Love this place! Have eaten here about 10 times. Have had saag paneer, vindaloo, curry, and Tikka masala for entrees, all of which were fantastic. Tikka masala is probably my favorite. The Nan bread is very good, with the paneer Nan being my favorite. Dipping the Nan in the saag paneer is like heaven. The chicken always comes out tender as well as the lamb. Service can be slow sometimes but they are friendly. Highly recommend this place
(5)
Lauren B.
Great food, fast service. Lunch buffet is a great value and you can try out new foods you wouldn't necessarily order a whole dish of. Never had a bad experience here.
(5)
Aaron S.
Coming from New York, I was apprehensive about getting Indian food in the Midwest. I was pleasantly surprised to find a place where the quality is just about on par! Having only been here once I can't vouch for consistency, but it was definitely a top-notch experience. (They do have a few dishes with beef, so I'm not sure what that means in terms of authenticity or regional specialization. There's probably a reason for it that I don't know about.)
(4)
Sherry T.
Guru is a sister restaurant to Ambar in Cincinnati. In my opinion, the food tastes the same in both locations. Unlike Ambar, Guru offers a lunch buffet. Although I've tried it, I prefer to order off the menu so I can determine how spicy my food will be. Another difference is that the folks who work at Guru are more friendly and less uptight than those who work at Ambar. In terms of food, everything is good, but I recommend the vegetable samosas, the garlic naan, the chicken curry, and the aloo saag. The only downside of Guru is the location. It's in a busy strip mall next to the always popular Outback, so parking can be a bit of a headache at times. Also, Ambar has a quaint feeling because it is so small. My guess is that Guru was another restaurant previously and was later converted. It just doesn't have the same feel as Ambar.
(4)
Ben R.
An undiscovered gem of Indian buffets. Want some Indian food in northern Kentucky after getting into town at the airport...take me there, yelp. Nondescript strip mall location and some of the better Indian buffet food I've had. Wide variety of options, food was fresh, well-prepared and had much better flavor and spice than you'd expect.
(4)
Richard B.
I have been coming here since they opened and I cannot believe that I haven't written a review a review on Guru India. Well I have to tell you that Guru India is my favorite place to get my Indian fix. The service is outstanding and the food will put you in a trance. It is amazing. I was so happy when I seen the signs while we were eating at Ambar starting that they were opening up a restaurant named Guru India in Crescent Springs. Living in Northern Kentucky we used to have to travel to Clinton to get the best Indian food around. Now we have Guru India right here. By far the best in Northern Kentucky. I'm totally addicted to this place. My little piece of Indian food heaven.
(5)
John B.
I love love love Indian food and Guru India has consistently provided me with a number of great meals. I have most recently had the Paneer Tikka and as a fan of all things paneer, this dish delivered big cubes of the stuff. The service is fast although not the friendliest. I will be back and am glad that I can satisfy my Indian cravings in another area besides Clifton. Pros: Parking is easy and free in the lot. Great menu and prices. There is a private party room that one can reserve for parties (please invite me). Cons: Unlike some Indian restaurants, they are not BYO. Some might be put off by their bland decor. It doesn't bother me.
Meh... I'm a seasoned traveller and a big fan of Indian food. I'm more of a vindaloo guy, but I've been into Biryani lately, so I ordered that with some chicken. Also ordered a cup of Dal, which was pretty watered down and flavorless. The biryani serving size had me afraid for my waistline, but as I dug in, that feeling turned to disappointment as I began to notice it was also lacking in flavor... So much so that the peas became the dominating flavor and I eventually began to scrape them to the side with my fork because it didn't seem to jive well with the rest. The chicken was also pretty dry and the chunks were enormous. Kinda wish they had smaller chunks for more surface area to absorb what little flavor the dish had to offer. I'm no expert, though and perhaps I'm just spoiled by my biryani go-to spot in Ann Arbor. Before I was halfway finished, my fear that I would destroy that giant portion of food faded to a feeling that it wasn't worth the calories. You might laugh, but as I paid the bill, I couldn't help but wish I had opted for a steak at outback next door. And I'm pretty sure the customer that just walked by my table crop dusted me, so it's time for me to bounce
(2)
Skippy W.
I like the red color of the napkins because white is so plain, but, the thread count was low. I really enjoyed how they incorporated the napkins into the table decor. There are napkins under the Plexiglas on the tables. A place that features a salute to napkins like this is after my own heart.
(4)
Sable B.
I grabbed takeout today. It was good, but nothing insane. I've heard great things, so I think I'm going to head back for the lunch buffet before making a final decisions.
(3)
Suzy W.
I am a huge Indian food fan. This place is amazing. Their Chicken Tikki Masala is the best around! Their buffett is very good as well, it is a flat $10. They do not have a fountain drink machine. It comes out of 2 liters. I do recommend strongly the mango ice cream!!
(5)
Keith W.
I love this place. I've been coming here for years. All 3 of my kids love the food here. The staff is so polite and helpful.
(5)
Sarah S.
This was really good and reasonably priced. My only complaint was that I asked for my dish to be a 4/6 on spiciness and it was more like a 1. Definitely not a deal breaker.
(4)
Krishna Babu M.
This is not Indian food. Its just normal cooked food with some curry masala. I took my friends there and it was terrible!
(1)
J Springer S.
Two visits so far. Great Indian restaurant. It is an open layout with lots of space. Lunch buffet is primarily veg and chicken (no goat/lamb), but a good mix of spicy and mild. The dinner menu is reasonably priced with a large variety, and the staff was great! My dinner companion had a number of minor requests which were taken care of in short order.
(4)
Rachel G.
Can't believe I haven't reviewed this restaurant yet. I've been here quite a few times since it's much more local to me then majority of the other Indian restaurants in the Tri-State area. It's also top 3 of my favorite restaurants in NKY, little biased since I love Indian food. Every time I have been here the food is always hot and fresh. The Lamb Curry is fantastic along with their nan bread. I prefer the garlic nan. I have also have had their appetizer sampler which is very good as well. The staff is attentive, but not as social (which is fine) and the decor is minimal. There pricing is good and their food is better. P.S. Don't forget to try the Gulab Jamun!
(4)
Tabitha W.
A Living Social deal brought me here - the bad part about these deals is that they seem to always exclude the buffet option. I gazed longingly at the buffet, but ordered the Paneer Makhanni off the menu. Which was delicious. We also ordered the Paneer Bhatura in place of the usual naan. I didn't care too much for it - too fried tasting or something - but my husband really enjoyed it. The only hiccup was that I ordered a Mango Lassi, and our food came out well before my drink did. Finally, when we were roughly halfway through our entree, my husband inquired about the drink. The guy who had stopped by to answer our inquisitive glances at the kitchen/bar said it was coming right up and it appeared at the table shortly thereafter. Guru is located in a strip mall area with a handful of other restaurants. Inside there is a fairly large dining area, and it seems clean and fresh overall. The buffet is against one wall, and it looks like this caused a bit of a traffic jam. Nevertheless, I would love to try the buffet some time!
(4)
Kristy D.
We have never had a bad experience at Guru India! We've enjoyed dining in and carry out, all with the same delicious results. The yummy food makes up for the goofy decor. Not sure what to order? The staff will help guide your menu choices and they always get the spice level just right!
(5)
Melinda Y.
My husband and I went here for a date night. We had some excellent Indian food on our last vacation, so we wanted to try out the local Indian food scene. (Which is sadly lacking in NKY.) It is located in a strip mall and doesn't really stand out from the street. It's also a bit lacking in ambiance. When you walk in and smell the wonderful Indian spices, none of that matters. We were promptly seated and had wonderful service for the entire meal. The menu was extensive, and we were especially happy with the variety of vegetarian options. We both ordered Nan bread which was hot and delicious. I ordered the Vegetable Jalfrezi and it was excellent. The spices were wonderful. I got the spice level of 2 and was glad I didn't go any higher because it was plenty spicy. My husband got the Bhartha and enjoyed it very much. I would definitely recommend trying it out. I think this will be a place we will frequent in the future. I'm already craving it again! It is located right next to Outback Steakhouse. All those people waiting for a table there would be much better served to check out Guru India.
(5)
Amy Z.
Love love love this place!! The staff is pretty friendly. Semi costly but how can you go without naan with your chicken saag!? Worth every penny. I usually get another meal out my portion or at least a snack for later. You must eat here.
(5)
Jenny W.
I really wanted to like Guru India. I have been twice now, over a year in between visits. Both times it was myself and another person and both times we were hugely disappointed in both food and service.
(1)
Dawn M.
We stayed at a nearby Spring Hill to drop my mil off at the airport at 645 am. The restaurant is located in a strip center next to an Outback close to the airport hotels. Although nondescript as only an ethnic restaurant can be the food and service was great. We had very tender chicken tikka masala, lamb punjabi and lamb with mushrooms. The basmati rice was very good as was the naan. The large poori was a bit greasy but the pakoras and vegetable samosas did not make it back to the hotel for later as we had spent the day at the Creation Museum and were starved . The samosas were very bland with peas and potatoes so I would not order them again. However since Memphis has no good Indian restaurant we would come back and continue to cook curries at home!
(4)
Larry H.
Always come in for the lunchtime buffet. Food is always fresh and hot. Buffett is good, and the naan is made fresh in the restaurant. I find the food to be flavorful, and not too spicy. If you've never tried Indian food before, it's a good place to start, as they typically have 3-4 types of curries on the Buffett.
(5)
Jonathan S.
My affinity for Indian Food is old and well calibrated. I've dined in or ordered take away countless times from Guru since its opening. They offer generous take away portions and prep is pronto... be ready to head to your car when you hang up the phone! My opinion of the service and food quality has been high and low during specific periods of time. Overall, this location is far superior to Ambar in Clifton, a sister location. My most recent visits raised Guru back into favor. However, one notable past experience: I called ahead because I was dining with a vegan and was assured Guru could prepare a meal with no ghee(butter) or animal bi-product to be vegan friendly. When we were inside Guru ordering, the staff had an epiphany of what vegan meant (not to be confused with vegetarian). We were informed that the rice was not vegan at this location. I don't care to eat spoonful upon spoonful of rice, but my vegan dining partner normally does. Oh well, jokes on him for being vegan anyway... but if you have a nut allergy, this misunderstanding could have much more serious consequences. Jump forward to the Holiday Season, I dined here after a long absence. I must compliment Guru for having a tremendously trustworthy buffet. After Dusmesh in Northside began fumbling on their buffet with more diluted recipes ridden with salt to disguise lack of robust spices, Guru became the leader in the pack for Cincinnati Indian Buffet. Who would guess NKY could ever contend for an Indian Buffet Title??? And again for dinner, thank you for serving me a tasty rendition of chicken saag with a whole wheat no ghee/no oil Roti that I never thought I would miss until I lived in the Southwest. In PHX, Indian curry/gravy is so oily that its convincingly a cousin of authentic Chinese. In HTX, its so creamy that one must wonder how anyone thinks they are eating Indian food at all. Guru has the consistency just about right. Its believable that their family would have prepared it this way to their liking. I like to taste the spinach or I would order creamer. Tikka chicken is marinated properly too. I wont say this is the best Indian grub, but you can do so much worse... you can't even imagine.
(4)
Crystal P.
Great food! My favorite place for Indian food! I love the chicken curry and fish tikka. They give you more rice when you get carry out than you will ever need.
(5)
Evan B.
Ordered carry out from them twice. Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and garlic nan were all flavorful and excellent. The place is always clean and full of customers. So, so good! Enjoy.
(5)
Mariah M.
Great food & buffet is amazing. Wish they had an appetizer version of saag paner. The chicken saag is fabulous. Be aware! They will ask you what you prefer on a scale thru 1-6. I chose 3 thinking it would be mild. It set my ass on fire.
(5)
Rod J.
