the runs within 30 minutes of my meal, I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Second time...shame on you! *groan* *writhe* Or...shame on me for coming back...granted it's been a while. The food here really is "toned down" in terms of flavor- though their tandoori wings are still tasty. Madras Woodlands beats this place hands down. Can't come back anymore. Not if this is what it does to me....NOT cool.
(2)Kirti A.
The buffet was excellent. Decent number of varieties. Though, the sweets looked old, biryani was just awesome and chicken tikka masala was authentic. Will be back for the biryani
(4)L. W.
This is my favorite Indian restaurant! I always get the couples special. For $32 you get two apps, 2 entrees, naan and dessert. It's all amazing and I always have lunch the next day. The servers could be a little more attentive but they are nice enough and as long as the food keeps tasting the way it does I will keep coming back!
(4)Michelle K.
I love this place! I truly enjoy Indian cuisine and was happy to stop by for dinner here over the weekend. We were both set on the tandori chicken and it was a great. We missed the buffet but ordering a la carte was easy since we knew what we were craving. The wait staff was extremely courteous and very accommodating. I really liked the fact that the managers at the restaurant was keeping tabs on all the customers dining in and made sure that we were well taken care of. I love their cucumber, dill & yogurt sauce that I use on my tandoori chicken and their sweet, plum sauce (dark.) Cafe Bombay has not disappointed me yet so I will be sure to return when I'm craving Indian, any day of the week. #Yelp 365- 31/365
(5)Ashley W.
I love this place. The food is always consistently good and the portions are always pretty big. I've always ordered to go so I can usually eat from my dish 2 times. I always order the butter chicken with an order of naan. Both have been wonderful and their buffet looks pretty good as well just from glancing at it when coming in the front door. Definitely give this place a try!
(4)Paige N.
I really need to learn to pace myself more... but it was so tasty I didn't want to stop! I met a couple of girlfriends at Cafe Bombay for dinner the other night, I'd been once before for their lunch buffet (also fantastically delish!), but this was my first dinner experience. And like I said, no one held back - calories be damned! My two friends have dined there many times (one's from India originally, so she really knows her stuff), and they both recommended I order one of the thalis since they come with your choice of two or three veggie and meat dishes, naan, rice, raita yogurt (like tatziki sauce) and rice pudding for dessert. Game on! To get the full effect of Cafe Bombay I ordered one veggie and one meat that night: I ordered a spicy veggie combo of peas and mushrooms and the chicken tikka masala (I love me some chicken tikka!). Both my friends also got thali combos but they stuck to vegetarian ones. And when the platters came out, I was delighted. It was a beautiful presentation - fresh baked naan and shredded lettuce in the middle of a round platter surrounded by five little individual dishes of basmati rice, steaming peas and mushrooms, hot chicken tikka masala, raita yogurt and a dish of rice pudding to finish it off. Hellooooo carb overload! But it was so good! The tikka was spectacular - I literally sopped up every bit of leftover sauce with my naan, the peas and mushrooms were awesome, the rice was moist and fluffy and the naan... I don't think I've ever had naan that good before. It was like crack cocaine in bread form! And even though I was beyond full before I even hit dessert, you can bet you bottom dollar I finished off the rice pudding. I think we all felt a little guilty afterward, but like I said it was so good, it was impossible to stop without finishing everything. And that's a really good reason I work out - so I can eat with abandon (sometimes at least - when the occasion warrants it). Along with the excellent food, the staff was very friendly and attentive taking our drink orders, refilling our water glasses regularly, and brining our food and check promptly. The decor is very comfortable too - plush chairs to linger in, nice table clothes and white napkins, and lower lighting that makes the whole place feel warm and welcoming. If you haven't tried Cafe Bombay yet, and you like some well prepared Indian food, go! Go, go, go! It's a great deal for really great food!
(5)Stephanie V.
This place is the... dare I say it... Bombay! First off, the service was impeccable. Our server was kind, and our water glasses were never empty. Secondly, the price isn't bad at all at $11 per person, and there are plenty of dishes to meet the needs of carnivores and vegetarians alike! I'm sure you could pick out some great gluten-free dishes, too. Once you're done, you just walk up to the cashier-- no need to wait for your check, then your card, etc. and she was also very nice. My favourite thing is how GOOD all of the food was. Well-spiced, fresh dishes (long before things ran out they were replacing them with fresh stuff! I've not seen that in many other buffets before) and plenty for everyone. Great Halal meat dishes.
(5)Christina J.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is nicer than what I was expecting. We had several different servers and I couldn't keep track of them except for two. One of them was a really sweet young kid with braces who gave us some extra bismati rice for our to go boxes and was all smiles the entire time. Another guy recommended a vegetarian dish that was "not on the menu" that consisted of spinach and chickpeas in a curry sauce. What came out was basically chicken saag (and that's what it said on the final bill). It was still good though and we're not vegetarians (see below) so we didn't say anything about the mix up. But he did come over to the table, looked at the chicken saag and noticed that it wasn't what he recommended by muttering something under his breath, but never directly said anything to us about it. We started off with the meat samosas and punjabi aloo chat. I thought the meat samosas were better than most other samosas I've had and the punjabi aloo chat was crisp and light. For our entrees, we had naan, chicken tikka misala (which was the entire reason we came here- my date was craving it) and the chicken saag. The naan and chicken tikka misala were both ok. I thought the chicken tikka misala was a little too sweet, which was odd. But the chicken saag was tasty, definitely my favorite of the entrees. There was also a bellydancer at certain points. It was a cool idea but a little unsettling when I saw a 9 year old girl stick a dollar bill in her skirt. They also have hookahs, which we didn't try. Seems like it would be good for a group setting on a Friday or Saturday night out but I was surprised as to how many families were there with their kids.
(3)Nishant J.
Ok - quick review. My fave punjabi restaurant in Atlanta (The review is veggie centric ). Probably the best ambiance for Indian food in Atl (only one as good is bhojanic but bhojanic food is so bland and meh..) They got hookah and free papad/chutney on the table which def. adds something for me. Ok the pluses on food - Their Malai kofta/ Shahi paneer almost the same gravy are to die for. Comparable to some good to very good punjabi restaurants in Bombay ! Im a sucker for good nan and this place has the best bullet and garlic nan in town. The palak gravies are good too as is the tarka daal. Their gobhi manchurian was surprisingly good too as was the amritsari paneer (appetizer) The not so good is the service and the panner makhni or the red gravy mix vegetable or veg makhni/korma. Stay away from these. All in all its become a weekly hang out !
(4)Kelly Z.
Came here for dinner last night, we got veggie samosas and shared the chicken tikka masala with onion naan. They gave us a complimentary spiced cracker with a green chutney. The cracker was very salty and the chutney didn't really work with it. Samosas- filled with potato chunks and peas, tamarind sauce that came with it was perfectly sweet. pretty good. Chicken tikka masala- I asked for it spicy but it was completely mild which was disappointing. Flavor was on point and lots of big chunks of white meat chicken. Onion naan- soo good. buttery, oniony, naany perfection. This was more than enough food for two people and we had leftovers, the samosas and the creamy curry were delicious but both were on the heavier side. Service was attentive and very friendly. Also, this is probably one of the nicest indian restaurants I've been to in terms of ambience. They have the high backed leather chairs I love so much!
(3)Savita N.
The decor is nice and busy restaurant thats why i think they dont care to welcome you with smile ,i went for sunday buffet wih family , the food is always same from Monday to sunday and this time the saag was stale even my mom said it , one guy with chef coat on don't know was chef or buffet refiller I told him about it and the owner with no expression always was listeling but never took any action . I was there Half an hour after that but they didn't change it . Please beware if you go and eat the buffet . They charge for 10 year old kid for full adult price even all American restaurant have different kids rate.
(1)Megan F.
A delicious, reliable standby for me and my friends for Indian food. The food is consistently good, served in large portions, and fairly priced. The lunch buffet is definitely where it's at though; I always leave a bit too full and happy.
(5)L S.
Not only is the food amazing, but the service as well. I usually go for the lunch buffet. The goat curry is probably some of the best goat curry I've ever had. The saag is also delightful.
(5)Cynthia D.
The lentil dish and naan I had was amazing but I can't stand rude service! They kept trying to rush us out. Four ladies out to dinner, all drinking and all ordering food? What was so bad about us?? There were plenty of open tables, no wait at the door, but the servers kept demanding that we hurry up. Also, we got there at 5:30pm so it's not like we were keeping them past closing time. About 4 of them stopped by trying to put my carry-out in a plastic bag. I hate plastic bags because I love the environment so I kept politely refusing the bag. Finally, this guy came up, didn't even ask, grabbed my food, threw it in a plastic bag, and walked off without saying anything. Whhhaaat. Definitely had intense, prompt service!! Despite all this, I can't drop below three stars because the ambiance is very cute, the restaurant was easy to park at, and the food was great!! Maybe we just caught them on a weird night.
(3)Natasha G.
Love this place. I have been coming here for a few years and love the atmosphere and the people. The staff is always welcoming and friendly. The curry chicken entre is to die for. If are in the mood for fine Indian cuisine, I would recommend you come here. This is the number one spot for sure.
(5)Jessica B.
This place is awesome. I had always been afraid to try Indian food because I always hated the way it smelled when people made it. It wash't the food I was actually afraid of; I just didn't want to be around those smells. My sister convinced me that Indian food was amazing and I had to try it. And as a foodie, I couldn't let something like fragrance keep me from trying anything. So we went to this place, and the first thing I noticed was that it was full of Indian people! I thought to myself, "Man...this is going to be great food!" You typically don't go to ethnic restaurants and see the people there because usually the ethnic food we serve in America isn't authentic. The second thing I noticed was that I didn't smell anything :-) The third thing I noticed was that there were all different types of people: black people (well, not that many lol), white people, old people, young people, business people, hipsters. I like places like that. Anyway, the food was awesome, and this is now one of my favorite restaurants! The food is not spicy like I thought it would be. The dining rooms are decorated nicely, and I think at times they have a belly dancer. But I think you may have to make reservations for that because she was there one night while we were, but we weren't seated on that side. Oh, the service is just ok. I hate to say it, but I never expect exceptional service from Asian restaurants. They are not rude people, but they just aren't raised when the kind of "manners" we are here in the southern US. So, don't get angry with them. Also, they have very thick accents, and I often have no idea what they're saying to me, so I just smile and nod. Oh! One more thing. I've only been there for dinner, but I think they must have a buffet for lunch. I'd like to make it sometime so I can try more things.
(5)Mary S.
Had vegetarian thali for dinner, with remarkably good bread, raita, spicy spinach paneer, and curried onion fritters--all very good, served in cute little bowls on a biggish round platter. The atmosphere was pleasing and peaceful and the service was attentive, pleasant. The other clientele, oddly, were lumpy, frumpy Americans (my own kind) and elegant, beautiful, carefully dressed folks from the mysterious east. You know, with flashing kohl-rimmed eyes and ankle bracelets and stuff. Why? For lunch they have a buffet, with vegetarian and meat-centric dishes in two different lines, I like that. Anyway, their food is very good and they take good care of you.
(3)Laura N.
Cafe Bombay is still my favorite Indian lunch buffet, serving Punjabi food, which is my favorite type of Indian cuisine. The price of the lunch buffet is currently $10 per person - less expensive than the price in 2010. I adore the chicken tikka masala, kadhai paneer, palak paneer, tandoori chicken, and the biryani. The saffron rice is also good. The naan was great when it was fresh out of the oven, but it turned rubbery once it got cold. Sit in the room with the pillows for a more exotic dining experience. This restaurant is still, by far, the classiest Indian restaurant I've ever visited.
(5)Mick D.
You know that passage out of the _Kama Sutra_ where... Nevermind. Suffice it to say that the food is really good. And it doesn't matter if you're a carnivore or a vegetarian. Everything we ate was spiced in good balance, but if you want something hot enough to blow your pantaloons off, I'm sure they'll have no problem accommodating you. Most people know of this place for their highly regarded lunch buffet. Indeed, before this review, the buffet was all I'd ever experienced, and I will tell you that the buffet does present a very nice cross section of Indian dishes. I would easily bring an Indian-food neophyte here, and the "initiated" will also find plenty to enjoy. The cooks here really do seem to know what they're doing. There must be a traditionalist or two back in the kitchen. There's a reason this place gets so packed at lunchtimes, and it does stay busy throughout the lunch hours. I finally ate dinner at Cafe Bombay (no buffet at dinnertime), and was pleased to find the experience to be quite nice, perhaps even more enjoyable than the lunch buffet. Dinner dishes are hand-crafted. Guests seem to get more attention. And (of course) folks aren't in a rush to get back to work. Much more relaxed than the lunch hours, people are actually lingering over their meals. And it's true, the meal is worth lingering over. We chose to sample a wide variety of things among our table: The Chicken Malai Kabab and the Seekh Kabab (we chose chicken), are total hits. Especially the Seekh Kabab, minced chicken with spices and herbs, skewered and grilled. I'd never had it before, and will definitely have it again. We got the "Bread Basket" (three pieces of naan: Garlic naan, Onion naan, and Plain naan). I really enjoyed the Onion naan. I'll go back for that. We had the Matar Paneer (total crowd pleaser), some Dal Makhani (yum!), and the Gobi Manchurian (Spiced cauliflower cooked with bell peppers & onions in chili soy sauce). This Indo-Sino fusion dish is apparently a hit even among folks living in India, and I can see why. It rocks! We tried the Kadhai Shrimp, too (shrimp cooked with stir fried bell peppers and onions). I don't normally eat seafood at Indian restaurants (ahem!) , but I'm glad I tried this. It wasn't overdone, and it didn't clash with anything else on the table. The thing that really impresses me: even though I only eat here maybe two or three times a year, they remember me. And at dinner, they even remembered that they typically only ever see me at lunch. How they remember this, I have no idea. I do think Cafe Bombay is genuinely interested in taking care of their customers. Cafe Bombay has a private room for events both large and small, and I might just have to take a group there sometime...
(5)Michelle F.
Enjoyed Cafe Bombay my entree was too spice for me I know its Indian food but my hubby who likes Thai said it was to spice for him. So ask about the spice level before ordering. I must say the waiter asked about my meal and said it was to spice for me he remade the dish without me asking. Which speaks to their excellent level of customer service that I received. The restaurant is located in strip mall with several other restaurants that I might try.
(4)Zlatko U.
I went here the other night with a friend of mine. We had a phenomenal meal. This included a split appetizer and a main course that left us with food babies. Heck, I even had enough for leftovers! The service was pretty good, and our water glasses were always quickly filled. Unfortunately, they were closing down a bit early and kind of kicked us out with the looks and cleaning activity around us.
(4)Nafisa A.
Amazing amazing amazing! Everything about this restaurant is amazing. The amount of food they give for the price is totally worth it. I've been there twice, and both times got their chicken biryani. It was amazing. Our server was Sajib. Both times I've been there. Loved his service a lot! When you go there, ask for him. Enjoy!
(5)Kate C.
First thing to know, this place is two very different restaurants. What I mean by that is, there's the buffet and then there's the regular sit-down menu. Buffet: 5 stars. Fresh food. Great variety. Quick service. Full men: 2.5 stars. Some items stand out as good. But overall, it's a minefield. I've found most of the menu items uninspired, overcooked, don't sit well in your stomach type. I know that this makes no sense. But there you have it.
(4)Yilia H.
great food with reasonable price. Good environment. I recommend lamb shank.
(5)Kay H.
I love this place. After trying other locations closer to home this place is always worth the trip. Key ingredient: consistency. Always the same,well prepared meal. Very basic layout and nothing fancy about it, but it works!
(4)Mike S.
Have been here 3 times so far and feel its pretty solid. My wife is from the UK so she's an Indian food expert too....and a tough critic! First visit was good so we went back....Second visit was off...Naans were greasy and flavours weren't as great. However we gave it one more chance a few weeks ago and they hit a home run. All dishes were great and they prepped it extra spicy for us (gluttons for heat)... Also liked the belly dancer in the back room. We'll be sure and check this place out again.
(4)Purnima S.
Of all the Indian restaurants I have tried in Atlanta in past one year (I have tried most of the) , I like this place the best. Food is good, the ambience is decent, we have belly dancing Friday's which is cool. I want to give it 4.5 starts but did not want to give it a 4 either, therefore 5 is where I settle :)
(5)Alicia D.
As far as Indian food is considered in ATL: THIS. IS. IT. You won't find better quality to price ratio other than here. The servings are large, the staff is super friendly and attentive, and the flavors and food are full and fresh. My boyfriend and I have made this our date night go-to, because its just that damn good. We probably go here 3-4 times a month. Go for the Aloo Tiki Chat for an appetizer. And of course, you can never go wrong with Chicken Tikka Masala. (We order ours "extra spicy" for the flavoring).
(5)Cindy B.
Very good food. The vindaloo will light a fire in you. The lunch buffet is perfect, meat on one side, vegetarian on the other. I really appreciate that. The service is always pleasant. The decor and furniture is nice. My only complaint is that it's on the salty side.
(4)Brian S.
Food is great! They have lunch buffet M-F from 11:30am - 3:30PM and Sat. and Sun. from 12pm - 4pm. It's also decent cost given that on weekdays it's $10.95 before tip. Good place to try different Indian foods.
(4)Jenna S.
Wonderful. Very attentive staff and amazing buffet. I loved the goat curry and the biriyani. Busy lunch buffet, in a good way, speaks to the quality of the food. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and I plan to come back :)
(5)Shyam S.
It sucks that I have to downgrade my review to three stars, but I feel the food has become much less authentic from my visit four years ago and is now more in line with the common North Indian buffet fare that is standard across the U.S. Everything tastes like the food you might see at other Indian restaurants. I don't know how to explain it, but the food lacks potency, warmth and the magic that is good Indian food. Granted, I am only talking about the buffet, but their separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian buffet tables used to be the stuff of legend. Not so much anymore, I am sad to report.
(3)Rashar d.
This place is soooo good. The buffet is so very tasty and the customer service is top notch. I love the way the food is seasoned it is just orgasmically tasty!
(5)Stacy S.
Came here for their lunch buffet. The food here was excellent! I was surprised that they did not have curry chicken though. Ambiance and decor were lovely!
(4)J P.
Lovely place for a nice Indian lunch. Limited choices on the buffet but all the good standards so everyone in our party was happy. The biryani was good and the tandoor chicken was moist and delicious. We could have kept eating naan for longer....yes, the waiters seem super vigilant about filling water glasses! ;-). We really enjoyed our lunch here and the price is very reasonable. ($12 pp)
(5)Nirmal M.
I rate it as best Indian restaurant in Atlanta area.
(4)Cindy W.
Since Panahar was a little too far for my friend and I, we decided on Cafe Bombay. The weekend buffet is $12, which isn't awful. I'm not even sure if I'm spelling half the things correctly, but the menu selection included: Khadafi chicken Punjabi Khadafi paneer tandoori chicken- that really red chicken? chicken tikka masala - tomato and cream stewed chicken goat curry some coconut-based cream vegetable curry some type of fried vegetable and curry saag palak- spinach curry vegetable pakoras - fried veggie mixture raita- creamy cucumber & yogurt based sauce salad preserved vegetable accompaniments naan gajar halwar- dessert chopped carrot mixture fruit custard rice pudding gulab jamun I think overall the food was palatable, but my only gripes were that the spice was SO toned down, and that the meat was quite dry/overcooked and thus, tough. The best dishes were the vegetable curries, tikka masala, tandoori chicken, and goat curry (though you really had to dig to find anything other than bones and sauce). The raita cucumber sauce is completely refreshing, though the salad needed some work. There were brown edges to them! Ew! The naan wasn't fluffy, per se; it retained a more egg-like crepe texture than anything else. The rice pudding wasn't bad, and I've always gagged on gulab jamuns, no matter what renditions, so I steered clear on those. The fruit custard/pudding/sauce was very thin, and I don't know if it was intentional or not, but the fruit in it was canned. Kind of gross....the gajar halwar was all right though, but it is what it is- sweetened carrot mixture. Cafe Bombay remains one of the better furnished Indian restaurants I've been to, replete with dark, granite tables, very dim lighting, and eccentric/religious baubles/statues near the food. I found the music to be kind of disconcerting and waaaay too mellow. I just wanted to curl up and cry, listening to piano renditions of Guzarish and Apologize (One Republic). I didn't think the food was overly salty, but I was definitely feeling the weight when I ingest too much sodium 5 hours afterwards. Definitely drink a lot of water after you eat here. Overall, not bad, but I'm not dying to come here. I reaally, really lamented the toned down spices. So much lost potential. It's like taming a tiger. Who does that?
(3)Mark S.
Very good consistent food. Very friendly staff and owners. The lamb vindaloo will light you up, but it's worth it! Also, try the lunch buffet.
(4)Kevin J.
I hate to leave a negative review however the food tonight was so incredibly horrible that I can't ignore it. This was the second time we ate there, the first was decent and warranted a second visit... now we regret it. We ordered an appetizer (the vegetable platter... it was fantastic), a chicken korma and a butter chicken. Sadly, the butter chicken tasted like pure tomato paste and the chicken korma lacked any flavor at all. We tried to bring it to their attention but it took almost 20 minutes to do so (and it wasn't that busy). When we finally spoke to them, they fixed it without question however it still wasn't good. We will NOT be returning again.
(1)Sara M.
