Very delicious... My Indian friends tell me it's very Americanized Indian food, but everyone says it's amazing! Very elegant and yummy!
(5)
Jasmine M.
I love this place! The food is above average for what you get in the area, but what really sets it apart is the decor. It's much nicer and has much more of a "date-night" feel than other Indian restaurants. The service is great too!
(5)
LA F.
I wish Indian Oven was a bit less expensive so we could eat there constantly. Their food is special. There's a complexity to their sauces that is rare to find; the deliciousness does not seem to come from heavy oil or cream.
(5)
Aaron L.
I met the owner, Murod (spelling) back in 2001 when I moved to Cbus. He loves to mingle and interact with the clientele and is very personable. He always remembers me and asks about my family. As for the food... I have to say it's my favorite Indian joint EVER! My favorite dish is the Lamb Shank. It gets a little messy but it's heaven on a bone!!! And finally, the ambiance isn't what you would expect for an indian joint. It's very open and modern. Very clean and the servers have always been great.
Great ambience. Great location. Great service by the server (also the manager). But lacking on food quality of the main entree. The server was quick and interactive. She knew about the dishes as opposed to having a generic answer. All items were brought quickly. The main entree I ordered was their main chicken dish based in the recommendation but the chicken was hard. I also had to add salt. I will return to this place for another chance to try out something else.
(3)
Greg S.
I am not sure what all the fuss is about. I read the reviews here and decided to give it a go. In my opinion the selection was small and the taste bland. I mean I have never had to add salt to Indian food before to give it some taste! This time I did. The goat dish had no meat in it and there was not much meat on the chicken either. (they serve both on the bone) For my money it is hard to beat the buffet over on Mill Run in Hilliard.
(2)
Erica R.
A little off the beaten path, this Indian spot has become one of my favorites. They have an incredible lunch buffet and the food is always delicious. It is a great spot for a private dinner with a quiet romantic atmosphere. The staff is friendly and they provide great service. They also have a fantastic drink selection.
(5)
Robin C.
It wasn't until I moved to the great big old state of Ohio (now we know it's all bigger and *ahem better in Texas so I mean this figuratively) that I had my first taste of Indian food. For many a month my friends would try to persuade me to give it a try but the concept of curry, tandoori, and naan were scary. Oh, how the culinary palate times have changed! Indian Oven is the closest place for this delectable cuisine that I have of for us East Siders. The location is set in modern decor and the price point matches the overall goal you can tell the owners are going for. I was immediately taken to a table and before I had my coat off a cripsy treat with delicious green sauc was sitting in front of me before I even meet my waitress, who was only a few steps behind. I ordered the Mango Lassi, adult style, that was DEE-LICIOUS! Next up was to order my entree, which proved to be very difficult! The daily specials sounded magnificient and the menu had several options for a curry lover. I went with the chicken makhni and onion naan. The naan was great! It was stuffed with minced onin and piping hot. The chicken makhni was...fine. It wasn't the greatest Indian dish I've ever had and I doubt I'll ever order it again. Now, I'm not saying it isn't worth ordering but it just didn't wow me, knock me off my feet. Toward the end of my visit, my server seems much less attentive than when I first arrived and my exit was extremely delayed as I waited around for her return to my table. Now, I don't blame her one bit. She was the only server working. I would recommend that the restaurant add a server or have other employees assist when the restaurant starts to fill up. There were a few guys just standing around waiting for something to do, while she was running around solo.
(4)
Tia P.
This place is a hidden gem. I never knew about this place if it weren't for my friend who came here a few times with his colleagues. Food was good, nice atmosphere and good service. It's a bit far for me but I would come back.
(4)
Erica C.
Indian Oven never seems to disappoint. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure you feel like family. Tonight they recommend a special dish of slow roasted chicken to my husband---it was amazing. The nann, especially the garlic, is the best I've ever tasted as well. The best thing about this restaurant is that it seems like a hidden gem. Never extremely crowded but very clean and industrial looking. Try it out- you won't be sorry!
(5)
Mark R.
The food and the service are both top notch. You'll never ask to have your drink refilled. It must be the clay oven because the veggies are cooked to perfection. Exceptional restaurant.
(5)
liz l.
Man, I LOVE this place! The look: good first impression. Easy location and parking. The service: super friendly and welcoming. The food: awesome awesome awesome!!!!!!!!!!! Some of the best Indian food I've had, definitely the best in Columbus. We had onion salad, palak paneer, bhindi, and lamb masala. Everything was wonderful--very flavorful and perfectly spiced--as was the Chenin Blanc. So, so good.
(5)
Bryant M.
Whoa... I feel like I'm in that sideways universe on Lost right now. I'm usually pretty in synch with Yelp's overall rating, especially for an established restaurant like Indian Oven. At 3.5 stars, let's just say I wasn't tripping over myself to try this place out. But then a good friend of mine wanted to meet there for dinner--I really like this friend, so I said 'yes.' From the looks of it, a lot of the disgruntled reviews mention the lunch buffet. I'm not really a buffet kinda guy, so completely disregard my review if that's what you're looking for. Maybe it *is* terrible? I have no clue. I love the location of Indian Oven, especially at dinnertime on the weekend. There's loads of street parking, and it's only a 7-minute drive from my house. I'm used to having to drive all the way to Grandview to get good Indian at Aab. The interior here is lovely. It's so bright, airy, clean--very minimalistic. The service is top notch. The guys running the restaurant are friendly, kind, and genuinely care about your experience. We never wanted for anything; I constantly had water refills, and someone checking to make sure I loved my meal. It was a lot of attention, but it wasn't obnoxious--it was very sweet and thoughtful. One of the guys--I'm assuming an owner?--talked to me at length when I asked about where all the meat comes from. I had roasted chicken, which was the special that night, and it was a special type of hen he buys from a local farm. He then went on to tell me about where the goat is from, the lamb, etc. I could have geeked out on this stuff all night, but I don't think my friend was quite as into it as I was. #FFA4Ever My entree, the previously mentioned roasted chicken, was spectacular. It was a Bangaluru dish--chicken smothered in a spicy cashew sauce over seasoned jasmine rice. When I mentioned my wheat thing, our server told me it wouldn't be a problem. I love places that put my mind at ease and don't make me feel like a weirdo. As we were wrapping up our dinner, the server brought out a mango custard, compliments of the house. He told me it would be good for digestion. It tasted like a thick lassi, and I was a fan. My dinner cost about $20, which I thought was on point. A beautiful atmosphere, incredibly sweet people, and delicious food... how could I not give Indian Oven five stars?
(5)
Matt H.
Pretty good Indian food. Curry has various levels of spicyness. The mango ice cream was very expensive and sub par. I think the place is over priced for what it is.
(3)
Michael A.
I was extremely skeptical before going in to the Indian oven, but my skepticism was quickly extinguished when meeting the waiter. He was very cordial, polite and patient. The waiter recommended the roast chicken and let me say...wow! Very very good food. They even offered to comp my meal if I didn't like the dish. This was a great experience. The service was great, the food was great and the inside is very simple and clean. I recommend this when you want to get your daily fix.
(5)
Tan N.
I'm not sure why this place is only 3.5 stars! That is just crazy to me. Is it because people just want the same old curries and can't taste the intricate flavors in Indian cooking and can't taste the difference between this and an average Indian joint? I'm so glad I read Bryant M.'s review and gave this place a shot. It's amazing! From the extra delicious cilantro chutney that came with the papadum to the extra entree we ordered because the first two were so delicious, we were very pleased. We thought it was because we were just hungry in the beginning and maybe that was why the free papadum was so good--but no! I think it's because they know how to taste the food. The lamb vindaloo was tender and and the exact spice level I wanted (medium). The bhindi (okra) masala was extra spiceful (not spicy). The palak paneer we ordered in addition had amazing, fresh tasting handmade paneer (cheese). Amazing. The onion salad was spicy and went well with all of the entrees--a little too much on its own. The Chenin blanc (from India, no less) was surprisingly tasty and went perfectly with the food. And finally, the service was fantastic. Our waiter was a sweetheart and though the owner (?) tried to sell me on french cut lamb chops, I took it as a sign of interest and pride rather than selling it too hard. I made my choice of vindaloo and next time I'm going to go with his recommendation when it's not the end of the month. ;)
(5)
Jay D.
My favorite spot for Indian food, the place is well lit and nicely designed but the food and the service are what set this place apart. The owner is always there and always greets you with a friendly smile just before warning you that their 'hot' is really really hot, I'd say it's about medium high on the spicy scale. Go for the Chicken Tikka Masala, some samosas and Naan --you'll not be disappointed.
(5)
Karthik R.
i had a horrible experience today... rude staff, so so food and quite expensive... staff seemed to value only white american customers
(1)
Brandie J.
I could have not been more satisfied with the menu, food, and service. Owner was extremely friendly and welcoming. Made you feel like he was welcoming you to your house for dinner. Will be coming back again next time I am in Columbus.
(5)
Giovanna A.
This is probably my favorite indian restaurant to order off the menu from, not reviewing the buffet since I have never been to theirs. First of all I love the carryout here, including the spiked mango lassis while I wait, but the space is modern and the service is great eating in too. The garlic naan is to die for, the spice is just right as far as truly being able to get a medium, and their butter chicken is just perfect. A lot of places make their vegetarian dishes way too rich, something I associate with trying to get people to not eat too much at a typical indian buffet situation, and these folks are not guilty of that. Though I get to come here much less often since moving, the owner still remembers me and what I like, gotta love that!
(5)
Branham P.
the buffet is a must. Go ASAP. flavor and more flavor in each bite. so go for lunch and get the buffet you will be happy. I don't know about dinner because downtown closes at 5:30pm.
(4)
Ram B.