Awesome fresh food highlights this buffet as you can clearly taste the difference here versus some of the others in the area. A variety of traditional chicken dishes highlight the buffet along with other common items. If you like it spicy, then don't forget to top if your dish with the red chutney. Not too hot but it does add a pleasurable kick.
(5)
Dawn B.
What?! There's an Indian restaurant in NKy? I was super hungry after a visit to my doctor's office and I noticed this place "nearby" on my little yelp app and thought "why not". So glad I did. I tried the Saag paneer with some garlic nan. YUM!! I tried it at a level 3 for heat, which was more like a mild to me than a medium. Next time I'll go for more heat. The paneer is made in house btw, super creamy and fresh, and very very good. They do have a lunch buffet, daily. I personally don't do buffets but to those who do, this might be one worth checking out. The service was fast and friendly, and the food was great! I'm definitely a fan.
(4)
Sarah M.
Eaten here more times than I can count! We live in Ft. Mitchell so it's an easy trip. It's so good, and you always leave full... or with takeout that will live in the fridge for a few days because there's so much. The buffet is great, though I miss the heat (but understand why they don't make the dishes spicy). The individual dishes are so good, too. Overall, the only thing I really dislike is that there's no soda fountain/refills. 12oz sodas and a small goblet of water don't cut it when you're eating Chicken Korma at a 6, nor do they justify that kind of price.
(4)
Bill S.
This restaurant is easily one of the top two or three Indian restaurants I've been to. (Including several in Singapore) The dishes are perfectly spiced and service is friendly and fast. If you're not familiar with Indian food, come for the lunch buffet, or order the "Special Thal"from the dinner menu for and excellent introduction.
(5)
Lia V.
Same owners as Baba in Oakley and equally as delicious! They actually have a decent wine list - bottles are only $21. The Indian food is some of the best I've had (comparing multiple cities and restaurants) It's always tasty, hot, flavorful, and most importantly... balanced. Service isn't terrible - isn't the best either... but people are friendly. The location is weird - strip mall. The decorations are pretty plain - not a super awesome ambiance. I'd suggest this place for carry out any time or a casual evening out. :-)
(4)
Jonathan H.
Great Indian food. When Mantra on the Hill closed, I lost a great place to find palak paneer. But Guru has the best saag paneer by far. The lamb curry is also tops here.
(5)
Ann L.
Aloo Vindaloo, Saag Paneer , When you don't know what you're about to eat, it can be quite adventurous. I love, love, love the nan. Reminded me of bread we fried when I was a kid. They kept our glass full of water, they had many delicious foods to try on the buffet, the price was very reasonable, and they seemed to be having a good time working together. I recommend you go at 1130 and not wait until noon for lunch. The place filled up quick.
(4)
M A.
Food tasted good, quantity was great. Service can be improved. Servers had more interest in chatting with each other than serving the customers. Server was dipping finger in the water, I saw something floating in my glass which I like to believe was from the mint plant dipped in the jug. After paying, I had to ask twice for the receipt. I got something scribbled on a plain paper, I will have hard time in getting reimbursed from my company. For the taste and the quantity of the food, I will go back to Guru India when I am in this area next time.
(4)
Anye F.
We went for dinner two nights in a row on our 4 night trip to the area, that's how much we liked it. Rating is for a la carte, we were not there for the buffet. They offer food on a six point scale of hotness. We ordered 2 the first night and 3 the second. Neither was particularly spicy though there was a tiny kick to the 3. I cannot imagine how mild the 1 is compared to the 2 because we detected no heat in the 2. The veggie samosas were solid, no surprises. The three curries (lamb korma, chicken tikka masala, and saag khofta) were all bowl-licking excellent. I preferred the onion naan to the plain. As a caution, a friend also dined here separately, in search of vegan food - the waitress didn't understand what vegan meant and pointed out a chicken dish as the 'only vegan on the menu'. She also did not know what cilantro was. So, beware if you have special dietary requirements. If you are just going to order 'as-is' you should be fine though. Prices were a little high but that's common for Indian cuisine. I'd definitely come here again next time I visited the area, it's better than any Indian food I've had in Texas though not quite up to my "holy grail" level, but only just slightly below.
(5)
Manny V.
Dined here tonight which is a Friday night. This place was hopping. My wife and I lucked out since there were only 2 tables left. Service was quick and efficient. The servers smiled a little and asked if we were ready to order, and since we knew what we wanted - Lamb Biryani, Lamb Curry and Saag Paneer, we gave our order on the spot. As always, their food is great and consistent. Still a fan. We'll be back.
(4)
Carla M.
Great food. It was our first experience with Indian and we were blown away. Flavors are incomparable and the staff were wonderful. The buffet is of unbelievable quality for being a buffet. Highly recommend it!
(5)
Tish K.
When I found out that Guru is owned by the same folks that own my favorite Indian place in Clifton, I was excited to go. I dragged my dad to go with me for their lunch buffet. They had all the expected items, and they were all tasty. I didn't want to stop eating, although my stomach was begging me to stop. When I compare this place to some other Indian places I've been to, it's not the top, and the prices are a bit high. But it's the best Indian one can find in Northern Kentucky, so I'll be back!
(4)
Amanda H.
Fantastic! One of the best Indian restaurants in the Northern KY area. Super spicy and very inexpensive for the great quality you get. Portions don't look like much, but it was very filling and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Renu K.
1. Have to wait for a long time to get the food on the table. 2. Almost the same masala taste for all the curries So thick and Bland. 3. They need to learn how to cook deliciously.
(2)
Alisha P.
The food is amazing. One instance though, made me very uncomfortable. When I told the server my diet coke was flat, I watched her take a new two-liter and pour me half a glass. Then she took the flat 2-liter and dumped the rest of it in the new 2-liter, and then filled the rest of my glass with the half flat/half new soda. Really??? I find that super cheap and gross... Just get rid of old product! I didn't call them out on it because we didnt have our food yet and were with friends. Needless to say, I will not get any soda there again. Food is amazing though!
(4)
Cacique G.
Quality Cincinnati stylee Indian.. This is comfort food, the base of most sauces is heavy cream. No need to drive to Ohio.
(4)
Richie R.
Food was great. We tried the Butter Chicken and Rogan Gosh with Nan and Rice and it was awesome. The service was great. We also requested to see if we could get omelet made for us (which is not in the menu) and they were very kind to do it for us. Good Food.
(4)
Laurel D.
Okay, so the food is really good. But....the service isn't so great all the time. I'm giving four stars because the food is So. Darn. Good. They are located in a strip mall next to Outback Steakhouse. So on busy nights, all of the parking is mostly taken. If you can find a spot and get in there, they have a huge dining room that is mostly empty, so finding a table isn't an issue. Some of the wait staff is very hard to understand. They seem to be family owned and operated, which is great. They could use a little coaching on language though. It got a little embarrassing one time, I just could not understand what the guy was telling me. I finally feigned understanding and heaved a sigh of relief as he left. I've had slow service too, even when they were not very busy Go for the lunch buffet. It is absolutely the best bang for your buck. I always walk away very satisfied and feel like I've eaten fairly healthy. While I was pregnant, I think I dragged my husband here once or twice a week. They were always happy to see me and ask how I was feeling (in particular, one old lady and one young lady, both very nice). One night, the buffet was being cleaned while my husband and I were eating. They may have been mopping the floor in the back as well. I was about 8 months pregnant at that point and the smell was nauseating! I went outside to avoid throwing up, and my husband stayed behind to ask for to-go boxes and pay. He's not a complainer, so I don't think he told them what the problem was or they probably would have fixed it. Overall, I like this place a lot. They need an update to the decor so that it doesn't feel like a space in a strip mall and a little bit of coaching on pronunciation of English words, but it's not too bad. I come back once every few months.
(4)
Kenneth A.
I use to be a big fan of Taj India ever since it was on Mall Rd. Even when they moved I continued to eat there until they went under new management. Which destroyed Taj India. I've searched high and low for another. Gave up. Then I found this little gem today on Google search. No idea as to why it never showed up before. It easily replaces Taj India. The service was nice and the staff were pleasant. Food was great. Everything was fresh. Price isn't bad. Been a long time since I had a regular spot on Sundays, my eat out days. I can see me here on my Sundays.
(5)
Ben C.
I am not sure how this place has the best saag paneer of any Indian place I have ever eaten at in the entire world. Watch out. If you don't like spicy their scale can we a little wonky. I once ordered a 3 (out of 6) and burned my face off. Other times it's no big deal. They do pretty well with serving large groups.
(5)
Kevin B.
As stated in other reviews, this place has the same owners who own multiple Indian restaurants around Cincinnati, which means the food tastes pretty much the same. Our group got the chicken tikka massala and chicken saag. We also got a lamb dish. We felt each dish had more meat than the other similar Indian restaurants. The price is about a dollar more than some of the other places, but the more food makes up for it. Each dish tasted great, but there was nothing really different from other Indian restaurants. If you're in the area, Guru is a great choice. Although, nothing makes Guru stand out among the rest.
(4)
gary n.
I've eaten here a number of times. The ONLY thing that keeps me coming back is the Lamb Curry which I have to say is very very good. The rest? Meh.... just standard northern indian cuisine. The service is kind of strange. I assume the service staff is family? They are efficient and never offensive but they tend to just sort of drop things off at the edge of the table and walk away leaving the patron to shuffle silverware or glassware or pretty much anything that arrives around the table amongst themselves. I always find that strange and sort of amusing. Their version of sweet lassi is something to definitely avoid. They douse it with so much rose-water that it ends up tasting like slightly-sweetened bath-water.... just horrible (tho I've never had the mango lassi). The buffet is standard. If you have a vegetarian leaning then it is probably worth a try as they tend to load up on veggie dishes. The tandoori is flavorful but almost always extremely dry and thus disappointing often (particularly with the buffet as it sits too long). In general, aside from the lamb, I just can't find much to get too excited about with this place.
(3)
Jessica S.
I live in Clifton -- the capitol of Cincinnati's Indian restaurant scene. I've had my share of awesome and awful... and Guru India in Crescent Springs is definitely AWESOME. I went here for the amazing $10 lunch buffet with my coworkers. If it wasn't for the fact that I had a meeting after lunch, I'd have stayed here the rest of the lunch service! Great naan, amazing saag paneer and chicken tikka masala, and well-made basmati rice. Such good food for an unbelievably affordable price! The decor is standard, the staff is friendly, and there is a party room for large events. I will definitely be back to Guru, especially for their lunch buffet! The best Indian I've had in the area is still in Clifton, but in NKY, Guru India can't be beat!
(4)
Will H.
Awesome Indian food! Chicken Mahkini, the best Curry dish I have ever had... Anywhere! (Cincy, Ny, UK) Every time I pass thru Cincy I make sure to stop at Guru.
(5)
Michael C.
Smells great in here... where is our waiter? There were 4 tables. 3 servers working out front. I even saw the cook step out a couple times. So it bugged me when we were given water and plenty (PLENTY) of time to peruse the menu. I was 10 seconds from leaving when the waiter finally came back. Ordered vegetable pakora, naan bread, mango chutney & lamb vindaloo. He repeated it, omitting chutney. I restated chutney. Waiter asked "you don't want the raita?" as though it were included with the vindaloo. I said bring it, assuming a small side. Turns out I got upsold. Total ticket ran ~$28. The food was good. The pakora delicious. My daughter really liked it. She also liked the naan and the rice. The lamb vindaloo was too spicy for her, but I enjoyed it. Waiter said the spice level of the lamb, was the spice level. I've had Lamb Vindaloo other places where it was spicy, but not as hot. At those places there was more pronounced tomato. Here the vinegar was prominent and tasty. However, I think I'll try something else next time. I ordered mango chutney as sidecar to cool any heat with the sweet. This was the first time I've had mango chutney that had heat. Food was solid. Service dings it down. We were WELL ready to go. Server spent a great deal of time chatting up another table, then disappeared. I tried to get other servers' attention, but they were busy trying to get their phones to charge, judging by the audible tones. When our waiter did return, he spoke more while waiting for my signature than the rest of the meal combined. I think if I dine here again, it will either be for their buffet, where service need is minimized, or call it in for take out. But frankly, if I am calling in take-out, I'll probably order from the Thai restaurant a few doors down. Sign on the door proudly says 'voted 2nd best Indian restaurant'. I fear they are striving for 3rd.