I wish I wasn't still full from dinner because I really want to eat my leftovers. The food was awesome and made me glad I chose this place to treat my SO for his birthday. The service was a little slow, but the food more than made up for it. This is definitely a place I'll have to come back to. From the outside, the place looks a bit like a possibly seedy nightclub. The windows are darkly tinted so you can't see inside and there are a couple of random posters tacked up near the door. Inside, though, the decor is classy and intimate. This place is perfect for a dinner with friends or a group date. We were brought water pretty quickly, but after that, it took a while for anyone to come by. Both of us ordered Indian beer. I went with the Taj Majal, which was smooth but flavorful. My dude chose the Haywards 5000. It was also good, but I liked mine better. We placed an order for vegetable samosas and naan. My SO chose the samosas, which were good, but I've never been a huge fan of the seasoning in them. The naan, though, was excellent. Warm, soft, and just plain yummy. I had to make a concerted effort to stop eating it so that I'd have room for my meal. I chose the lamb tikka masala. Ohhhh my goodness it was good. The sauce was mild and creamy with just a touch of sweetness. My SO had the lamb vindaloo, which is a spicy dish. I tried a bit of rice mixed with the sauce and yikes. It's a slow spiciness that sneaks up on you. He said that it was good, but kept sneaking spoonfuls of my sauce to mix with his rice. The guy who kept refilling our waters was on top of things. I don't think my glass ever got even halfway empty. But our server was a little slow in the beginning. And when we ordered dessert from someone different, it took a while to come out. But it certainly wasn't bad service and will not deter us from coming back.
(4)Han L.
ehhh, I had the lunch buffet. It's a solid 3 in my book. The servers here were very attentive, helpful, and friendly. I liked how the dude brought my messy self more napkins, even before I requested any. That's conscientiousness! It's a decently decorated restaurant w leatherette chairs. It's 10.99 for lunch buffet. It's naan tasted like tortillas. Good buffet food: I. chicken tikki massala - most tender meat on buffet II. kheer ( rice pudding) - not too sweet, has milky taste, bit of pistachio, I'm guessing, in it III. galjjar ka halwa ( shredded carrots) - I can eat this all day long. It tastes almost like sweet potato souffle, but via carrots! Some of the other foods: tandoori - ehh -- it's ok galub jamun - not good; did not tasted fresh palak paneer - clearly it's been sitting out, so it was oxidated green and salty. Hey, I still ate it. I like that shite I'd like to try items from their menu one day and compare them to the buffet items. Yelp 365 #35/365
(3)J. W.
My son and I waited out Atlanta rush hour traffic after spending several hours with my angry, demented mother. It was a refreshing oasis in the middle of two miserable sh*#storms. We had the chicken korma and chicken Goa, both delicious. The food is perfectly seasoned and cooked to well. The staff is attentive, albeit drenched in Polo cologne. I will definitely return to try their lunch buffet.
(4)Ivan S.
I like Indian food, but I don't crave it like I do other cuisines. Cafe Bombay could make me change that. Everything I had, from the Desi wings to the paneer cheese encrusted naan to the chicken masaala, made me actually want to call the Delta Airlines CSR I bitched at last week and apologize to him directly for my bad behavior. I think his name was "Ken." The food came out quickly and they handled our large crowd pretty easily. But we weren't the only large crowd there as most tables had at least 6 or more tops to deal with. The room itself was pretty nice, our tables topped with Corian and only one of the four needed Macguyvering to fix the wobble. Eric S. brought some "You've been yelped!" cards but failed to actually leave them on the table. He was going to go back in when we pointed out the "Yelp loves us!" sticker on the door. And you know what? Yelp does indeed love Cafe Bombay. Five stars!
(5)Bongo S.
For a white southern boy, I love ethnic food. Maybe it's my affinity for Buford Hwy, which I grew up off of and still live nearby. I could never fathom spending my time or money on the trendy joints that have sprung up in my hometown in the last 10 years (closer to five probably) but that's just me. Cafe Bombay fills a need in my soul to get something quick, tasty and cheap. I have eaten off the menu a few times, but that gives a limited space on my plate for the things that I really want, which is meat. The lunch buffet is 10 bucks and I can sample a variety of decent Indian treats. Unlimited naan, okay it's cold, but it's a filler anyway, and choices of somewhat under seasoned protein. Like I said, in and out in under 30 minutes and I have the farts all day. My dog loves that when it's hot out and the window are up and the air is on .
(3)Adree O.
I had not been a huge fan of Indian food till I finally visited Cafe Bombay. I had been wanting to come over a year. A friend of mine came by and said she had a taste for spice. The perfect time to visit Cafe bombay. We went for the lunch buffet on a friday and I also brought my 9 year old son (who is very finicky). the place wasnt crowded at all but still had enough patrons to make me feel that it must be ok. I tried so many different things and most were very tasty. I absolutely loved the Chicken Tikka Masala and the biryani. The fact that they serve biryani is why I wanted to come in the first place. I will be back!
(5)Animal L.
ok food but worst of all is interacting with the terrible manager named ricky, if it wasn't for him I would love going there
(1)Damien B.
I go here for lunch. Good food on the buffet. Service might be a little slow but the place is packed out for lunch during the week.
(5)Ken M.
I visited this resteraunt with a friend from out of town. This was my first experience with Indian food and I had no idea what to order. I followed his lead in ordering and it was absolutely delicious.
(4)Yvonne G.
First of all, Cafe Bombay is not my place at all. I heard about this place from my friends. Since I really enjoyed Indian food from some other places. I decided to try Cafe Bombay. Maybe I just didn't order the right things. Second, OMG. I didn't find their health score at the restaurant. So I checked online after I got home. It was 71-C, low C!!! It was from August 19th, 2010. They had other scores also. The highest was 90, the lowest was 60. I guess it might be my first and last visit unless my friends drag me to there. These are what did we order: Beverages: Mango Lassi - $4.00 (3 and half stars) It wasn't the best Mango Lassi I had ever had. But it wasn't the worst either. Rose Water Lassi - $4.00 (2 Stars) It was too watery. I like sticky Lassi better. Appetizers: Assorted Vegetable Platter - $8.00 (4 stars) There were one Assortment of Samosa, one Spring Roll which was cut into half and some Vegetable Pakoras. It was my favor after all. The Spring Roll tasted like some Chinese Spring Roll. It was nothing special. Usually, I like Samosa a lot. Cafe Bombay's was okay. I had better one before. About Pakoras, it was some deep-fried potatoes with cumin, and it was really good. Entree: Chili Chicken - $12.00 (2 stars) From their menu's description: Chicken with bell peppers and onions in a spicy chili sauce. I was really disappointed when I had the first bit. And I didn't want to try one more bit of it. The Chili Chicken tasted like from some Americanized Chinese sweet and sour chicken with some chili sauce. It was the lest thing I expected at an Indian restaurant. And we also ordered some oily lamb dish which was not worth to mention it. The naan was pretty good, tasted like garlic bread. The rice we ordered was okay. That's about everything.
(2)Dai T.
Lunch buffet is awesome. Tikka Masala! Saag Paneer! Curry Shrimp Goa! (wasn't great and not usually on the menu...but the sauce was pretty darn tasty) Great way to try some good Indian food without the hefty price tag. Buffet price seems to change based on weekday vs weekend. $9.99 vs $12.99 but still great value for the food. Also, its nice to see Indians eating here. For some reason, it gives the food some street cred in my book!
(4)Mia C.
One of the best Indian buffets I've had in Atlanta. Though it is situated in a rundown strip mall, the food makes up for the location. We went for the dinner buffet and was impressed.
(4)Dio S.
A very decent dinner can be had with a group. Underwhelming lunch buffet. At the lunch buffet I was offended by the soggy, flavorless Chicken 65. Several vegetarian dishes are good, but the only meat dish worth eating is the goat curry, like many have said. Also disappointing was limited selection of pastry items. It is a more expensive lunch buffet than most Indian places, without seemingly having an obviously larger selection or higher quality. I had good experience eating dinner here with group. The quality of dinner items was good with a respectable variety one would expect from a place that does banquets and has belly dancers. After eating here several times, it feels like an okay place. Kind of expensive for what you get. And I definitely won't be doing the lunch buffet again.
(3)D L.
Usually go for lunch buffet. The selection seems slimmed down from previous years. Food is okay. Naan is okay. Rice is okay. Service is okay. For the price, eh, I don't think the food is good enough to warrant subsequent visitations.
(2)Kevin K.
Wow, this is alongside Rose of India in Chamblee as the best Indian food I've had in Atlanta! (And Rose of India has good days and bad days.) It REALLY hit the spot, and I wasn't even hungover. Went for lunch buffet, which is the biggest buffet I've ever seen at an Indian restaurant. Two whole separate spreads - one vegetarian, one meat. Makes it very easy for vegetarians. The Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Biryani, and Matar Paneer were the highlights for me. This is also one of the "nicer" Indian restaurants I've been in anywhere. Unless they're pointlessly fancy and overpriced, Indian restaurants tend to be pretty no-frills. This one definitely felt like an Indian restaurant, but just at the very nicest end of that feel. It's clearly extremely popular. The place is huge and it was packed. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Megan W.
I've only been lucky enough to enjoy the ($10) lunch buffet. Try not to go during peak lunch hours because it does get super crowded and the register is right in the middle of the two buffets which causes the line for food and paying customers to intertwine. Try the chicken tiki masala- you won't regret it. They also have a vegetarian option for it, but only on certain days. Oh, and get the carrots! Delish!
(4)Sabrina J.
Love this place. I go all the time. Halal so I can eat the chicken!! :) Chicken biryani, tikka masala and butter chicken all delicious. They have a lunch buffet that is totally yummy, plenty of options and a good price. Not sure what they are called but little boneless slightly breaded chicken with the red look of tikka was sooo good.I also hardly ever like rice pudding but theirs is super cold and yummy. It is all pretty mild (flavorful, but not HOT spicy) so if you want it hot reiterate it! One of the managers is really nice ( i do not remember his name at the moment). Also I came in late from their lunch buffet (about to close in 15 minutes, but they let me eat from it anyway, even bringing out extra rice pudding even though they said that they would not replenish off of the buffet since it was about to close). The other wai staff is attentive, not overly friendly, but they do whatever you ask in accomodating your food order and do not bother you much. My go to for Indian in ATL. THey also mentioned that they have belly dancing onFridays and Saturday--but I have never been in for it. Also they have hookah in the back room area (also never done it yet), so if I ever get a dinner companion I will probably try it. #singlegirlproblems lol.
(4)R J.
I actually heard about this restaurant from a chef so I decided to give it a go. For starters, the gentleman who took my order... was very courteous and I would imagine heard me well when I said, "please... less oil in everything if possible"... The If possible thing probably threw him off because the 'to go' order was brimming with oil! The chicken pcs were large, un-marinated hunks of meat which were actually inedible. Lastly, I hate long reviews so I'll just say... when customers say LESS OIL.... Please listen to them! This place is another unimpressive restaurant in the lucrative Indian Atlanta landscape.
(1)Christofer P.
So not good. It was cheap Indian food for good Indian food prices. We will never go there again. The Trader Joe's frozen meals are better. We'll stick with Planet Bombay (L5P) or Madras, or anything BUT this place. Meh.
(1)Amaryllia L.
I'm not a big fan of Indian food, mainly because I followed an Indian friend home in 5th grade and experienced real home-cooked Indian food, complete with sitting on the floor and eating luke-warm, bland, mushy food with our hands. Well, that was 20 years ago. Today, I changed my mind because a group of coworkers wanted to come and the positive Yelp reviews made me feel pretty good about it. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality and price ($10) of their lunch buffet...and I no longer have a hatred/fear of Indian food! Clearly, I wasn't the only one who felt that way though because the place was paaacked! Luckily, they have plenty of space to fit everyone so no worries. Minus one star only because the dessert balls in syrup were terrible and the food is actually quite heavy and rich, which isn't ideal for lunch or as a buffet. I left over an hour ago and am still having trouble breathing (stomach taking up my lung space methinks) and struggling to stay awake at work. I'm also feeling extremely unhealthy right now, like my blood is turning into a greasy sludge, so visits back here in the future will be very limited. PS. Goat is da bomb!
(4)Saira K.
So sorry about my recent lunch experience here. There wasn't any naan, and when it was brought out, it was as hard as a cracker. The biryani was cold. This place has potential. Maybe they've become a bit careless. I have enjoyed lunch and dinner here, but now that the naan is inedible, I'm reluctant to return.
(2)Treasure A.
So I love Cafe Bombay. I always crave more after I leave. Anyways, here is my review. This is the first Indian restaurant that I visited in Atlanta. My first visit was during the lunch buffet with a professor. She told me what she generally got, but the food was so good that I wound up trying everything. I liked it all especially the spicy chicken and the goat. I usually just eat that with the rice, some naan, and go in for a good 30 minutes. My second or third visit I tried all of the deserts at the recommendation of my server. The rice pudding was soooo good. He brought them all to me, told me the names, and asked how I liked them afterwards. (Interjection: I had Indian food at a traditional Indian wedding that was sponsored by a small family owned company sometime after my first experience with Cafe Bombay and, in my opinion, the food at Cafe Bombay was more flavorful and definitely spicier than that.) Finally, I am eating my leftovers from yesterday. I got the lamb vindaloo, meat samosa, and naan. Yesterday, it was so great. My friend had to stop me from eating all of my vindaloo because it was definitely enough for two people (for only $12!!) Also, the samosa's were much bigger than I expected and two had me very full along with the glass of water that the waiter kept refilling. I was literally sniffing from the spices, but it was so delicious I kept eating. Today, it was even better! I put the naan in the oven, added some almond oil and water to the rice and lamb, let it simmer a little. 15 minutes later I can still taste the spices and flavors in my mouth. I'm literally in bliss right now. I also love the general ambiance of the restaurant and I like the music.
(5)JaneDoe D.
We saw the owner's adult son take up his plate twice to the buffet without getting a new plate. He was eating as he was putting the new food on top of the old food. The serving spoons were touching where his fork had been. It was disgusting and against the FDA food code! I've been going here a couple of years and the food is alright, but the customer service has always been bad -- they treat you like they don't need or want your business. Now that we've seen the son/manager treat the buffet like his own personal trough, we will not be returning. If you do go, be careful not to fall down the big stair that takes you into the back dining room. It's another thing that is not up to code.
(2)Ben-Sheryl B.
While my wife and I were on our honeymoon a little over a month ago, she discovered that Indian food was her new favorite food. I took her to Cafe Bombay (where I occassionally go for lunch with my co-workers) and this is her new favorite place. It's buffet but we're so weird, we only get 3 things: naan, rice and chicken tikka masala. It's amazingly good. It's about $11 per person with tax but you stay full ALL DAY (ok maybe because we go overboard there!) but it is so good! We are too scared to try any other Indian restaurants because we are too spoiled here. Delicious!
(5)J. G.
Great British Indian Restaurant. The Vindaloo is proper hot.
(5)Tabetha J.
Well, I've been having some exposure to Indian food lately. Apparently I was at a super authentic SOUTH indian restaurant last weekend, so the food was completely different than Cafe Bombay. I came here for lunch. There was the typical Indian Buffet going on. This is more along the lines of what I'm used to when it comes to Indian food. I had some butter chicken, some rice, some pink kind of meat and some yellow spicy rice, potatoes... I liked everything I ate. The atmosphere was nice and the wait staff literally stands there watching the dining room waiting to either pour you some water, clear your plate, or just give you a smile. Good stuff. I wonder what dinner is like...
(4)Malay B.
One of the worst places I have eaten in my life. Rude waiters, nasty behavior from everyone. Seems like they are not happy having customers there. Avoid at all cost.
(1)Renee B.
I took the guy here for his bday last year and we went on a night when they had the bellydancers. We had the goat curry and some other stuff but all i remembered was the naan. It was so good. We went back another time for the lunch buffet and since then, I've gone back by myself a few times for the lunch take out. I always get the Biryani rice, Goat curry and Naan. What I do is dip my naan in the curry and omg it's so good. I take it back to the lunch room at work and I can see the vultures lurking around waiting for my leftovers or castaways but I give them the evil eye and they all fall back. *smirks*
(4)Kevin Z.
The staff is slipping. Only need to listen to themselves to improve the small items that need improvement. 1. To chastise a customer for wanting hot naan during lunch with the admonition " if i do it for you, i have to do it for everyone", is the same as saying " all the customers are demanding hot naan at lunch". A customer focused restaurant would say, why not deliver hot naan to each table with the water and silver ware? How hard is that? 3 minutes after it sits on the buffet its cold and is easily fixed. 2. bring back the wings on lunch..chicken 65 gets dry fast. 3. cook the goat an hour longer....way to tough and chewy. The Chef must be a vegiterian. Do these things and I will give a 5 star rating. From a loyal customer.....15 years plus. 4. where is the bindhi and the lentels?
(3)Zewditu D.
I was very happy with my visit to Cafe Bombay. We needed a spot for a quick lunch and buffet was a great idea to get in and out. I mostly load up on chicken tikka masala, and Cafe Bombay did not disappoint. Also, very good was the red chicken. Yum. Will definitely be making a return visit. Very affordable for all the food you are able to get.
(4)Robert M.
I have to rate what I tasted...and what I tasted was the lunch buffet. I imagine dinner is better and maybe will come back at some point to try this. Maybe. However.... I had the lunch buffet. Let me be clear on this point: I hate buffets. Let me be crystal clear on this point: Buffets suck. Almost every buffet I've ever been to sucked. Save a few in Vegas for breakfast, and Nori Nori here in Atlanta is a decent buffet. Otherwise, they suck. Suck. Suck. Suck. Cafe Bombay is no exception. I felt like Clark Griswald eating blue noisy jello molds. It sucked. Pretty much every meat dish was overcooked. There was some surprise chicken dish that was not only dry, but flavorless. The tikka masala was brutal. The tandoori was well done to say the least. The naan was limp. There were shards of bone in my biryani attempting to puncture body parts. The vegetarian side was marginally better than the meat side. The desserts were scary. Didn't even attempt that. Hate to buffets. Much hate. I don't know why I subject myself to this abuse. At $10, it makes it even worse. To sum it up: Suck. Hate.
(2)Karen N.
Really liked the food. Good nan, rice, lamb vindaloo and several other vegetarian dishes. We went on Friday night and it was crowded-a good sign. But the order taking was chaotic and they had a belly dancer starting at about 8:30 p.m. with very loud music. Nothing against belly dancing, but it seemed a little early for the loud music, and belly dancing is not even an Indian tradition. What up? Friends say that the lunch buffet is a really good value.
(3)pauper c.
I am reviewing their lunch buffet here. Cons: 1. Extremely bad vegetarian options. The vegetarian curries are also cheap, quickly made ones. 2. None of the items had a standard quality. The vegetables they use are cheap. The spinach in palak paneer was tasting very old. The curries are so much oily. The rice is just brittle which means it is old. Quality is overall bad. 3. The Nans are not fresh and your teeth will hence break biting them. 4. The overall service is bad, which is pardonable if they had good food atleast. Will never go here anymore. There are many other great Indian lunch buffet places, who give better quality food and use better quality ingredients.
(1)Amanda M.
My husband and I enjoyed coming here for the lunch buffet. I have to agree now with the 1 and 2 star ratings. Once a few months ago, I was given a water glass with a huge missing shard at the lip and to large cracks running down the sides. I accidentally drank from it before noticing. One of the zombie wait staff who have no skills or training took the glass in the back with no apology and just threw it away. I never received a new glass of water. When we called the manager over, he handled it well and was very concerned. At the time, none of us were sure whether I had sallowed any of the glass, but I am fine and have had no problems. I was impressed with him personally, but his clueless staff are a liability he should be more concerned about. It took us a few months after that to return. But today we were in the mood for Indian buffet, so we decided to make a return trip and give Cafe Bombay another chance. My two star rating is for the fact that the zombie wait staff seemed even worse this time. There seel to be a dozen people who appear to work there, wearing name tags, yet you are treated like cattle at best. But worse is the lack of value of the food vs. the price you pay for it. If this was your only experience at an Indian restaurant, you would think India only had 10 dishes total. The vegetarian side of the buffet today had spinach but not any of those Indian cheese cubes (paneer?), there was a basic chick pea dish lacking complex flavor, and the two other choices were an onion dumpling that just tasted like flour swimming in a thick gravy also tasting like flour, and then another dish that was some kind of chick pea flour ball in another sauce. If you go to panahar, you will get dishes that contain fresh vegetables like cauliflour and whole fingerling potatoes, not flour-based balls of filler smothered with bland gravy. seeing the negligent behavior of the staff first hand at Cafe Bombay and reading reviews here of people getting sick from the food, I do not even want to imagine what goes on in the kitchen.
(2)Winston G.
Went to this place with a number of other Emory Law folk and had a great meal here. We were able to try a number of dishes, including the samosas, the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, shrimp vindaloo, and some vegetable dishes. They were all up to par with what a great Indian restaurant should be. The naan was also well made. I didn't like the service very much (we were with about 10 people) and the rice was way too dry/old. However, all in all, I enjoyed my meal and will be coming back here again.
(4)Roy A.
Probably not fair to rate a restaurant on the basis of its lunch buffet. For that reason, I'm giving it an extra star, for the benefit of the doubt. Buffet food was reasonable in price, REASONABLY flavored, albeit bland on the heat scale, and excessively focused on meat. For the price, a pretty good Indian buffet. Personally, a better choice is across the mall at Chat Patti, the vegetarian Indian cafe.
(4)Robert H.
Piled in here Sunday 3:30 for the buffet after being too late for another place Selection is basic meats / veg and salad. Most of the dishes resemble Indian food and probably contain a vast majority of the same ingredients. Sub par at best. Then throw in 15 bucks a pop (with Soda ) phew..... Thoughts on a couple of items I tried Budgia: I was surprised to see this on the buffet, very daring !! Turns out too daring. Supposed to be warm. crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Actually, luke , dry, spongy and tough.. Naan Supposed to be hot fluffy and light. Closer to pita bread than naan. To be fair though only a few buffets pull this off by delivering the bread to your table when you arrive. Roti would be a far better choice for a buffet Chicken 65 OK I never heard of this dish until I moved to Atlanta nevertheless this version tastes like fried chicken soaked in red food coloring I don't consider this traditional Indian fare all tastes remarkably bland. better off going to an Indian grocery store buying some sauce in a jar and experimenting that way. Crikey, I could put together something better than this with my eyes shut.. CYA !
(1)Dina C.
Due to traffic and other circumstances, I ended up back here for dinner. We got a lamb kabob and the dry chili paneer. It was really good and huge upgrade in flavor and quality from the lunch buffet. The dry chili paneer was incredible. I won't come here for the buffet, but I might make this a dinner spot.