I am..quite picky in choosing a good Indian restaurant ...having said that, Indian oven rocks when it comes to non-vegetarian indian food! (The only other good Indian restaurant in Columbus is Dosa corner -South Indian food) Best dishes are their specials - roasted chicken & lamb chops!! & pakoras!! Downsides..expensive! But worth it, will go again! Hope Indian oven keeps up the good work
(5)
Linda F.
We followed the Indian Oven from its former location on campus to the market district locTion. The quality of food and the spices they use are the best in town. It is a little pricier than other Indian restaurants but worth it to me. The cheese in the shahi paneer is made in house. Mmmmmmm. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Richard P.
Every now and then I go to Indian Oven for the lunch buffet, mostly because it's one of the few places in reasonable walking distance of my office that serves decent food and is appropriate for business lunches (unfortunately, neither Donatos nor McDonalds meets that criteria). It's a small buffet: white rice, naan, two vegetable entrees (usually cabbage bazi and vegetable korma), and two meat entrees (every time I've been there, it's been chicken curry and chicken tandoori), plus raita, Indian-style pickles, and dessert (usually rice pudding or fruit in yogurt). It's small, but the food is well-cooked, and how much food does on need for a workday lunch, anyway, assuming you want to do any work afterwards? Plus the space is stylish without being pretentious, and pleasant. I wouldn't consider them the best Indian restaurant in Columbus, but every time I meet a particular colleague for lunch, he always asks to meet at Indian Oven. So I guess they're not too shabby, either.
(3)
Matthew S.
Been coming to this restaurant for fifteen years. Would never consider going to a different Indian restaurant. The lamb vindaloo is complex. The shrimp Palau is sublime. The owner treats us like family. Best Indian food in the country!
(5)
Demetreus R.
Not a expert on Indian cuisine, but I eat Indian all over the country. This places food is on par with all of them. The waitress was cute and friendly. The clientele seems to enjoy themselves. The food is great. I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants a nice Indian meal.
(5)
Lana C.
We ate here on Valentine's Day. Not crowded, beautiful atmosphere, modern, urban, clean. Service was impeccable. Refills constantly. Food was the best! We had the two specials that night, huge shrimp with green beans and then 1/2 a free range chicken in a wonderful sauce. The garlic naan is delicious and the veggie patokas appetizer. Even the desserts were unique and tasty. You must go!!!
(5)
Harry S.
Arrogant and insulting manager. As soon as we walk in he felt the need to make vulgar remarks about how we should speak English. We had a group of educated hotel developers, administrators, and a Colonel. We not only felt insulted, but also felt unwelcome the entire time. Had the weather not been terrible, we would have happily walked out and went elsewhere. Our waitress was polite and tried her best to be as helpful as possible. I do not see how this restaurant is rated high with such low quality of customer service. I will not bring my hospitality group here next time.
(1)
Rebecca H.
The service is wonderful. However, our food was mixed in terms of quality. From the appetizers we ordered lamb shish kebab and I overlooked that it was made of "ground meat", so when it arrived it wasn't chunks of lamb as I'd expected (and as one might wish). The bigger problem is that the chunks looked like sausage cut up, and the texture was strange. I would not order that dish again. The dal dish I ordered was great, as was the chicken special that one of our party got. The tomato soup and paneer dish we got were also good. I ordered raita and it was watery, perhaps that's the family style, but I've never had such watery raita. The paratha bread was wonderful-- hot, fresh, delicious. Overall, just okay. And yet we'd go back-- it's a very welcoming place.
(3)
Alana H.
I don't know. Maybe I had an expectation in my head that I shouldn't have, but this place just didn't do it for me. I'm not one of those people who likes to be talked to by the owner for basically the entire time i'm at a restaurant; so this place immediately rubbed me the wrong way when the owner was bearing down on us the entire night. It really reminded me of that Seinfeld episode with Babbu, and how he keeps tending to Jerry's every need. I came here wanting yellow curry. Because YES, I am boring. I have not delved into the Indian food world much, but I do know I loves me some yellow curry; that is what I wanted. Unfortunately, in the owner's overbearingness, he basically ordered us to get a variety of dishes and share them. None of which were yellow curry, and all of which were VERY small. He went on and on about how this one dish had HUGE shrimps, and really we only got three medium sized shrimps [and there were four people.] Not really something you can share. Even after eating dessert I was very hungry. The food was all alright, it was tasty, but all was kind of the same. The desserts were also very small but tasted good. I have to admit, it was a Saturday night and there were only two other tables filled, that isn't a good sign for this businesses future. Maybe next time, but unfortunately I don't think there will be for me.
(2)
Chandri V.
Interior is very impressive, servers are all courteous, everything is great except the food :( The food is not exactly authentic Indian. We ordered biryani and okra masala. The okra masala was good, but nothing exceptional for the price. The biryani was a total disappointment. It was simply a plate of rice, chicken, egg and certain vegetables such as potato and zucchini which have no business in a biryani, especially a Mughal one! Biryani spices were missing from the dish. The only spices that had been used were turmeric (an overdose) and red chilli powder. I want to give the place a second chance, just because it dares to be different from other Indian restaurants in terms of the menu and ambiance. However, at these prices, I definitely expect a much more flavorful meal and so am not sure I want to experiment again!
(1)
Scott N.
The food here was amazing and the service was incredible. Our waitress was extraordinarily attentive and directed our choices to the specials that evening. I had the roasted chicken and my partner had the beef rezala. Both dishes were unique and delicious. We had cabbage rolls for an appetizer. This dish was also a special not on the menu. The flavors exploded and the coriander (I think) sauce was the perfect accompaniment. After a wonderful, filling meal, our waitress brought us complimentary Gulab Jamon. I've had these many times at buffets, but i've never had them warm.... YUM! The waitress mentioned they have a special fish biriani on occasion. Given we live in Cincinnati, we'll just have to hope next time we're in Columbus that it is a fish biriani kinda day at Indian Oven, because I want to try it... bad! So there, I ended a five star review with the word 'bad'. That's pretty good. ......Aww, I just messed that up!
(5)
Steven H.
Why all the hate? This is a fine, fine restaurant. Clean, classy, good service, and wonderfully spicy food (you can order 1-5 spiciness). Definitely try the alcoholic lassis, which can mitigate the heat; and all the food is at least one notch above the "standard" Indian diner. I'm not a connoisseur, but I will be coming back again often. Plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers. What's more: ample parking!!!
(4)
Brad S.
It's impossible not to compare this lunch buffet to the others in town, namely the one at Aab. This one doesn't measure up. The choices were very limited (2 chicken dishes, some rice, a veggie side). I expect a more varied spread in a buffet - all curries make for a boring lunch. The staff were friendly and the meal was well priced, but I'll go back to Aab for my regular lunchtime indian fix.
(2)
Kate H.
This is one of those places that you either really love or you don't. I am a big fan of Indian food generally (I think Aab in Grandview is spectacular), but Indian Oven isn't quite the Indian I was familiar with. That being said I love it here. I love the restaurant, I love the food and I love owner, who take such pride in this place,the ingredients in his food, his employees and his guests. I am a big fan of the chicken vindaloo... I am usually a lamb fan at Indian restaurants, but that is not the Oven's strong suit. The samosas are excellent, as is this mango chutney like dip they have for their new cabbage chicken egg roll (that is not on the menu yet, but will be soon). Their saffron rice is also excellently done, which Aab sometimes lacks. I'd stay away from the garlic na'an unless you want to sweat it out for the next month. The Oven is much more of a fine dining experience than you'd expect and the price is higher than Aab and other Indian restaurants as well. I think it well worth the trade off. We are always welcomed guests and know most of the staff. I feel a loyalty to this place and hope they can keep a decent client base in someone difficult location.
(5)
SE W.
I always have high hopes for this place since it is so close to my house. I give it a try about once a year and am always disappointed. The food is tasteless and dry. It is also more expensive than most other Indian restaurants in Columbus. This past time, I placed a carry out order and the person on the phone was quite rude and short when I asked questions. When went to pick it up not a single person was in the place and the cook was sitting at a table on his smart phone.
(2)
Steve G.
Indian Oven is one of those places I have a love/hate relationship with. Food was delicious, service was great, but the prices were just a bit beyond what I expect to pay. I had a very similar experience with a place called Bollywood Bistro, and that location closed. Indian Oven, on the other hand, will attract to the more upscale Downtown residents that are craving good Indian food, so I'm not worried about this location. I'll be back when I'm craving great Indian food, but it won't be a common occurrence.
(4)
Tom B.
Lunch Buffett is rather limited. Disappointed by their Chicken Tikka Masala (served with grilled onions and the sauce has little cream). Great bar selection. Decor is very nice. Great place for dates or friends, but don't expect the Indian dishes to knock your socks off. Acceptable and passable in crunch. Bar menu and atmosphere make up where the food is lacking.
(2)
Susan R.
Firstly, I'd like to say that I'm a little amused by the idea that a "cracker thing" with "weird green sauce" is unusual at an Indian restaurant--I have had those at just about every Indian restaurant I've ever visited. The cracker is papadom. The green stuff is a cilantro-based condiment that is quite common. Indian Oven is not my favorite Indian restaurant in Columbus; their chicken tikka masala is kind of strange (well, it could be authentic for all I know, it's just not what I am used to) but it tastes all right. I dig the more modern atmosphere and I've always had pretty good service. And their coriander chutney, the "weird green sauce," is superior; I really dig it. In fact, all of their condiments are really tasty. I would probably go and get an appetizer and the papadom and chutneys, they were that good. The prices are a little higher than what I'm used to at an Indian restaurant (and the portions a little small), but every now and then I just feel like eating Indian food in a modern setting. That is the essence of what Indian Oven is to me--okay food, kind of cool building.
(3)
Matt W.