(3)
Sarah P.
I've been here twice and have enjoyed it both times I've been. I've gotten the Chicken Curry and the Chicken Vindaloo. My first visit I was given the option to choose the spiciness of my Chicken Curry on a scale of 1-5. Being a fan of heat I chose level four... after going through several glasses of water I shortly realized I could have chose level three! The Chicken Vindaloo came in level 4 only, but in didn't seem to have as much heat as my first visit. Moral of the story: Don't underestimate the spiciness of Indian food! The serving sizes were enough for me to have a large amounts of leftovers for the following day (which I like); not to mention the rice seems to be unlimited so you could end up going home with more than you know what to do with! Yum! The servers were pleasant but spoke poor english; but I enjoy Guru and will return nonetheless.
(4)
Nick S.
Have you ever ate at a restaurant and wished there was a sixth star to rate it with, well this place would deserve it. Most of all the other reviews were helpful and accurate. I like to add my review for all those who are gluten free dieters out there. We pulled up to a not so lavish exterior, but that didn't deter us. I have been looking for gluten friendly places all over NKY and finally found one, that's worth every penny. When I told the server I was gluten free, she was very knowledgeable about the food, and she went the extra mike to make sure that the food was safe for me to eat. On to the food. I have been looking for that mana called Tikka Missala ever since I left Texas. This place had exactly what I was looking for. The sauce was The perfect thickness, and a heat rating tailored to your pallet. I will recommend this place to any one.
(5)
Christiaan T.
the lunch buffet is great if you are unsure about Indian food give it a try Friendly staff
(4)
Josh R.
Your standard Indian restaurant buffet here, nothing new or ground breaking. They do have a Sunday buffet which is nice if you want to hit it up after Church. I do like their dinner version of Lamb Rhogan Josh, and their rice is pretty good too. (I freaking love basmati rice.)
(3)
Christopher G.
Guru bears a striking resemblance to that pocket of Indian goodness on Ludlow Avenue in Clifton--to the point that I suspect it may have the same management. If you've been to one of those glorious places, it will look more than familiar to you. If you haven't had Indian (and on the Kentucky side of the river this is slightly more possible), stop wasting time and get here now. Guru entrees are three things: large, rich, and spicy. Spicy, especially--like a lot of Asian restaurants, this one prepares its food on a scale. 1 is bland as white bread, 6 will destroy all but the iron stomachs, and that's if you can get it past your mouth. You don't strictly have to get the food spicy, of course, but hell, why wouldn't you? I love my food red hot, and I only ever get mine at a 3 or 4, just so you have an idea. The place is a single large room, appropriately swathed in cultural artifacts, and is always quiet and uncrowded. Always. I've never seen more than half a dozen tables occupied, which is something like a quarter of the available space. I'm not sure what the deal is; they've never been a disappointment to me. Maybe Kentuckians are just culinary Philistines, who knows. But if you're looking for a good lunch spot with co-workers, or even a safely exotic meal for a date, you can be sure there will be room for you. And speaking of lunch, the place has an amazing lunch buffet. It's eight or nine dollars for a greatest hits of Indian cuisine: curry, tikka masala, samosas, saag. And naan, of course, which is a soft, flaky circle of bread for the uninitiated. If you're ordering off the menu, get the Chef's naan. Trust me. Potatoes make everything better. For dinner, assuming you get an entree, an order of naan, and a drink, expect to pay between 15 and 20. Maybe very slightly on the pricey side, at least compared to boring burger huts like Friday's, but well, well worth it. Service likewise is a little on the slow side, which is odd considering how little there is for a server at Guru to do, but again, the food more than makes up for it.
(5)
Sarah D.
The Indian food here is the best I've ever had. The servings are pretty large and they give you tons of rice so I don't bother spending extra on bread. I have to recommend the Saag Paneer and the okra dish (I can't remember its name and for some reason it's not on their menu online). Their spicy scale goes from 1-6, I usually get a 4 and I like spicy so watch out. The only downside is that the service isn't all that great. The waiters/waitresses are usually friendly but they're either too quiet or have too thick an accent to understand clearly.
(4)
Sarah A.
This place is pretty yummy! We are definitely going back to try more things. When you go, don't expect to be dazzled by amazing service. They take their time, but are relatively friendly. The main thing though...the food is good and comes out quickly and hot!!
(4)
yael c.
Fantastic Indian food. Great service great buffet and a la carte menu. The chicken makhani and their bartha are our favorites. Have been coming here for 3 years and never have been disappointed.
(5)
Sarah F.
Part of the same local chain as Ambar, Akash, and Baba, Guru has the same lunch buffet, menu, etc. My personal favorite is the Chicken Tikka Saag with garlic naan and a Taj Mahal Indian beer. If you like one of these restaurants, you're bound to like them all (although it could be argued that Ambar has a slight edge over the rest). The strip mall location is nondescript and despite having a lot, close parking can be bit challenging, probably because of the ever-crowded Outback next door. Service is efficient and quick. Best Indian food in NKY is not overstating it, although to be fair, it's also also the only one I can think of in the immediate area.
(4)
Jonni L.
As a regular diner, this is a great place to eat in or get carry-out. But, today, I was a) seeking Indian, b) on a time crunch, and c) was greeted by a very nice, but non-English speaking server, I chose to go the Buffet route because I could simply point to it (my server and I already had 3-4 awkward pantomimes, so you see where I'm going with this). The buffet has many choices, all good ones. But, for someone like me, who really likes the spice factor in Indian food (it brings out all those gorgeous undertones in flavor), the buffet is too pedestrian. Yes, there are little jars of red pepper on top that you can sprinkle over the food, but most will agree that spice is best when incorporated in the simmering process and enhances the longer it cooks. Overall, a good choice if you're in a hurry, or if you don't care about the spice factor. The value is a good one, too--$9.50 or whatever to make an even $10 is fine for a Friday lunch on payday. Look--I'm full, so it wasn't at all bad, I will simply remember that there are lunch specials, too and hope for a server that I can communicate with.
(3)
Tom W.
Add one more fan to the list. Guru has a great lunch buffet, don't hesitate to try it. Some of the less expensive Indian buffets in town save their money by going cheap on the spices and light on the meat, no to at guru. The flavors here are noticeably richer than other Indian buffets, and there's something for everyone. One of the guys I went with had never eaten Indian food, and he cleared two plates. Again, it was all delicious. The saag paneer had mushroom instead of chunks of paneer cheese, odd but very good. The soup was also rich and flavorful. Service was spot on, my water was never empty and never a dirty plate left on the table, just the way a buffet should be.
(4)
Shelly M.
Stars are only based on the buffet, and it was the best Indian buffet I have ever had. I only ate the vegetarian dishes, but everything was phenomenal. I was driving on by on my way to visit a friend for the weekend, this place is right off the highway and worth the stop.
(5)
Amanda V.
YUM!!! That's exactly what I think every time I know we will be eating at Guru India. It is like a party in my mouth. I don't think there's anything you can order that is bad here. I typically get the Chicken Mater or Vegetable Biryani. My husband gets the Chili Chicken. We always get an order of Aloo Naan. It's always all very delicious. If you do takeout, they don't skimp out on portion size. It's just as much as what you would get if you had dined in. They have fairly large portions which is great because that means leftovers. They're spice level is a range of 1-10, but 1 is pretty much 0 so if you aren't so much into the spicy you're safe to get a 1 or 2. Parking can be a pain in the butt because they share the area with Outback Steakhouse which is always super crowded, especially on the weekend. But, you can park at the nearby Staples lot as long as you're in one of the lower rows. Check Valpak for coupons because they're usually in there - it's usually a lunch coupon, dinner coupon and a buffet coupon. You can sometimes use multiple coupons per table, as well.
(5)
Becky S.
Best Feature: Delicious food, great buffet selection, good service! Worst Feature: ---- I usually try pointing out both the highs and lows of every experience, but Guru is much like a lot of my latest reviews in that I literally cannot think of a single low point. A great experience all around! I am a huge fan of varying cuisine and indian food is no stranger to my stomach. I love indian food for the naan and chicken dishes, and my first visit here at Guru was just as good as my latest one. I've been here several times, usually for a lunch buffet but also a few dinner trips. The food here is always superb. Very flavorful, good portions, and makes you leave feeling it was worth your money. The buffet, only $10 per person, is fantastic. I try to be healthy and eat reasonable portions, but it's so hard to do when you've got dishes like saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, or tandoori chicken. They also have a salad section as well as soup, so that's nice for those not looking for heavier dishes. I love the fact I've come several different times for lunch and though they have staple favorites, they also switch it up and I find new ones all the time. The service there is always fantastic. The staff there is very friendly and keeps up on refills constantly. I drink a lot of water so it's easy for me to suddenly find myself without water and waiting for a refill, but not here. They're great at keeping up, checking in, and wishing you a great day upon departure. This is definitely one of the spots my fiance and I love to hit up when we're in the mood for Indian cuisine. If you like indian and want a buffet style, come for a lunch! Or come for a fantastic dinner - it's definitely one of the best in the area.
(5)
Amy P.
This is the absolute standard for Indian food. My husband and I frequently visit Guru and have had consistently delicious food. Their lunch buffet is awesome too, and I prefer Guru's vs. others. They have several vegetarian selections on the buffet and on the menu- I recommend the Paneer Makhani. *sigh* now craving Indian food just talking about it.......
(4)
Angela C.
Delicious lunch buffet for a decent price! This is owned by the same owners of Ambar, so expect the same delicious, quality food. Even better, there is more parking.
(5)
Kevin A.
Just went here with my wife and we both loved it. Service was friendly and fast, kept our glasses full. Both the chicken tikka masala and the chicken tikka saag were amazing - only ordered one order of garlic naan and that was plenty. Also liked that they bring out the dishes in individual platters, allowing you to plate your own or share dishes. We ordered spice levels 1 and 2 based on some previous reviews, but think we will up it a level or two next time. Will definitely be back! By the way, glass table tops not that big of a deal, Becky S.
(5)
Stephen G.
I can only speak of the buffet at this establishment, but having enjoyed its delights on a number of occasions I can vouch for its value for money tastiness. $10 will get you a large enough choice of different dishes to certainly do your palate justice... whether you're a carnivore or vegetarian. Sadly the restaurant looks very seedy from the outside - it's located in a decaying strip mall and its sign is in very desperate need of a good power wash - but inside it's clean, the atmosphere agreeable and the service snappy. Greater Cincinnati has an abundance of Indian diners, but this one rates - for me anyway - up in the Top 3.
(4)
Dan B.
This is some of the best Indian food in the the area, actually found in Northern Kentucky. Guru is great, their prices are a bit higher than some other restaurants but I think that the flavor is definitely a bit above many of their competitors. They are great for groups of people due to their large dining room. I have never had to wait for a seat and the staff was always very quick to get drinks and menus. I can't speak to its authenticity but their Kormas are great, I love their Saag dishes, and their naan bread is very tasty. If you are looking to try a few different things they do offer combination platters for only a few dollars more than a normal entree. I recommend the shrimp and lamb curry, which I had the last time and it was excellent. They do buffets for lunch for I believe 7.95, which isn't a great deal but is definitely doable. The buffet includes a mix of their most popular dishes, a small salad section and delicious mango ice cream for dessert. Their spice ranges from 1 (basically not eating indian food at this point) to 6 which I haven't actually tried myself yet. I'm happiest around 4 on their scale which is enough to satisfy my appetite without making me sweat. when I started to go to Guru I was living just down the street and I think that no matter where I might move to, if I'm in the city I'll make a trip to Guru if the craving strikes me.