(3)Mike Y.
I've visited Cafe Bombay twice already and the second experience wasn't as good. We had a party of 5 so they sat us in the party room where I'm guessing they do the catered events. Midway through the drinks the lights dimmed and they started blasting some middle eastern music. A belly dancer came out and started to perform. It was actually quite annoying... I just wanted to eat my dinner in peace. Our table ordered a variety of curries that all kind of tasted the same. The only difference being the goat curry which had good flavor, but was full of bones and not much meat. the curries ran the gamut from mild to decently spicy. The Tikka Misala was spicy but not overwhelming. Everything else was just meh... I used to like this place for solid Indian cuisine in Atlanta, but after this experience I might go try others.
(3)Seung G.
This was my first experience at an Indian place where most of the customers weren't Indian. The Not-So-Good To start things off, I wasn't quite sure if the Tandoori Chicken was cooked in the actual clay stove. It didn't have the full tandoori flavoring compared to other places. Also, the naan wasn't really warm. Since this was during buffet time, the naan was just sitting out with no heating. Overall, this place had a limited selection in food options. What's Good? Service was great. They had a lot of waiters that immediately picked up finished place and always refilled water. Most of the dishes I did like. Even with the limited choices in food, most of the dishes were good.
(3)Kaundinya G.
Best Indian food in Atlanta. Goat curry is a die for! Friendly staff make me feel at home whenever I drop by :-)
(5)Helen P.
Very good buffet style Indian cuisine. My favorite are the goat curry, tiki masala, and rice pudding. The place always seem to be over staffed with about 15 waiters standing around. I have never gone during dinner hours but I heard there are belly dancers at night. Overall, if you crave Indian food this is my recommendation.
(4)Brian C.
The buffet is amazing, both in quality and value. No where else can you get such a huge variety of absolutely delicious Indian food. Every single thing here is so good.
(5)John B.
I rarely give out 5 stars because rarely is everything perfect. Everything wasn't perfect here either, but easily dismissed. The service is a bit unusual, at least to us. The waiter takes the order, but other guys bring the food and yet other guys bus the table. Nobody is particularly friendly. The service is excellent, but unusual. I don't hold it against them, but if you like friendly chatter with a server, you will not get it here. The food: Out gold standard is the lamb bryani at Mount Everst in Evanston, IL. It's to die for. Well, the lamb bryani at Cafe Bombay was even better. Nuff said! Atmosphere: Very traditional looking. I have not been in India, but this is what I would expect there.
(5)Tomasz J.
We went there and it was a great decision! Food was delicious, I can't complain about service. We had chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and meat samosa. Everything was delicious and we will definitely come back after some time. If you like Indian food, Cafe Bombay is definitely worth to check.
(5)Andre M.
12-4 lunch buffet is amazing!!! Both the chicken and goat were awesome. One of the best Indian restaurants in the perimeter.
(4)Nishant G.
Best Indian restaurant in all of Atlanta, hands down. Fantastic service, fantastic atmosphere, and the food, holy whoa, I thought my mom was back there. Toooooo good! If you're looking for the best indian restaurant experience in Atlanta, this is it.
(5)John C.
Cafe Bombay Indian cuisine best in the ATL area.They try to offer a great variety of foods during the lunch buffet along with the tandoori chicken favorite. Remember your in the ATL, I've had much better but this is the best in the area...you will not be disappointed. .
(3)Andrea P.
Came here from Buckhead for the lunch buffet and thought it was a great value at $10 for a weekday. The food was delicious and it was a good spread. Obviously the spiciness was very tempered so it would appeal to the masses. I liked that not all of the chicken options were drowning in sauce. The potatoes and peppers ended up being my favorite. Service was also good - water was constantly refilled and plates were quickly cleared. It had a nice crowd at lunch but there was hardly ever a wait to get food and they kept everything well supplied.
(4)Aditya S.
Must say, the current four stars rating of this place is flattering at best. There are so many other places with better Indian food. We ordered Kadhai Paneer (1), Veg Makhani (2), Naan(3) and Samosa Chat (4). 1 was served in a pool of oil. 2 was just tomato puree. 3 and 4 were Okay. Food was served quickly but that would be the case if you cook anything with so much oil. Maybe the non-vegetarian and Thali servings are better. But I wouldn't bother to check them out again. My money is better spent at so many other places in Atlanta. And they had a belly-dancer walking around the tables. For someone coming from India, it was totally bizarre to see that being labeled as an Indian experience. My advice - go there if someone recommends a particular dish. If you are new to Indian food and wanna try out things, find some place else.
(2)Scott K.
Stopped through Cafe Bombay with a Canadian friend who had a taste for Indian food. Nice decor, relaxing and with very good service. We started off with Chicken Chat, a dish that I had never heard of, but sounded good. It was delicious. Kind of reminiscent of Thai Nam Tok salad. Next was the Chili Chicken. I'm really tired of spots that have warn you, "spicy" but in reality about as spicy as ketchup. That was not the case here. Spicy truly means Spicy in this place. Excellent, I'll be back.
(4)Philip K.
I'm not connoisseur of Indian food, but I was very impressed with the food and the service at Cafe Bombay. The waiters were all very friendly and patient as they helped us navigate the menu and answered all of our questions. I tried the Lamb Vindaloo...the spice level was perfect, and it was bursting with flavor. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and look forward to returning for more.
(4)Quality K.
excellent food but get rid of the indian waiters cause they are just too stiff. need to staff the place with people that have a personality and enjoy serving as a career. great food. owners should show less that money matters and concentrate more on taking the time to ensure guests are well taken care of. again, so far as i have experienced, food is great.
(3)Thanh N.
I went here twice for the lunch buffet (about $10 during the week, $12ish weekends) during my eight night-stay in Atlanta and I really liked it. It was my first time having Indian food and I wasn't disappointed. The Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandori chicken, naan and mint chutney were my favorites. The mango lassi was awesome, but my boyfriend said it's a bit overpriced ($4).
(4)Raja V.
What can I say. An awesome buffet . The manager, Ricky was very attentive. I will say I was looking for a dish with more kick. Well, Ricky was kind enough to discuss this with us and offer special indian hot sauce at no extra charge. Needless to say, the hot sauce kicked my butt! Still a great overall value. I hope to come back and actually try an entree. P
(5)Kristen C.
I found this place when we were craving Indian food one night, and this was the only place that was open later than most places. We ordered naan, chicken biryani, chicken tikka, mixed grill, and gobi aloo masala. We loved everything. I think all these dishes were spiced really well, and nothing came out really oily like we usually see when we eat Indian. I've also been here for the weekend buffet, which is also really good. They have a variety of dishes that you are able to try. Service is pretty good here.
(4)Cindy Z.
I gave this restaurant 2 chances, after having the worst Indian meal for the second time,I will never go back. I got ( medium) Chicken Tikka Masala for the 2nd time, and had to ask to return it both times. My friend got curry chicken, and it didn't even resemble curry, just creamy mush. The first time my family didn't want to hurt my feeling because it was my choice for the night, but then after I complained , the voiced their own opinions-not good!!
(1)John B.
the best Indian food in The US, let alone GA (I travel coast to coast on a regular basis). Service is fast and concise. I spoke with the Co-owner and I like the operation that he oversees here. The lighting is in a great middle-ground between bright and dim and it accentuates the decor of the place. They don't mess around with spicy curry and their more mild curries are quite delicious! I come here whenever I'm in town and I plan on coming here whenever I can in the future.
(5)Hanah V.
I love this place! They have a huge, amazing lunch buffet that has a large number of vegetarian options as well as meat. The food is excellent. They make some of the best Chicken Tikka Masala I've ever tasted. They also offer many of their dishes with a choice of lamb or goat, so you can go very exotic if you want to. You wouldn't expect it, but they are also great for kids (as long as your kids will eat Indian food). We often bring our 1-year-old with us, and all the waiters love him.
(5)Jennifer S.
Best Indian food i've ever had in this city! The Tikka Masala is AWESOME! Service was excellent, food even better!! Wish I lived a little closer to this place, I'd make it a weekly thing! A+++
(5)Vivian C.
Food is pretty darn good- I've gotten the butter chicken every single time, cause I can't quite move past it, as unhealthy as it is. Their naan is sooooo good, and is something to definitely get. Only drawback is that while the service itself is good, they do rush you, and I get the feeling that spending more than 45 minutes in there for a meal is pretty much all they think you should get.
(3)K P.
So, so delicious!! Drove up from Mid-town (farther than we usually go) and realized we'll be doing the drive more in the future, as the food and service was so good! The prices were fantastic - dinner entrees for $12.00 and I had leftovers! Check it out!
(5)Johnathon T.
Cafe Bombay is known in particular and renowned for one thing - an outstanding lunch buffet at a very reasonable price. Their food is exceptional. Everything is fresh, well prepared and cooked just right. As others have pointed out, the chicken tikka masala is an exceptional treat, boasting an exquisite sauce that when sopped up with Naan bread tastes incredible. Their tandoori chicken is also very good, served grilled just right with smoked onions on the buffet line. The atmosphere is nice too and the service has always been exceptional on my visits.
(4)Jonathan Z.
Buffet style, good food.
(4)Errynne B.
I love this place... I would give it 5 stars except for the fact that I have never actually been there, I've only ordered delivery. My favorite dish is Chicken Tikka Masala and it is delicious! It's perfect with Naan as well. I wish the portions had a bit more chicken, but overall it is really good. The paneer dishes are also very good. If you're an Indian food fan like me, you should check this place out whether you go to the restaurant or order delivery.
(4)Gina A.
I've had the delicious lunch buffet numerous times. If this weren't so far from my home, I would go weekly. The Chicken Tikka Masala is To.Die.For. It's mild and creamy and delicious, and I could eat it for days. Everything else is consistently good on the buffet, and the servers are always extremely friendly and attentive. If I could be there right now, I would. I've also gotten carry-out a number of times, and it's always great. The entrees are often a little on the spicy side for me, but I do like my food VERY mild.
(5)J L.
GREATEST CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA I HAVE EVER HAD. I order it almost every time I go there, and it is the best, better than the food I had in Mumbai in December. Guaranteed awesome food.
(5)Scott M.
This place was average. Actually thought this was the place that was by 300 Bowling alley until I realized that it wasnt when I got there. I guess that was the first dissapointment. Got the all inclusive meal for like $55 bucks. Comes with a crap load of food and can definitely feed 2-3 ppl. This makes things extremely easy to order specifically if you arent to familiar with Indian food. Had a good time, but the owner said a bone head comment to me that almost got that azz whipped. Fortunately I was having a good day. Doubt I'll be back, I am sure there is better Indian food in the city.
(2)Veda R.
I was dragged here again by my family. This trip IS AND WAS THE LAST. Rude servers. I was talking to my mom and asked if we should grab an extra chair for the table as we had a semi-large group. The server overheard me and mocked me by repeating what I said in a very exaggerated tone. I'm serious. I know I have a high pitched voice, but was that really necessary? Me: "We need an extra chair." Server: "You mean this extra chair?" and pointed to a "chair". Me: "no, asshole." I'm seriously never going back Also -- Douchebag that was in charge of the "raw chicken" incident still works there, SMH.
(1)Cristina K.
I recommend coming here for the lunch buffet. It's a bit pricey for dinner. The curried goat is very tasty and tender, as is the butter chicken. Naan is always hot and fresh. Basmati rice is also very fresh and not overcooked. Lentils are well seasoned, less starchy than I've had at other Indian restaurants. Waiters are attentive, restroom is clean, and the ambiance is unexpectedly nice for the price. I hear there's live entertainment on the weekends too. Some of the negatives were that the Chicken 65 had a little too much breading. Since it's a buffet, I guess you can just pick it off the meat. And I'm not sure what happened to the palak paneer last time I was there. It was just spinach, no paneer. I really hope they're not cutting down on costs. Overall, good value lunch place.
(4)Cherry L.
went for the weekend lunch buffet on sunday afternoon. not. a. fan. sadly, I don't think i'll be trying this place again :( +1 star bc the waiter was very nice and attentive to my water cup. That sunday, i called a few diff indian restaurants that offer buffest and decided on this one (bc my friend said she wanted chicken 65--mighta been my mistake to go somewhere other than zyka for chicken 65!!). The place is a little hard to find--behind/near/around the corner/under the bridge/through the woods next to target/taco bell/tin roof--basically, the first right on briarcliff after your pass N Druid (away from Emory). basicallllly, nothing was THAT good or stood out here. flavors were just ok, curries and chicken were just ok. the chicken 65 was HORRIBLE--like a bad chinese restaurant breaded sweet n sour chicken type. all the dishes were so syrupy and slightly sweet...EVERYTHING!!! I had to drench everything in the cilantro chutney to make it taste decent. sorry to say, i wont be back!
(2)Ankur J.
Super oily food. Looks like each bowl of food has at least 1/4 bowl of oil in it! Although certain items are not so bad.
(2)Michael K.
Lunch Buffet was cheap, but..... The Tandoori Chicken was pretty dry. Chicken Tikka Masala was weird. It did not taste like most Tikka Masalas I've had..it tasted more like a butter chicken. The Naan was good. Their vegeterian noodles were pretty good (I wish they had one with meat, though. Then it'd be BOMB). Both of the kinds of rice they offered were cold, and not good. Overall, mehhhhhh. I've had better lunch buffets (in general) for $10, and I've had delicious Indian lunch buffets for $8. I think they should offer fewer dishes, but make them with better quality.
(3)Abhi G.
Been to Bombay cafe several times. This used to be my favorite indian restaurant when we moved in Atlanta 2 years back. Now that I have been to all Indian restaurants in Atlanta, it is still among top 4. Ambience-wise this is probably the most authentic indian restaurant, and the same goes for the service. Food is not bad either, I prefer their À la carte over their buffet.
(4)Kiran K.
I don't know how this place got so many good reviews. I believe it might be due to the ambience and service (that's the reason for my two stars). But, as an Indian (and I also tried many different Indian restaurants), I can definitely tell that the food is absolutely tasteless.
(2)Roman G.
Best Indian food in Atlanta. Quick service, great staff and the food is delicious! The prices are on the high end for Indian food. They are also a big caterer in the Southeastern region. Highly recommend.
(4)Ashvini S.
Excellent Indian food and outstanding service after a long time. Main person who made our evening so special over there is Kanna. Will definitely go back.
(5)Emma W.
The main reason I've always preferred Indian buffets over actual sit down restaurants is just the general trend that seems to exist in regards to disproportionate curry to rice ratios. Well played Cafe Bombay, not only are you fantastic with your food related ratios but your naan is also super delicious and fluffy. Upon arriving back to my hotel afterwards and promptly collapsing into a food coma induced slumber, I'm pretty sure I had dreams that I was laying on huge, billowy pieces of Cafe Bombay's naan rather than the hotel pillows.
(4)Jessica Y.
I am a Bradfordian (someone from a small city called Bradford in the north of England renowned for excellent cheap curry) who is searching for a decent curry fix in Atl! I have tried several places and been dissapointed, I have also tried Purnima on Buford where I have to advise the food is excellent but the overall atmosphere and and experience is lacking!! Well the searching is over, I have found my curry haven. I completed my third visit here last night. On walking into cafe Bombay immediately you are pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and decor which is inviting, friendly and luxurious in that over the top tacky indian restaurant kind of way. I think you know what I mean. It is often busy but never crowded. The staff are friendly and seat you immediately. Last night there was a belly dancer which was great. She was dancing with children, there's a very laid back vibe which I like. They take your order in a timely manner and bring you water and free poppadums and pickles (always a sign of an excellent curry house). There is a bar here if you want a beer. The food is great. I have tried: Lamb rogan josh 5 stars- big tender chunks, not fatty, nice sauce not too spicy. Lamb korma- 5 stars- as above. A little bit of spice in the korma sauce which is good. Chicken tikka masala- 4 star- good, very mild and a little sweet so 4 not 5. Big chunks of tender chicken. Pea and potato curry- 4 star - tasty. Very spicy but goes well with raita. Chicken afghan (mango)- 5 star plus the best curry on the menu. Sweet, creamy a bit spicy. I did share this though, may be a bit much on its own. Rice is great and you get lots of it, it comes with curry you dont pay extra which is how it should be. Original and peshwari naans (filled with Sultanas and coconut) are delicious. I had the thali where you get to try two of the special curries. You also get raita, salad, naan, rice and rice pudding. Its great value and i would recommend if you like the sound of the special curries, you can share the naan on this with your friend. See photo. I have been to the lunch buffet where I have tried other dishes too. I would not recommend going to this. Its good value, 10 dollars all you can eat, but the food is not as good. I would only give the buffet 3 stars. Bring your ten dollars back on an evening and put it to one of the dishes i mention above. I can not wait to come back here. I will definately be trying vegetable samosas then because they look amazing!!!
(5)Chan V.
Amazing chicken tiki masala and tandori chicken wings. Must try the bullet naan which is jalapeño naan. If that's not your thing then there is a book of a menu for you to pick from. The butter chicken with garlic naan is also fabulous. This is my new favorite Indian restaurant.
(5)Dani O.
Food is best Indian cuisine in Atlanta. Authentic food and setting. The buffet style allows for eating at your preferred pace and also to try several different entrees. Setting is relaxing and intimate. Great for lunch or dinner.
(5)Tom C.
Cafe Bombay is the place to be for Indian Lunch Buffet for $9.99. Especially if you are hungry and looking for quality. This isn't crappy Indian food. It's at a fine dining Indian restaurant. During lunch they do buffet for customers. Their chicken tandoori, chicken tika masala, goat curry were all tasty and good. My vegetarian friend loved their vegetarian options. He is Indian and he said it was a quality Indian restaurant to his standards. Definitely going to have to come back for more Indian lunch buffett!
(4)Paul E.
If I didn't have food poisoning from their chutneys and rude staff behavior, this review would have been better. Let me break it down to a few categories. Food-- (as someone grew up in parts of South and knows how to cook most of the dishes) the only item worth mentioning is chole bhatorey(chickpea curry). I was appalled to find the palak paneer being made with cheap cheese (to those who were raving about it on the reviews-- paneer is not your publix cheese on the shelf; please taste something authentic before claiming it as awesome). The tikka masala was dry and it was evident they didn't cook it fresh. The tandoori chicken was very dry as well. The chicken biriyani was pretty good. From the looks of it, these people don't know how to do non veg items very well. Service-- the staff was always hovering over you, taking plates away even before you were done. This created this pressure of "you need to leave ASAP", which is a very tacky south Asian technique they use in those parts. Given the naan was super thin and hard, I asked for some fresh naan on the table when they were bringing out a new batch. 99% of all restaurants are more than happy to do it, but the waiter very rude said that I need to order from the menu. He also went on to explain how they are the most popular restaurant in Atlanta and how only " small" restaurants do it. Very discourteous Price-- reasonable;$13 for the buffet. However considering only one dish was made to taste, I have eaten better. Overall, I have been to 20+ Indian restaurants in Atlanta and this will rank in the bottom 2. Still having food poisoning issues. Do NOT try their chutneys.
(2)jennifer s.
Best lamb vindaloo I've had in atlanta. The sauce is so savory with the right amount of spice. Their naan is nice and fluffy and delicious. The rice has perfect flavor and texture. Ive only eaten take out here but the service was always very courteous and inviting. Def recommend this place
(5)Emma F.
Solid Indian Restaurant. The food is not as spicy as I am used for Indian places (actually not spicy at all really) so if you want it spicy ask for it that way. The servers are nice and the place is pleasant. What we had: Meat Samosa: Average Veggie Pakora: Average Butter Chicken: Slightly Above Average Goat Rhogan Josh: Average Lamb Vindaloo: Average and not spicy at all in spite of the warning. Mixed Tandoori Grill: Above average Palak Paneer: Average Mango Lassi: Below Average So, with so many averages why the four stars vs three? Because I have realized that my idea of average Indian food is actually really good Indian food. I'm super picky and the mere fact that I would go back, means it's pretty damn good. Overall, if you come here, you won't be disappointed, unless you like really spicy Indian food, in which case tell them so and I'm sure they'll oblige. I will be asking for things with a lot of spice next time.
(4)Karthi S.
The food is not up to the mark no varieties No spicy No appetizer in veg food Chicken butter masala not good
(1)Ahmed A.
Great Indian food and a friendly staff. Had the Lamb curry, Chicken malai kabab, spinach paneer, Afghani chicken and dal makhani. Also tried the rice and the naan with the food. All of it was good quality and it all came with generous portions. The Afghani chicken had mangoes in the sauce and provided a unique sweet flavor. I would definitly go there again!
(5)Melissa P.
My husband and I visited Cafe Bombay on a Sunday afternoon. They had a buffet with a pretty big variety. One side was dedicated to vegetarian cuisine. There were a decent amount of customers but plenty of wait staff...perhaps too many. They were hovering over our table. Which I guess is better than lack of staff. Needless to say, our glasses were always full. The chicken Tikka was good. The chicken was a little dry but it was fine when eaten with plenty of sauce. The spinach paneer was delicious! The Naan was fresh and warm. The rice was perfectly cooked. Nothing was too spicy and it was all pretty tasty. I look forward to returning!
(3)Alison W.
yummy! I really like Cafe Bombay a lot... It's a family owned restaurant that's pretty nice all around. The only reason I am not giving the full 5 stars is that the staff can be a bit rude at times, especially the head waiter. There's always confusion about who is supposed to do what, but I guess it also gets super busy on weekends. The lunch buffet is a pretty nice spread, but I prefer to go for dinner on the weekends when the food is fresh and the bellydancer is giving lessons. Now I just need a better outfit and I'm good to go when the music hits!
(3)Sireesha A.
If you are an Indian, don't go here! Worse if you are a vegetarian! The food is horrible in the buffet. Rajma was completely diluted and looked like water. The other veggie curry reminded me of the hostel food back in India! Paneer curry was sweet and rice was hardly flavored! Even the desserts were pitiful. One of the worst Indian lunch buffets I have had in my life! My boyfriend swore he could make twice as good chicken tikka at home! Never ever again am I going back to this restaurant! Such misleading reviews!!