I hadn't been to the Indian Oven since they moved away from their old campus location. On going to try their newer location with some friends, I have to admit I agree with a lot of the consensus. I tried one of their spiked mango lassis, flavored with midori and mandarin orange vodka, and it was a nice twist on an old favorite, with the cool sweetness of the lassi blending well with the alcohol. The complementary poppadoms and chutney were a big hit, but Garlic naan was a bit of a letdown. The bread was decent, but could have used a bit more flavor - the garlic didn't come through. The star, though, was the goat rezala - the bone in goat was wonderfully tender and the curry and ginger sauce was amazing. Even at "medium" spicy it had a great kick. The reason I'm going three stars, though, is the service, which was very quick initially and noticably slowed down as the meal went on (getting our check took almost 15 minutes!) and the prices, which are a good $7-10 dollars per dish more than most restaurants in town. The Indian Oven is good, but I'm not sure they're so good that it justifies the price hike.
(3)
Diane D.
Great location downtown, very accessible with ample parking. However the food is mediocre at best, especially for the vegetarian dishes. I lunched today with a friend and we got the buffet. I was extremely disappointed in the size and variety offered - it's easily half the size or less of the amazing lunch buffet offered 7 days a week at the Indian place I normally favor. There were four main dishes (two of them chicken and two vegetarian), naan, a salad, raita, and one dessert (kheer, which was overly salted but tasty). Best part of the meal was the fantastic iced tea they served - nice spice to it. If not for it's convenience and quick lunchtime service I probably would not visit again.
(2)
Peter L.
Not bad. Decent lunch buffet for $10. Four dishes, white rice and naan. And from the other reviews, sounds like the dishes are always the same. Definitely ate my money's worth and left slipping into food coma, but the buffet spread doesn't measure up to Aab in Grandview. Awesome space though with an impressive bar. Great service during our visit.
(3)
CoffeeCup C.
Brief review: If you're looking this up online in a hurry to find a good Indian place to dine at - look elsewhere. Lengthier review: As other reviewers have indicated, the service is good, so is the ambiance. The name of the place is a refreshing break from other non-creative names for Indian restaurants. All good, except the food. Let me explain. I love having Indian food at restaurants and don't mind shelling out the extra cash for food that I could otherwise cook at home. I'm simply looking for a change from the monotony of my personal recipes and am typically a forgiving customer. We ordered Mughal Biryani - one mutton and one chicken. For the $$ price, it was remarkably unremarkable. I've cooked better at home. And I always follow online recipes. The flavor of the rice was poor and for that, the quantity was thankfully less. I was disappointed at the amount when they brought the food, but grateful for it after the first bite. The mutton was cooked well, the chicken was too dry - perhaps it was cooked in the microwave; which seems very plausible since the food arrived surprisingly fast. The meat most certainly did not absorb the flavors of the rest of the biryani, which of course in this case was very mediocre. The rice was overcooked, the turmeric flavor overwhelming. The food arrived surprisingly fast. Given the lack of any flavors, that's no compliment. The addition of non-traditional veggies in the biryani (Zucchini? really???) made it seem like they were improvising at the kitchen to provide some greens to the dish. Finally, the raita (which is an essential accompaniment to biryani) was an additional $2.50 and hardly a few tablespoons. To summarize my experience: in their quest to provide fast service, the admittedly courteous staff seemed to have decided to dispense with actually cooking good food. My advice to the staff: stick to standard recipes. Even if it takes a little longer, your customers will be grateful. And quit being cheap. Provide the raita with the biryani. It hardly sets you back a few cents. My advice to potential customers: go elsewhere.
(2)
Bala K.
We ordered biryani here. Big mistake. What showed up was a tomato-based fried rice. The chef or owner walked around asking for opinions from guests, but came nowhere near our table as he knew that we knew what Indian food tastes like. This wasn't it. Service and ambience on the other hand, was very good - something that is not usually a strong suit for Indian restaurants.
(1)
Corey M.
This is the best Indian Food I have ever had. I am certain it was the food talking, not the cool, funky, artsy, modern physical space. The chutney that came with the poppadoms was one of the best things ever. I couldn't get enough, I put it on everything. They have some unusual things like Bhindi (Okra) and Beef Masala. It is more expensive than your typical Indian restaurant, but this is not your typical Indian restaurant. Quality, ambiance, and excellent service don't come cheap. You can find Indian food almost as good for less, but you won't get the quality, ambiance, or service.
(4)
Pooja A.
Their food does not taste like Indian at all. I will not recommend this restaurant if you are looking to eat authentic indian food.
(1)
Aaron W.
An excellent little place. This place was highly recommended, but it took several trips to the city before I had a chance to try it out. It was worth it. The food was excellent. The service was wonderful. The waitress, besides being very attentive, was well versed on the menu and was able to describe all the offerings very well. It's a shame I often travel with people who don't care for Indian food, because this place is well worth repeated visits
(5)
J.J. C.
I had the minced eggplant dish here, and it was very good, This place has different flavored nan! Very awesome!! The staff is very kind. My friend and I showed up before the store was open according to the restaurant hours, but it was very cold out.. and they let us in, even though we were 20 minutes early. And the service is great.
(5)
Michael N.
This is one of my favorite Indian Restaurants around town. The food here is pretty darn good. Although I am a little disappointed that they changed out the curry chicken for curry goat. Now I am a fan of goat. But this goat was kind of chewy. Otherwise the Tandoori Chicken, Basmati Rice, Potatoes and Peas, and Naan Bread are quite delicious. The customer service here is great. They are very attentive but not overly attentive. You know the annoying waiter or waitress that keeps coming over to you every 3 minutes asking if everything alright. Or the one who brings your drinks and food but you never see them again. They are in between. Buffet area is very clean and this place is pretty immaculate. It is also well lit. Would definitely say to go check this out.
(4)
Alaina S.
Loved it. Went for dinner. Can't speak for the lunch buffet. Service was tremendous, you can tell this is a family owned biz and they truly care about your experience.
(4)
Mike B.
For all of the hype I heard about this place's indian food and their lunch buffet, I was sorely disappointed. I went with two co-workers for the lunch buffet, which consisted of only 4 dishes, one of which was extremely dry overspiced chicken, the others were some vegan dishes of paste consistency. The redeeming parts were the bread (nan?) and the sweet rice porridge. I've definitely had better indian food before, and while I didn't order off the menu, the buffet is supposed to reflect the restaurant.
(2)
S D.
Gr8 Food.. Bangla food specialty. Great seafood. But pricey. Once in 3 months would be great.. Atmosphere great and the service great as well..
(4)
troy l.
Again I must first issue my disclaimer for this review: i rate strictly on a bang / buck scale. If the food served here came at $6 a dish in some strip mall my overall rating would be different, but the reviews of people we know and here on TA, the cost of factor and the location itself held the bar very high. We were served mediocre food at best - especially considering it was way over $10 a dish. I am no professional chef - but the chicken we were served was either old or frozen or both. The excellent ambiance and the top design of the place full of stainless steel and an all glass enclosed bar and kitchen could not help us get over the fact that we were utterly disappointed. If we had not come with a gift certificate we would have definitely argued over paying for the food - which would not have been embarrassing at all since we were one of two couples in a place with space for at least 50. Again - dry and stick to your teeth chicken absolutely unacceptable. Especially if the place was empty i would assume that the chef would take his time to wow us and assume that this would the best advertisement they can have.
(1)
Mary Jo H.
Currently, our favorite restaurant; great atmosphere and service
(5)
Angie P.
I came here for lunch today. The lunch portions are a good size and the prices are decent. It's not exactly cheap but not overly expensive either. Serving times were quick too so people who work in the area can grab lunch without worrying about the time (you can easily go on a half hour lunch break but with an hour break you'd be more than fine.)
(4)
Wes U.
I've eaten here dozens of times and have never left disappointed. The menu has stuff for people who aren't 'fans' of traditional indian food --- like the roll up which is out of site --- so I can routinely bring guests along for the ride who otherwise wouldn't go for this kind of fare.
(5)
Michael J.
Liked it a lot and I have been to quite a few Indian places. Nice contemporary style place. Food was very tasty; had lamb, custard desert. Our party had all sorts of different dishes and everyone had a nice time. Definitely would come back.
(4)
James e.
decent food here,,,,however Indian Oven uses some frozen vegetables like EVERY other Indian restaurant in Columbus.....most notably frozen Okra & canned mushrooms..... which is crazy for the prices they charge.... why not buy fresh & whatever you do not use,,,put it in the lunch buffet.....also the sauces vary depending on whom is cooking so consistency is not the best.....I have loved this place over the years but i have to write this & to EVERY other Indian restaurant in Columbus because all of the ones i've tried use some amount of frozen vegetables......ALL OF THEM...
(2)
Zack F.
One of my all time favorite Indian restaurants in the country. The new location is really modern and cool. Unfortunately in the winter it is also cold. I blame all the glass. I like the open kitchen and the liquor display. I would travel to Columbus just to eat here. The owner, Murad, is a real character, but if you show up a few times he will remember you and is quite friendly in his own endearingly gruff way. Then naan is great. The coriander chutney is the best I have ever had and the owner will tell you as much. :) This is the only Indian restaurant I have been to that has a Vegetable Navrattan Korma that I would order a second time. In fact, I want to order it every single time it is so good. Aloo Gobi is also great. Oh man let me tell you about the vegetable samosas. THE BEST. So good. I am not particularly won over by the other appetizers however others do enjoy them. I like the idea of the raised communal eating table. The lunch buffet is a great deal and a fun experience. However, the hours make it difficult to attend unless you work in the area. Always get both the keer and the kulfi. They are both the best I have had at an Indian restaurant anywhere. Can you tell I love this place?
(5)
Jurgen J.