(5)
Four E.
Too bad. We won't be going back. We went based on yelp reviews and had gone before, several years ago. This visit was very disappointing. Had shrimp masala and left several shrimp uneaten as they were way overcooked. The creamy sauce was good with the rice. Partner ordered lamb curry. Lots of lamb but dry. Old meat? Yuck. Plain Nan was good. Servers/water refresher person were all glum. In fact, we wondered if our server couldn't speak until she clearly said thank you when she dropped off the check.
(1)
Janet H.
I'm getting hungry just thinking about Guru India. This restaurant is owned by the same business that owns the Cincy renowned Ambar India in Clifton, as well as Baba India in Oakley and Anand in Sharonville. This is great because you know you can get outstanding Indian food no matter what part of town you're in! The food is phenomenal. I really enjoy the extensive vegetarian menu selections, but have tried almost all that they have to offer. My all time favorite is Saag Choley - a nice mix of chickpeas and spinach. But a close second is the Mixed Vegetables - a blend of veggies in a red sauce. The Mixed Veggies dish is a great option if you're looking for something that's not so heavy. And of course Chicken Tikka Saag is great for any first timer or a consistent stand by. Oddly - I find the vegetarian dishes to be spicier than the meat versions. Also - the garlic naan is a great compliment to any dish. I really want to give Guru 5 stars, but there's something awkward about restaurant space and staff. The restaurant is large and decor is sparse. Guru must do a booming carry out business because I hardly see people dine in. But the space is so large - it would take a heck of a lot of people to fill it. Also awkward, is the staff. I've been going to Guru for 3 years now and none of the staff has yet to look me in the eye. Communication is kept to an absolute minimum and when they do speak to you, they're extremely quiet and softspoken. I find this discomforting. It's the one thing I would really change about Guru. The lunch buffet is a great value and good opportunity to sample a little of everything. But FYI, the spice is taken out of the buffet, so order off the menu if you need that kick to your lunch. Bottom line - great food and consistent!
(4)
Kathlee G.
Went with a friend for lunch buffet. Best saag paneer ever!!!!! Great chicken vindaloo. Awesome yogurt curry. Nice fresh raita. Samosas were kind of bland and greasy. Have heard reports of less than stellar customer service but our experience was very pleasant and we will certainly return.
(4)
Joe L.
Quite simply, the best saag paneer in the Tri-state. That might be all you need to get you there but just in case you need more proof, there is plenty at Guru. I'm pretty certain they share ownership with the good folks at Ambar in Clifton, which does quite well so if you are an Ambar fan, it's probably safe to say Guru will be high on your list as well. The lunch buffet is great, plenty of selection and stays pretty fresh. Of course at dinner time, you can order your grub with the appropriate level of spice, which for me, makes all the difference. And we come full circle back to the saag paneer, yeah, I just changed my review from a 4 to a 5 thinking about it again.
(5)
Ann M.
This is, without doubt, the best Indian Restaurant in Northern KY. Do not judge by reviews of the buffet alone. Very few buffets are outstanding anyway. We have eaten here maybe 50 plus times since they opened...always for dinner. The food is outstanding. The lamb curry is my favorite and it is heavenly. Anything, we've ordered here has been excellent. I love that they serve Kingfisher beer. Service has always been good. If you love Indian, you will love Guru.
(5)
Logan C.
Quality Indian food. The buffet rocks all afternoon!
(5)
Mike W.
You will not find better Indian in the Cincinnati area. Their food is a bit on the creamier side than you may be used to, but I much prefer it this way. They are rarely busy, to the point of slightly concerned - I do not want this place to go away! On the plus side, no reservations required, even on Friday/Saturday. Their lunch buffet is reasonably priced, and if an entry is not spicy enough they'll kick it up a notch. They usually throw in some oddball dish to keep you on your toes - last time it was chicken wings with some sort of VERY hot Indian spice. My tears and suffering made it all the more delicious. Their water is delicious. I know Crescent Springs tap water. That's not Crescent Springs tap water. It must be some ancient Indian secret. I have gained quite an appreciation for Indian Musak. I think they should crank it up at night and turn the place into an Indian dance club, because I really dig those beats. The service there is very good, but I wish the waiters/waitresses would speak up a bit more. Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but I think the only words they know are a hushed "Very good sir." I'm not asking them to high five me the moment I walk in the door (or am I?), but a little more outgoingness would serve them well. Still, five star place all around. They have another location in Clifton called Ambar, the food is just as delicious but it's much more crowded. Plus Kentucky is the best Tucky, so you might as well hop on over.
(5)
Kara K.
By far my favorite Indian eatery in the Tri -State area. Try their Saag Paneer or Chicken Tikka Masala
(5)
Laura F.
OK, I'm a fan, with some warning. I have been here for lunch and dinner and preferred dinner. The lunch buffet is plentiful but some of their food is better made to order. I admit it was later in the lunch and perhaps some of the food had sat too long. At dinner, however, they have an extensive menu. Their Chicken Tika Masala is delicious and not overly spicy . Their Naan is warm and has the slight charcoal spots one expects with Naan made properly. And the basmati rice is fluffy, soft, not salty and delicious. The best part of all of Guru, other than being one of only two Indian restaurants in NKY, is the service. Whether I have been there alone, having the buffet or with others at night, the staff was more than attentive. They are kind and friendly with genuine interest in their customers. My soft drink was filled often as was my water. Used plates were taken away quickly and tables wiped up after. I will definitely be back to Guru again and again.
(4)
Erika D.
All I can really say is that this place is awesome! ;)
(4)
Ashley H.
The food is delicious and the staff is nice. The place is large enough that it never feels crowded, even when there are a good amount of people there. It may not be decorated in that interesting of fabrics and colors, but the food is so good, you don't really notice.
(5)
Ryan P.
Guru is the best Indian restaurant in Northern Kentucky, hands down. Their lunch buffet is great, and features tons of items. There's always at least 3-4 hot vegetarian main dishes along with 3-4 meat dishes (usually chicken though, no lamb or beef). The saag paneer is a home run, so creamy and delicious and spiced just right. I'm also a fan of the chicken curry, especially when they spice it up a little on the buffet. The naan is always hot and fresh, and the tandoori chicken is good as well. The last time I went, they had their spicy tandoori buffalo wings on the buffet. These little things are so addicting. They aren't too spicy, but they give a nice kick and have a great overall flavor. Plus they're really good cooked in the tandoori oven, not too dry at all. While I love the buffet and could stuff myself silly on it every day, I really love coming here for dinner to get the lamb korma. It's by far my favorite dish at Guru, especially when ordered extra hot. The sweetness of the raisins and cashews in the sauce pair well with the heat, and the lamb is nice and tender. You get more than enough for two meals as well! The staff is friendly and attentive, no complaints at all. The room lighting could be a little too dark though, unless that's your thing. Be sure to give this place a try if you love Indian food. It doesn't disappoint.
(4)
Mike K.
jesus christ i love indian food. Is there anything better than naan? This is a really clean, nice looking place for me to stuff my face at an embarrassing level during their lunch buffet. If i ever give up on life completely and want to become one of those fat people that they need to bulldoze the wall to get me out, i will get that way by eating indian lunch buffets everyday. Too friggin' good
(4)
Mary C.
Simply put, I love this place. In a obscure strip mall, at an interstate interchange that is full of fast food, a little gem lives quietly but with such nobility. The women who own/work here are friendly and I believe after only two other well spaced visits recognise me as a devoted follower. The food is fresh and delicious with a good variety at the buffet. I've got to try some of the menu items, but I continue to be seduced by the buffet. If you are in the area, I don't know why you would eat anywhere else.
(5)
Will H.
I've been here for dinner and lunch buffet. The dinner was a bit expensive but they do a great job and are very quick in their service. The lunch buffet has some great food on it and it is hot and fresh. Different levels of spiciness and multiple options. Their NAN is my favorite in cincinnati!
(4)
Mark A.
This place has spoiled me for eating at any other Indian restaurant in the area. The food is amazing and we have never been disappointed. The best thing is that, while often busy, it's never packed like every other place in the region on a Friday night. Try the chutneys. You wont be disappointed! The buffet is not as good as some others have mentioned but it's still good and worth the price.
(5)
Jason E.
Delicious food, a bit on the creamier side. Buffet was mild but tasty with a good selection. A little spicier fare would have counter-balanced the creaminess. But it was all still quite tasty. Very accommodating of children. Mango lassi was a little disappointing and could have been better.
(4)
Terri C.
Cannot say enough good things about this restaurant! Authentic Indian Food! My favorites are the Lamb Korma & Chicken Masala with Nan of course! I CRAVE this place as does my husband (which makes it an easy decision when going out to eat) The staff is friendly and I've been going here for over a year now at least 2x a month and the food & service has been consistently good. The only mistake they made was one time where they made my spice level a 3 rather than a 2 and they offered me the meal or to replace it. Their portions are fairly large and they do have dishes that are good for kids (they don't have americanized food for kids, but their chicken "nuggets" with no spice are perfect for kids) We have tried 75% of the menu and can't complain about any of it. (a couple of things were a bit spicy for my liking, but hey...it's indian food...i can't fault them for making it the way it's supposed to taste) All in all, they are an awesome restaurant for a date, friendly outing or even a group. Check them out...ya won't regret it!
(5)
Jude C.
This is a fantastic North India restaurant in Northern Kentucky. They have an extensive menu based on their parent restaurant, Cincinnati's award-winning Ambar India. The food is outstanding no matter what you order, the portion sizes are large, and the prices are very reasonable. The service is also good, whether you're dining in or doing carry-out. However, we deducted one star because their spice-levels are inconsistent. My wife cannot tolerate spice, and always orders Spice Level 0 (out of 6). Usually, the food is perfect, but twice now, it has been easily as spicy as my Level 3 dish, and inedible to her. If they could correct this flaw, this would be the perfect Indian Restaurant.
(4)
Jason E.
Weekday lunch buffet.....more potato less chicken. Otherwise delicious.
(4)
Michelle M.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place is great. Check out their weekday lunch buffet or stop by for a delicious dinner entree. I'm so happy that we finally got a great Indian restaurant in Northern Kentucky.
(5)
Jon C.
Oh Guru, how I love thee. Seriously, if you like Indian food you are doing yourself a disservice by not visiting. Guru has become my favorite Indian restaurant in the area. I typically stop by for the lunch buffet which is always hot and fresh, and gives you an opportunity to sample many different styles and curries. The saag anything is always amazing along with their Chicken Makhani. If they have their tandoori chicken wings on the special table you are in for a treat, while not giant and meaty they more than make up for it with wonderful seasoning, tasty! A word of warning though, once you start eating those wings you may not be able to stop until you are bursting at the seams! Don't forget to apply the pepper in the shakers above the buffet liberally to everything on your plate. The service is always great, you rarely are without a drink or have a dirty dish sitting no your table. Everyone is always extremely nice and welcoming, albiet quiet. If you are looking for the best Indian dining in NKY look no further.
(4)
Chris H.
This place is great! My wife and I come here all the time and have not ordered a single thing we haven't liked.
(5)
Karina M.
Part of the same restaurant group as Cincinnati's Ambar and Akash, Guru brings some great northern Indian dishes to Northern Kentucky. I can't speak to their menu, because I have only eaten from the buffet. I find the lunch-time spread to be fresh and bountiful, loaded with all my favorites like chicken makhani and aloo gobi. Fridays are very busy with corporate-types in large groups so you might want to come early or later than the normal noon-time rush.
(4)
Heather J.
great lunch buffet - they even had a mater dish (i love mushroom mater) - $11 for buffet & drink - definitely on par with Baba and Kanak!
(4)
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Address :2303 Buttermilk Crossing
Crescent Springs, KY, 41017
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
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.
Scott H.