(1)Sydney G.
One of my must-eat spots whenever I visit Atlanta. I love their paneer, it's some of the best I've ever had. I think they do a great job of keeping the buffet full and fresh and I've had the opportunity to try a number of dishes I might not ordinarily order off the menu.
(5)Anh L.
This is the buffet of all Indian buffets. All i can say is im blown away by almost everything. The reviews here are truthful. Im probably going into a diabetic coma right now as im eating this food. The vegetable curry in coconut cream has a buttery and creamy texture. The goat curry is by far the best i ever had from any other indian buffets. The meat just falls off the bone and soft.. There's so much herbs and spices in the rice... im overstuffed but i keep on eating.. The service is excellent, I was always attend to when I walked through the door. My water was constantly refilled by three different waiter. They each ask me if i needed any help. The atmosphere is quiet, ambience, and romantic with granite tables all around. They really have done a good job on the decor.
(5)Heather N.
This is a solid Indian buffet, but I am taking a star off for chewy cold naan on the buffet (not served hot at the table), and a serious lack of spice in all of the dishes. The tart plum & green chutneys are tasty, but needed some samosas/papadum/pakora/patties/chaat to put them on. The veg korma was quite nice- it reminded me that lima beans are actually good. The goat curry had a great, earthy, cinnamony sauce. ChickenTikka is straight up Campbell's tomato soup. Not much else really stood out, but I did leave happy and (overly) full.
(3)Shardule S.
Not-so-good: Nothing will ever beat homecooked Indian food Good: Papad to start is a nice touch Service is prompt and friendly Portion is decently sized (had a small takeaway bag for leftovers) Price isn't cheap but not terribly expensive Overall, nothing will ever come close to 'Mom's food'. However, if you're looking for a solid Indian meal with nice decor for not too high of a price, this is the place. Busy, but not super packed, Cafe Bombay is a good bet to for a tasty Indian meal.
(5)Rahul M.
Excellent food. Good ambience. Good service. Nice staff. Complimentary rice was a pleasant surprise. Bhel puri was awesome
(5)Anushree K.
I went in for a late lunch at Cafe Bombay with a group of friends. The food was very good, right amount of flavor and spice. The server helped us choose the curries (we did not want a sweet curry) and the paneer kadhai and vegetable tikka masala we ordered were yummy. The assorted vegetable platter for starter is a good way to sample a lot of appetizers. The nan is huge and we could share 3 naans between 5 people. Overall a good experience. I took off a star as there was lack of co-ordination between the staff, we got our check without asking for it and we had to send it back as we wanted to have dessert :)
(4)Jovan E.
Freakin awesome!! This is my go to spot for Indian food. Nice ambience, perfect for casual dining or even date night. Food is always quick yet perfectly seasoned. Lamb palaak is my personal fave. The best Indian in Atlanta!
(5)Jessica C.
This place is great for lunch buffets as well as awesome for their sit down meals. -Buffet The buffet has a variety of items including vegetarian. The buffet includes naan, rice, and a section of desserts. It's also a great price (around $11) -Menu items Not going for the buffet is also good. The menu items come out hot and fresh. The naan comes out steaming. I would definitely recommend the chicken vindaloo if spicy food is your thing. Coming for dinner is great because I usually can take home half of my entree, rice, and half of my naan for lunch the next day. -Service The service is great. They are attentive and your water is always filled to the rim. They don't make you wait to bring you the check and will back your take home boxes for you.
(5)Irene B.
I've been here a few times and consistently the food is amazing, but the service is pretty slow. If you're coming for a meal it's definitely a time commitment. I usually order the chicken tikka masala with garlic naan and have sampled a few other items. All of them were fantastic and the food portions are large so you'll leave with leftovers. They also serve rice with the entrees at no cost, but the food in general is on the pricier side. Expect to spend around 15 to 20 bucks if you want an entree and naan. Cons: I don't know what it is but the later into the night it gets, the darker it gets in the restaurant. I understand the theme of a calm and relaxing ambience, but the staff will always dim the lights to the point where you can't see your friend sitting across from you.
(3)Randy H.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to Indian food. I will say that this is probably the best I've had (so far) in Atlanta. We had a large party. The service was not the quickest but I understand it can be hard with a large party.The food was great. I had the lamb vindaloo - which is very spicy. If you can't handle spicy, I would not recommend. Otherwise, it is delicious. It came with rice to share of course. The taste of the lamb and the sauce it was in was very flavorful. The spicyness was flavorfull and not harsh. Some people think mouth on fire when things are spicy. That does not make good spicy food. Good spicy food gives you that spicyness WITH flavor. I cannot describe how good this is. You have to try for yourself. Their drink menu is moderately priced. They have great cocktails for about $8.
(4)Lindsay E.
I loved my experience at Cafe Bombay, and I can't wait to come back! Great food, great atmosphere in the back room, and very friendly staff. Bonus: awesome belly dancer (family friendly) on Friday nights! The only thing I'd change is making sure we make a reservation! When we first walked in, we saw the simple front dining room packed, mostly with ethnically Indian folk, which got us excited for the food, because surely the kitchen was doing something right to have attracted this clientele. There were also many folks who came in to pick up take out orders. (If I liked closer, we'd be getting take out a lot!) We told the staff that we were there to watch the belly dancer, and we ended up waiting for about 10 minutes for everything to be ready. They were seeing out a very large party, and I think the staff was a bit overwhelmed. They told us "Just a moment" maybe 5 times, which made us laugh. Anyway, after a while we were escorted to the back dining area, which is beautifully decorated! Very plush and colorful. The chai was delicious, I just wish I could have gotten more. The free crispy papadums they brought out with a green sauce was a happy surprise and very tasty. We got lamb naan as an appetizer and loved it. The naan is so pillowy soft! For our entrees, I ordered the chicken tikka masala with naan, and my husband ordered a lamb curry (gosht korma, we think) that was a little too spicy for me but very, very delicious. I love-love-loved my chicken tikka masala! It was so creamy and such a great blend between sweet and savory. I cannot recommend this enough. I wanted to try everything! We'll definitely be back again, most likely on belly dancer night. I personally know the performer on the night we visited (she's short and blonde), and she knows and loves her craft. She doesn't make the dance more sensual than it's designed to be, and you could tell she enjoyed performing for everyone.
(5)John E.
Cafe Bombay is located at 2615 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30329 - I'm not sure if this area is called Briarcliff or if there's a better term for it, perhaps North Druid Hills? - I generally access the restaurant either from the North Druid Hills Exit on I85 (restaurant is East of the interstate) or the back way from Clairmont Rd turning sound onto Briarcliff Rd. The restaurant is in the end of a shopping-center row sort of on the back side of Target so it's a bit hard to see. It is however, well worth trying. I've now eaten here about a dozen times, first visiting for a friend's party (they have a great large dining area in the back and can easily handle large-ish groups of say 25 or so at one long table) and more often visiting for an excellent lunch buffet. In general the flavors are a bit muted compared to those foods I sampled in India, more Northern style I believe.I particularly like their vindaloo dishes which will provide a level of heat and flavors that make you say "Oh yeah!" Service at Cafe Bombay is top notch with very attentive, even throughout their very busy lunch buffet. Evenings the place is busy and filled with a broad spectrum of locals and visitors to Atlanta. The bar is better than most similar restaurants I've experienced and they even have the very good Lion Stout from Sri Lanka which I recommend - it's more effervescent than most stouts and lacks the chalkiness you sometimes get with a black beer, with more smokiness and less chocolate. The lunch buffet (about $10) has a good mixture of vegetarian and meat options (mostly chicken and a little goat or lamb). There's usually a pan of veggie biryani along with some seasoned basmati, a few dols and sambar or similar soup. You'll also typically find sag or aloo paneer, some type of curried vegetables and pakora. For dinner I've tried: Aloo Gobi - this is a cauliflower dish primarily, though at Bombay it's about half potatoes too. I liked this dish but prefer the all cauliflower version. It's especially good with a bit of mint chutney. Vegetable Vindaloo - one of my favorite dishes here with good spice levels and flavors. Chicken 65 - I'm not quite sure of the original recipe as I've had this a number of different ways - it's most commonly white meat chicken marinated in curd (similar to tandoori) - at Bombay it's fried and some sliced onion and cilantro is added. The flavors of this dish gets a bit lost with those spicier flavors in the other curry dishes but it's still very good - I think most Americans would enjoy this as a fried chicken dish, Indian style. Sag Paneer - this mostly green leaf vegetable dish is quite good - I really like the paneer they have at Bombay as the consistency is more like homemade. Garlic Naan - they use real chopped garlic here with a bit of ghee - very authentic tasting to me. Pepper (Bullet) Naan - I do love me some bullet naan and the version I've gotten at Bombay is exceptional. It is covered with chopped green chiles and very tasty - not for the faint of heart or weak palate. The exterior of the restaurant is a bit deceptive - it makes the place look small and the heavy window treatments and lack of lighting will make you think the restaurant is closed - do indeed come inside - you'll thank me later. There's plenty of parking. (longer review posted in my food blog)
(4)Queenie D.
$13 WEEKEND BUFFET TILL 4PM Chicken Biryani is delicioius!!! Chicken tikka masala is my fave! There was goat dish and tandoori chicken and they were all so yummy ... oh my goodness my stomach is growling with my thinking about the food! Most definitely worth your time and money. The decor is clean and to the point. Staff was courteous and professional. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. This is definitely my new fave place to chow down!!
(5)Dave M.
Solid lunch buffet ($10). They have about 4 meat choices (chickens and lamb) as well as several vegetarian choices. Their naan is so good. I can dip it in the tiki masala all day. They have a salad bar with a yogurt dressing. They have a couple of dessert puddings that I didn't try (looked too sweet for me). The place is pretty large and got full quick during lunch. The tables and chairs are quality. They have an overabundance of servers standing around to take your plates away and refill your water. You won't have to worry about going thirsty. They were all friendly. I'm guessing the older lady taking payment at the register is the owner. She's just all business, not friendly or unfriendly. I would recommend this place.
(4)Cassandra M.
Came for lunch with a coworker and O.M.G. this place is nice. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful and quiet. You felt like you should whisper during lunch. The lunch buffet was excellent! The service was friendly and prompt. I loved the tandoori chicken, the naan, the spinach, I could go on and on. My guest and I loved it.
(5)Ariel N.
Absolutely amazing place! Ate here on Friday with a few friends and my husband, who hates anything non American lol. Needless to say, he was amazed by the food. He loved EVERYTHING surprisingly. The food was SO good and the waiter was very personable and really helped us understand the menu and explained everything to us. Needless to say, he steered us right because everyone loved their choices. We also ordered a few drinks, they were awful. The bartender totally skimmed us on the liquor. We ended up getting beers, instead of wasting money on the poorly made drinks. After dinner we decided to do some hookah! It was such a fun experience. We sat by the bar and it was pretty private feeling. Hookah is $25. We ended up staying at the place for a total of 3 hours. The belly dancing was also enjoyable. Oh, and we did not even have a wait. We were seated right away. I would 100% suggest this place, but the bartenders are not great.
(4)Sarah J.
Cafe Bombay is a favorite of mine for eat in and delivery. They have a lunch buffet which is great for trying new things, but my mainstay is the Palak Paneer, which has just the right amount of spice, and the Mango Lassi. Cafe Bombay uses a delivery service called "Food People," which I have found to be a bit slow. When the food gets to me, though, it's worth the wait.
(4)Mit P.
Had the weekend buffet. Okay but not great. 1) Sauces were pretty good - especially paneer tikka masala, but the dishes overall didn't seem like they were that fresh. The chicken in particular did not seem very good quality. I would stick with vegetarian here since the meat quality is cheap. 2) Dishes are a bit strange. The Samosa for instance have this weird cheesy filling which is completely out of place. The Kofta curry has also an odd sauce which isn't very spicy. 3) It is cheap at $13 so that likely explains above.
(2)Jessica W.
Located close to Emory's campus, cafe Bombay has awesome Indian food. I've been several times for the lunch buffet, which is great. Last time I stopped by was for dinner & I ordered my favorite chicken Goan curry; if you like coconut, this is the dish to try! Service is usually friendly, although not always the most efficient. Prices are reasonable & the food is delicious!
(4)Sri K.
Quality lunch buffet at a competitive price ($10.95 weekdays, open till 3:30 pm). I arrived at 3 pm knowing that the buffet would be closing in 30 minutes. My expectations are adjusted given the circumstances. At no point did I feel rushed nor did I expect them to bring out hot, freshly cooked trays of food. Food: Great food for what any reasonable person would expect from a buffet. Nearly all of the reviews knocking the buffet griped about how it is not spicy enough or perfect for their palate. Great observation! A buffet is specifically designed to appeal to the masses, while maintaining the essence of the food. There were 3 buffet stations (non-vegetarian, vegetarian, chutney/dessert). Winner: Goat Curry - While non of the dishes were spicy enough for my taste, the goat was succulent and flavorful enough to overcome this problem. I got my money's worth on this alone. Coupled with the naan, this is what made this buffet a 4 star joint. Other meat dishes: the acceptable chicken tikka masala (same sauce as the paneer), the edible chicken biryani, worth tasting malai kabob, and nothing special tandoori chicken. The mango custard was also tops. Just don't expect ice in your water. Atmosphere: Laid back yet classy. Fit for any occasion. Service: On point and attentive with enough wait staff to serve a larger crowd.
(4)Sandeep G.
The food in my opinion is above average and nothing unique. The service though is quite good and fast. The fact that it is on Briarcliff Road in a strip mall from where most of the businesses have relocated is not good news for this place. This place has a strong loyal clients but there are many more better Indian Restaurants in that area and more are coming up.
(3)Lanchana S.
Finally tried this place out with my Mr. Heard lots of good reviews about this place but never had a chance to try it out. The atmosphere is inviting.. Attentive staff. They have standard Indian menu with carnivores and lots of vegetarian options. We started with complimentary papad and green chutney which was delicious then tried paneer wrap, Gobi Manchurian with gravy, Matar Paneer, garlic naan and bullet naan. Naans was fresh and super soft, which was good. Everything else was average. This place is not up to the hike, had high expectation. I will definitely give them another shot but for buffet!!
(3)Thomas L.
Going to Cafe Bombay for lunch buffet is similar to going to a Chinese buffet. The food isn't necessarily 100% authentic, it might not be the most elegant tasting, but you will feel very satisfied with a food coma afterwards. Cafe Bombay offers the basic variety of curries, chicken tandori, chicken curry, and Naan bread are some of the dishes that I eat frequently. Theres also a decent selection on vegetarian curries for people who dont eat meat. The sauce is definitely very heavy, one can taste the butter and fat but it's one of those guilty pleasures that will ruin your diet for the past week. Price wise it's very reasonable for a lunch buffet, something around 13 or 14 dollars after tip and tax.
(3)Travis H.
The Rogan Josh was the best thing I tried on the menu. Wait staff were very friendly and attentive.
(4)Nicki K.
Cafe Bombay ranks one of my fave Indian restaurants. I mostly go to Indian restaurants for lunch. I've actually never had their lunch buffet and just have gone for dinner. Why??? Hmmm, hello...belly dancer! I love watching them. I always get amazed at how much a woman can move. Trust me, it's hard, I've taken belly dancing classes before. I've been to other restaurants that have belly dancing but I prefer Desi food over Mediterranean food anyways. So I met with girlfriends. They've never been to Cafe Bombay and were excited to go when I told them about the belly dancer. It was a different belly dancer than the one I've seen before. The belly dancer here do more of a performance and are really good and talented, especially with using props like candles and a sword. The workers here are courteous and quick. I always love going to Desi restaurants cause my water gets refill quickly, even halfway. I have a problem with going to most Asian restaurants since I have to beg for water. Dinner dishes come with rice so I ordered regular naan with the Goa chicken curry. I like to try new dishes when I go out. I've never had it before. Honestly, the name Goa made me curious to try cause I every time I think about Goa, I think of the Hindi movie, Dil Chahta Hai. The flavor was more on the sweet side. My friend ordered the Shrimp Vindaloo, OMG, I should've ordered that instead, it was the perfect amount of spiciness for my taste! Another friend ordered the chicken 65. My daughter ordered the egg biryani and it was really tasty. I went backwards but for appetizers, we ordered meat samosas (it was beef from what my friends said, I don't eat beef), veggie samosas, pani puri, & masala wings. We stayed for almost 3 hours, just chatting and watching the belly dancer. I love this place. I want to go an check the lunch buffet one day. I might as well. Texas Sari Sapne is next door, I used to go to the old location when I was younger.
(5)Raj A.
Food was good for an Indian restaurant, Setup is better and hygiene appeared well taken care of. Service wasnt expected but seems like a smooth running ship. We had the buffet, the tandoori chicken was 8/10, butter chicken, very creamy was 8/10 biryani 6/10 and goat curry was delish 7/10..though goat was not tender or easy to chew...deserts were ok..we reached at last hour so maybe they werent interested in rotating the tables..total bill $212 for 12 guests and 5lbs takeaway..One star takeaway for buffet policy that isn't disclosed upfront and kinda don't make sense, and one star take away for dried goat in goat curry and overall lack of service..Service manager initial responses were rude but when he realised this may go up on a public review he sang an entirely different tune
(3)Amelia J.
Wonderful staff and great food, but Cafe Bombay didn't quite live up to the hype for me. I did love that it was a buffet, as it gave me the chance to try a lot of Indian foods I was curious about, but too hesitant to order. But, like most buffets, the food had a sort of cheap feel to it. I would be happy to go back if someone wanted to try it or loved it, but I don't think it's making my list of favorites.
(4)Emmie L.
This place was awesome. I have heard great things about their lunch buffett, but I haven't had a chance to try it. My friends and I came in for dinner one evening. First impressions - this place is dark. Hardly any light is let in. Feels mysterious. The textures are little muffled - the marble tables, the dark carpet, the elephants - I couldn't get a single theme from the decor which bothered me. Though, this isn't a deal breaker. Most people aren't as concerned with interior design. We decided to get the meal for two and added on butter chicken. The meal for two comes with two samosas, chicken tikki masala, palak paneer, rice, and two kinds of naan. Wow, this was great food. I was in heaven. The butter garlic naan had me on the verge of tears. The samosas were larger than I usually have them which was pleasant. It was a ton of food, definitely enough for two or even three people. We didn't manage to finish it. Aside from the food, the best part of this dining experience is the service. Some of the best I've ever had. Truly attentive and kind. I crave this place all the time. I've already been back twice in the span of two months.
(4)Rosalind C.
I was wrong, I admit it. My first review is from 2008, and I've returned numerous times since I moved to Atlanta in 2011. Great lunch spot, solid and reliable. I crave it sometimes, so that first visit was an aberration. Sorry, great spot for some good Indian food in the Atlanta area.
(4)Ashley S.
This is my go to Indian restaurant. The lunch buffet is such a good deal for around $11. Large variety of foods to try, and the service is great. They got rid of the paneer tikka masala from the lunch buffet :( :(
(5)Marcella G.
A spectacular lunch buffet for $11! Why I said it's spectacular? Because I came out happy and full :) Anyway, I recently trying not to eat meat (I used to do this back in IL, just because...) so I ate their spring roll and naan bread (nom nom nom). I love love their tomato and cheese sauce (I forgot the name but mm mm mm). Their palak paneer is too salty for my taste, but edible. The salad bar also good along with the mango dessert. It was very refreshing. I may not eat meat, but their meat selection looked very very tempting. My coworker ate the goat (they said it's the best). The chicken biryani looks ahmazing! Slurppp~ Service was fast and efficient even with a full house place (lunch time very packed; I saw a lot of office workers). Everytime I came back to my table with a new plate, my dirty plate was gone. This was my second time eating here. My first time coming here(summer last year) was also a pleasant visit. My friend and I tried the goat and mango chicken something. Both plates were wonderful. This place worth a next visit. Definitely!
(4)Khuram D.
Nice Indian restaurant in Decatur with a nicer atmosphere than most others. The lunch buffet on the weekends is $12 and is more than others in the area but has a decent selection for both veg and non-veg. The food has good flavor, I tried a little bit of a variety of dishes. The manager was very nice, would recommend.
(3)Deepak S.
After reading a lot of rave reviews and word of mouth, I decided to give it a spin. And I'm sorry to say that it didn't live up to my expectations or I can say for any foodie it won't stand. Craftsmanship, depth, taste and love was missing from the food. I tried chicken tikka sizzler and vegetarian thali and almost all of them stand to same standards. I will though give them five stars for ambiance. In terms of service, overall it was good but their servers are too casual and seemed in rush all the time. They were too focused on their assigned tables which could be good or bad at the same time. If you want to enjoy flavorful and mouth watering India food, take a drive and go to Sitar in Alpharetta.
(3)Kareem I.
It was one of the worst experience ever in my life. I don't usually write bad reviews but seriously they deserve to shut down. The food was late, the server was very rude and they added extra 3 naan on my check that we didn't order. Finally they added 20% tip and they didn't remove it. Seriously dont go there
(1)Seo P.
Lamb afghani is my favorite! I prefer ordering off the menu during lunch buffet. I've tried almost everything from the the menu. Chicken sagg, butter chicken, goat vindaloo, goat korma are also really tasty. This place is certainly the place to go if you are looking for Indian cuisine.
(5)Victoria G.
I've been to a lot of Indian lunch buffets, and this one is one of the best. I'm not the only person that thinks this either - the restaurant opens at noon on Sundays and there were people already sitting inside waiting to eat when I got there. The restaurant started filling up immediately. The food was awesome. There was a great vegetarian selection, and my partner that eats meat loved the options. One of my biggest pet peeves at an Indian lunch buffet is that they usually don't have enough naan. But this place had an entire pan full of it, freshly baked and warm! Also, they had some non-typical buffet items, and a variety of desserts that don't usually appear on Indian buffets. The quality of the food was excellent for a buffet, and everything was mildly spiced - which I think is the only option for a buffet. Service was spot on. The people were a bit cold (?), but they always made sure my water was filled and ready to go - so I really can't complain. Go here - especially if you're new to the Indian-food scene. This is a great place to test out a bunch of yummy dishes.