I would have given higher rating if it's not for the prices. I have to say that this is one of my favorite indian cuisine in Columbus. The tandooris are wonderful, it is flavorful and cooked just right. I usually go with one of the curries, which are wonderful and the palak paneer, which is also good. The Naan is also thick and chewy, which is excellent for my taste. This is certainly a place where the meats stands out more, as to other more popular vegetarian Indian restaurant in Columbus like Banana Leaf. I once had the lunch buffet, which as people say that it is budget friendlier. As i remembered, although we get tons of chicken tandoori, we didn't get any lamb curry. But it's still pretty good. I don't think it's that cheap, it's still in the upper 10s. In conclusion, i agree with those who thinks this place is extremely overpriced.
(3)
Chelsea P.
I love spicy food and have a really hard time finding it in Columbus... The Indian Oven is honestly the only place in Columbus I cannot order "extra" spicy. In fact, I typically have to order medium or mild (depending on the day). I usually stick to my favorites (Lamb and Spinach or Tandoori Chicken Makhni), however, they offer specials nightly and the owner will often make suggestions - if you are lucky, he will bring you a surprise to try. There is a full bar, although I have never ordered anything other than beer or wine (not a huge beer/wine list). Not a great date place for variety of reasons... most importantly, it is rather brightly lit and somewhat intrusive - the tables are really close together.... Awkward. A few other important details.... If you are used to eating Indian food in NYC, SF, Chicago, etc... the entrees seem a little expensive (and the portions are not big), especially for Columbus... Carry out for two is usually well over thirty dollars, so, you can imagine what dine-in dinner would cost. They have a lunch buffet; however, I would suggest sticking to what you know/like rather than try the buffet. There is outside seating and also a private room in case you are looking to host a party or special event. There are not tons of Indian options in the downtown area (or Columbus in general), so, I pretty much head there when I am looking for a spicy Indian meal. I occasionally head to the North Market for Indian, however, I prefer the Oven.
(4)
Brad S.
Underwhelming. Especially the lunch buffet, which I don't even know if they offer anymore. If they don't, you're definitely not missing anything. The interior is very pretty and doesn't have the usual creepy "parents' basement" feel of a lot of Indian restaurants around town. Way overpriced for the portion size and it seems like every dish comes with some weird green sauce that isn't readily identifiable. How bout switching it up from time to time? Maybe throw some mango chutney on a couple dishes? I was also served some sort of weird crisp-bread, tortilla-esque, chip-thingy as a sort of appetizer the last time I came here, which came with, you guessed it, the infamous green sauce stuff. IThe whole thing was fairly foul. Patio seating was a little weird too, because this isn't exactly a cozy, happening neighborhood and it had the ambiance of a prison courtyard. Go to Sher-e-Punjab instead.
(2)
Jessica M.
Good food, exceptional service. We go here a lot and have eaten about half the items on the menu -- everything is very good. Lots of vegetarian dishes -- and, they even customized the special and made it vegetarian for me last time I went. Really great service and hospitality.
(4)
Seth D.
I meet a lot of Indian families through my work, and I always ask them about local Indian restaurants. Almost 80% say this place is over priced. The rest admit that it's expensive, but still good. I had a very good experience here myself. It was delicious, authentic, and the service was good. Yes, this will end up costing more than Taj Palace, but you will get a completely different experience! Keep in mind that India is a very diverse place when it comes to things like food, and languages for that matter, so one persons version of Indian might not be another persons version.
(4)
Si R.
The food is pretty solid (although the curry chicken is by no means potent enough... more like cream chicken), if not a tad bit under spiced, but I can't get over the weirdness of the building. It's this quasi-modern/industrial/semi-depressing (in the corners of the dining room) space, with strange glass/metal accents. It's hardly what I'm used to in an Indian restaurant. I'm somewhat disappointed with the high prices (portions are by no means huge), but the drinks are really a rip-off. The smallest pour of a scotch I've ever seen -- the glass was packed with ice, too -- and a gin and tonic, minus all but a trace of gin. Give us a good value for the money!
(3)
Tasha A.
I was a bit wary of going to Indian Oven after reading some of the reviews, but I thought why not give it a try. What's the worst that can happen?! :) We went with a group of 10-12 people, we were seated quickly, the waiters were extremely nice! I was impressed with the number of specials they had & the waiters recommendations were pretty good also! I'll definitely go back when I'm in Columbus!
(4)
Andy B.
I just enjoyed a delicious dinner tonight - tandoori chicken makhani with medium spice level. It could not have tasted better! Staff was very friendly and hospitable. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Samantha D.
What an interesting discovery to make in the Discovery District of Columbus! I was immediately struck by how much the Indian Oven reminds me of UK Indian restaurants. From the decor to the tiny water glasses, this place definitely feels like it could be located on a London side-street. The restaurant is spacious, well-lit, and almost trendy but not so much so that it's intimidating. The service was friendly, attentive, and obviously very passionate about the food. When asked, our waitress was more than willing to describe dishes in length so that we knew what we were getting. Now, on to the food... I was quite pleased with the wide selection at the Indian Oven. It wasn't just your typical curry and rice menu. It included tandoori, lamb chops, biryani, and a host of vegetarian options. The free poppadoms and cilantro chutney were delicious, as was the pakora. Crispy, hot, and flavorful- yum, yum, and yum. If you're a mango lassi fan I highly recommend that you try one at the Indian Oven, as I have not had such a delicious lassi in quite a while. For my entree, I ordered the goat rezala, which is goat that is marinated in ginger, garlic, and spices and served with rice. It was very flavorful. However, I have some complaints about the dish. First, there was very little meat. Instead, it was mostly bone and gristle. Second, it was quite expensive ($20) while only offering a small portion size. Third, it made my stomach hurt. Overall, the goat rezala was an enjoyable dish but I would not order it again. I felt the same way about the nan. The regular nan was just middle-of-the-road, but the garlic nan was downright unpleasant. Overall, I felt that the quality of the food at the Indian Oven did not quite live up to all of the other good things about it. I would recommend trying the Indian Oven if you're hoping to have a unique Indian dining experience in Columbus, but do not expect to have the best food of your life. The Indian Oven: it's good but not my favorite Indian food in Columbus.
(3)
Toine R.
GOD YES, I need and want more! Better, I'll marry the chief and have his or her babies as long as they keep me feed in curried lamb and samosas. My first experience obviously was positive, and I'm looking for an excuse to have a party to make everyone I know try Indian now. I got a cookbook from the library and attempted (not half bad) to create something at home to tied me over. I'm a junkie now for the smells, taste and colors of these dishes.
(4)
Brian G.
I am a huge fan of Indian food. I have had months where I nearly ate Indian food everyday. This is a fancy take on the food that millions of poor people ate that heavily spiced to mask the taste of rotten meat. I liked it here though. I liked sitting on the deck outside and the service was decent. C'mon though for Indian, the prices are a little much and the portions aren't that phenomenal, although I have to say I was quite full regardless. It's a good eat after work kinda place when you haven't had Indian in a while and average.
(3)
Jamie K.
I have been eating at Indian oven since it was on campus. Great food and excellent service. Completely disagree with reviews about this place being overpriced!
(5)
Emily H.
Visited with my boyfriend on a gloomy, rainy night and there were only 2 other tables occupied. Service was so fast it bordered on annoying, but the waitress was very friendly. There was a complimentary papadum appetizer on the table, which was very yummy. Samosas were good and crisp, and the food was not bad. I ordered the palak paneer, which had huge chunks of paneer but was less green than usual. Boyfriend ordered chicken masala, which was good but not as good as Taj Mahal's. We've ordered takeout several times and gotten the vegetarian platter, which is a large amount of food for the price. Unfortunately, a lot of the entrees are disappointing. The aloo gobi, in particular, uses chunks of cauliflower that are WAY too large and the sauce tends to just pool at the bottom of the container. I can't think of any entrees in particular that were impressive, though none of them were inedible. I prefer Taj Mahal, despite the fact that Indian Oven's open atmosphere is more aesthetically pleasing. If you decide to get food from here, beware - their medium spice level is pretty darn spicy!
(2)
John Q.
Went here for dinner on a Sunday evening. Very quiet in the restaurant, but this helped ensure timely and personalized service. Food was solid - including some outstanding somosas. One drawback - the chicken dish we ordered was incredibly dry. It was still very tasty - but very, very dry. Will gladly go here again as it was a very good experience overall.
(3)
Edward W.
Indian Oven serves the best Indian food in Columbus. Prompt and professional service in a great atmosphere.
(4)
Jodi S.
I dont think this place lives up to it's reputation, although the staff surely seems to think so. I prefer Aab India for Indian food in cbus.
(3)
Cat F.
I enjoyed my visit. The food was good and the atmosphere was open and clean. I liked the change in atmosphere from other Indian Restaurants because it allows people a choice. I didn't notice a lack of seasoning as some other have, and the service we had was excellent.
(4)
Matthew D.
Excellent food, excellent service.
(4)
Abe N.
Good food. Great for families. Owner came out and played with my three-year-old so my wife and I could enjoy our meal. None better in all of Columbus.
(4)
Jason T.
Great food, quick, friendly service. Only my first time there so I don't have a great feel for the overall menu but so far so good. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
sarah b.
some years ago the owner moved from a cramped, decaying old house near the osu campus to a renovated car dealership downtown, and the food is every bit as good. i have yet to find pakoras or mango lassis as good as theirs, and i visit nearly every time i'm back in ohio. (the owner still remembers my favorite dishes.) being downtown, they get crowded for weekday lunches, but you'll find it surprisingly easy to get a seat in the evening. if you love indian, don't miss this place.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
Jonathan M.
Very delicious... My Indian friends tell me it's very Americanized Indian food, but everyone says it's amazing! Very elegant and yummy!
(5)Jasmine M.