Love this place! Have eaten here about 10 times. Have had saag paneer, vindaloo, curry, and Tikka masala for entrees, all of which were fantastic. Tikka masala is probably my favorite. The Nan bread is very good, with the paneer Nan being my favorite. Dipping the Nan in the saag paneer is like heaven. The chicken always comes out tender as well as the lamb. Service can be slow sometimes but they are friendly. Highly recommend this place
(5)Lauren B.
Great food, fast service. Lunch buffet is a great value and you can try out new foods you wouldn't necessarily order a whole dish of. Never had a bad experience here.
(5)Aaron S.
Coming from New York, I was apprehensive about getting Indian food in the Midwest. I was pleasantly surprised to find a place where the quality is just about on par! Having only been here once I can't vouch for consistency, but it was definitely a top-notch experience. (They do have a few dishes with beef, so I'm not sure what that means in terms of authenticity or regional specialization. There's probably a reason for it that I don't know about.)
(4)Sherry T.
Guru is a sister restaurant to Ambar in Cincinnati. In my opinion, the food tastes the same in both locations. Unlike Ambar, Guru offers a lunch buffet. Although I've tried it, I prefer to order off the menu so I can determine how spicy my food will be. Another difference is that the folks who work at Guru are more friendly and less uptight than those who work at Ambar. In terms of food, everything is good, but I recommend the vegetable samosas, the garlic naan, the chicken curry, and the aloo saag. The only downside of Guru is the location. It's in a busy strip mall next to the always popular Outback, so parking can be a bit of a headache at times. Also, Ambar has a quaint feeling because it is so small. My guess is that Guru was another restaurant previously and was later converted. It just doesn't have the same feel as Ambar.
(4)Ben R.
An undiscovered gem of Indian buffets. Want some Indian food in northern Kentucky after getting into town at the airport...take me there, yelp. Nondescript strip mall location and some of the better Indian buffet food I've had. Wide variety of options, food was fresh, well-prepared and had much better flavor and spice than you'd expect.
(4)Richard B.
I have been coming here since they opened and I cannot believe that I haven't written a review a review on Guru India. Well I have to tell you that Guru India is my favorite place to get my Indian fix. The service is outstanding and the food will put you in a trance. It is amazing. I was so happy when I seen the signs while we were eating at Ambar starting that they were opening up a restaurant named Guru India in Crescent Springs. Living in Northern Kentucky we used to have to travel to Clinton to get the best Indian food around. Now we have Guru India right here. By far the best in Northern Kentucky. I'm totally addicted to this place. My little piece of Indian food heaven.
(5)John B.
I love love love Indian food and Guru India has consistently provided me with a number of great meals. I have most recently had the Paneer Tikka and as a fan of all things paneer, this dish delivered big cubes of the stuff. The service is fast although not the friendliest. I will be back and am glad that I can satisfy my Indian cravings in another area besides Clifton. Pros: Parking is easy and free in the lot. Great menu and prices. There is a private party room that one can reserve for parties (please invite me). Cons: Unlike some Indian restaurants, they are not BYO. Some might be put off by their bland decor. It doesn't bother me.
(4)Sarah A.
Their lunch buffet is pretty good but I can't say I'm overly impressed. I've been to much better Indian places in the Cincinnati area. I was here for dinner today and got the chicken tikka, a tandoori dish. The meat itself was good, if not a little dry. What threw me off were the vegetable.. Almost completely raw. The tomatoes and peppers were cold and the onions didn't seem to be cooked at all either. Most other places sauté them to be tender and delicious. I didn't even eat them. My spice level was a 5 on their scale of 1-6. I didn't even finish my water. The service was pretty lacking too. As I said, not impressed. I'll just go downtown next time I am craving Indian.
(3)Chris S.
Meh... I'm a seasoned traveller and a big fan of Indian food. I'm more of a vindaloo guy, but I've been into Biryani lately, so I ordered that with some chicken. Also ordered a cup of Dal, which was pretty watered down and flavorless. The biryani serving size had me afraid for my waistline, but as I dug in, that feeling turned to disappointment as I began to notice it was also lacking in flavor... So much so that the peas became the dominating flavor and I eventually began to scrape them to the side with my fork because it didn't seem to jive well with the rest. The chicken was also pretty dry and the chunks were enormous. Kinda wish they had smaller chunks for more surface area to absorb what little flavor the dish had to offer. I'm no expert, though and perhaps I'm just spoiled by my biryani go-to spot in Ann Arbor. Before I was halfway finished, my fear that I would destroy that giant portion of food faded to a feeling that it wasn't worth the calories. You might laugh, but as I paid the bill, I couldn't help but wish I had opted for a steak at outback next door. And I'm pretty sure the customer that just walked by my table crop dusted me, so it's time for me to bounce
(2)Skippy W.
I like the red color of the napkins because white is so plain, but, the thread count was low. I really enjoyed how they incorporated the napkins into the table decor. There are napkins under the Plexiglas on the tables. A place that features a salute to napkins like this is after my own heart.
(4)Sable B.
I grabbed takeout today. It was good, but nothing insane. I've heard great things, so I think I'm going to head back for the lunch buffet before making a final decisions.
(3)Suzy W.
I am a huge Indian food fan. This place is amazing. Their Chicken Tikki Masala is the best around! Their buffett is very good as well, it is a flat $10. They do not have a fountain drink machine. It comes out of 2 liters. I do recommend strongly the mango ice cream!!
(5)Keith W.
I love this place. I've been coming here for years. All 3 of my kids love the food here. The staff is so polite and helpful.
(5)Sarah S.
This was really good and reasonably priced. My only complaint was that I asked for my dish to be a 4/6 on spiciness and it was more like a 1. Definitely not a deal breaker.
(4)Krishna Babu M.
This is not Indian food. Its just normal cooked food with some curry masala. I took my friends there and it was terrible!
(1)J Springer S.
Two visits so far. Great Indian restaurant. It is an open layout with lots of space. Lunch buffet is primarily veg and chicken (no goat/lamb), but a good mix of spicy and mild. The dinner menu is reasonably priced with a large variety, and the staff was great! My dinner companion had a number of minor requests which were taken care of in short order.
(4)Rachel G.
Can't believe I haven't reviewed this restaurant yet. I've been here quite a few times since it's much more local to me then majority of the other Indian restaurants in the Tri-State area. It's also top 3 of my favorite restaurants in NKY, little biased since I love Indian food. Every time I have been here the food is always hot and fresh. The Lamb Curry is fantastic along with their nan bread. I prefer the garlic nan. I have also have had their appetizer sampler which is very good as well. The staff is attentive, but not as social (which is fine) and the decor is minimal. There pricing is good and their food is better. P.S. Don't forget to try the Gulab Jamun!
(4)Tabitha W.
A Living Social deal brought me here - the bad part about these deals is that they seem to always exclude the buffet option. I gazed longingly at the buffet, but ordered the Paneer Makhanni off the menu. Which was delicious. We also ordered the Paneer Bhatura in place of the usual naan. I didn't care too much for it - too fried tasting or something - but my husband really enjoyed it. The only hiccup was that I ordered a Mango Lassi, and our food came out well before my drink did. Finally, when we were roughly halfway through our entree, my husband inquired about the drink. The guy who had stopped by to answer our inquisitive glances at the kitchen/bar said it was coming right up and it appeared at the table shortly thereafter. Guru is located in a strip mall area with a handful of other restaurants. Inside there is a fairly large dining area, and it seems clean and fresh overall. The buffet is against one wall, and it looks like this caused a bit of a traffic jam. Nevertheless, I would love to try the buffet some time!
(4)Kristy D.
We have never had a bad experience at Guru India! We've enjoyed dining in and carry out, all with the same delicious results. The yummy food makes up for the goofy decor. Not sure what to order? The staff will help guide your menu choices and they always get the spice level just right!
(5)Melinda Y.
My husband and I went here for a date night. We had some excellent Indian food on our last vacation, so we wanted to try out the local Indian food scene. (Which is sadly lacking in NKY.) It is located in a strip mall and doesn't really stand out from the street. It's also a bit lacking in ambiance. When you walk in and smell the wonderful Indian spices, none of that matters. We were promptly seated and had wonderful service for the entire meal. The menu was extensive, and we were especially happy with the variety of vegetarian options. We both ordered Nan bread which was hot and delicious. I ordered the Vegetable Jalfrezi and it was excellent. The spices were wonderful. I got the spice level of 2 and was glad I didn't go any higher because it was plenty spicy. My husband got the Bhartha and enjoyed it very much. I would definitely recommend trying it out. I think this will be a place we will frequent in the future. I'm already craving it again! It is located right next to Outback Steakhouse. All those people waiting for a table there would be much better served to check out Guru India.
(5)Amy Z.
Love love love this place!! The staff is pretty friendly. Semi costly but how can you go without naan with your chicken saag!? Worth every penny. I usually get another meal out my portion or at least a snack for later. You must eat here.
(5)Jenny W.
I really wanted to like Guru India. I have been twice now, over a year in between visits. Both times it was myself and another person and both times we were hugely disappointed in both food and service.
(1)Dawn M.
We stayed at a nearby Spring Hill to drop my mil off at the airport at 645 am. The restaurant is located in a strip center next to an Outback close to the airport hotels. Although nondescript as only an ethnic restaurant can be the food and service was great. We had very tender chicken tikka masala, lamb punjabi and lamb with mushrooms. The basmati rice was very good as was the naan. The large poori was a bit greasy but the pakoras and vegetable samosas did not make it back to the hotel for later as we had spent the day at the Creation Museum and were starved . The samosas were very bland with peas and potatoes so I would not order them again. However since Memphis has no good Indian restaurant we would come back and continue to cook curries at home!
(4)Larry H.
Always come in for the lunchtime buffet. Food is always fresh and hot. Buffett is good, and the naan is made fresh in the restaurant. I find the food to be flavorful, and not too spicy. If you've never tried Indian food before, it's a good place to start, as they typically have 3-4 types of curries on the Buffett.
(5)Jonathan S.
My affinity for Indian Food is old and well calibrated. I've dined in or ordered take away countless times from Guru since its opening. They offer generous take away portions and prep is pronto... be ready to head to your car when you hang up the phone! My opinion of the service and food quality has been high and low during specific periods of time. Overall, this location is far superior to Ambar in Clifton, a sister location. My most recent visits raised Guru back into favor. However, one notable past experience: I called ahead because I was dining with a vegan and was assured Guru could prepare a meal with no ghee(butter) or animal bi-product to be vegan friendly. When we were inside Guru ordering, the staff had an epiphany of what vegan meant (not to be confused with vegetarian). We were informed that the rice was not vegan at this location. I don't care to eat spoonful upon spoonful of rice, but my vegan dining partner normally does. Oh well, jokes on him for being vegan anyway... but if you have a nut allergy, this misunderstanding could have much more serious consequences. Jump forward to the Holiday Season, I dined here after a long absence. I must compliment Guru for having a tremendously trustworthy buffet. After Dusmesh in Northside began fumbling on their buffet with more diluted recipes ridden with salt to disguise lack of robust spices, Guru became the leader in the pack for Cincinnati Indian Buffet. Who would guess NKY could ever contend for an Indian Buffet Title??? And again for dinner, thank you for serving me a tasty rendition of chicken saag with a whole wheat no ghee/no oil Roti that I never thought I would miss until I lived in the Southwest. In PHX, Indian curry/gravy is so oily that its convincingly a cousin of authentic Chinese. In HTX, its so creamy that one must wonder how anyone thinks they are eating Indian food at all. Guru has the consistency just about right. Its believable that their family would have prepared it this way to their liking. I like to taste the spinach or I would order creamer. Tikka chicken is marinated properly too. I wont say this is the best Indian grub, but you can do so much worse... you can't even imagine.
(4)Crystal P.
Great food! My favorite place for Indian food! I love the chicken curry and fish tikka. They give you more rice when you get carry out than you will ever need.
(5)Evan B.
Ordered carry out from them twice. Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and garlic nan were all flavorful and excellent. The place is always clean and full of customers. So, so good! Enjoy.