(4)Jimmy J.
GARLIC. NAAN. BABY. I wish I could use their garlic naan for pillows - it's so good. Lady gaga and her meat dress? pshhh... it's me and my garlic naan dress baby. I got the lamb vindaloo and the garlic naan, BOMBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB. Stop reading reviews here, and GET SOME.
(5)Mathews A.
I went for Dinner. They arranged the seat for us very quickly. We ordered Special Biriyani and Prawn Biriyani.It was the best biriyani i ever had in America. As per our request they gave medium spice which was perfect even for the kids. The servers are great. I will sure come back here.
(5)MK S.
First Visit : Went around noon on saturday. Gets the "Wow" factor. Nice environment, Nice servants, Many foreign visitors. Good food. Enjoyed. Definitely a five star, i would give if i haven't been there for the second time. Second Visit : Admired by the first visit, went to the same restaurant, next weekend. This time a bit late around 1.30 PM. Not too much crowd, but people are there something around 20 and scattered. Lots of empty places. I liked the mutton (goat) gravy they served during the first time and with the same expectation, took only mutton sauce and meat this time with rice. To my surprise, the food was not that hot and when i was eating, i find that the sauce was not fresh enough. I doubt, if they made it on the same day or served the left over food from previous day. Well, I have to mention that i just took mutton (goat) sauce and rice and left home. Later that day was a horrible nightmare. Got my stomach, a burnt feeling and suffered severe stomach ache and dizziness for the whole night. Next day full of loose stools... Have to end up with Imodium from Walgreens to stop it. I do not know what happened to me. Is this because, i had a slight overdose of mutton pieces than my wife. But my wife had not any problem. She took also goat but also some veggie stuffs. I had a similar situation, when i visited india and drank the water from the store. (I usually take my bottle of water since then wherever i go even within US). So something to be blamed either the Meat or the Sauce which were served cold. Regarding cleanliness, just don't ever look down. My Kid thrown her spoon on the carpet and she is a toddler and wanted to get the same spoon. When she got it i found, it was pinned to lots of hairs on it. So, not even worth for two stars for cleanliness. But however, the table is served neat with nice cutleries and smiling faces. Thats fine for one time visit. Chicken 65: For the first time, they served chicken 65 and the second time, a marinated chicken. They call it as chicken 65, but it is actually they made it similar to plantain buggy, with plantain replaced with chicken 65. (slightly marinated chicken piece, coated with the gram flour). This is the way little buddies who start their cooking makes chicken-65 and not the way they make it in professional restaurants. For example, try chicken-65 in zyka restaurent located on scott blvd and you know atleast a feeling of what chicken-65 looks like. The marinated chicken served during the second visit was bit dry and i didn't wanted to try too much. The good thing is that the gulab jamun are served hot both times, and nann's are replaced every 10 mins and you end up getting fresh always. I never eat veggies when i have non-veg items on store. But i try the desserts. The same desserts, rice pudding and fruit cocktails. Bit boring guys.. $13 weekend buffet is not cheap, for example, if you drive 30 miles above to gwineet, i found Moksha restaurant, with the similar menu (but you will get a fresh nan to your table and options for you to make chaat items yourself) with nice atmosphere (bar+similar) restaurants with nice food. Well, i went there just for one time and it is difficult for me to drive second time, but its worth to go for the second time and i believe, i won't get similar bitter experience. (May be you will find better restaurants closer by, but still i am exploring ..)
(1)Rachel K.
Note: I am not an expert on indian food I've been here only once but the folks here left a very good impression on me 1. It's pretty big on the inside. I think I saw some outdoor seating? It may kind of look weird outside but once you step inside it is pretty nice. Parking is good too. I easily found a spot during lunch time! 2. Reason I came here. Since I'm not huge on indian food, I liked the fact they had a buffet. If I were an expert, I probably would have ordered off the menu. (Since I'm more into korean food, I can definitely pick items off menu versus buffet like foods when it comes to korean) 3. I actually had 2 full plates. It was very good. Kind of spicy. But liked it! Their chicken foods, whew, great. On the other cart, they had more soft foods. Equally as good, but spicy. They also had 2 kinds of rice! 4. Service. Was. On. Point. Even when they were busy, my bf and I were taken care of. I saw several families there too, so I could tell it was hectic but still, very happy with their service. If you're like me, and barely know indian food, come here and try the buffet. :)
(5)Quinn V.
Lunch buffet for a cheap price at ~$8. The buffet has all that usual Indian dishes. There's a vegetarian bar, and from goat meat to tandoor chicken. There's also Rice pudding and mango for dessert. For the price, it is a solid place for lunch.
(4)Brandi T.
Awesome awesome awesome. I ordered takeout here on a whim and man was it amazing. I'm no connoisseur of Indian food but I know what I like. I ordered The wings and chicken tikka masala with naan bread and it was divine. The wings were great and spicy and the the chicken tikka was tender and flavorful. From order to delivery time it took about 90 minutes but it was well worth the wait. Can't wait to dine in!
(5)Sharda B.
My experience was horrible..my husband and I went out on a date night and decided to go to Bombay Café.. Service was very poor the guy was just talking over our food and spitting all over it we did not even eat it we just paid and left and on top of that he run outside the to ask for a tip, smh when I left a $10 on the table he didn't see it, It don't even deserve 2 but I'm doing it to be nice
(2)Sheehan T.
Hands down the best Indian restaurant in Atlanta. The quality and taste is just on another level. I've lived in Atlanta for 19 years, every other Indian restaurant here have always just been mediocre. Zyka was decent at one point but is also down to mediocre now. Try the the Spicy Chicken Biryani, but careful it can be addicting. Tandoori chicken everywhere else is just too dry. However, here the Tandoori Wings are dripping with flavor. The prices are reasonable and the portions are crazy.
(5)Levi B.
This place was great. I got the butter chicken hot which was delicious. One hiccup and about 7/10 on my hot scale. My wife got chicken tikka masala. I wasn't such a fan of it. The curry was super yummy but the chicken was dry. She loves it that way but not me. Out of the 3 Indian restaurants we went to in ATL this place has the best tasting curries.
(5)Marisa F.
DON'T EVER ORDER DELIVERY FROM THIS RESTAURANT. I'm pretty sure you are all going to be as grossed out by this story by I am. (They use GrubHub) which I will be deleting my account and NEVER using again. This evening I've had to deal with the most incompetent people. Their driver delivered the wrong order to my apartment this evening we opened the food up and had it spread on the counter and started serving ourselves before we realized that some of the food was wrong. We called the restaurant and the delivery man came back with the right order over 30 minutes later and they wanted to take the wrong order back so it could delivered to the right person. I told the guy we already opened up all the food and ate some of the stuff that we thought was ours so the guy said ok and left. Then a really nasty guy from the company called me demanding the food back so it could be served to the right person. 1) We have already opened it to check if it was ours and ate some of it because we ordered some of the same thing. The first thing we pulled out was what I knew was mine and started eating it....... Two::: that's gross that they wanted to serve it. Would you want to eat cold food that someone has stuck there fingers in seeing if it was theres? Which honestly I had. Three::: that's against a number of health violations. If someone gets the wrong order you have to throw it out. BY LAW it cannot be reserved especially meat and especially when it has already gone cold. I've worked in the food industry and known food inspectors. I will honestly be reporting them to the health department and I HIGHLY suggest Cafe Bombay find a new delivery service. Go to the restaurant and pick up your food.... don't use this service.
(2)E V.
There were several events in my life recently that made me feel like God might be mad at me, but then I found this restaurant on yelp, and I knew that God must really, really love me. This food was indescribably good. The naan was so amazing that I almost hid it from my husband, so I could eat it all myself. Wow....just wow!!
(5)No N.
WHAT A RIPOFF. This place is OVERPRICED!! Their naan tastes like it came from a pancake mix box and was cooked on a girdle and left sitting out in the rain. The chicken tasted like it was left out in That Desert for one thousand and one nights. The samosas were doughy and stuffed with what tasted like cream cheese. It was like I was eating the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Not to mention they were half frozen.
(1)Amy H.
I have lived in Atlanta for a year, and after trying all the Indian around Candler Park, I had to go north to find some good stuff. I've only gotten Cafe Bombay for take out, but each time the food is great. It's what I expect from your average Indian restaurant. I've had the lamb biryani, tikki masala, saag paneer and mali kofta. I liked them all. The naan is good. I've had better basmati rice and raita, but no biggie. Dining room was full on Saturday night, and a lot of Indian families are here, which is a good sign.
(4)Autumn S.
I'm new to indian food but really enjoyed the chicken masala there.
(4)Tiff H.
Probably wasn't such a good idea to come to an Indian buffet when my stomach was feeling a little precarious after some suspicious tuna sashimi at Nori Nori the night before. But being as adventurous as I am when it comes to food and since I had been itching to come here for months (...years....?), I finally made it out to Cafe Bombay. The Saturday lunch buffet consisted of two lines of food offerings. One row contained different curries, some looking extremely appetizing and some.. not so much. The curries were all very interesting and different and I made an attempt to try all of them. The naan was crispy but a little dry, so I preferred the basmati rice with my curry. The gulab jamun (sweet freaking amazing balls of fried dough) were soooo good. For some reason, it reminded me of the sugar donuts that Chinese super buffets offer, which are a guilty pleasure of mine. After two though, I definitely couldn't stomach another one. The second line of food contained some classic Indian dishes like the chicken tandoori and the tikka masala. The tandoori was very dry, although the sauce was flavorful and quite tasty. The tikka masala was delicious, although it borderline tasted like tomato sauce... or tomato bisque... I was a little disappointed when I left, but I would like to give Cafe Bombay another shot one day when I'm in the area.
(3)Michelle C.
Two words: Lunch buffet. Cant go wrong. However, service here is horrible. If the food wasn't so good I would give them a 1 star for crappy service.
(4)Kashif K.
Cafe Bombay and I go back a long way. And my love for the food here has only grown over the years. While the other "traditional American Indian" dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken are great, the more "out of the box" Chicken Shahi Korma and Chicken Afghani (chicken cooked in a creamy, mildly spiced mango sauce) are outstanding. The Shrimp Poori here is also among the best I've ever had. The service is attentive and friendly, and they exhibit a genuine interest in ensuring that you enjoy your meal. The staff are very gracious and helpful, providing suggestions and recommendations, as needed.
(5)Asim K.
Went for lunch buffet on a Sunday.. I liked the tandoori chicken and naan. Otherwise the food was lacking flavor. When I eat Indian food I expect a certain level of heat. While the food here was good and there was lots of variety it was lacking spice.. It tasted like watered down Indian food catered towards goras.
(3)Phoebe W.
This is my favorite Indian food in the city. I go for the lunch buffet almost every Sunday and it's always consistently delicious. As a vegetarian, I am always pleased to have all of the vegetarian options. Baingan ka bharta, palak paneer, navratan korma, and those delicious onion pakora! I love it all and have brought many of my friends who previously didn't like Indian food and now love it!
(5)Shelby S.
Always delicious and good prices.
(5)james m.
I've been eating here for many years, always love it.
(5)Andrew W.
The more I eat at Indian restaurants, the more I realize that I like their dinner service significantly more than their lunch buffets. Of course, I'm speaking in generalities here. Nevertheless, I was at Café Bombay for the lunch buffet. To me, buffets are supposed to have the advantage of giving people who aren't familiar with Indian cuisine an opportunity to try various dishes that represent the culture. Alas, as what happens all too often, buffet food is made to feed the masses - and as such is devoid of the things I like most about Indian food: robust flavors with spices and heat. What may be bold and flavorful curries during dinner service are no more than bland slop at a lunch buffet. I sampled from nearly every buffet pan in the hopes of finding something delicious and memorable. I did not find anything. What I did leave with however was an upset stomach - no doubt the cost for mixing and matching a wide spectrum of Indian food. The Chicken Tikka Masala, by which I judge all Indian restaurants (when they have it), was bland like tomato soup. For those who follow my reviews, my search for the best Chicken Tikka Masala in metro-ATL continues - it wasn't to be found at Café Bombay (at least during their lunch buffet). I may need to give them a shot during dinner service - maybe that will make a difference.
(2)Cindy L.
This place is perfect for their Indian lunch buffet. There are so many choices. I've been here during the weekday as well as their weekend lunch buffet (weekend is a little more expensive but selections are still very similar, you're not missing out on a big difference if you do weekday lunch buffet). There is a meat buffet section and a vegetarian buffet section, which is very nice. I love their tikka masala and their goat curry (goat curry is probably my favorite). I mix it with saag paneer and rice and eat it all up in one bite. Good spices. Some of their curries can be very oily, it's probably from the butter and cream, but their flavors are good. I also like their tandoori chicken, I always dip it in their mint chutney sauce. I cannot forget their dessert section. I have a crazy sweet tooth. They have gulab jamun, which is like a ball that is milk solids and dough and it is soaked in some sort of syrup. I have to dip every bite into the syrup. It's very, very, very sweet but I love it. I have also been here for dinner for my aunt's birthday, but I wouldn't come back for their dinner. I would stick to their lunch buffet.
(4)Ahmed H.
Food wasn't bad. Not spectacular, just decent. Would come again....except for horrendous service. Waited 40 minutes for small bowl of chicken that likens itself to an appetizer, instead of the full plate entree I was expecting. No waiter ever really spoke to me. Didn't have a menu for 10 minutes. Sitting here now after my dismal meal that I waited forever for and considering just dining and dashing - if it was legal. Instead I'll just leave no monetary tip and a tip to pay attention to their diners, even if they are eating alone. So disappointed, had high hopes.
(2)Yane Y.
It's been too long, Cafe Bombay. Way too long...!!! I've been here in years past for their dinner, primarily, but decided to come for the lunch break on Veteran's holiday - thank you soldiers! My husband had never been but I've been waiting to introduce him to this place. And... I guess my little one as well (1.5 years old). We went for lunch and arrived around 12:45. While it was busy, there was still room for us and a baby. The lunch crowd appeared to be a good variety of business people, casual lunch meetings and friends. They were always on top of our water and also quick to pick up our plates when cleaning up. It's been awhile since I visited so the whole ambience was a bit different from back in the day. It seems they stepped up their game and added granite counter tables! As for food, I loved their chicken tikka masala, chicken biryani, soft cheese tikka masala, naan, chicken tandoori and chicken tandoori wings, eggplant curry, and sweet carrot dessert. The main I have is that the chicken tandoori wings were much more moist than the chicken tandoori drumsticks. Apart from that, no other real comments. It was delicious. Oh! They had their meat dishes split from their vegetarian dishes. My husband loved their vegetarian dishes. I must admit that they were good. For example, the eggplant? I'm not a big fan of eggplants but it did me good! Flavor was perfect... I'm coming back again soon...!!!
(5)Rahul G.
I've had two meals here and they were both excellent. The first time I had the lunch buffet. It was delicious and there was a wide variety to choose from. The second time i came with my parents for dinner. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We enjoyed the naans. Some of the best we've had. Fluffy buttery and warm. My parents claimed the goat rogan josh was just as good as back home (they're originally from India) . The service was prompt and attentive. Something that is usually lacking at Indian restaurants. Overall, it exceeded my expectations and I will be back on a regular basis.
(5)Anise M.
I am a frequent diner of Bombay Cafe and have never been disappointed! The food is so tasteful! Very well spiced and never under or over cooked no matter if your there for lunch or dinner. The restaurant setup is cozy, well spaced and you can't help but feel so good to be there because the staff is awesome! They are very nice and make sure you have everything at the table that you want and need. I will be a forever client here! -Anise M
(5)Parita S.
Superior and prompt service. The food was fantastic and not "watered down" like a lot of Indian places I've been to as they try to save money. They also have a unique drink menu which was impressive - my lycheetini was everything I had hoped for and more! Will definitely return!
(5)Jonathan S.
If you don't know, I feel bad for you. LUNCH BUFFET. It's around $11 bucks for all you can eat naan, chicken tikka masala, biryani, etc. I've also been for the dinner service and enjoy that as well, although it's hard to pay dinner prices when I typically go there for the lunch buffet. They also do hookah in the back room. If you do the buffet: Note how quickly the waiters refill your cup of water. It's pretty funny. You take a sip and they fill it back up. If you do the dinner: There's value in the mix grill. Although the meat can be a little dry.
(4)Mike S.
Not quite sure what the positive fuss is about this place, it's mediocre at best. Stopped in for the lunch buffet and had a small sampling of everything offered; good deal of vegetables but everything was very conservatively spiced and fell short of "flavorful", landing somewhere between "bland" and "uninspiring". Chicken tikka masala was tender but under-seasoned, with the sauce overpowered by tomato. The naan was relatively fresh but lukewarm. Overall, a fairly decent place for a quick lunch if you are in the area and have a hampering for Indian. Otherwise, I would not suggest it for much more. As others have noted, I have some reservations about the establishment's food safety. The ice water had a pungent taste, which if Heather V.'s tip holds any veracity, would be from the black mold growing in the ice machine. Watch out. Props for quick and attentive service though.
(2)Ash H.
Oh my god... I never write a review but this time I felt obligated. The food was horrible! Chicken Tikka masala was either spoiled or made terribly without any flavor, it smelled so bad and was sour! And trust me I know indian food.
(1)Solera F.
Food was excellent! Best Indian food I've ever had. Flavorful, great presentation, fast, good portions AUTHENTIC
(5)American A.
Decent Indian food. You will be better off going there for dinner. I have been there several times for lunch. The lunch buffet quality s not worth the price.
(2)Vijay P.
Very good belly dance , average food , bad service
(2)C S.
Yum yum yum yummmmm! Delicious food and great price for the lunch buffet. ($10 per person) definitely worth the price! Many different dishes to try and lots of desserts! They even have fresh warm nan on the buffet. Can't wait to come back here
(5)Nina P.
Love this place so much! The outside does not do it justice! The inside is nice and the service is excellent. All the waiters were attentive and helpful in service and food choices. I recommend the butter chicken with the assortment of nan!!!! This stuff really fills you up and it is extremely delicious! I highly recommend. I plan to make this my regular spot to grab some Indian dishes.
(5)Sol A.
I have never been so grateful about a place opening in a holiday. A friend and I didn't feel like cooking on the 25th and we were craving some good food. She suggested this place and i just said yes, completey surprised they were actually open. The food is amaizing.. I had eggplant, naan and rice (I'm vegetarian) and my friends had chicken and we both were happy with our food. The service was good, the only thing that we didn't like is the closed atmosphere that you start feeling at the end of your stay. i started sneezing from all the spices in the room! Good place, definetively going back for more!
(4)Anas A.
I went there with my wife ,, Very uglay place , dont go there, and very bad manager.. nothing clean, if you hate someone send him to this place
(1)Brian K.
I have a love-hate relationship with Indian restaurants. On one hand, the food is bursting with flavor and undeniably delicious. However, on the other hand, a visit to one of these establishments can leave you reeking of an ungodly stench - to the point where even a plague infested leper would scoff at you on the streets. Fortunately, Cafe Bombay is an exception to the norm, or at least just has a good ventilation system. This is sufficient enough justification for the place to become my go-to joint when the butter chicken fever hits. Food: Cafe Bombay specializes in traditional Indian cuisine, some of which has been modified for the American palate. Much of the food is prepared with the use of a tandoor (clay oven) and karahi (Indian wok) - most entrees are served with basmati rice. The restaurant does offer a lunch buffet that appears to be quit popular, but I visited during the evening and ordered from the standard dinner menu. My dining partner and I opted to start with the paneer pakora, which was generously portioned and well flavored. For an entree, I had the butter chicken and an order of the paneer naan. Both were delicious and among the better renditions of the dishes that I've had in Atlanta. Service: Attentive, but not particularly personable. We were promptly seated upon arrival and the service was efficient throughout the meal, but the servers all lacked any semblance of personality. Atmosphere: The interior of Cafe Bombay is clean, open, and nicely appointed. The restaurant consists of a front dining room and a larger back room for overflow and private events. The buffet line is located in the front room near the entrance. The clientele is a mix of both Indian and non-Indian people, which is typically a good sign when it comes to ethnic cuisine. Although a few of the reviewers seem to be lamenting the authenticity of the offerings here, I found it to be comparable in quality to, if not superior to, what I've experienced elsewhere in the city. Cost: Moderately priced. Appetizers are $4-$7, soups are $5, single entrees are $10-$13, thalis are $11-$16, and desserts are $4-$6. Rice is $3-$13 and bread is $2-$4. Other: Cafe Bombay has a Briarcliff address, but it's actually physically accessed via Woodcliff Drive, which runs off Briarcliff Rd. next to the Target plaza. It's in the same plaza as Tin Roof Cantina and Queen of Sheba Ethiopian. Free and ample parking is available in the plaza's lot. The restaurant has a large private banquet hall and also has catering affiliations with most major hotel chains in the Atlanta area.
(4)Stephanie M.
Having only dined here for lunch I would like to check it out in the evenings the place looks like it would be fun at night with a big open dining room in the back with a bar and belly dancing offered ! At times I have been the first customer through the doors sitting, just waiting for them to nod their heads in my direction so I can leap from my seat and examine the untouched virgin bar before having my way with it. Other times I've been the last to leave and enjoyed the all you can eat lunch each and every time. Two kinds of rice as well as Birini are offered, vegetarian dishes are available, sometimes a fried veggie or a mix of and salad. Chicken is prepared in a handful of styles Tikka, Masala and Tandoori are usually at your fingertips. Trying the different textures, flavors and sauces makes for an interesting lunch all are yum. Your eyes can get the best of you so eat what you take and try not to waste. The food is kept at the proper temperature, replenished as needed and your plates removed often.Try to get here early the tables will fill up quickly during the lunch rush.
(4)Christy M.