I love this place! The food is above average for what you get in the area, but what really sets it apart is the decor. It's much nicer and has much more of a "date-night" feel than other Indian restaurants. The service is great too!
(5)LA F.
I wish Indian Oven was a bit less expensive so we could eat there constantly. Their food is special. There's a complexity to their sauces that is rare to find; the deliciousness does not seem to come from heavy oil or cream.
(5)Aaron L.
I met the owner, Murod (spelling) back in 2001 when I moved to Cbus. He loves to mingle and interact with the clientele and is very personable. He always remembers me and asks about my family. As for the food... I have to say it's my favorite Indian joint EVER! My favorite dish is the Lamb Shank. It gets a little messy but it's heaven on a bone!!! And finally, the ambiance isn't what you would expect for an indian joint. It's very open and modern. Very clean and the servers have always been great.
(5)Helen M.
My first-ever Yelp review, so here goes!: I could not understand the 3 1/2 rating so had to speak up. If I could give a half star, this place would always get a solid 4 1/2 stars in my book, and definitely a 5 for Columbus. I have gone there many times for family dinners to birthdays and holiday dinners, and have never had anything but wonderful experiences. The modern, industrial interior is contrasted by the friendly and jovial owner, who is always happy to have a good conversation, and answer any questions you might have. The wait staff is always attentive and good-natured. And now for the food... Being a lover of Indian food, and having had my Indian boyfriend's mom's home-cooking, as well as having traveled to India, I can honestly say that the Indian Oven does an excellent job both with traditional dishes, as well as modern twists on the classics. For instance, tonight tried the owner's recommendation of chicken cabbage rolls, sort of a take on the Chinese egg roll, that were comforting and very flavorful, and come with a semi-sweet, semi-spicy curried dipping sauce. For the entree, I again the special--lamb served as five lollipop pieces seasoned with cumin, garam masala, among other spices, and cooked medium over a bed of fluffy biryani rice with sautéed onions and peppers. It had just the right amount of spice for my "medium" selection, and the meal left me completely full, and satisfied my Indian food craving. So, to wrap it up...TL;DR...if you like Indian and are in the area--GO HERE!! No, it's not your traditional mall food or everyday curries....it's much , much better! Give it a go :)
(4)Rishi R.
Great ambience. Great location. Great service by the server (also the manager). But lacking on food quality of the main entree. The server was quick and interactive. She knew about the dishes as opposed to having a generic answer. All items were brought quickly. The main entree I ordered was their main chicken dish based in the recommendation but the chicken was hard. I also had to add salt. I will return to this place for another chance to try out something else.
(3)Greg S.
I am not sure what all the fuss is about. I read the reviews here and decided to give it a go. In my opinion the selection was small and the taste bland. I mean I have never had to add salt to Indian food before to give it some taste! This time I did. The goat dish had no meat in it and there was not much meat on the chicken either. (they serve both on the bone) For my money it is hard to beat the buffet over on Mill Run in Hilliard.
(2)Erica R.
A little off the beaten path, this Indian spot has become one of my favorites. They have an incredible lunch buffet and the food is always delicious. It is a great spot for a private dinner with a quiet romantic atmosphere. The staff is friendly and they provide great service. They also have a fantastic drink selection.
(5)Robin C.
It wasn't until I moved to the great big old state of Ohio (now we know it's all bigger and *ahem better in Texas so I mean this figuratively) that I had my first taste of Indian food. For many a month my friends would try to persuade me to give it a try but the concept of curry, tandoori, and naan were scary. Oh, how the culinary palate times have changed! Indian Oven is the closest place for this delectable cuisine that I have of for us East Siders. The location is set in modern decor and the price point matches the overall goal you can tell the owners are going for. I was immediately taken to a table and before I had my coat off a cripsy treat with delicious green sauc was sitting in front of me before I even meet my waitress, who was only a few steps behind. I ordered the Mango Lassi, adult style, that was DEE-LICIOUS! Next up was to order my entree, which proved to be very difficult! The daily specials sounded magnificient and the menu had several options for a curry lover. I went with the chicken makhni and onion naan. The naan was great! It was stuffed with minced onin and piping hot. The chicken makhni was...fine. It wasn't the greatest Indian dish I've ever had and I doubt I'll ever order it again. Now, I'm not saying it isn't worth ordering but it just didn't wow me, knock me off my feet. Toward the end of my visit, my server seems much less attentive than when I first arrived and my exit was extremely delayed as I waited around for her return to my table. Now, I don't blame her one bit. She was the only server working. I would recommend that the restaurant add a server or have other employees assist when the restaurant starts to fill up. There were a few guys just standing around waiting for something to do, while she was running around solo.
(4)Tia P.
This place is a hidden gem. I never knew about this place if it weren't for my friend who came here a few times with his colleagues. Food was good, nice atmosphere and good service. It's a bit far for me but I would come back.
(4)Erica C.
Indian Oven never seems to disappoint. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure you feel like family. Tonight they recommend a special dish of slow roasted chicken to my husband---it was amazing. The nann, especially the garlic, is the best I've ever tasted as well. The best thing about this restaurant is that it seems like a hidden gem. Never extremely crowded but very clean and industrial looking. Try it out- you won't be sorry!
(5)Mark R.
The food and the service are both top notch. You'll never ask to have your drink refilled. It must be the clay oven because the veggies are cooked to perfection. Exceptional restaurant.
(5)liz l.
Man, I LOVE this place! The look: good first impression. Easy location and parking. The service: super friendly and welcoming. The food: awesome awesome awesome!!!!!!!!!!! Some of the best Indian food I've had, definitely the best in Columbus. We had onion salad, palak paneer, bhindi, and lamb masala. Everything was wonderful--very flavorful and perfectly spiced--as was the Chenin Blanc. So, so good.
(5)Bryant M.
Whoa... I feel like I'm in that sideways universe on Lost right now. I'm usually pretty in synch with Yelp's overall rating, especially for an established restaurant like Indian Oven. At 3.5 stars, let's just say I wasn't tripping over myself to try this place out. But then a good friend of mine wanted to meet there for dinner--I really like this friend, so I said 'yes.' From the looks of it, a lot of the disgruntled reviews mention the lunch buffet. I'm not really a buffet kinda guy, so completely disregard my review if that's what you're looking for. Maybe it *is* terrible? I have no clue. I love the location of Indian Oven, especially at dinnertime on the weekend. There's loads of street parking, and it's only a 7-minute drive from my house. I'm used to having to drive all the way to Grandview to get good Indian at Aab. The interior here is lovely. It's so bright, airy, clean--very minimalistic. The service is top notch. The guys running the restaurant are friendly, kind, and genuinely care about your experience. We never wanted for anything; I constantly had water refills, and someone checking to make sure I loved my meal. It was a lot of attention, but it wasn't obnoxious--it was very sweet and thoughtful. One of the guys--I'm assuming an owner?--talked to me at length when I asked about where all the meat comes from. I had roasted chicken, which was the special that night, and it was a special type of hen he buys from a local farm. He then went on to tell me about where the goat is from, the lamb, etc. I could have geeked out on this stuff all night, but I don't think my friend was quite as into it as I was. #FFA4Ever My entree, the previously mentioned roasted chicken, was spectacular. It was a Bangaluru dish--chicken smothered in a spicy cashew sauce over seasoned jasmine rice. When I mentioned my wheat thing, our server told me it wouldn't be a problem. I love places that put my mind at ease and don't make me feel like a weirdo. As we were wrapping up our dinner, the server brought out a mango custard, compliments of the house. He told me it would be good for digestion. It tasted like a thick lassi, and I was a fan. My dinner cost about $20, which I thought was on point. A beautiful atmosphere, incredibly sweet people, and delicious food... how could I not give Indian Oven five stars?
(5)Matt H.
Pretty good Indian food. Curry has various levels of spicyness. The mango ice cream was very expensive and sub par. I think the place is over priced for what it is.
(3)Michael A.
I was extremely skeptical before going in to the Indian oven, but my skepticism was quickly extinguished when meeting the waiter. He was very cordial, polite and patient. The waiter recommended the roast chicken and let me say...wow! Very very good food. They even offered to comp my meal if I didn't like the dish. This was a great experience. The service was great, the food was great and the inside is very simple and clean. I recommend this when you want to get your daily fix.
(5)Tan N.
I'm not sure why this place is only 3.5 stars! That is just crazy to me. Is it because people just want the same old curries and can't taste the intricate flavors in Indian cooking and can't taste the difference between this and an average Indian joint? I'm so glad I read Bryant M.'s review and gave this place a shot. It's amazing! From the extra delicious cilantro chutney that came with the papadum to the extra entree we ordered because the first two were so delicious, we were very pleased. We thought it was because we were just hungry in the beginning and maybe that was why the free papadum was so good--but no! I think it's because they know how to taste the food. The lamb vindaloo was tender and and the exact spice level I wanted (medium). The bhindi (okra) masala was extra spiceful (not spicy). The palak paneer we ordered in addition had amazing, fresh tasting handmade paneer (cheese). Amazing. The onion salad was spicy and went well with all of the entrees--a little too much on its own. The Chenin blanc (from India, no less) was surprisingly tasty and went perfectly with the food. And finally, the service was fantastic. Our waiter was a sweetheart and though the owner (?) tried to sell me on french cut lamb chops, I took it as a sign of interest and pride rather than selling it too hard. I made my choice of vindaloo and next time I'm going to go with his recommendation when it's not the end of the month. ;)
(5)Jay D.
My favorite spot for Indian food, the place is well lit and nicely designed but the food and the service are what set this place apart. The owner is always there and always greets you with a friendly smile just before warning you that their 'hot' is really really hot, I'd say it's about medium high on the spicy scale. Go for the Chicken Tikka Masala, some samosas and Naan --you'll not be disappointed.