(5)Mariah M.
Great food & buffet is amazing. Wish they had an appetizer version of saag paner. The chicken saag is fabulous. Be aware! They will ask you what you prefer on a scale thru 1-6. I chose 3 thinking it would be mild. It set my ass on fire.
(5)Rod J.
Awesome fresh food highlights this buffet as you can clearly taste the difference here versus some of the others in the area. A variety of traditional chicken dishes highlight the buffet along with other common items. If you like it spicy, then don't forget to top if your dish with the red chutney. Not too hot but it does add a pleasurable kick.
(5)Dawn B.
What?! There's an Indian restaurant in NKy? I was super hungry after a visit to my doctor's office and I noticed this place "nearby" on my little yelp app and thought "why not". So glad I did. I tried the Saag paneer with some garlic nan. YUM!! I tried it at a level 3 for heat, which was more like a mild to me than a medium. Next time I'll go for more heat. The paneer is made in house btw, super creamy and fresh, and very very good. They do have a lunch buffet, daily. I personally don't do buffets but to those who do, this might be one worth checking out. The service was fast and friendly, and the food was great! I'm definitely a fan.
(4)Sarah M.
Eaten here more times than I can count! We live in Ft. Mitchell so it's an easy trip. It's so good, and you always leave full... or with takeout that will live in the fridge for a few days because there's so much. The buffet is great, though I miss the heat (but understand why they don't make the dishes spicy). The individual dishes are so good, too. Overall, the only thing I really dislike is that there's no soda fountain/refills. 12oz sodas and a small goblet of water don't cut it when you're eating Chicken Korma at a 6, nor do they justify that kind of price.
(4)Bill S.
This restaurant is easily one of the top two or three Indian restaurants I've been to. (Including several in Singapore) The dishes are perfectly spiced and service is friendly and fast. If you're not familiar with Indian food, come for the lunch buffet, or order the "Special Thal"from the dinner menu for and excellent introduction.
(5)Lia V.
Same owners as Baba in Oakley and equally as delicious! They actually have a decent wine list - bottles are only $21. The Indian food is some of the best I've had (comparing multiple cities and restaurants) It's always tasty, hot, flavorful, and most importantly... balanced. Service isn't terrible - isn't the best either... but people are friendly. The location is weird - strip mall. The decorations are pretty plain - not a super awesome ambiance. I'd suggest this place for carry out any time or a casual evening out. :-)
(4)Jonathan H.
Great Indian food. When Mantra on the Hill closed, I lost a great place to find palak paneer. But Guru has the best saag paneer by far. The lamb curry is also tops here.
(5)Ann L.
Aloo Vindaloo, Saag Paneer , When you don't know what you're about to eat, it can be quite adventurous. I love, love, love the nan. Reminded me of bread we fried when I was a kid. They kept our glass full of water, they had many delicious foods to try on the buffet, the price was very reasonable, and they seemed to be having a good time working together. I recommend you go at 1130 and not wait until noon for lunch. The place filled up quick.
(4)M A.
Food tasted good, quantity was great. Service can be improved. Servers had more interest in chatting with each other than serving the customers. Server was dipping finger in the water, I saw something floating in my glass which I like to believe was from the mint plant dipped in the jug. After paying, I had to ask twice for the receipt. I got something scribbled on a plain paper, I will have hard time in getting reimbursed from my company. For the taste and the quantity of the food, I will go back to Guru India when I am in this area next time.
(4)Anye F.
We went for dinner two nights in a row on our 4 night trip to the area, that's how much we liked it. Rating is for a la carte, we were not there for the buffet. They offer food on a six point scale of hotness. We ordered 2 the first night and 3 the second. Neither was particularly spicy though there was a tiny kick to the 3. I cannot imagine how mild the 1 is compared to the 2 because we detected no heat in the 2. The veggie samosas were solid, no surprises. The three curries (lamb korma, chicken tikka masala, and saag khofta) were all bowl-licking excellent. I preferred the onion naan to the plain. As a caution, a friend also dined here separately, in search of vegan food - the waitress didn't understand what vegan meant and pointed out a chicken dish as the 'only vegan on the menu'. She also did not know what cilantro was. So, beware if you have special dietary requirements. If you are just going to order 'as-is' you should be fine though. Prices were a little high but that's common for Indian cuisine. I'd definitely come here again next time I visited the area, it's better than any Indian food I've had in Texas though not quite up to my "holy grail" level, but only just slightly below.
(5)Manny V.
Dined here tonight which is a Friday night. This place was hopping. My wife and I lucked out since there were only 2 tables left. Service was quick and efficient. The servers smiled a little and asked if we were ready to order, and since we knew what we wanted - Lamb Biryani, Lamb Curry and Saag Paneer, we gave our order on the spot. As always, their food is great and consistent. Still a fan. We'll be back.
(4)Carla M.
Great food. It was our first experience with Indian and we were blown away. Flavors are incomparable and the staff were wonderful. The buffet is of unbelievable quality for being a buffet. Highly recommend it!
(5)Tish K.
When I found out that Guru is owned by the same folks that own my favorite Indian place in Clifton, I was excited to go. I dragged my dad to go with me for their lunch buffet. They had all the expected items, and they were all tasty. I didn't want to stop eating, although my stomach was begging me to stop. When I compare this place to some other Indian places I've been to, it's not the top, and the prices are a bit high. But it's the best Indian one can find in Northern Kentucky, so I'll be back!
(4)Amanda H.
Fantastic! One of the best Indian restaurants in the Northern KY area. Super spicy and very inexpensive for the great quality you get. Portions don't look like much, but it was very filling and I can't wait to go back.
(5)Renu K.
1. Have to wait for a long time to get the food on the table. 2. Almost the same masala taste for all the curries So thick and Bland. 3. They need to learn how to cook deliciously.
(2)Alisha P.
The food is amazing. One instance though, made me very uncomfortable. When I told the server my diet coke was flat, I watched her take a new two-liter and pour me half a glass. Then she took the flat 2-liter and dumped the rest of it in the new 2-liter, and then filled the rest of my glass with the half flat/half new soda. Really??? I find that super cheap and gross... Just get rid of old product! I didn't call them out on it because we didnt have our food yet and were with friends. Needless to say, I will not get any soda there again. Food is amazing though!
(4)Cacique G.
Quality Cincinnati stylee Indian.. This is comfort food, the base of most sauces is heavy cream. No need to drive to Ohio.
(4)Richie R.
Food was great. We tried the Butter Chicken and Rogan Gosh with Nan and Rice and it was awesome. The service was great. We also requested to see if we could get omelet made for us (which is not in the menu) and they were very kind to do it for us. Good Food.
(4)Laurel D.
Okay, so the food is really good. But....the service isn't so great all the time. I'm giving four stars because the food is So. Darn. Good. They are located in a strip mall next to Outback Steakhouse. So on busy nights, all of the parking is mostly taken. If you can find a spot and get in there, they have a huge dining room that is mostly empty, so finding a table isn't an issue. Some of the wait staff is very hard to understand. They seem to be family owned and operated, which is great. They could use a little coaching on language though. It got a little embarrassing one time, I just could not understand what the guy was telling me. I finally feigned understanding and heaved a sigh of relief as he left. I've had slow service too, even when they were not very busy Go for the lunch buffet. It is absolutely the best bang for your buck. I always walk away very satisfied and feel like I've eaten fairly healthy. While I was pregnant, I think I dragged my husband here once or twice a week. They were always happy to see me and ask how I was feeling (in particular, one old lady and one young lady, both very nice). One night, the buffet was being cleaned while my husband and I were eating. They may have been mopping the floor in the back as well. I was about 8 months pregnant at that point and the smell was nauseating! I went outside to avoid throwing up, and my husband stayed behind to ask for to-go boxes and pay. He's not a complainer, so I don't think he told them what the problem was or they probably would have fixed it. Overall, I like this place a lot. They need an update to the decor so that it doesn't feel like a space in a strip mall and a little bit of coaching on pronunciation of English words, but it's not too bad. I come back once every few months.
(4)Kenneth A.
I use to be a big fan of Taj India ever since it was on Mall Rd. Even when they moved I continued to eat there until they went under new management. Which destroyed Taj India. I've searched high and low for another. Gave up. Then I found this little gem today on Google search. No idea as to why it never showed up before. It easily replaces Taj India. The service was nice and the staff were pleasant. Food was great. Everything was fresh. Price isn't bad. Been a long time since I had a regular spot on Sundays, my eat out days. I can see me here on my Sundays.
(5)Ben C.
I am not sure how this place has the best saag paneer of any Indian place I have ever eaten at in the entire world. Watch out. If you don't like spicy their scale can we a little wonky. I once ordered a 3 (out of 6) and burned my face off. Other times it's no big deal. They do pretty well with serving large groups.
(5)Kevin B.
As stated in other reviews, this place has the same owners who own multiple Indian restaurants around Cincinnati, which means the food tastes pretty much the same. Our group got the chicken tikka massala and chicken saag. We also got a lamb dish. We felt each dish had more meat than the other similar Indian restaurants. The price is about a dollar more than some of the other places, but the more food makes up for it. Each dish tasted great, but there was nothing really different from other Indian restaurants. If you're in the area, Guru is a great choice. Although, nothing makes Guru stand out among the rest.
(4)gary n.
I've eaten here a number of times. The ONLY thing that keeps me coming back is the Lamb Curry which I have to say is very very good. The rest? Meh.... just standard northern indian cuisine. The service is kind of strange. I assume the service staff is family? They are efficient and never offensive but they tend to just sort of drop things off at the edge of the table and walk away leaving the patron to shuffle silverware or glassware or pretty much anything that arrives around the table amongst themselves. I always find that strange and sort of amusing. Their version of sweet lassi is something to definitely avoid. They douse it with so much rose-water that it ends up tasting like slightly-sweetened bath-water.... just horrible (tho I've never had the mango lassi). The buffet is standard. If you have a vegetarian leaning then it is probably worth a try as they tend to load up on veggie dishes. The tandoori is flavorful but almost always extremely dry and thus disappointing often (particularly with the buffet as it sits too long). In general, aside from the lamb, I just can't find much to get too excited about with this place.
(3)Jessica S.
I live in Clifton -- the capitol of Cincinnati's Indian restaurant scene. I've had my share of awesome and awful... and Guru India in Crescent Springs is definitely AWESOME. I went here for the amazing $10 lunch buffet with my coworkers. If it wasn't for the fact that I had a meeting after lunch, I'd have stayed here the rest of the lunch service! Great naan, amazing saag paneer and chicken tikka masala, and well-made basmati rice. Such good food for an unbelievably affordable price! The decor is standard, the staff is friendly, and there is a party room for large events. I will definitely be back to Guru, especially for their lunch buffet! The best Indian I've had in the area is still in Clifton, but in NKY, Guru India can't be beat!
(4)Will H.
Awesome Indian food! Chicken Mahkini, the best Curry dish I have ever had... Anywhere! (Cincy, Ny, UK) Every time I pass thru Cincy I make sure to stop at Guru.
(5)Michael C.
Smells great in here... where is our waiter? There were 4 tables. 3 servers working out front. I even saw the cook step out a couple times. So it bugged me when we were given water and plenty (PLENTY) of time to peruse the menu. I was 10 seconds from leaving when the waiter finally came back. Ordered vegetable pakora, naan bread, mango chutney & lamb vindaloo. He repeated it, omitting chutney. I restated chutney. Waiter asked "you don't want the raita?" as though it were included with the vindaloo. I said bring it, assuming a small side. Turns out I got upsold. Total ticket ran ~$28. The food was good. The pakora delicious. My daughter really liked it. She also liked the naan and the rice. The lamb vindaloo was too spicy for her, but I enjoyed it. Waiter said the spice level of the lamb, was the spice level. I've had Lamb Vindaloo other places where it was spicy, but not as hot. At those places there was more pronounced tomato. Here the vinegar was prominent and tasty. However, I think I'll try something else next time. I ordered mango chutney as sidecar to cool any heat with the sweet. This was the first time I've had mango chutney that had heat. Food was solid. Service dings it down. We were WELL ready to go. Server spent a great deal of time chatting up another table, then disappeared. I tried to get other servers' attention, but they were busy trying to get their phones to charge, judging by the audible tones. When our waiter did return, he spoke more while waiting for my signature than the rest of the meal combined. I think if I dine here again, it will either be for their buffet, where service need is minimized, or call it in for take out. But frankly, if I am calling in take-out, I'll probably order from the Thai restaurant a few doors down. Sign on the door proudly says 'voted 2nd best Indian restaurant'. I fear they are striving for 3rd.