Just like Emma says, this is a solid restaurant. The food isn't as well spiced as it is other places I've tried, but it wasn't bad. This is a good place to bring people who might be shy about trying Indian food for the first time. Mostly North Indian food, very approachable for most people. The lunch buffet is very well-priced and has a good variety of veg and non-veg options. The dishes are all labeled (which I really appreciated), and they taste good. You won't have "The best _____ of your life" here but you can expect to enjoy whatever you eat. The veggie samosas in particular are tasty. Cafe Bombay is hugely popular in my office because it's nearby, decent quality, and a good value. The service is quietly efficient at lunchtime, the ambiance is subdued but not smothering. I've heard that it's incredibly crowded at peak meal times, but I've been right at opening time and then later around 2, and both times were pretty quiet while the food was still hot and fresh-tasting.
(4)Shannendoah G.
I am really happy to live so close to a quality restaurant like this. When I found out that they deliver I almost lost my mind. I just relocated to Atlanta and the only delivery in my home city was pizza. I am looking forward to working my way through the menu starting with the lamb vindaloo.
(5)Ruksana H.
I cannot believe I have not written a review for this place. Chanced upon it my first year in Atlanta and thought I'd go try. Best decision ever. Their lunch buffets are the bomb. I have been lunching and dining there since for the past nine years and have never ever found fault with their food, service or ambience. Every single time I've eaten here, the taste has been the same. That goat curry they make is fantastic. Everything on the buffet rocks - and we are talking 5-6 dishes each for veg and non-veg as well as condiments and 2- desserts. I don't even know if they've bothered increasing their prices of almost a decade. Not that it would stop me! I've celebrated one birthday there as well, taking over the event hall at the back with a large group of friends. Food was served steaming hot, within minutes. Love their shrimp curry too, the Goan one I think. I've taken friends from other cities there and they loved it. I've taken family from India to this place and they swore that goat curry did them in. Recommend it 100% any day.
(5)Joy B.
Wonderful lunch buffet. Great food, really delicious and friendly staff. Fast service as well. Large inside with several dining areas. Ample parking as well.
(4)Amrita R.
I came here for my birthday last year and it was pretty good.. I've never done the buffet but they have delicious curries... especially the paneer. I dream about that paneer.. Oh and that naan is the best ever! My friends love the thali here, and say the goat curry is delicious. The chicken lollipops were also good. My only complaint with this place is that it's a bit pricy, and very very greasy/buttery. I'm sure that's why I enjoy the paneer so much, but I definitely can't, or shouldn't eat here very often! They had belly dancing on a Saturday night when I went once, and it was not bad but a little hard to talk over the music.
(4)ILAN S.
I've had better Indian food. The service is good, and the flavor of the good is good, but it's not as good as other restaurants. The lamb/goat is very fatty...it's hard to find good pieces. The eggplant is just greasy mush. The rice pudding was soupy. The butter chicken is a little dry. Again, not bad, but, I won't be coming back as long as other places are open
(3)Kevin W.
This is our go to place for Indian food in Atlanta since it was recommended by a friend and we tend to repeat the same ethnic places that we like. I have never been here for the lunch buffet and only for dinner. I guess maybe the food is better when it's not buffet? The service is always pretty good. Although at times you have to flag down a waiter/waitress for more naan or rice after the meal is served. Anyway, I normally get the Bombay mixed grill. The portion is large enough to make 2 meals. It doesn't come with sauce like some of the other items, but gives a nice sampler of meats i.e. chicken, salmon, shrimp and some kind of sausage. I guess the biggest reason I get this one is because it isn't served in a bowl with lots of sauce (I can't handle how rich some of the sauces are). 4/5 for great portion size and enough flavor for me without overpowering. I've had the chicken 65 which I've seen at a few restaurants. It was pretty bland compared to other menu items. In essence it was like the lightly breaded version of boneless chicken wings you can get at most wing places with coloring. I'd say this menu item is a 2/5. I've also had the butter chicken. This one comes in a rich creamy sauce. It has a creamy flavor with a tomato twist? I like getting this one on occasion because it's just so rich. I'd say this menu item is 3/5 since the flavor is average. The naan though is amazing. Particularly the garlic naan. In a group of 4, we can go through 3 orders of this along with rice in a sitting because it's so good. The naan pieces are large, maybe about the size of half a plate each.
(4)Alex K.
All in all a tasty buffet for an affordable price. Everything was tasty and I ate til I could eat no more. The meats were a little dry, but otherwise it was good. I was happy and would come back when I had another craving for Indian food.
(3)Tom N.
This is the second time I've tried Indian food, and I was impressed. The service was great. The restaurant noise is very quiet. We had the chicken masala with basmati rice. We also had a couple of appetizers. Our bill wasn't too bad (around $30+).
(4)Jessica M.
I finally made it to Cafe Bombay after a year in Atlanta without a car. While hard to reach by public transportation, this restaurant is a destination worth a visit for affordable and authentic indian cuisine. We had a variety of dishes but I'd recommend the vegetable samosas - they were light and the tamarind sauce that accompanied the appetizer was delicious. The waiter also recommended many types of specialty drinks he could make for us; in the end they were tasty but not that strong so keep that in mind -- they were $7.50 each.
(4)Wanda J.
The food is overpriced, but decent. The hubs and I went for a group dinner and ordered the carnivorous dinner for two, which came with samosa appetizer, naan, rice, lamb curry, chicken tikka masala, and rice pudding for dessert. The portions looked small when it first came out, but it was actually more than enough for the both of us. We were sweatin' curry by the end of dinner. Looking back, that dinner probably could have fed 3-4 of us. Anyway, the food was just ok, nothing to yelp about. It was definitely overpriced. We left paying $41 with tip. The lunch buffet is probably better for the price, and you get more of a selection.
(3)Joe L.
Good food, but oily and kind of expensive. Even though the majority of the meat dishes here (and all the meat dishes in the lunch buffet) are served with a curry, most of them seem to be overcooked. The chicken has also been consistently dry here (even though it is simmered with the curry) and the beef has been on and off. Only the goat has been consistently moist (and that is mainly because of the high fat content in the goat meat). The tikka massala here is pretty spicy; even my friends who are used to eating spicy foods here were sweating a little bit. The roti and naan here are usually fresh, though I do think they are a bit dry. I'm not super familiar with Indian breads so I can't really say if thats supposed to be normal or not. But they did seem a bit too dry to eat by themselves. The best part of the lunch buffet is being able to try out the differnt curries with the rice roti, naan.Personally, I would just take a big piece of roti, the mix together some rice and one type of curry, and use the roti to pick it up. Its awesome. However, after a while, the meal becomes very one note, with nothing much to break up the constant assault of spices on your mouth. While the lunch here is a good deal (buffet for 10 I think) but not spectacular, the dinner is straight up expensive. One curry dish and unlimited bread and rice for like 10 - 15 dollars (the good ones are like 13 - 15). I think thats a bit too much for what you're getting. So in the end, a good but very one note buffet with a decent price, over priced dinner, and sometimes dry chicken and beef. If you want a good introduction to Indian food, I think this is a good place to start.
(3)Jason B.
Um.... yes yes yes.... Get it in you. It could stand to be a little spicier, but other than that... YUM YUM!
(5)Kevin F.
Cafe Bombay is an excellent example of Indian food. Their menu is American enough where I was able to interpret to some degree what each item was while at the same time, authentic enough where I felt like I was eating in India. I know this is a good place, because I was the only white guy there. And that is always a good sign. The atmosphere was very mellow, and similar to a fine dining restaurant. You can get away with casual clothing, but I would recommend throwing on a collared shirt. The food wasn't (surprisingly) that spicy (which is a good thing for my virgin taste buds). The fluffy bread was to die for. I love dipping it in the heaping bowl of curry and stuffing it into my watering mouth. The waiting staff was very prompt and friendly. I thought it was interesting they didn't server any ice in my water. I usually freeze to death at restaurants, because of the icey drinks. That was not the case at this venue. Lack of ice means more water to help put out the spicy fire in one's mouth.
(4)Shazia T.
I absolutely love their food and come often. I love the atmosphere and the owner is really cool, too! My favorites are the butter chicken (chicken makhni), chicken tikka masala, goat curry, rajmah, malai kofta, paneer makhni, and paneer tikka masala. The palak paneer is ok. When you're craving really good Indian food, come to Cafe Bombay. They serve halal food, which makes me happy. This is my favorite restaurant in ATL.
(5)Corey J.
This is my first visit to Cafe Bombay and my experience was just "mehh". First of all, they need to cut the air conditioner down lower, I was literally drippin with sweat, fannin myself like a high-haired Southern Baptist church lady. I was fixin to axe them to move that fan they had blowin on the hostess over to me. On to the food, I have never had Chicken Tikka Masala before but I'm sorry, I didn't like it. There was a hint of that spoiled milk taste in it that just turned me off. The Chicken 65 I don't understand, is it suppose to be crunchy almost all the way through? One bite was all I needed, NEXT! Then there was another dry, bland grilled chicken dish that was uninspiring and disappointing. I will say that the vegetarian portion of the menu was quite good, particularly the potatoes and something that resembled pureed vomit, but tasted like spinach., that was pretty good. The best part of the meal was the curry goat, I have actually prepared goat a few times, I actually bought the goat meat from the Indian store right next door to CB so clearly the goat I prepared and the goat I had here was from the same source yet mine was alot more fall off the bone tender....and I'm by no means an Iron Chef. HMMMMMMMM.
(2)Lynn H.
I am allergic to nuts and love Indian food... couid there be a sadder situation?? Every time I have eaten at an Indian place, I have asked about the ingredients, been assured that there are no nuts and still end up in anaphylaxis and sometimes the hospital. ONLY one restaurant has never mislead me: Cafe Bombay. They know what's in their food and are happy to tell you. The food is great and the servers are very attentive. I love the buffet and it's reasonably priced. Also, a great hangover cure.
(5)Frank G.
This is my new favorite Indian restaurant in Atlanta. The food and service was excellent. Our server was accommodating and knew the menu well. I was with a group of "first-timers" and he knew exactly what they would like. We ordered the Mixed Grill for appetizer - which was excellent. Our meals consisted of all the typical fare - Chicken Korma, Saag Paneer, etc. However, the Goat Vinadaloo was outstanding. Also, the Naan was some of the best I have ever had. All-around great experience. Our group (10 people) sat around the lower benches and cushions (not on the floor). It was nice but since were were in the corner, it made conversation with everyone a little awkward. I would opt for the table next time.
(4)Scott S.
Decent Indian Buffet, a lil Americanized. On my 1st visit to Cafe Bombay I was impressed with the freshness and flavor of the dishes offered. Their lunch buffet is very impressive and the weekend buffet is the best. It is a bit less spicy than their entree counterparts, they have a killer selection of traditional curry, vegetable and rice dishes. This is due to probably the menu being more Americanized then it should be, but I guess you have to attract the crowds to get in. Some of my personal favorites dishes at Cafe Bombay are : Chicken Tikka Masal, Bombay Aloo, Navratan Korma and Chicken 65 Their staff is always friendly and is sure to keep your glass of water or alcohol full, which is definitely key at an Indian restaurant. Like I mentioned earlier, the spice factor isn't as high as I am accustomed to, but you will be blessed with one of the best Indian Buffets in town.
(4)Michelle B.
In my quest to find good Indian food, I tried Cafe Bombay for the lunch buffet. Not bad! Vegetarian items are separated from meat items and selection was pretty extensive. The dhal was tasty, once you got past the runny texture, and the mixed curry was quite nice (mostly spinach, yum); just look out for the garnish! I thought it was coconut; it was actually long strands of ginger...a bit surprising to the bite. The paneer tikka, as another reviewer noted, tasted like canned tomato soup. The meat items, in their own buffet, were OK; I was disappointed that three out of four were chicken. The tandoori was good, but the Chicken 65 (or was it 67? 69?) was cold which made it really hard to cut and chew. The goat curry was mostly bones, which is to be expected, but this one was extremely so. I wonder if they ever have lamb? The chutneys were tasty, and the hot onion and pickles made up for the lack of heat in any of the dishes. Please! Serve the naan at the table; don't put it on the buffet! It gets cold and chewy in the pan, and only worse when it gets to your plate!
(3)Belle S.
Good food, nice atmosphere, ample seating, there was a bellydancing show, but this place had lousy service. Came for a birthday dinner celebration on Friday night and they made things pretty complicated...got mad when they mixed up a few orders. This place was also very expensive for Indian food. Its in a convenient location with plenty of parking, but I probably wouldn't come back since there are cheaper options nearby.
(3)Elizabeth G.
I don't recommend the lunch buffet because the food sits out and isn't as good, but I've had really good dinners at this place. Don't expect good service, but if you can get past that this is a pretty good place for basic Indian food.
(3)Darren L.
Great lunch buffet. I'd give it 5 stars but the Nan is honestly subpar. For $12 it should be fresh and brought to you. Panahar is really quite good too but Cafe Bombay is just that; the Bombay!
(4)James M.
Food is delicious but the service is extremely horrible. The server just left the food on table and started talking to his friend. Water was not refilled. I gave 1 star for food.
(1)Lorne C.
So, I must admit that I didn't like this place when I first went two years ago, but now this place has become one of my standard places to go since the restaurant changed around. I have had the lunch buffet many times. I have gone with one friend and with groups of 10 or more. They have the space and seem to handle the business well. The food is just great for a buffet (though once in a while - it can be a bit greasy). Last week, I ordered two complete dinners for two and I needed them to go. The food was actually quite good, though I was disappointed with the saag paneer (as it was too greasy which it does not need to be). Overall a good experience.
(4)Michael T.
Let me preface this review by saying, I have had some of the worst Indian food in the world.....east village of new york city.....also had some of the best in the world too.....upper west side new york city. Cafe Bombay is really really good and ranks up there as some very tasty indian in my opinion. The ingredients are fresh, the dishes creative, and nice portion sizes. We had the laacha paratha (buttered bread) and also a sweet bread (forgot the name, I don't think it was on the menu actually, we asked for it, and they knew what we wanted, it is a bread with some type sweet fruit like cherries or coconut, basically whatever they have on hand, it is great, I promise). Also got the chicken tikka masala and ginger chicken- very good!! Also got a vegetable dish - sarsoon ka saag - spinach and greens - awesome! In the end, if you are looking for some really high quality authentic indian food then this is the spot!!!
(4)Tom W.
Great Indian Resturant! The chicken wings are awesome!
(5)Michael T.
I wrote this from Cafe Bombay on my iPhone so I could jot down impressions real-time. Dinner started with a great mint chutney that was spicy and fresh-tasting. I also ordered a mango lassi that was very delicious and had a nice pink color. An indifferent waiter brought the food and unceremoniously deposited the plates on the table. My chicken vindaloo was tender and embellished with plenty of cilantro. The chicken tasted delicious. But the basmati rice was plain, not even a single pea or cardamom seed. The vindaloo was not too spicy, so if you like yours searingly hot, better ask for it. All in all, this is definitely the best Indian food I have had in Atlanta. Unfortunately, the mango ice cream was frozen, I had to let it melt before it became palatable. The waiter claimed the kulfi was not from a supplier but housemade, using the chef's recipe which requires freezing.
(4)Marina T.
For 4 years I have been looking for good Indian restaurants in Atlanta and have been repeatedly disappointed by the lack of them. Then I discovered Cafe Bombay and stuffed myself with the lunch buffet on a weekend to the point where I spent the rest of the day lying on my couch crying in pain. It was that good and it had been that friggin long since I had decent Indian food in Atlanta. I still wish there was more of this good stuff here but so far I haven't found another restaurant on the same level. Lots of variety for the buffet. Great for vegetarians too. It seems they also have a party room attached to the restaurant.
(5)Katie W.
Yummy, yummy, yummy... I came here for lunch on a Sunday and had the buffet. The buffet is pretty big. There were four or five vegetarian dishes and then another four or five dishes with meat. I tried some of each and everything was good. They also had several desserts, lots of sauces, plentiful rice and naan, salad fixings - all very good. The service was great and the staff was very friendly. The price was reasonable, too. I don't remember what all the dishes were that I tried so I won't embellish too much but I will just say that I really like this place and I will be back. But, maybe not on a day when I have things to do after I eat here because I was exhausted when I left. It was really hard to stay away and out of a food coma. I recommend eating here on a Sunday and then going home to lie on the sofa and watch football. And, not to eat again until the next day.
(5)TJ W.
My daughter & I went here recently when she came home from college for the holidays. She had never had Indian food. I've had it before & just recently returned from Spain where I went to an Indian restaurant that was magnificently yummy!! Bombay had been referred to me by a few of my co-workers who frequent the place regularly several who are Indian so I felt pretty confident going in that it would be a good choice. Well needless to say she loved it & we had Indian food again a few days later in Louisiana since she is now such a fan. The waiter suggested a dinner that was priced for 2 that included an appetizer, 2 entrees and a dessert. He said that it was a good "starter" option that allows you to try a variety since we didn't go for the lunchtime buffet which is ALL THE RAGE! We were very pleased with the meal & even ordered several other items that I enjoyed when in Spain that I wanted her to try. Final Comment - Very good food, great service, Very pleasant experience!
(4)Addy C.
Cafe Bombay's lunch buffet is the best in Atlanta - I used to come here many times when I worked in midtown. After a long hiatus, I went again last week w/ a friend and the food's still very good, the place very packed. My favorites were the chicken kebobs marinated in cream cheese, the tandoori chicken, and the pureed sweet carrots for dessert. Service was very good & attentive, as usual. The lunch buffet is $10.05 + tax on Mon-Fri, and $11.99 + tax on Sat-Sun.
(4)Sabrina C.
I'll be honest right around the corner from this joint is my favorite Indian place, it looks like an indian deli however and isn't open for dinner. This is a nice sit down Indian place, it offers a lunch buffet that is ok. The paneer is good as are many of the lentil dishes.
(3)Lauren A.
Great food! Too bad it wasn't until AFTER we paid and ate that I realized the health inspection score was an 85. *disappointed sigh* I'll be back when they step up some.
(3)Tig G.
Amazing! Loved all the food we had. great service, server made the whole table laugh.
(5)Perry F.
This is the first Indian restaurant I've ever gone to and as far as I'm concerned it can be the last. The tikka masala is so buttery and spicy and good that the only answer is monogamy. Culinary monogamy to this restaurant. I like it and I intend to put a ring on it. All joking aside, I can't comment or discount people's bad experiences but I've always had great and consistent service and food. The first time I came here for the buffet I sampled a little bit of everything, even a brown meat I didn't recognize. Turns out it was goat. Do you realize the internal struggle that would have wracked me if I was in a position to convince myself to eat goat? Cafe Bombay and the poor labeling at its buffet made that decision for me. I wouldn't change it for the world. One last anecdote: I took my extremely foreign-food-phobic boyfriend here despite his protests. He ended up loving the naan so much that now he gets a few orders to go and keeps it at home to heat up later in the oven. So that's two thumbs up for the price of one in this review!
(5)Anj M.
I'm Indian, so my standards for Indian food are fairly high. That said, this is my go-to place to take people who haven't had Indian food before and/or can't handle spice. I've been for dinner before, and like an earlier reviewer, was super confused by the belly dancer. It'd be a lot like having a Hula dancer in a Chinese restaurant...*vague* similarities in culture, but not really. Once I got over the belly-dancing weirdness, dinner was alright. The reason this gets 4 stars and not 3 is because of the location (close to Emory and Executive Park), and the lunch buffet. Whenever my hankering for Indian food gets really hardcore on a weekday, I grab some friends and race here over the lunch break. I'm glad this place exists, but I wouldn't be sad if something better/more authentic opened up in a similar location.
(4)Victoria D.
Great menu, very authentic, reasonably priced, and completely yummy. I had a combination dinner and for $13 I had chicken tikka masala, creamed spinach, rice, naan bread, a cucumber/mint sauce, and a dessert of a rice and sweet milk. It was beautifully presented, with each dish being in a small tin and placed on a round tray. It was easy to share the food around so we could all try it, and I had leftovers. My one complaint would be that it was really not spicy, and I wasn't even asked if I wanted it spicy or not spicy. Not sure if this is because I'm not Indian and it's just a stereotype that we don't like spicy food, but next time I'll just make sure to tell them I want the dish to be spicier. All in all, a good place.
(3)Jonah K.
This place has gone downhill, but its still good for buffet. Its odd that the dinner service is not as fresh as the buffet. I am not sure why this is the case, but I am only going for buffet in the future.
(3)Julia S.
Meh. The waiter was very accommodating and nice, and the appetizer I got was AWESOME. However, just about every single vegetarian appetizer had cream and/or paneer. They were willing to change one of the entrees so I could eat it, but it was kind of bleh. My point is, this place would probably be awesome for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, for vegans not so much. And sorry, but I think Panahar's naan is better.
(3)H J.
Cafe Bombay is definitely one of the best Indian lunch buffets I've ever had. This place is always crowded during their lunch hours, so get there early! I've also had dinner here a few times and I must say that the quality of both the food and the service is much better at dinner. So far I've only had their chicken tikka masala and vindaloo, which were both very good. But I wouldn't recommend making the tikka masala "spicy" since it really doesn't turn out spicy at all and just makes the curry extra oily from the "spicy" oil they add to it. Prices of their dinner entrees were also very reasonable compared to Indian restaurants in CA, so I was happy :)
(4)Kyle S.
After reading everyone else's review I feel I should preface this by saying that while I've been here multiple times, its only been for the lunch buffet. That being said: THE LUNCH BUFFET IS INCREDIBLY AWESOME. While surely a bit less spicy than their entree counterparts, they have a killer selection of traditional curry, vegetable and rice dishes. Can I go ahead and say now that their spinach saag is deliciously creamy with a ton of flavor?! Probably my favorite dish. They have their take on chicken 65, which in this case taste pretty much like souped-up Chick-fil-a strips on crack. Delicious, flavorfully spicy crack. I mean, comparing traditional Indian food to a chain might sound like a put down, but I'm pretty sure that when I'm talking about Chick-Fil-A to southerners that's an amazing compliment. The most interesting part isn't even the food. I swear each time I go there the music soundtrack is pulled straight from a selection of Guitar Hero tracks (Eric Clapton's Cliffs of Dover seems to be the most popular) interspersed with elevator-jazz renditions of 80's rock hits. Imagine for a second, Bryan Adam's "Run To You" in acoustic jazz playback. Laughing yet? Try Blue Oyster Cult's "Burning For You." I don't know who makes this stuff, or how an Indian spot gets a hold of it, but maybe you just have to go there and hear it for yourselves. Go for the Chick-Fil-A, stay for the music. haha.