(5)Karthik R.
i had a horrible experience today... rude staff, so so food and quite expensive... staff seemed to value only white american customers
(1)Brandie J.
I could have not been more satisfied with the menu, food, and service. Owner was extremely friendly and welcoming. Made you feel like he was welcoming you to your house for dinner. Will be coming back again next time I am in Columbus.
(5)Giovanna A.
This is probably my favorite indian restaurant to order off the menu from, not reviewing the buffet since I have never been to theirs. First of all I love the carryout here, including the spiked mango lassis while I wait, but the space is modern and the service is great eating in too. The garlic naan is to die for, the spice is just right as far as truly being able to get a medium, and their butter chicken is just perfect. A lot of places make their vegetarian dishes way too rich, something I associate with trying to get people to not eat too much at a typical indian buffet situation, and these folks are not guilty of that. Though I get to come here much less often since moving, the owner still remembers me and what I like, gotta love that!
(5)Branham P.
the buffet is a must. Go ASAP. flavor and more flavor in each bite. so go for lunch and get the buffet you will be happy. I don't know about dinner because downtown closes at 5:30pm.
(4)Ram B.
I am..quite picky in choosing a good Indian restaurant ...having said that, Indian oven rocks when it comes to non-vegetarian indian food! (The only other good Indian restaurant in Columbus is Dosa corner -South Indian food) Best dishes are their specials - roasted chicken & lamb chops!! & pakoras!! Downsides..expensive! But worth it, will go again! Hope Indian oven keeps up the good work
(5)Linda F.
We followed the Indian Oven from its former location on campus to the market district locTion. The quality of food and the spices they use are the best in town. It is a little pricier than other Indian restaurants but worth it to me. The cheese in the shahi paneer is made in house. Mmmmmmm. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Richard P.
Every now and then I go to Indian Oven for the lunch buffet, mostly because it's one of the few places in reasonable walking distance of my office that serves decent food and is appropriate for business lunches (unfortunately, neither Donatos nor McDonalds meets that criteria). It's a small buffet: white rice, naan, two vegetable entrees (usually cabbage bazi and vegetable korma), and two meat entrees (every time I've been there, it's been chicken curry and chicken tandoori), plus raita, Indian-style pickles, and dessert (usually rice pudding or fruit in yogurt). It's small, but the food is well-cooked, and how much food does on need for a workday lunch, anyway, assuming you want to do any work afterwards? Plus the space is stylish without being pretentious, and pleasant. I wouldn't consider them the best Indian restaurant in Columbus, but every time I meet a particular colleague for lunch, he always asks to meet at Indian Oven. So I guess they're not too shabby, either.
(3)Matthew S.
Been coming to this restaurant for fifteen years. Would never consider going to a different Indian restaurant. The lamb vindaloo is complex. The shrimp Palau is sublime. The owner treats us like family. Best Indian food in the country!
(5)Demetreus R.
Not a expert on Indian cuisine, but I eat Indian all over the country. This places food is on par with all of them. The waitress was cute and friendly. The clientele seems to enjoy themselves. The food is great. I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants a nice Indian meal.
(5)Lana C.
We ate here on Valentine's Day. Not crowded, beautiful atmosphere, modern, urban, clean. Service was impeccable. Refills constantly. Food was the best! We had the two specials that night, huge shrimp with green beans and then 1/2 a free range chicken in a wonderful sauce. The garlic naan is delicious and the veggie patokas appetizer. Even the desserts were unique and tasty. You must go!!!
(5)Harry S.
Arrogant and insulting manager. As soon as we walk in he felt the need to make vulgar remarks about how we should speak English. We had a group of educated hotel developers, administrators, and a Colonel. We not only felt insulted, but also felt unwelcome the entire time. Had the weather not been terrible, we would have happily walked out and went elsewhere. Our waitress was polite and tried her best to be as helpful as possible. I do not see how this restaurant is rated high with such low quality of customer service. I will not bring my hospitality group here next time.
(1)Rebecca H.
The service is wonderful. However, our food was mixed in terms of quality. From the appetizers we ordered lamb shish kebab and I overlooked that it was made of "ground meat", so when it arrived it wasn't chunks of lamb as I'd expected (and as one might wish). The bigger problem is that the chunks looked like sausage cut up, and the texture was strange. I would not order that dish again. The dal dish I ordered was great, as was the chicken special that one of our party got. The tomato soup and paneer dish we got were also good. I ordered raita and it was watery, perhaps that's the family style, but I've never had such watery raita. The paratha bread was wonderful-- hot, fresh, delicious. Overall, just okay. And yet we'd go back-- it's a very welcoming place.
(3)Alana H.
I don't know. Maybe I had an expectation in my head that I shouldn't have, but this place just didn't do it for me. I'm not one of those people who likes to be talked to by the owner for basically the entire time i'm at a restaurant; so this place immediately rubbed me the wrong way when the owner was bearing down on us the entire night. It really reminded me of that Seinfeld episode with Babbu, and how he keeps tending to Jerry's every need. I came here wanting yellow curry. Because YES, I am boring. I have not delved into the Indian food world much, but I do know I loves me some yellow curry; that is what I wanted. Unfortunately, in the owner's overbearingness, he basically ordered us to get a variety of dishes and share them. None of which were yellow curry, and all of which were VERY small. He went on and on about how this one dish had HUGE shrimps, and really we only got three medium sized shrimps [and there were four people.] Not really something you can share. Even after eating dessert I was very hungry. The food was all alright, it was tasty, but all was kind of the same. The desserts were also very small but tasted good. I have to admit, it was a Saturday night and there were only two other tables filled, that isn't a good sign for this businesses future. Maybe next time, but unfortunately I don't think there will be for me.
(2)Chandri V.
Interior is very impressive, servers are all courteous, everything is great except the food :( The food is not exactly authentic Indian. We ordered biryani and okra masala. The okra masala was good, but nothing exceptional for the price. The biryani was a total disappointment. It was simply a plate of rice, chicken, egg and certain vegetables such as potato and zucchini which have no business in a biryani, especially a Mughal one! Biryani spices were missing from the dish. The only spices that had been used were turmeric (an overdose) and red chilli powder. I want to give the place a second chance, just because it dares to be different from other Indian restaurants in terms of the menu and ambiance. However, at these prices, I definitely expect a much more flavorful meal and so am not sure I want to experiment again!
(1)Scott N.
The food here was amazing and the service was incredible. Our waitress was extraordinarily attentive and directed our choices to the specials that evening. I had the roasted chicken and my partner had the beef rezala. Both dishes were unique and delicious. We had cabbage rolls for an appetizer. This dish was also a special not on the menu. The flavors exploded and the coriander (I think) sauce was the perfect accompaniment. After a wonderful, filling meal, our waitress brought us complimentary Gulab Jamon. I've had these many times at buffets, but i've never had them warm.... YUM! The waitress mentioned they have a special fish biriani on occasion. Given we live in Cincinnati, we'll just have to hope next time we're in Columbus that it is a fish biriani kinda day at Indian Oven, because I want to try it... bad! So there, I ended a five star review with the word 'bad'. That's pretty good. ......Aww, I just messed that up!
(5)Steven H.
Why all the hate? This is a fine, fine restaurant. Clean, classy, good service, and wonderfully spicy food (you can order 1-5 spiciness). Definitely try the alcoholic lassis, which can mitigate the heat; and all the food is at least one notch above the "standard" Indian diner. I'm not a connoisseur, but I will be coming back again often. Plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers. What's more: ample parking!!!
(4)Brad S.
It's impossible not to compare this lunch buffet to the others in town, namely the one at Aab. This one doesn't measure up. The choices were very limited (2 chicken dishes, some rice, a veggie side). I expect a more varied spread in a buffet - all curries make for a boring lunch. The staff were friendly and the meal was well priced, but I'll go back to Aab for my regular lunchtime indian fix.
(2)Kate H.
This is one of those places that you either really love or you don't. I am a big fan of Indian food generally (I think Aab in Grandview is spectacular), but Indian Oven isn't quite the Indian I was familiar with. That being said I love it here. I love the restaurant, I love the food and I love owner, who take such pride in this place,the ingredients in his food, his employees and his guests. I am a big fan of the chicken vindaloo... I am usually a lamb fan at Indian restaurants, but that is not the Oven's strong suit. The samosas are excellent, as is this mango chutney like dip they have for their new cabbage chicken egg roll (that is not on the menu yet, but will be soon). Their saffron rice is also excellently done, which Aab sometimes lacks. I'd stay away from the garlic na'an unless you want to sweat it out for the next month. The Oven is much more of a fine dining experience than you'd expect and the price is higher than Aab and other Indian restaurants as well. I think it well worth the trade off. We are always welcomed guests and know most of the staff. I feel a loyalty to this place and hope they can keep a decent client base in someone difficult location.
(5)SE W.
I always have high hopes for this place since it is so close to my house. I give it a try about once a year and am always disappointed. The food is tasteless and dry. It is also more expensive than most other Indian restaurants in Columbus. This past time, I placed a carry out order and the person on the phone was quite rude and short when I asked questions. When went to pick it up not a single person was in the place and the cook was sitting at a table on his smart phone.
(2)Steve G.
Indian Oven is one of those places I have a love/hate relationship with. Food was delicious, service was great, but the prices were just a bit beyond what I expect to pay. I had a very similar experience with a place called Bollywood Bistro, and that location closed. Indian Oven, on the other hand, will attract to the more upscale Downtown residents that are craving good Indian food, so I'm not worried about this location. I'll be back when I'm craving great Indian food, but it won't be a common occurrence.
(4)Tom B.
Lunch Buffett is rather limited. Disappointed by their Chicken Tikka Masala (served with grilled onions and the sauce has little cream). Great bar selection. Decor is very nice. Great place for dates or friends, but don't expect the Indian dishes to knock your socks off. Acceptable and passable in crunch. Bar menu and atmosphere make up where the food is lacking.