(3)Sarah P.
I've been here twice and have enjoyed it both times I've been. I've gotten the Chicken Curry and the Chicken Vindaloo. My first visit I was given the option to choose the spiciness of my Chicken Curry on a scale of 1-5. Being a fan of heat I chose level four... after going through several glasses of water I shortly realized I could have chose level three! The Chicken Vindaloo came in level 4 only, but in didn't seem to have as much heat as my first visit. Moral of the story: Don't underestimate the spiciness of Indian food! The serving sizes were enough for me to have a large amounts of leftovers for the following day (which I like); not to mention the rice seems to be unlimited so you could end up going home with more than you know what to do with! Yum! The servers were pleasant but spoke poor english; but I enjoy Guru and will return nonetheless.
(4)Nick S.
Have you ever ate at a restaurant and wished there was a sixth star to rate it with, well this place would deserve it. Most of all the other reviews were helpful and accurate. I like to add my review for all those who are gluten free dieters out there. We pulled up to a not so lavish exterior, but that didn't deter us. I have been looking for gluten friendly places all over NKY and finally found one, that's worth every penny. When I told the server I was gluten free, she was very knowledgeable about the food, and she went the extra mike to make sure that the food was safe for me to eat. On to the food. I have been looking for that mana called Tikka Missala ever since I left Texas. This place had exactly what I was looking for. The sauce was The perfect thickness, and a heat rating tailored to your pallet. I will recommend this place to any one.
(5)Christiaan T.
the lunch buffet is great if you are unsure about Indian food give it a try Friendly staff
(4)Josh R.
Your standard Indian restaurant buffet here, nothing new or ground breaking. They do have a Sunday buffet which is nice if you want to hit it up after Church. I do like their dinner version of Lamb Rhogan Josh, and their rice is pretty good too. (I freaking love basmati rice.)
(3)Christopher G.
Guru bears a striking resemblance to that pocket of Indian goodness on Ludlow Avenue in Clifton--to the point that I suspect it may have the same management. If you've been to one of those glorious places, it will look more than familiar to you. If you haven't had Indian (and on the Kentucky side of the river this is slightly more possible), stop wasting time and get here now. Guru entrees are three things: large, rich, and spicy. Spicy, especially--like a lot of Asian restaurants, this one prepares its food on a scale. 1 is bland as white bread, 6 will destroy all but the iron stomachs, and that's if you can get it past your mouth. You don't strictly have to get the food spicy, of course, but hell, why wouldn't you? I love my food red hot, and I only ever get mine at a 3 or 4, just so you have an idea. The place is a single large room, appropriately swathed in cultural artifacts, and is always quiet and uncrowded. Always. I've never seen more than half a dozen tables occupied, which is something like a quarter of the available space. I'm not sure what the deal is; they've never been a disappointment to me. Maybe Kentuckians are just culinary Philistines, who knows. But if you're looking for a good lunch spot with co-workers, or even a safely exotic meal for a date, you can be sure there will be room for you. And speaking of lunch, the place has an amazing lunch buffet. It's eight or nine dollars for a greatest hits of Indian cuisine: curry, tikka masala, samosas, saag. And naan, of course, which is a soft, flaky circle of bread for the uninitiated. If you're ordering off the menu, get the Chef's naan. Trust me. Potatoes make everything better. For dinner, assuming you get an entree, an order of naan, and a drink, expect to pay between 15 and 20. Maybe very slightly on the pricey side, at least compared to boring burger huts like Friday's, but well, well worth it. Service likewise is a little on the slow side, which is odd considering how little there is for a server at Guru to do, but again, the food more than makes up for it.
(5)Sarah D.
The Indian food here is the best I've ever had. The servings are pretty large and they give you tons of rice so I don't bother spending extra on bread. I have to recommend the Saag Paneer and the okra dish (I can't remember its name and for some reason it's not on their menu online). Their spicy scale goes from 1-6, I usually get a 4 and I like spicy so watch out. The only downside is that the service isn't all that great. The waiters/waitresses are usually friendly but they're either too quiet or have too thick an accent to understand clearly.
(4)Sarah A.
This place is pretty yummy! We are definitely going back to try more things. When you go, don't expect to be dazzled by amazing service. They take their time, but are relatively friendly. The main thing though...the food is good and comes out quickly and hot!!
(4)yael c.
Fantastic Indian food. Great service great buffet and a la carte menu. The chicken makhani and their bartha are our favorites. Have been coming here for 3 years and never have been disappointed.
(5)Sarah F.
Part of the same local chain as Ambar, Akash, and Baba, Guru has the same lunch buffet, menu, etc. My personal favorite is the Chicken Tikka Saag with garlic naan and a Taj Mahal Indian beer. If you like one of these restaurants, you're bound to like them all (although it could be argued that Ambar has a slight edge over the rest). The strip mall location is nondescript and despite having a lot, close parking can be bit challenging, probably because of the ever-crowded Outback next door. Service is efficient and quick. Best Indian food in NKY is not overstating it, although to be fair, it's also also the only one I can think of in the immediate area.
(4)Jonni L.
As a regular diner, this is a great place to eat in or get carry-out. But, today, I was a) seeking Indian, b) on a time crunch, and c) was greeted by a very nice, but non-English speaking server, I chose to go the Buffet route because I could simply point to it (my server and I already had 3-4 awkward pantomimes, so you see where I'm going with this). The buffet has many choices, all good ones. But, for someone like me, who really likes the spice factor in Indian food (it brings out all those gorgeous undertones in flavor), the buffet is too pedestrian. Yes, there are little jars of red pepper on top that you can sprinkle over the food, but most will agree that spice is best when incorporated in the simmering process and enhances the longer it cooks. Overall, a good choice if you're in a hurry, or if you don't care about the spice factor. The value is a good one, too--$9.50 or whatever to make an even $10 is fine for a Friday lunch on payday. Look--I'm full, so it wasn't at all bad, I will simply remember that there are lunch specials, too and hope for a server that I can communicate with.
(3)Tom W.
Add one more fan to the list. Guru has a great lunch buffet, don't hesitate to try it. Some of the less expensive Indian buffets in town save their money by going cheap on the spices and light on the meat, no to at guru. The flavors here are noticeably richer than other Indian buffets, and there's something for everyone. One of the guys I went with had never eaten Indian food, and he cleared two plates. Again, it was all delicious. The saag paneer had mushroom instead of chunks of paneer cheese, odd but very good. The soup was also rich and flavorful. Service was spot on, my water was never empty and never a dirty plate left on the table, just the way a buffet should be.
(4)Shelly M.
Stars are only based on the buffet, and it was the best Indian buffet I have ever had. I only ate the vegetarian dishes, but everything was phenomenal. I was driving on by on my way to visit a friend for the weekend, this place is right off the highway and worth the stop.
(5)Amanda V.
YUM!!! That's exactly what I think every time I know we will be eating at Guru India. It is like a party in my mouth. I don't think there's anything you can order that is bad here. I typically get the Chicken Mater or Vegetable Biryani. My husband gets the Chili Chicken. We always get an order of Aloo Naan. It's always all very delicious. If you do takeout, they don't skimp out on portion size. It's just as much as what you would get if you had dined in. They have fairly large portions which is great because that means leftovers. They're spice level is a range of 1-10, but 1 is pretty much 0 so if you aren't so much into the spicy you're safe to get a 1 or 2. Parking can be a pain in the butt because they share the area with Outback Steakhouse which is always super crowded, especially on the weekend. But, you can park at the nearby Staples lot as long as you're in one of the lower rows. Check Valpak for coupons because they're usually in there - it's usually a lunch coupon, dinner coupon and a buffet coupon. You can sometimes use multiple coupons per table, as well.
(5)Becky S.
Best Feature: Delicious food, great buffet selection, good service! Worst Feature: ---- I usually try pointing out both the highs and lows of every experience, but Guru is much like a lot of my latest reviews in that I literally cannot think of a single low point. A great experience all around! I am a huge fan of varying cuisine and indian food is no stranger to my stomach. I love indian food for the naan and chicken dishes, and my first visit here at Guru was just as good as my latest one. I've been here several times, usually for a lunch buffet but also a few dinner trips. The food here is always superb. Very flavorful, good portions, and makes you leave feeling it was worth your money. The buffet, only $10 per person, is fantastic. I try to be healthy and eat reasonable portions, but it's so hard to do when you've got dishes like saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, or tandoori chicken. They also have a salad section as well as soup, so that's nice for those not looking for heavier dishes. I love the fact I've come several different times for lunch and though they have staple favorites, they also switch it up and I find new ones all the time. The service there is always fantastic. The staff there is very friendly and keeps up on refills constantly. I drink a lot of water so it's easy for me to suddenly find myself without water and waiting for a refill, but not here. They're great at keeping up, checking in, and wishing you a great day upon departure. This is definitely one of the spots my fiance and I love to hit up when we're in the mood for Indian cuisine. If you like indian and want a buffet style, come for a lunch! Or come for a fantastic dinner - it's definitely one of the best in the area.
(5)Amy P.
This is the absolute standard for Indian food. My husband and I frequently visit Guru and have had consistently delicious food. Their lunch buffet is awesome too, and I prefer Guru's vs. others. They have several vegetarian selections on the buffet and on the menu- I recommend the Paneer Makhani. *sigh* now craving Indian food just talking about it.......
(4)Angela C.
Delicious lunch buffet for a decent price! This is owned by the same owners of Ambar, so expect the same delicious, quality food. Even better, there is more parking.
(5)Kevin A.
Just went here with my wife and we both loved it. Service was friendly and fast, kept our glasses full. Both the chicken tikka masala and the chicken tikka saag were amazing - only ordered one order of garlic naan and that was plenty. Also liked that they bring out the dishes in individual platters, allowing you to plate your own or share dishes. We ordered spice levels 1 and 2 based on some previous reviews, but think we will up it a level or two next time. Will definitely be back! By the way, glass table tops not that big of a deal, Becky S.
(5)Stephen G.
I can only speak of the buffet at this establishment, but having enjoyed its delights on a number of occasions I can vouch for its value for money tastiness. $10 will get you a large enough choice of different dishes to certainly do your palate justice... whether you're a carnivore or vegetarian. Sadly the restaurant looks very seedy from the outside - it's located in a decaying strip mall and its sign is in very desperate need of a good power wash - but inside it's clean, the atmosphere agreeable and the service snappy. Greater Cincinnati has an abundance of Indian diners, but this one rates - for me anyway - up in the Top 3.
(4)Dan B.
This is some of the best Indian food in the the area, actually found in Northern Kentucky. Guru is great, their prices are a bit higher than some other restaurants but I think that the flavor is definitely a bit above many of their competitors. They are great for groups of people due to their large dining room. I have never had to wait for a seat and the staff was always very quick to get drinks and menus. I can't speak to its authenticity but their Kormas are great, I love their Saag dishes, and their naan bread is very tasty. If you are looking to try a few different things they do offer combination platters for only a few dollars more than a normal entree. I recommend the shrimp and lamb curry, which I had the last time and it was excellent. They do buffets for lunch for I believe 7.95, which isn't a great deal but is definitely doable. The buffet includes a mix of their most popular dishes, a small salad section and delicious mango ice cream for dessert. Their spice ranges from 1 (basically not eating indian food at this point) to 6 which I haven't actually tried myself yet. I'm happiest around 4 on their scale which is enough to satisfy my appetite without making me sweat. when I started to go to Guru I was living just down the street and I think that no matter where I might move to, if I'm in the city I'll make a trip to Guru if the craving strikes me.