(5)Elliot K.
My girlfriend and I don't like cooking on Friday night. We made it through the whole week, you know, so don't we deserve a break? We also haven't felt much like going out lately, so we've slowly been working our way through our Netflix queue and Decatur-area takeout. The brief look I got at the place while picking up food was nice, if a little dark. The place was hopping, too, so I felt like I'd made the right choice. The food was both a bit better and a bit more expensive than what I've had at Chat Patti. There seem to be plenty more Indian joints around, though, so I may have to revise my opinions after increasing my sample size.
(4)Josh H.
We ate dinner here based on Yelp reviews, and calling this place a four star is right on. The restaurant itself is not terribly distinctive, but was pleasant (could've done without the Dehli Muzak) The surprises began with the delivery of the nan bread. Seriously? There were only two of us, we could never finish it, although we really wanted to as it was piping hot, crisp on the bottom, and delicious. The curry that followed continued the welcome surprise. My Goan Shrimp was perfectly spiced and my partner's Tikka Masala was as well. Service was brisk and unobtrusive, which can be difficult in an empty restaurant (we went very early), and the food was entirely worth the price. It may be in a Target-anchored strip mall, but Cafe Bombay is definitely worth the trip.
(4)Linda W.
Not impressed. Had the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and malai kofta and everything was okay. Portions were very small for the price and flavors were bland. The chicken tikka masala tasted like something I could get from the frozen food aisle at patel brothers; the butter chicken was swimming in more than half an inch of oil; the malai kofta consisted of two (just two) hard mash potato-vegetable croquettes. Would not come here again for the food.
(2)Sean B.
This was my go-to place for Indian food when I still lived in Atlanta. I first found out about it through some Indian classmates who brought some food from Cafe Bombay to a potluck, and I've been hooked ever since! They have a great buffet during lunch hours, but a number of times when I went, they didn't have my favorite dish (chicken tikka masala) on the buffet. I asked them about it, and they said they only make it for the buffet on a certain day (I forget which); however, when I returned on that day a few weeks later, it still wasn't there. Also, they close the kitchen during a few hours every day, so you can't order between around 1pm and 3pm (I forget the exact hours; please call to verify). For these reasons, I'm knocking it down to 4 stars, but the food is fantastic!
(4)Dlorah J.
For my first review, I've decided to review my fave Indian restaurant, Cafe Bombay. Its conveniently located on Briarcliff , right across the street from the Target. I usually go to the lunch buffet, available Monday-Friday from 11:30p to 3:30p and on Saturday from 12p-4p. Some of my favorites from the buffet include the chicken tikka masala, chicken 65, and the tandoori chicken. They also usually offer curry goat, but I just really love chicken. The paneer tikka masala and palak paneer are also really reeeally good, I always end up piling more on my plate than I can finish, but I just can't help myself. Oh and the naan is always warm, fresh, and delicious. Overall, they have a wide variety of dishes for both vegetarians and carnivores, as well as a sampling of chutneys, rice, and I enjoy the raita. The only issue I've found is that sometimes the service sometimes falls short. Refills and checks can be a long time coming, even if they're not too busy in the front. Also, ordering off the menu rather than taking advantage of the buffet can be pricey. So I definitely recommend checking it during lunch.
(4)Jason K.
What a disappointment! I was so excited to come to this place after reading rave reviews. If this is the best Indian restaurant Atlanta has to offer then its pretty pathetic. Creativity - 3 Basically everything you would find any other Indian cuisine. Presentation - 4 Pretty clean and appetizing Service - 2 I don't know, it almost felt like they had a very condescending demeanor about them. Atmosphere 2 - They try to be formal/fine but not quite their almost like they cut corners. Flavor - 2 Appetizer: desi chicken the flavors were ok but nothing wow. En tree' - Chicken curry and Goat Curry: we clearly asked them to make it hot and they warned me that it would be hot. It came out as hot as a spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy's. The curry were both extremely oily and lacking flavor. Execution - 5 I will give them perfect for execution. The desi chicken was moist on the inside with crispy skin from the outside with just a small amount of char on the corners for flavor. The chicken and the goat inside the curries were extremely moist and succulent. In the end, I was extremely disappointed, I drove all the way from East Cobb just to try this restaurant out and it wasn't worth the drive. Agreed I'm no expert in Indian food but I know good food and this wasn't it!
(2)Jarrod C.
4 stars for food quality, 2 stars for atmosphere and false advertising... We went specifically on a Thursday night for the website advertised $15 all you can eat tapas. We get there and are told, "We stopped doing that, we'll change the website tomorrow." Well, a week later it's still on their website! We had a few appetizers (cheese naan was fantastic) that were pretty good and then we passed around our meals. The goat curry, ginger chicken, lamb dahiwala, and chicken biryani were all enjoyed by most. The chicken biryani was too spicy for my wife (she's had it other places) so she was disapointed with that. Their menu doesn't do a good job of letting you know what dishes are spicy and which ones aren't. It wasn't bad, but I probably would try another Indian place out first before going back.
(3)Eric G.
I have eaten here 4 times now. The Chicken Tika Masala and Chicken thundri is superb. The fresh nan which is an indian bread could be a meal in itself. For someone who gets attached to one restaraunt I could probably eat there for the next few months and still not get burnout. Put all of your ideas about indian cuisine out of your head and you will have a great meal.For those who like to smoke a hooka they have a great room in the back just for that. The service is a little bit slow but it is family owned and operated. The owner takes all of the orders and seats everyone. Just thiking about is making me hungry. Thanks to my friend Hiren for turning me on to this great place. It's located across from Target Greatland on N Druid Hills and Briarcliff road. Ok now 5 times just got back. OMG sooo good
(4)Tracy W.
Café Bombay is a must try! I went here with a friend and I must say the food was amazing...! I was soooo looking forward to eating Indian food all day and had a major taste for it...which I must say was the bomb! We ordered a dinner dish that comes with a combination of 5 Indian dishes to share. I waited all day to eat because I wanted to eat nothing but Indian food at Bombay and had not eaten all day...however, I could not wait any longer! (Famished!) I had a quick snack before heading over to Bombay...(my friend was a little annoyed by this..hehehehe) but yet, this did not take away from my experience at Café Bombay! The food just made you want to eat more and more.... I was a little disappointed though that I could not see the belly dancing which is held 8-10pm on Friday/Sat nights. If there is a private party going on the belly dancing will not take place and so we did not get a chance to check that out.......boooo ;-( We had this mango shake to top off our food and trust me...that was ooooooh sooooo gooooood! Very refreshing...Café Bombay was a great time... I had a great meal with great company! Nice place to be on a Friday night.... Check it out!
(4)Denise H.
I've only been for the lunch buffet. It's standard Indian fare, nothing special. I remember it being better back in the day though. Still, if I get an Indian itch, most of the time Cafe Bombay can scratch it.
(3)Ashley P.
Cafe Bombay is now officially my go-to Indian place in Atlanta. Being variety-lover than I am, I *love* the lunch buffet. Picture 2 buffet bars, one vegetarian and one for the meat-eaters, each with 5 or 6 different dishes and flanked by various desserts and sauces. As far as I can tell, the selection is, for the most part, constant with a few rotating dishes. Some of my personal favorites: Chicken TIkka Masala- sweet and creamy Bombay Aloo- delicious potatoes Navratan Korma- creamy mixed veggie curry Chicken 65- I think they call it something else, but it's basically the same thing as the Chicken 65 I've seen elsewhere. Little fried chicken strips with spices. See Kyle S.'s review. The staff is always friendly and is sure to keep your glass full, which is definitely key at an Indian restaurant. That said, none of the food on the buffet is spicy at all, which is probably my only complaint. I mean I understand that it is a buffet and everyone has to eat it, so you can't make it super spicy. But come on! It's Indian food! Maybe just two or three spicy things? Either way, go, try it, it's easily one of the best Indian buffets I've encountered.
(5)Leslie W.
Cafe Bombay is pretty solid as far as AYCE Indian joints go. Lunch can be really crowded, but you're usually in and out within an hour so not too much trouble there. I've only eaten the buffet (what can I say, I love variety) so I can't comment on the menu but they usually have several choices on the hot tables. I've been pleasantly surprised each time I go. Standard dishes Daal, Chana Masala, Samosas, and Naan, Mint Chutney, but they don't serve the same thing every single day, there's always something new. The only bad is that it can get very hot in the restaurant. I guess with the people and the hot bars, they can't control it, but Whew!, I roast every time. Not like I need help sweating considering the spices. The other bad, and this is no reflection on the restaurant, but I stuff myself to the point of discomfort every time. I don't know if this is something I can complain about, but my stomach certainly does. Now if I can just work out some sort of peace negotiations between my taste buds and my stomach, life would be perfect.
(4)Brian H.
Thanks to my wife, I've become more of a fan of authentic Indian Food. I'm a Korean who pretty much thought homemade Korean curry from a box was Indian, so I do not claim to be much of an Indian Food expert. Anyhow, now I'm discovering more what real Indian tastes like, and I'm indeed starting to crave it once in a while. Thanks again to yelp I found out about this place. My better half and I were craving Indian for lunch, and thankfully heard about this place from y'all. Went here for lunch today and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. My wife had Chicken Makuni (not sure if that's spelled right) curry and I had the lunch buffet. Both were very good choices! The lunch buffet was good value considering regular dishes cost about a buck more than the buffet. I'm not really a fan of buffets, but this place does a good job of keeping the food fresh and tasty. I had a total of 3 rounds of which my first sampled most everything they had. I especially like the goat curry, but everything else I tried was good. They even have a decent selection of desserts of which my favorite was the rice pudding. Anyhow, I recommend this place to anyone in the area that's looking for some good hearty Indian. Will definitely be back~ 4.49 stars which could easily be a 5 upon a next visit.
(4)sarah v.
The first time I came here, I wasn't extremely impressed by the food. (Maybe I was just in a bad mood or something) However, everytime since then (and there have been many) I have been completely satisfied. I either get veggie korma or chicken tika masala and always ask for it hot. I love their sweet naan. I started getting some sort of hot potatoe pancake, chickpea appetizer after having it a bunch of times with a friend. All of these items are so yummy; I'm literally getting hungry thinking about them and I just ate. They are that good . They lose a star for service. Now, the service is friendly, but sometimes I feel a little bit of attitude coming my way depending on the server. One of the other waiters says he thinks it's just a language thing. Whatever it is, its minor, and I still love the food and people here.
(4)Taralee A.
Best Indian Food I have had in California or Georgia. Ever. Period. The buffet is more than a deal. Staff is incredible.
(5)Leigh N.
On my review last year, I gave this restaurant 4 stars. However, having been back a few times over the past few months, I am deducting a star because the service here is horrible! I've experience long waits for food -- even drinks and appetizers -- and the staff seems very aloof and inattentive. This is a shame, because the food here is very good. However, dinner should not take 2 hours on a slow Thursday night!
(3)Peter C.
Indian friend brought me here and tried the two person meal so I got to try more than one thing. Overall food was great, atmosphere made me a little sleepy though.
(4)Chad W.
LOVE THIS PLACE! I am still a bit new to Atlanta so there are still lots of places to try, but this is the BEST Indian food I have found yet. Great Lunch Buffet for those of you who are new to Indian food- a buffet is a good way to try many things at once. PURE COMFORT FOOD!
(5)Don A.
This is my first Indian food experience that I can recall. When I came here for lunch, the place was jam-packed. It was a little more expensive for a lunch than what I am used to seeing. The food was alright, but none of the dishes stood out to me leaving me craving for more. I did however enjoy rice pudding dessert, while many of my coworkers disagreed. It sorta brought me back to a kid when my mother made a similar dessert dish.
(3)Deanna J.
I've yet to only go for dinner, but from what other reviews are saying so far, the vibe is pretty different during the hours of the golden lunch buffet. I went for dinner (buffet line quietly empty), and it was a refreshing change from the mostly-buffet Indian I've had. It's pretty dark in here (probably good so no one can see you sweating if you end up ordering something one pepper over your spicy tolerance) and has a bit of an elegant vibe during the evenings. Maybe we faked off our waitress and looked like pros, but being the Indian buffet eaters we are, actually knowing what to order off the menu is a challenge after knowing the dishes by sight only. They have a few 'pre-packaged' options, like the meal for two, which you can also get vegetarian, and the blingged out 'Bombay Feast,' for all you high rollers out there.
(4)Dhara S.
This is the first Indian restaurant I tried after coming in Atlanta, and after that, i tried a couple of more too, so far this one has been the best among. Food: It resembles a lot to the authentic Indian food, though it is a bit of Americanization of every dish. I am a vegan and so I do not have tried their hallmark dishes, but as far as from what I have tried, i liked it a lot Staff: Good people. They have a true concern about their customers and they really want to keep them coming back. The staff here is made of saints if you compare it with a place called "planet Bombay"- the worst restaurant in Atlanta. rates: It is not that expensive and I think they fairly give services and food for what they charge of. Ambiance: Average. The noise level is less than any normal American restaurant. They try to play some bollywood tunes but I think it is too low to notice for anyone! buffet v/s dinner: Buffet is cheaper, a lot of variety to try from and they serve hot. If u r planning to come here for dinner, try lunch once, the dinner is little better than them and you can personalize the dishes as well. Some caution: the fritters are too oily. (but the entrees are moderately oiled) If you have a typical Indian palate, ask them to make everything a little spicy. Some best features: Rice. Amazing!!
(4)Katie R.
The owners are so nice, and the butter chicken is amazing.
(5)Style d.
Yeah, the buffet is a staple in my diet. Just in case you go outside buffet hours here are my suggestions: Beginners or picky eaters- try the Tikka Masala with chicken, lamb or paneer (cubes of yummy cheese). Its a yogurt/tomato based sauce that is not spicy. Its mildly sweet and very creamy. (it makes my stomach very happy). the lamb kabob is tasty too and it comes with big pieces of onion and bell pepper. This does not come with rice or sauce. chicken byriani is a good dish to try if you like asian food but are unsure if you will like Indian food. Its chicken and rice with tons of seasonings that smell really good. This does not come with a sauce, but it doesn't need one. If you like mildly-spicy- Try the Chicken Tikka (not the same as Tikka masala). This sauce is brown and spicy if you are not used to spiced foods. Its mild if you are a spice-lover. If you like the spicy-spicy (I can't take it, but you may like it) Gosht vindaloo Chicken Khadai Palaak paneer (spicy spinach/cheese dish) Other stuff: If you like naan, get the bread basket so you can try onion naan and parantha. Heaven. Order a lassi at the beginning of the meal but don't drink it till the end. By that time the ice has melted and its not as thick and you can slurp it down faster. (To me fast is good. If you like'em thick then drink it during the meal. Other note: the yogurty coolness is very soothing if you eat something too spicy) Plus! If you need a party venue you can rent out the hall in the back. And sometimes they have belly dancers. Buffet protocal: walk in sit down go get your food eat Repeat the last 2 steps as needed. People don't usually order from the menu durign buffet hours, so if you want a menu you will have to ask for one. Also, this establishment pools their tips so you generousity is being shared.
(4)Mike G.
I have to update my rating to 5 since I have been coming here ever since I found it. The food and service is great and the prices are very reasonable! The buffet is the best Indian buffet I've had in Atlanta!
(5)Andle G.
This is my FAVORITE indian resturant of all time (and I have been to tons). It is almost a weekly pilgrimage even though I know live on the south side of town. They get pretty busy for the lunch buffett but I have only waited once for a seat, nighttime dining is usually more intimate as I have never seen more than a few tables full. The lunch buffett is my favorite because of so many options. I am a vegitarian so I can not comment on the chicken tiki but people seem to love it. Their punjabi Kadhi and they have this pea type curry (nattavarian ??) that is so good and I have never had before. The Raita, aloo gobi, etc are all wonderful. It is a sensory overload...a large array of verggie and meat dishes, relishes and desserts. The only thing I am not so hot on their Sag Paneer but that was never my favorite dish anyway. And Nan bread from a buffett can get too crisp if a fresh batch has not just been placed out. But overall it is delightful. The buffett is a wonderful place to try out a bunch of different dishes. I have had indian food in many many cities across the globe and I once lived with an Indian family as a student so I feel like I know my indian food -- or at least know what I like. This place is worth the drive and their buffett runs late on the weekends.
(5)Amanda S.
This was my first venture into Indian cuisine, and while I haven't yet tried the lunch buffet, from the one dish I have tried (tikka masala with chicken), I'm not sure I want to go back. It was incredibly, incredibly bland. I could have achieved the same effect by putting some chicken in tomato soup. Midway through my meal, I was asked to move to a different table (even though I had been seated by a waiter, it's not a seat yourself kind of deal) because they needed to accommodate a large group and needed the space that I was sitting in. I found this incredibly off-putting. My friends that have been here love the buffet, so perhaps they will convince me to return and I'll up my rating, but otherwise it's sadly a no. EDIT: So my friends did convince me to return for the lunch buffet, and I'm adding a star. I was disappointed and surprised that they had so little to choose from, considering how massive the menu is. I made it a point to try pretty much everything they offered, and I was delighted to find that their other items weren't quite as bland as what I had on my first visit. The Chicken 65 is definitely worth a try, at any rate. The service was also lacking at best, as I spent half my meal with an empty water glass.
(3)Alan P.
I've been looking for a good north Indian restaurant for a while and finally I've found one! Not too greasy, big menu with english descriptions so you can experiment, and even a lunch buffet. Should definitely go on your indian cuisine rotation.
(4)Pinak B.
This is undoubtedly one of the best places for Indian food in Atl. Go for the buffet for lunch time and fill yourself up with awesome chicken biryani, tikka, tandoori and gulab jamoon. Most Indian buffet places will make the buffet dishes in a different oil and sub-standard, but these guys serve you the exact same food as the entrees. Dinners are for Friday night when the belly dancer and hukkah make it a totally un-Indian experience but fun nevertheless. For entrees, try the Kheema and the Chicken Tikka. Even the veggie dishes are good ... go for the paneer tikka. The owner is often around so you ae taken good care of. Go there a few times and they will start recognising you and making suggestions.
(5)Wendy I.
The food was bland, service non-existent, and ambience dreary. Very pedestrian fare. The lunch buffet food at 1pm was not held at an appropriate temperature. Won't be going back to this place and I suggest you skip it also.
(2)Wendy C.
I am usually not a fan of buffets in general, however, the lunch buffet at Cafe Bombay is AMAZING!!! Not only is the food really fresh, and delicious, but it's only $9.95! So much to choose from. My favorite dishes are the saag paneer, and the tikka masala chicken. My tummy is grumbling just thinking about it. Definitely check this place out if you love Indian food, and are on a budget!
(5)Garrin H.
I've been to several Indian restaurants in the area, and my experience has been very hit or miss with Indian cuisine in general. Cafe Bombay delivered the goods. I had the Afghan Mango Chicken (dinner), and let's just say this was one of those meals where you have to scrape every last bit off your plate. It was that good! Cafe Bombay is tucked away just near the Target, off of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Roads, in the Toco Hills area. Definitely more convenient for us intown folk...driving to the Indian restaurants off of Lawrenceville Hwy & N. Druid feels like a hike to me. Would I go back? Most definitely.
(5)Dave A.
I never expected to crave Indian food on a regular basis - until I ate at Cafe Bombay. I usually order a lamb dish but everything on the menu is outstanding. The nan is warm and soft for soaking up the fresh authentic sauces. Ask to sit in the back dining room for a more festive and memorable experience - complete with belly dancing, a Bollywood soundtrack, and opulent decor with throw pillows in every nook.
(5)Aanal P.
Being an Indian, I am a bit picky about my Indian food....imagine that!!! So I decided to try Cafe Bombay one day for lunch. They do have a buffet and I have always tried to stay away from buffets but decided to give this one a try. I LOVED IT! The chicken tikka masala....a favorite of many...was so tasty. And their vegetarian dishes were delicious as well. I have gone back several times and taken my co-workers with me. My boss who was scared to try Indian food.....gave me a hug after we ate here, and told me he really enjoyed it. The service is good, the buffett offers many varieties and the price is not bad at all for all that they offer. I have been to Cafe Bombay for dinner as well, and the food was just as good. I don't care for Shrimp dishes too much, but I tried their Shrimp Biryani.....yummmmmm........
(5)Lindsay H.
FABULOUS FOOD! Chicken Tikka Masala was to die for, and I love that they give you a TON of naan when ordered! Highly recommend.
(5)Anisha H.
okk so my cousins and I decided to order in Indian, since my cousins live soo close to Cafe Bombay, we decided to try it out!!! We got..Chicken Makhani, bindi curry (Okra) and Paneer Tikka (Panneer is like cottage cheese) ....so we had enough for the veggy ppl in the house!! I don't expect Indian food to be anything like home cooking or anything but I do expect it to have some sort of spice and flavor.... When we got the food...I was blown away on how RED the tikka curry were...like really red!! I had never seen Chicken Makhani that red, orange yes..Red...no no...so I started having second thoughts and said ummm can I get a sandwhich instead...lol...but being a foody I said okk lets try it out!!! Absolutely no flavor..it tasted like there was no spice in the food...or like we indians call it..no masala!!! I was highly disappointed.... But I have to say the bindi curry was really good and the rice was decent!!! I am not sure if I will go back here again..its def going to be my last choice in options...
(3)Nikkie F.