(2)Susan R.
Firstly, I'd like to say that I'm a little amused by the idea that a "cracker thing" with "weird green sauce" is unusual at an Indian restaurant--I have had those at just about every Indian restaurant I've ever visited. The cracker is papadom. The green stuff is a cilantro-based condiment that is quite common. Indian Oven is not my favorite Indian restaurant in Columbus; their chicken tikka masala is kind of strange (well, it could be authentic for all I know, it's just not what I am used to) but it tastes all right. I dig the more modern atmosphere and I've always had pretty good service. And their coriander chutney, the "weird green sauce," is superior; I really dig it. In fact, all of their condiments are really tasty. I would probably go and get an appetizer and the papadom and chutneys, they were that good. The prices are a little higher than what I'm used to at an Indian restaurant (and the portions a little small), but every now and then I just feel like eating Indian food in a modern setting. That is the essence of what Indian Oven is to me--okay food, kind of cool building.
(3)Matt W.
I hadn't been to the Indian Oven since they moved away from their old campus location. On going to try their newer location with some friends, I have to admit I agree with a lot of the consensus. I tried one of their spiked mango lassis, flavored with midori and mandarin orange vodka, and it was a nice twist on an old favorite, with the cool sweetness of the lassi blending well with the alcohol. The complementary poppadoms and chutney were a big hit, but Garlic naan was a bit of a letdown. The bread was decent, but could have used a bit more flavor - the garlic didn't come through. The star, though, was the goat rezala - the bone in goat was wonderfully tender and the curry and ginger sauce was amazing. Even at "medium" spicy it had a great kick. The reason I'm going three stars, though, is the service, which was very quick initially and noticably slowed down as the meal went on (getting our check took almost 15 minutes!) and the prices, which are a good $7-10 dollars per dish more than most restaurants in town. The Indian Oven is good, but I'm not sure they're so good that it justifies the price hike.
(3)Diane D.
Great location downtown, very accessible with ample parking. However the food is mediocre at best, especially for the vegetarian dishes. I lunched today with a friend and we got the buffet. I was extremely disappointed in the size and variety offered - it's easily half the size or less of the amazing lunch buffet offered 7 days a week at the Indian place I normally favor. There were four main dishes (two of them chicken and two vegetarian), naan, a salad, raita, and one dessert (kheer, which was overly salted but tasty). Best part of the meal was the fantastic iced tea they served - nice spice to it. If not for it's convenience and quick lunchtime service I probably would not visit again.
(2)Peter L.
Not bad. Decent lunch buffet for $10. Four dishes, white rice and naan. And from the other reviews, sounds like the dishes are always the same. Definitely ate my money's worth and left slipping into food coma, but the buffet spread doesn't measure up to Aab in Grandview. Awesome space though with an impressive bar. Great service during our visit.
(3)CoffeeCup C.
Brief review: If you're looking this up online in a hurry to find a good Indian place to dine at - look elsewhere. Lengthier review: As other reviewers have indicated, the service is good, so is the ambiance. The name of the place is a refreshing break from other non-creative names for Indian restaurants. All good, except the food. Let me explain. I love having Indian food at restaurants and don't mind shelling out the extra cash for food that I could otherwise cook at home. I'm simply looking for a change from the monotony of my personal recipes and am typically a forgiving customer. We ordered Mughal Biryani - one mutton and one chicken. For the $$ price, it was remarkably unremarkable. I've cooked better at home. And I always follow online recipes. The flavor of the rice was poor and for that, the quantity was thankfully less. I was disappointed at the amount when they brought the food, but grateful for it after the first bite. The mutton was cooked well, the chicken was too dry - perhaps it was cooked in the microwave; which seems very plausible since the food arrived surprisingly fast. The meat most certainly did not absorb the flavors of the rest of the biryani, which of course in this case was very mediocre. The rice was overcooked, the turmeric flavor overwhelming. The food arrived surprisingly fast. Given the lack of any flavors, that's no compliment. The addition of non-traditional veggies in the biryani (Zucchini? really???) made it seem like they were improvising at the kitchen to provide some greens to the dish. Finally, the raita (which is an essential accompaniment to biryani) was an additional $2.50 and hardly a few tablespoons. To summarize my experience: in their quest to provide fast service, the admittedly courteous staff seemed to have decided to dispense with actually cooking good food. My advice to the staff: stick to standard recipes. Even if it takes a little longer, your customers will be grateful. And quit being cheap. Provide the raita with the biryani. It hardly sets you back a few cents. My advice to potential customers: go elsewhere.
(2)Bala K.
We ordered biryani here. Big mistake. What showed up was a tomato-based fried rice. The chef or owner walked around asking for opinions from guests, but came nowhere near our table as he knew that we knew what Indian food tastes like. This wasn't it. Service and ambience on the other hand, was very good - something that is not usually a strong suit for Indian restaurants.
(1)Corey M.
This is the best Indian Food I have ever had. I am certain it was the food talking, not the cool, funky, artsy, modern physical space. The chutney that came with the poppadoms was one of the best things ever. I couldn't get enough, I put it on everything. They have some unusual things like Bhindi (Okra) and Beef Masala. It is more expensive than your typical Indian restaurant, but this is not your typical Indian restaurant. Quality, ambiance, and excellent service don't come cheap. You can find Indian food almost as good for less, but you won't get the quality, ambiance, or service.
(4)Pooja A.
Their food does not taste like Indian at all. I will not recommend this restaurant if you are looking to eat authentic indian food.
(1)Aaron W.
An excellent little place. This place was highly recommended, but it took several trips to the city before I had a chance to try it out. It was worth it. The food was excellent. The service was wonderful. The waitress, besides being very attentive, was well versed on the menu and was able to describe all the offerings very well. It's a shame I often travel with people who don't care for Indian food, because this place is well worth repeated visits
(5)J.J. C.
I had the minced eggplant dish here, and it was very good, This place has different flavored nan! Very awesome!! The staff is very kind. My friend and I showed up before the store was open according to the restaurant hours, but it was very cold out.. and they let us in, even though we were 20 minutes early. And the service is great.
(5)Michael N.
This is one of my favorite Indian Restaurants around town. The food here is pretty darn good. Although I am a little disappointed that they changed out the curry chicken for curry goat. Now I am a fan of goat. But this goat was kind of chewy. Otherwise the Tandoori Chicken, Basmati Rice, Potatoes and Peas, and Naan Bread are quite delicious. The customer service here is great. They are very attentive but not overly attentive. You know the annoying waiter or waitress that keeps coming over to you every 3 minutes asking if everything alright. Or the one who brings your drinks and food but you never see them again. They are in between. Buffet area is very clean and this place is pretty immaculate. It is also well lit. Would definitely say to go check this out.
(4)Alaina S.
Loved it. Went for dinner. Can't speak for the lunch buffet. Service was tremendous, you can tell this is a family owned biz and they truly care about your experience.
(4)Mike B.
For all of the hype I heard about this place's indian food and their lunch buffet, I was sorely disappointed. I went with two co-workers for the lunch buffet, which consisted of only 4 dishes, one of which was extremely dry overspiced chicken, the others were some vegan dishes of paste consistency. The redeeming parts were the bread (nan?) and the sweet rice porridge. I've definitely had better indian food before, and while I didn't order off the menu, the buffet is supposed to reflect the restaurant.
(2)S D.
Gr8 Food.. Bangla food specialty. Great seafood. But pricey. Once in 3 months would be great.. Atmosphere great and the service great as well..
(4)troy l.
Again I must first issue my disclaimer for this review: i rate strictly on a bang / buck scale. If the food served here came at $6 a dish in some strip mall my overall rating would be different, but the reviews of people we know and here on TA, the cost of factor and the location itself held the bar very high. We were served mediocre food at best - especially considering it was way over $10 a dish. I am no professional chef - but the chicken we were served was either old or frozen or both. The excellent ambiance and the top design of the place full of stainless steel and an all glass enclosed bar and kitchen could not help us get over the fact that we were utterly disappointed. If we had not come with a gift certificate we would have definitely argued over paying for the food - which would not have been embarrassing at all since we were one of two couples in a place with space for at least 50. Again - dry and stick to your teeth chicken absolutely unacceptable. Especially if the place was empty i would assume that the chef would take his time to wow us and assume that this would the best advertisement they can have.
(1)Mary Jo H.
Currently, our favorite restaurant; great atmosphere and service
(5)Angie P.
I came here for lunch today. The lunch portions are a good size and the prices are decent. It's not exactly cheap but not overly expensive either. Serving times were quick too so people who work in the area can grab lunch without worrying about the time (you can easily go on a half hour lunch break but with an hour break you'd be more than fine.)
(4)Wes U.
I've eaten here dozens of times and have never left disappointed. The menu has stuff for people who aren't 'fans' of traditional indian food --- like the roll up which is out of site --- so I can routinely bring guests along for the ride who otherwise wouldn't go for this kind of fare.
(5)Michael J.
Liked it a lot and I have been to quite a few Indian places. Nice contemporary style place. Food was very tasty; had lamb, custard desert. Our party had all sorts of different dishes and everyone had a nice time. Definitely would come back.
(4)James e.
decent food here,,,,however Indian Oven uses some frozen vegetables like EVERY other Indian restaurant in Columbus.....most notably frozen Okra & canned mushrooms..... which is crazy for the prices they charge.... why not buy fresh & whatever you do not use,,,put it in the lunch buffet.....also the sauces vary depending on whom is cooking so consistency is not the best.....I have loved this place over the years but i have to write this & to EVERY other Indian restaurant in Columbus because all of the ones i've tried use some amount of frozen vegetables......ALL OF THEM...
(2)Zack F.