(5)Four E.
Too bad. We won't be going back. We went based on yelp reviews and had gone before, several years ago. This visit was very disappointing. Had shrimp masala and left several shrimp uneaten as they were way overcooked. The creamy sauce was good with the rice. Partner ordered lamb curry. Lots of lamb but dry. Old meat? Yuck. Plain Nan was good. Servers/water refresher person were all glum. In fact, we wondered if our server couldn't speak until she clearly said thank you when she dropped off the check.
(1)Janet H.
I'm getting hungry just thinking about Guru India. This restaurant is owned by the same business that owns the Cincy renowned Ambar India in Clifton, as well as Baba India in Oakley and Anand in Sharonville. This is great because you know you can get outstanding Indian food no matter what part of town you're in! The food is phenomenal. I really enjoy the extensive vegetarian menu selections, but have tried almost all that they have to offer. My all time favorite is Saag Choley - a nice mix of chickpeas and spinach. But a close second is the Mixed Vegetables - a blend of veggies in a red sauce. The Mixed Veggies dish is a great option if you're looking for something that's not so heavy. And of course Chicken Tikka Saag is great for any first timer or a consistent stand by. Oddly - I find the vegetarian dishes to be spicier than the meat versions. Also - the garlic naan is a great compliment to any dish. I really want to give Guru 5 stars, but there's something awkward about restaurant space and staff. The restaurant is large and decor is sparse. Guru must do a booming carry out business because I hardly see people dine in. But the space is so large - it would take a heck of a lot of people to fill it. Also awkward, is the staff. I've been going to Guru for 3 years now and none of the staff has yet to look me in the eye. Communication is kept to an absolute minimum and when they do speak to you, they're extremely quiet and softspoken. I find this discomforting. It's the one thing I would really change about Guru. The lunch buffet is a great value and good opportunity to sample a little of everything. But FYI, the spice is taken out of the buffet, so order off the menu if you need that kick to your lunch. Bottom line - great food and consistent!
(4)Kathlee G.
Went with a friend for lunch buffet. Best saag paneer ever!!!!! Great chicken vindaloo. Awesome yogurt curry. Nice fresh raita. Samosas were kind of bland and greasy. Have heard reports of less than stellar customer service but our experience was very pleasant and we will certainly return.
(4)Joe L.
Quite simply, the best saag paneer in the Tri-state. That might be all you need to get you there but just in case you need more proof, there is plenty at Guru. I'm pretty certain they share ownership with the good folks at Ambar in Clifton, which does quite well so if you are an Ambar fan, it's probably safe to say Guru will be high on your list as well. The lunch buffet is great, plenty of selection and stays pretty fresh. Of course at dinner time, you can order your grub with the appropriate level of spice, which for me, makes all the difference. And we come full circle back to the saag paneer, yeah, I just changed my review from a 4 to a 5 thinking about it again.
(5)Ann M.
This is, without doubt, the best Indian Restaurant in Northern KY. Do not judge by reviews of the buffet alone. Very few buffets are outstanding anyway. We have eaten here maybe 50 plus times since they opened...always for dinner. The food is outstanding. The lamb curry is my favorite and it is heavenly. Anything, we've ordered here has been excellent. I love that they serve Kingfisher beer. Service has always been good. If you love Indian, you will love Guru.
(5)Logan C.
Quality Indian food. The buffet rocks all afternoon!
(5)Mike W.
You will not find better Indian in the Cincinnati area. Their food is a bit on the creamier side than you may be used to, but I much prefer it this way. They are rarely busy, to the point of slightly concerned - I do not want this place to go away! On the plus side, no reservations required, even on Friday/Saturday. Their lunch buffet is reasonably priced, and if an entry is not spicy enough they'll kick it up a notch. They usually throw in some oddball dish to keep you on your toes - last time it was chicken wings with some sort of VERY hot Indian spice. My tears and suffering made it all the more delicious. Their water is delicious. I know Crescent Springs tap water. That's not Crescent Springs tap water. It must be some ancient Indian secret. I have gained quite an appreciation for Indian Musak. I think they should crank it up at night and turn the place into an Indian dance club, because I really dig those beats. The service there is very good, but I wish the waiters/waitresses would speak up a bit more. Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but I think the only words they know are a hushed "Very good sir." I'm not asking them to high five me the moment I walk in the door (or am I?), but a little more outgoingness would serve them well. Still, five star place all around. They have another location in Clifton called Ambar, the food is just as delicious but it's much more crowded. Plus Kentucky is the best Tucky, so you might as well hop on over.
(5)Kara K.
By far my favorite Indian eatery in the Tri -State area. Try their Saag Paneer or Chicken Tikka Masala
(5)Laura F.
OK, I'm a fan, with some warning. I have been here for lunch and dinner and preferred dinner. The lunch buffet is plentiful but some of their food is better made to order. I admit it was later in the lunch and perhaps some of the food had sat too long. At dinner, however, they have an extensive menu. Their Chicken Tika Masala is delicious and not overly spicy . Their Naan is warm and has the slight charcoal spots one expects with Naan made properly. And the basmati rice is fluffy, soft, not salty and delicious. The best part of all of Guru, other than being one of only two Indian restaurants in NKY, is the service. Whether I have been there alone, having the buffet or with others at night, the staff was more than attentive. They are kind and friendly with genuine interest in their customers. My soft drink was filled often as was my water. Used plates were taken away quickly and tables wiped up after. I will definitely be back to Guru again and again.
(4)Erika D.
All I can really say is that this place is awesome! ;)
(4)Ashley H.
The food is delicious and the staff is nice. The place is large enough that it never feels crowded, even when there are a good amount of people there. It may not be decorated in that interesting of fabrics and colors, but the food is so good, you don't really notice.
(5)Ryan P.
Guru is the best Indian restaurant in Northern Kentucky, hands down. Their lunch buffet is great, and features tons of items. There's always at least 3-4 hot vegetarian main dishes along with 3-4 meat dishes (usually chicken though, no lamb or beef). The saag paneer is a home run, so creamy and delicious and spiced just right. I'm also a fan of the chicken curry, especially when they spice it up a little on the buffet. The naan is always hot and fresh, and the tandoori chicken is good as well. The last time I went, they had their spicy tandoori buffalo wings on the buffet. These little things are so addicting. They aren't too spicy, but they give a nice kick and have a great overall flavor. Plus they're really good cooked in the tandoori oven, not too dry at all. While I love the buffet and could stuff myself silly on it every day, I really love coming here for dinner to get the lamb korma. It's by far my favorite dish at Guru, especially when ordered extra hot. The sweetness of the raisins and cashews in the sauce pair well with the heat, and the lamb is nice and tender. You get more than enough for two meals as well! The staff is friendly and attentive, no complaints at all. The room lighting could be a little too dark though, unless that's your thing. Be sure to give this place a try if you love Indian food. It doesn't disappoint.
(4)Mike K.
jesus christ i love indian food. Is there anything better than naan? This is a really clean, nice looking place for me to stuff my face at an embarrassing level during their lunch buffet. If i ever give up on life completely and want to become one of those fat people that they need to bulldoze the wall to get me out, i will get that way by eating indian lunch buffets everyday. Too friggin' good
(4)Mary C.
Simply put, I love this place. In a obscure strip mall, at an interstate interchange that is full of fast food, a little gem lives quietly but with such nobility. The women who own/work here are friendly and I believe after only two other well spaced visits recognise me as a devoted follower. The food is fresh and delicious with a good variety at the buffet. I've got to try some of the menu items, but I continue to be seduced by the buffet. If you are in the area, I don't know why you would eat anywhere else.
(5)Will H.
I've been here for dinner and lunch buffet. The dinner was a bit expensive but they do a great job and are very quick in their service. The lunch buffet has some great food on it and it is hot and fresh. Different levels of spiciness and multiple options. Their NAN is my favorite in cincinnati!
(4)Mark A.
This place has spoiled me for eating at any other Indian restaurant in the area. The food is amazing and we have never been disappointed. The best thing is that, while often busy, it's never packed like every other place in the region on a Friday night. Try the chutneys. You wont be disappointed! The buffet is not as good as some others have mentioned but it's still good and worth the price.
(5)Jason E.
Delicious food, a bit on the creamier side. Buffet was mild but tasty with a good selection. A little spicier fare would have counter-balanced the creaminess. But it was all still quite tasty. Very accommodating of children. Mango lassi was a little disappointing and could have been better.
(4)Terri C.
Cannot say enough good things about this restaurant! Authentic Indian Food! My favorites are the Lamb Korma & Chicken Masala with Nan of course! I CRAVE this place as does my husband (which makes it an easy decision when going out to eat) The staff is friendly and I've been going here for over a year now at least 2x a month and the food & service has been consistently good. The only mistake they made was one time where they made my spice level a 3 rather than a 2 and they offered me the meal or to replace it. Their portions are fairly large and they do have dishes that are good for kids (they don't have americanized food for kids, but their chicken "nuggets" with no spice are perfect for kids) We have tried 75% of the menu and can't complain about any of it. (a couple of things were a bit spicy for my liking, but hey...it's indian food...i can't fault them for making it the way it's supposed to taste) All in all, they are an awesome restaurant for a date, friendly outing or even a group. Check them out...ya won't regret it!
(5)Jude C.
This is a fantastic North India restaurant in Northern Kentucky. They have an extensive menu based on their parent restaurant, Cincinnati's award-winning Ambar India. The food is outstanding no matter what you order, the portion sizes are large, and the prices are very reasonable. The service is also good, whether you're dining in or doing carry-out. However, we deducted one star because their spice-levels are inconsistent. My wife cannot tolerate spice, and always orders Spice Level 0 (out of 6). Usually, the food is perfect, but twice now, it has been easily as spicy as my Level 3 dish, and inedible to her. If they could correct this flaw, this would be the perfect Indian Restaurant.
(4)Jason E.
Weekday lunch buffet.....more potato less chicken. Otherwise delicious.
(4)Michelle M.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place is great. Check out their weekday lunch buffet or stop by for a delicious dinner entree. I'm so happy that we finally got a great Indian restaurant in Northern Kentucky.
(5)Jon C.
Oh Guru, how I love thee. Seriously, if you like Indian food you are doing yourself a disservice by not visiting. Guru has become my favorite Indian restaurant in the area. I typically stop by for the lunch buffet which is always hot and fresh, and gives you an opportunity to sample many different styles and curries. The saag anything is always amazing along with their Chicken Makhani. If they have their tandoori chicken wings on the special table you are in for a treat, while not giant and meaty they more than make up for it with wonderful seasoning, tasty! A word of warning though, once you start eating those wings you may not be able to stop until you are bursting at the seams! Don't forget to apply the pepper in the shakers above the buffet liberally to everything on your plate. The service is always great, you rarely are without a drink or have a dirty dish sitting no your table. Everyone is always extremely nice and welcoming, albiet quiet. If you are looking for the best Indian dining in NKY look no further.
(4)Chris H.
This place is great! My wife and I come here all the time and have not ordered a single thing we haven't liked.
(5)Karina M.
Part of the same restaurant group as Cincinnati's Ambar and Akash, Guru brings some great northern Indian dishes to Northern Kentucky. I can't speak to their menu, because I have only eaten from the buffet. I find the lunch-time spread to be fresh and bountiful, loaded with all my favorites like chicken makhani and aloo gobi. Fridays are very busy with corporate-types in large groups so you might want to come early or later than the normal noon-time rush.
(4)Heather J.
great lunch buffet - they even had a mater dish (i love mushroom mater) - $11 for buffet & drink - definitely on par with Baba and Kanak!
(4)