I love to try new things, but I am timid about going it alone. So, I have been wanting to try/have Indian food for the longest time, but never had the opportunity until recently. One week ago a group of friends came here for dinner, we all got something different and passed them around the table to share - family style. If it's any indication - I have already been back three times since then. The food is to die for. The Punjabi Aloo Chat appetizer, and Vegetable Samosas were delicious. Naan (the bread) is amazing! Tandoori Shrimp, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Butter Chicken (5 stars just for THIS) are all things I can personally vouch for their amazing-ness. I can't wait to go back and try more! The first time we went, the waitstaff was a bit slow but in all fairness we had a large group and it was later in the evening. The next times I went the waitstaff was prompt, friendly, conversational, and even witty and charming! Although, bonus point because he may have been flirting. :) I really need to go for the lunch buffet - I've heard it's good and it will allow me to try even more things. I think I will most definitely have to visit India now - if for no other reason than the food. MMMmmmmMMMMmmmm! I'm hungry just thinking about it!
(5)Keith H.
I gave it a 4 star, but it's really a 3 1/2 in my book. Food was good and it the restaurant was clean. The waiters kind of hover which is good but kind of creepy. I went on a Saturday for lunch. There was a good variety on the buffet and like I said everything was good. I'd go back.
(4)Derek S.
Went there for the first time. It's dimly lit and kind of dirty. I ordered butter chicken. It was decent. I don't remember what the others ordered but I do remember ordering was a cluster. We had to ask for some of the items we ordered multiple times before receiving them and then they billed us for double on some of the items. For some reason they came and took my beverage during the meal and never brought it back leaving me nothing to drink. I don't think I will return. I only gave them the second star because they had belly dancer that danced with fire.
(2)Al M.
Good food and decent ambience. Ordered the following veg appetizer platter - had spring rolls, cauliflower fritters and Samos with aloo tikki's was good. The kabob platter was outstanding - especially the seekh kabob. One of the best that I have had in Atlanta. The chicken tikka was the only thing onthe platter that did nit taste as good. Too dry. Ordered te paneer tikka masala which was a bit too sweet for my liking Also ordered the butter chicken which was again too sweet for my liking. But both doges were authentic and prepared with the right consistency. The rogan Josh was the best out of the three curry dishes I ordered. Overall - one of the better Indian restaurants on this side of the city that I had a chance to dine in. Would definitely go back.
(4)Tiana M.
The food was pretty good. They offer a buffet for lunch and I'm not sure if a menu is available as I didn't ask. However, there is a great variety for vegetarians and carnivores on the buffet. Our water glasses stayed filled, and the waitstaff was pleasant. Because it is a buffet, you can quickly get in and out, and definitely full. I enjoyed it, but I'd have to say the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because I've had better Indian food and more of a personalized experience for the same price. Still say, go if you've never had it before!
(4)Robert S.
One of the best Indian restaurants in Atlanta and certainly some of the best Indian fare anywhere.
(4)Dave B.
On a recent weekend, my wife and I went to Cafe Bombay as we were craving Indian food and the reviews looked pretty good. We both love vindaloo and she ordered the chicken and I ordered the lamb. The appetizer was good (can't remember what it was) and the roti was good. The problem came when the vindaloos arrived. My lamb vindaloo was great. My wife's chicken was terrible. She doesn't like lamb but she tasted the sauce in mine and it was 100% different than hers. I tasted hers and we agreed that it tasted like tomato sauce. Plain tomato sauce. We sent it back. The waiter was very, very nice and seemed embarrassed. A bit later, the owner and/or chef returned with a new dish which he laid in front of my wife and asked if she had ever had a vindaloo. He went on to explain to her that tomatoes are not used in the dish. He seemed insulted that she didn't like his dish and basically suggested she didn't order the right thing. What we should have said to him is that we love vindaloo and have had it many times and what we've just learned is that we just don't like yours. The remade dish was slightly better but not enough. Had she gotten that originally, she probably would have eaten it and not complained though not ordered it again, but after that, she didn't eat it at all. It was still on the bill. Three is probably generous but I'm hoping that the story above will be enough to deter some business even if some of the food is good. I do NOT recommend the chicken vindaloo.
(3)Dennis D.
We the Shrimp Puri for appetizers, when it came out I didn't know what to think? But it tasted great! For dinner I had the chicken butter masala with garlic nan. My wife had the Chicken Tikka Masala with cheese nan. My wife and I agreed this was the best Indian food that we had eaten in a long time. They will get your food out to you in a reasonable time... other than that! Do espect anything service wise. So if you want a good meal, and can ignore the poor customer service, eat here!
(4)Margo R.
The infamous weekend buffet is a must try for fans of Indian food, and especially those who are skeptical about trying the cuisine. The array of spicy, sweet, salty, vegetarian & non vegetarian, etc, is bound to please even the pickiest of eaters. With the buffet, you have the option of trying everything, which is definitely something to take advantage of at Cafe Bombay. Take a few pieces of nan and experiment with the assorted yogurt-based sauces. There's also a flavorful variety of meats, rices, potatoes, and vegetables. For only $10 you will go home feeling satisfied and pleasantly full. I've never had to wait for a table, so there's no need to rush. Take your time, try something new, and enjoy!
(5)Jesse W.
We just got back from our first visit to Cafe Bombay and we walked away with smiles on our faces. The food was delicious and I always had a cup full of Diet Coke. Our appetizer was amazing, although the name of it escapes me at the moment. For our entrees, I had the Chicken Vindaloo and the lady had the Chicken Tikka Masala. Although she would have liked her entree a little spicier, we both were very impressed with the quality of the food. And the final surprise was the bill, we left with full bellies without having to empty our wallets. As good as it gets in terms of bang for the buck.
(5)Kristine M.
I went with a group of ten, and we got a bunch of different dishes, and ended up sharing them around. It was awesome. A few things were a wee bit too spicy for me, but just about everything was excellent. I ordered the lamb dohiwhalla, which was very tender and good. I didn't try the Desi wings, and since some people said their lips were trembling after trying them, I'm glad I wimped out there. Refills of a drinks were a tad slow, but maybe that's because some of us were chugging water like it was going out of style. I loved the naan, but if you're going to use Indian bread to eat your food, try the roti, instead. It's unleavened and thinner than naan, so you don't get quite so full so quickly. And have a mango yogurt shake thing if you go over your spice limit. Not that I ever overestimate my tolerance. The place was standing room only by the time we left, and most of the tables were full of south Asians, so that was definitely a good sign. And they have a "They love us on Yelp!" sticker by the door. Awwww.
(4)Carole M.
Behind a bland strip mall exterior sits this Indian restaurant which is clearly a favorite of Atlanta's Indian community. We stopped in on a Saturday at lunch to find the room packed. There are vegetarian and meat entrees, as well as raita and other salads, naan and dessert. The saag was a standout; everything else was okay but not special. Go hungry, though, because the weekend buffet is $12/person.
(4)Sid P.
This place was pretty awesome; we had a giant party all eating each other's stuff and trying everything. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala which was *aaaaawesome.* The Butter Chicken was pretty great, and the Desi Wings were basically Indian-style hot wings. Awesome. Naan was delicious and filling. I also had a giant bottle of decent lager called ROYAL CHALLENGE. I am proud to say I met that challenge head on and conquered it. It was pretty seriously crowded on a Saturday, and I'd say 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the crowd was Indian, so that's probably a good sign. Service might have been slow if we'd been paying attention, but we had a large enough group that we stayed entertained. Apparently they have belly dancing and whatnot most saturdays, but we got c-blocked by someone having a birthday party in the back room. I hope they got rocks - I totally wanted to see some gyrating ladies.
(4)Josh W.
I went there for lunch with a friend. The food was pretty good. I especially enjoyed the Chicken Marsala. I wasn't a big fan of the goat curry though. I have to admit that the place smells overwhelmingly of goat a little. It's a funky scent and not really pleasant. The lunch buffet was about $10 before tip. The service was a tad slow but not that bad.
(3)Lauren W.
Love the food here. Probably one of the best Indian place in ATL. Love their nans. Keep it up!
(4)Sara S.
My boyfriend and I go to Cafe Bombay at least twice a month because we love it so much. The food and service is wonderful, and we always look forward to our meals there! Our favorite dinner is butter chicken, goa shrimp and an order of naan.
(5)Ashish A.
Having a job that involves long term travel, I had the pleasure of staying in Atlanta for 5 months and having a few meals at Cafe Bombay. The subdued exteriors hide a place of good food that I loved to visit again and again - for lunch with colleagues and for dinner with family. The dal makhni, paneer tikka are really good. The lunch buffet is excellent. Never tried a desert as would be so full after the main course. 4 stars: The only missing star is because of a little "attitude" in the owners. Seems like a family run business, the co-owner, a young guy, would hardly smile or say thank you, even though we were regulars and leave 20% tip, just a turn off, but ignore the idiot, will learn with age. But, go there, for good food.
(4)Kerry M.
UPDATE DECEPTIVE MANAGEMENT!! FOOD SAFETY ISSUE!!! This restaurant has a current (8-19-10) health score of 71, Their score on (4-1-10) was a 70 but they have their score from last year posted- 90 from (8-27-09). Nice atmosphere, good service, but the food was lacking. Almost Americanized in their spice levels. No complexity to their sauces. How can you overcook and have dry meat in a heavy sauce? The Naan was leathery and fought your teeth. The goat was average. FOOD SAFETY- cold foods were warm, and the hot foods were barely warm. Would I not eat here again. They knew that a re-score visit was following the April inspection, but failed to make changes.
(1)Jennifer J.
The hubby talked this place up and I was finally in the mood to venture out of my comfort zone which consists of Peachtree St. So off we go for some Indian food served buffet style since it was lunch. I have to say that I actually thought it was very good. I loved the curry chicken and some other things that I cannot recall or pronounce and the naan was really yummy, too. The atmosphere was lovely. I enjoyed my experience all the way around. I tried things I normally wouldn't have tried; although I may not try them again. Yay Cafe Bombay!
(3)Praylani H.
I went there for lunch yesterday and the food was great, nice vibe and not too pricey.
(4)Ann D.
I can't say enough. Everything was phenomenal...the food, the service, the atmosphere. I especially liked the onion relish, the chicken tikka, and the naan. If you're in Atlanta looking for Indian food, this is the place to go. We went for a late lunch (around 2pm) and the place was fairly empty, but the longer we were there a steady stream of people were coming into the restaurant. A number of the patrons were Indian, which I think speaks volumes aout the quality and authenticity of the food. Enjoy!
(5)Christian S.
Got a takeout order of Chicken Tikka Masala and garlic naan, and I was NOT disappointed. The sauce had the perfect blend of creaminess and tangyness. The chicken was moist and well cut (no bite-down surprises) and the rice had an excellent flavor. The garlic naan may have been better than any that I've tried before. Moist but not soggy, garlic not under or overpowering, and plentiful serving size. My only complaint (which may not be a complaint for many) is that the chicken pieces were very large, and I would have preferred them to be more bite-sized. Overall this is now my #2 Indian restaurant, between Atlanta, GA and Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus Ohio. (#1 being Ambar India in Cincinnati)
(4)Shilvi L.
Cafe Bombay is hands down the BEST indian food in Atlanta. The menu is extensive and provides something for everyone. I recommend the lunch buffet if you haven't had Indian food and are looking to try it out. The lunch buffet is awesome! They have usually 4 veg and non veg dishes, rice, naan, pakoras, salads, deserts for $10 and it's all you can eat. The service is excellent and the owners are very friendly. I highly encourage you to try this place out.
(5)mindy G.
YAY CAFE BOMBAY!! I loved this place! The appetizer was just about as tasty as anything could be. My Tikka masala lacked the heat I had requested, but I think that may have been due to the unhappy server we had. Drinks were always flowing and it was definitely priced for those who are trying to watch their spending right now. I am pretty hard to please and rarely give out the ole' 5-star-- but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in this gem of a place!
(5)Jessie T.
This is the ONLY place I go anymore for Indian food. Their lunch menu is okay, with a tasty buffet selection, but what you really should come here for is the dinner. They have a great vegetarian selection suited to both the spicey lover and non-spicey lover (like me), which is especially nice for those of us who want the great taste but not the burning fire of Indian cuisine. I've always had great service there, and it's a staple place for my family to eat out at. It's pricey, but you'll leave full. My favorite menu item: the palaak paneer with naan bread and some red wine.
(4)Chris P.
Usually come here for the lunch buffet or with my wife for dinner on the weekends. Took some friends and visitors this week for a birthday get together. Got the floor seating during belly dancing performance (Friday-Saturday 8pm on). Very fun, cool place to take visitors. Always great food and friendly service.
(5)Laura M.
We got takeout. The malai kofta was delish. The rice was complimentary. My bf's dish was not as crazy delicious as mine, apparently, but he still snarfed it down. More expensive than some of the authentic mom'n'pop Indian places around, but still reasonable. I'd eat here again.
(4)j t.
Great lunch buffet, but wish there was some service. I've been to this restaurant a few times and my latest trip lacked service. It appears they had only 2 people working both dining rooms, while there were several hosts seating people.
(3)Louise G.
Great place for lunch. I'm not big on Indian food, but even I found plenty to fill me up and even go back for more. Great for the vegetarian or meat lover as well. This was one of my co-workers' choice for lunch and it is one of his favorites. The food was tasty and mild and there was plenty of it! Great way to get a nice hot meal quickly on a rainy, dreary day.
(3)V K.
Everybody recommended (and still recommends) this place when I was new to Decatur/Atlanta. I went for dinner once and didn't like it too much. Since then I've had lunch buffet a number of times which is decent - the menu selection is excellent, the food is good (but not the best). Some items are too Americanized and not as authentic or spicy as at some other Indian restaurants. A 3.5 star for the lunch buffet. The dessert (hot Gulab Jamuns!) is definitely the best.
(3)D.L H.
Best Indian Food in Atlanta I have found so far. Still on the quest for that ultimate Indian Cuisine that I have yet to find since Queens NY!!
(4)duane m.
The lunch buffet is the perfect entry into Indian if you are weary of trying something as daring as Indian cuisine seems to be to so many. There are lots of delicious things to try, and all the staples that I love about Indian (the spinach cheese stuff, the curry chickens, the nan bread, etc... don't expect me to remember the names). There are also a ton of options for vegetarian folks, and the buffet even includes dessert; all for under $10! If you are looking for delicious Indian, look no further, you will be stuffed when you leave!
(5)j l.
i'd like to throw in a half-star here, yes? so let's call it 3.5... i love having dinner here--the chicken tikka masala, rogan josh, and vindaloo are all absolutely delicious, and i wake up many days CRAVING the spicy chickpeas! i think the name of that dish is chole batura, but i never order it by name--only by making the signal for "mound of spicy yumminess". all of the breads are great as well. the owner always welcomes us and everyone is generally friendly...at dinner. the two times i've ventured over there for lunch have been less enjoyable. the first time, we didn't realize there was a buffet, and none of the things we were hungry for were available...so we asked to order off the menu. getting service from that point on was like pulling teeth, and our food took for-ev-er. we left saying that we'd surely take the buffet next time! several perfectly wonderful cafe bombay dinners later, we decide on doing lunch here today (chat patti closed on monday!?) they close at 3:30. we arrived at 2:30, took a look at the buffet...and asked for the regular menu, silly us! the waiter huffed and puffed and brought them over exclaiming, 'you have to hurry because the kitchen is closed in 10 minutes.' 10 minutes?? the sign says lunch is over in an hour! i'm telling you, it was not friendly. so buffet it was...there was not much to choose from, the dishes were lukewarm, the naan was chewy and old. i have worked in the resto industry for a long time, and when customers come in to your establishment to spend their money and enjoy themselves, you should be gracious and welcoming even if they walk in 5 minutes before you close! here we were, with an hour to spare and we were met with dagger eyes and hostility. yuck. but like i said, dinner is a whole different story. i still love you, cafe bombay, just not before the sun goes down.
(4)Tauheedah M.
Well was looking for a good Indian buffet yesterday, and after searching Yelp I decided to venture here. Good Choice! Lunch Buffet was delish! For those to whom it matters they said that all the meat is halal (muslim owners). We had Tandoori Chicken that was moist and hubbys favorite, Chicken 65 were these breaded spiced up chicken fingers that were tender as heck and for added bonus I dipped them in my mint chutney and oohwee :-) well, really, I dip anything I can in that mint chutney! Chicken Tikka Masala was my personal fav. nice and tender sauce was on point. They had a curry goat dish but I didn't try it but hubby said it was good. Now I did have one gripe, the rice...the description above said basmati rice w/ peas and I didn't see not one pea. I thought maybe it was because they were all gone so on my 2nd trip up I looked again and nope not one pea. The vegetarian dishes on the buffet were all great I can't really remember the names....one was a spinach dish but they didn't call it saag, one was veg. pakora (dipped that in the mint chutney, so good), and there were a few more. Needless to say we didn't eat again yesterday and we went around 1:45. Stomachs stayed full, so technically we had brunner (breakfast, lunch and dinner). I think I will be back next sat. Oh and the price for all of that deliciousness was $11.99 pp for the sat. buffet.
(4)Jinnah J.
This place gets a 3 stars from me. We went for lunch and had the buffet. The place was clean, good presentation. Food was pretty decent. The only thing i didn't like was that most the food was cold. Everything was fresh, but it needed to have constant heat. Service was good. I did ask for a coke and never got it. Not to worry though I had water and it was fine. I will be going back there sometime.
(3)Gina C.
My bf and I went to an Indian wedding back in July and they catered food from Cafe Bombay. It was delicious so we definitely had to go to the restaurant. When we got there the host asked us if we wanted to go sit in the quiet room or the music room. We didn't know what he was talking about so we chose the quiet room. I left to go to the bathroom and I peeked into the music room and there were people dancing and music blaring. It was a different vibe from your normal restaurant atmosphere. I told my bf that we had to sit in the music room. They had low tables where you sit on the floor with pillows and regular tables as well. There was also a belly dancer that danced all around the room. Little kids were also dancing with the girl but they got annoying after a while bc they were running all around the restaurant. We ordered the chicken tikka masala and chicken basil. I loved the chicken tikka masala. It was delicious! We wiped it clean with the naan! I didn't care for the chicken basil. I'm not one to crave Indian food but if it's Cafe Bombay, I'm there!
(4)C V.
Love going here for dinner or lunch buffet. The lamb vindaloo, lamb korma and chicken tikka masala are heavenly. The service has been really really nice lately and I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)Brenna S.
Have driven by this place a thousand times and never stopped to check it out. Don't make that mistake! For a weeknight dinner it was wonderful--delicious Indian dishes cooked to our spicy specifications. The manager showed us the back room which is open on weekends for belly dancing and the low tables with pillows that other reviews refer to. Can't wait to go back with another couple on weekend!
(4)Sherry F.
Certainly not the best Indian food I've had, but not bad either. I had the chicken korma and my husband had the lamb tikka masala. The naan was some of the worst naan I've ever had. Our service was pretty good - no problems there. Also, the atmosphere was nice. We experienced the belly dancer. She was good, however, the music was far too loud and (and maybe it's just me) but the sound system used seemed faulty .
(3)Melissa K.
Perfect lunch buffet. The tandoori wings were especially yummy. There are plenty of selections for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. I could have gone for some mango dessert, but they only had the rice one. I will be back for more.
(5)Falicia G.
Yum! I had the lunch buffet here. Wait, keep reading...it was amazing. I know, they had the most delicious vegetarian (and meat) options to choose from. Plus, the place was filled with Indian people which was a great sign. I had so many items from the buffet that I couldn't tell you which was the best. All of it was great. I loved the Nan! I sat in the back room which was so beautiful: dark reds and purples with pillows everywhere. The tables were placed pretty close together though. I definitely got to know my neighbors.
(5)Jaina P.
This was the first Indian restaurant I went to when I first moved to Atlanta and my first experience was great. I went back a few times after and their food and service just wasn't the same. Food was often coming out cold and the taste just doesn't hit the spot, there's no kick to it. As far as the service, terrible! Three times of the handful that I've been there I've felt rushed. Definitely not my go-to for Indian food anymore.
(2)Stephanie T.
We go here in a regular basis and have tried many menu items. Everything is good so far! They are also accommodating and patient with my food allergies.
(4)Rangoli B.
The food was great, delivery just takes forever! Last time I ordered it was a 2.5 hour wait and I wasn't contacted by the driver when the food arrived.
(4)Kayla H.
I was visiting from out of town and decided to give Bombay Cafe a try. I really liked it. I was craving paneer makhani, but I didn't see it or the menu. When I asked about it, the waiter said he would have it made for me even though it wasn't on the menu. Awesome! Everything tasted great. I'd never tried paneer pakora, but I'm glad I did.
(5)Zahid K.
Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time here. This has to be one of the worst Indian restaurants in Atlanta. Cheap, low quality food. I've been to hundreds (if not thousands) of Indian/Pakistani restaurants. My parents are Pakistani and my mom cooks this type of food at home all the time. I know what I'm talking about. Go to Zyka, Kabob Hut, or Lahore Grill-- these are MUCH better restaurants in the same price range.
(1)Nikki S.
Love this place! Their lunch buffet is packed with a variety of tasty items. The staff is very friendly & always remember me when I come back in. Their Chicken Tikka Masala is my favorite. I cannot get enough of it. By far, it is the best Indian I've eaten in Atlanta.
(5)Jonathan C.
Visited Cafe Bombay several times. Loved the lunch buffet. Then one evening I asked for a rice pudding to go, got home, opened the container, took a couple bites, and, to my surprise, there were two HUGE bugs in the pudding. They were big and black and nasty looking. One was cut in half and the other was fully intact. Both dead. Needless to say I won't be going here again. Can't get the image of those bugs sticking up halfway out of the rice pudding out of my head whenever I consider going back for lunch. If there were two in that one pudding, then there must be more crawling around in the kitchen. No thanks.
(2)Dan I.
The food here is just bad and *very* overpriced. My chicken tikka masala tasted like tomato soup with a few chunks of boneless chicken in it. Very bland and milky. Also, the entree was $14 where at authentic Indian places you can get it for $7 and it tastes much better. Ordered some Naan, it was $3 for one piece that had been precut into quarters (overpriced again) and didn't taste fresh at all. This restaurant is obviously for people who don't know what real Indian food tastes like or how much it should cost. The employees were very friendly and service was good, which bumps it up to 2 stars.
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