One of my all time favorite Indian restaurants in the country. The new location is really modern and cool. Unfortunately in the winter it is also cold. I blame all the glass. I like the open kitchen and the liquor display. I would travel to Columbus just to eat here. The owner, Murad, is a real character, but if you show up a few times he will remember you and is quite friendly in his own endearingly gruff way. Then naan is great. The coriander chutney is the best I have ever had and the owner will tell you as much. :) This is the only Indian restaurant I have been to that has a Vegetable Navrattan Korma that I would order a second time. In fact, I want to order it every single time it is so good. Aloo Gobi is also great. Oh man let me tell you about the vegetable samosas. THE BEST. So good. I am not particularly won over by the other appetizers however others do enjoy them. I like the idea of the raised communal eating table. The lunch buffet is a great deal and a fun experience. However, the hours make it difficult to attend unless you work in the area. Always get both the keer and the kulfi. They are both the best I have had at an Indian restaurant anywhere. Can you tell I love this place?
(5)Jurgen J.
I would have given higher rating if it's not for the prices. I have to say that this is one of my favorite indian cuisine in Columbus. The tandooris are wonderful, it is flavorful and cooked just right. I usually go with one of the curries, which are wonderful and the palak paneer, which is also good. The Naan is also thick and chewy, which is excellent for my taste. This is certainly a place where the meats stands out more, as to other more popular vegetarian Indian restaurant in Columbus like Banana Leaf. I once had the lunch buffet, which as people say that it is budget friendlier. As i remembered, although we get tons of chicken tandoori, we didn't get any lamb curry. But it's still pretty good. I don't think it's that cheap, it's still in the upper 10s. In conclusion, i agree with those who thinks this place is extremely overpriced.
(3)Chelsea P.
I love spicy food and have a really hard time finding it in Columbus... The Indian Oven is honestly the only place in Columbus I cannot order "extra" spicy. In fact, I typically have to order medium or mild (depending on the day). I usually stick to my favorites (Lamb and Spinach or Tandoori Chicken Makhni), however, they offer specials nightly and the owner will often make suggestions - if you are lucky, he will bring you a surprise to try. There is a full bar, although I have never ordered anything other than beer or wine (not a huge beer/wine list). Not a great date place for variety of reasons... most importantly, it is rather brightly lit and somewhat intrusive - the tables are really close together.... Awkward. A few other important details.... If you are used to eating Indian food in NYC, SF, Chicago, etc... the entrees seem a little expensive (and the portions are not big), especially for Columbus... Carry out for two is usually well over thirty dollars, so, you can imagine what dine-in dinner would cost. They have a lunch buffet; however, I would suggest sticking to what you know/like rather than try the buffet. There is outside seating and also a private room in case you are looking to host a party or special event. There are not tons of Indian options in the downtown area (or Columbus in general), so, I pretty much head there when I am looking for a spicy Indian meal. I occasionally head to the North Market for Indian, however, I prefer the Oven.
(4)Brad S.
Underwhelming. Especially the lunch buffet, which I don't even know if they offer anymore. If they don't, you're definitely not missing anything. The interior is very pretty and doesn't have the usual creepy "parents' basement" feel of a lot of Indian restaurants around town. Way overpriced for the portion size and it seems like every dish comes with some weird green sauce that isn't readily identifiable. How bout switching it up from time to time? Maybe throw some mango chutney on a couple dishes? I was also served some sort of weird crisp-bread, tortilla-esque, chip-thingy as a sort of appetizer the last time I came here, which came with, you guessed it, the infamous green sauce stuff. IThe whole thing was fairly foul. Patio seating was a little weird too, because this isn't exactly a cozy, happening neighborhood and it had the ambiance of a prison courtyard. Go to Sher-e-Punjab instead.
(2)Jessica M.
Good food, exceptional service. We go here a lot and have eaten about half the items on the menu -- everything is very good. Lots of vegetarian dishes -- and, they even customized the special and made it vegetarian for me last time I went. Really great service and hospitality.
(4)Seth D.
I meet a lot of Indian families through my work, and I always ask them about local Indian restaurants. Almost 80% say this place is over priced. The rest admit that it's expensive, but still good. I had a very good experience here myself. It was delicious, authentic, and the service was good. Yes, this will end up costing more than Taj Palace, but you will get a completely different experience! Keep in mind that India is a very diverse place when it comes to things like food, and languages for that matter, so one persons version of Indian might not be another persons version.
(4)Si R.
The food is pretty solid (although the curry chicken is by no means potent enough... more like cream chicken), if not a tad bit under spiced, but I can't get over the weirdness of the building. It's this quasi-modern/industrial/semi-depressing (in the corners of the dining room) space, with strange glass/metal accents. It's hardly what I'm used to in an Indian restaurant. I'm somewhat disappointed with the high prices (portions are by no means huge), but the drinks are really a rip-off. The smallest pour of a scotch I've ever seen -- the glass was packed with ice, too -- and a gin and tonic, minus all but a trace of gin. Give us a good value for the money!
(3)Tasha A.
I was a bit wary of going to Indian Oven after reading some of the reviews, but I thought why not give it a try. What's the worst that can happen?! :) We went with a group of 10-12 people, we were seated quickly, the waiters were extremely nice! I was impressed with the number of specials they had & the waiters recommendations were pretty good also! I'll definitely go back when I'm in Columbus!
(4)Andy B.
I just enjoyed a delicious dinner tonight - tandoori chicken makhani with medium spice level. It could not have tasted better! Staff was very friendly and hospitable. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Samantha D.
What an interesting discovery to make in the Discovery District of Columbus! I was immediately struck by how much the Indian Oven reminds me of UK Indian restaurants. From the decor to the tiny water glasses, this place definitely feels like it could be located on a London side-street. The restaurant is spacious, well-lit, and almost trendy but not so much so that it's intimidating. The service was friendly, attentive, and obviously very passionate about the food. When asked, our waitress was more than willing to describe dishes in length so that we knew what we were getting. Now, on to the food... I was quite pleased with the wide selection at the Indian Oven. It wasn't just your typical curry and rice menu. It included tandoori, lamb chops, biryani, and a host of vegetarian options. The free poppadoms and cilantro chutney were delicious, as was the pakora. Crispy, hot, and flavorful- yum, yum, and yum. If you're a mango lassi fan I highly recommend that you try one at the Indian Oven, as I have not had such a delicious lassi in quite a while. For my entree, I ordered the goat rezala, which is goat that is marinated in ginger, garlic, and spices and served with rice. It was very flavorful. However, I have some complaints about the dish. First, there was very little meat. Instead, it was mostly bone and gristle. Second, it was quite expensive ($20) while only offering a small portion size. Third, it made my stomach hurt. Overall, the goat rezala was an enjoyable dish but I would not order it again. I felt the same way about the nan. The regular nan was just middle-of-the-road, but the garlic nan was downright unpleasant. Overall, I felt that the quality of the food at the Indian Oven did not quite live up to all of the other good things about it. I would recommend trying the Indian Oven if you're hoping to have a unique Indian dining experience in Columbus, but do not expect to have the best food of your life. The Indian Oven: it's good but not my favorite Indian food in Columbus.
(3)Toine R.
GOD YES, I need and want more! Better, I'll marry the chief and have his or her babies as long as they keep me feed in curried lamb and samosas. My first experience obviously was positive, and I'm looking for an excuse to have a party to make everyone I know try Indian now. I got a cookbook from the library and attempted (not half bad) to create something at home to tied me over. I'm a junkie now for the smells, taste and colors of these dishes.
(4)Brian G.
I am a huge fan of Indian food. I have had months where I nearly ate Indian food everyday. This is a fancy take on the food that millions of poor people ate that heavily spiced to mask the taste of rotten meat. I liked it here though. I liked sitting on the deck outside and the service was decent. C'mon though for Indian, the prices are a little much and the portions aren't that phenomenal, although I have to say I was quite full regardless. It's a good eat after work kinda place when you haven't had Indian in a while and average.
(3)Jamie K.
I have been eating at Indian oven since it was on campus. Great food and excellent service. Completely disagree with reviews about this place being overpriced!
(5)Emily H.
Visited with my boyfriend on a gloomy, rainy night and there were only 2 other tables occupied. Service was so fast it bordered on annoying, but the waitress was very friendly. There was a complimentary papadum appetizer on the table, which was very yummy. Samosas were good and crisp, and the food was not bad. I ordered the palak paneer, which had huge chunks of paneer but was less green than usual. Boyfriend ordered chicken masala, which was good but not as good as Taj Mahal's. We've ordered takeout several times and gotten the vegetarian platter, which is a large amount of food for the price. Unfortunately, a lot of the entrees are disappointing. The aloo gobi, in particular, uses chunks of cauliflower that are WAY too large and the sauce tends to just pool at the bottom of the container. I can't think of any entrees in particular that were impressive, though none of them were inedible. I prefer Taj Mahal, despite the fact that Indian Oven's open atmosphere is more aesthetically pleasing. If you decide to get food from here, beware - their medium spice level is pretty darn spicy!
(2)John Q.
Went here for dinner on a Sunday evening. Very quiet in the restaurant, but this helped ensure timely and personalized service. Food was solid - including some outstanding somosas. One drawback - the chicken dish we ordered was incredibly dry. It was still very tasty - but very, very dry. Will gladly go here again as it was a very good experience overall.
(3)Edward W.
Indian Oven serves the best Indian food in Columbus. Prompt and professional service in a great atmosphere.
(4)Jodi S.
I dont think this place lives up to it's reputation, although the staff surely seems to think so. I prefer Aab India for Indian food in cbus.
(3)Cat F.
I enjoyed my visit. The food was good and the atmosphere was open and clean. I liked the change in atmosphere from other Indian Restaurants because it allows people a choice. I didn't notice a lack of seasoning as some other have, and the service we had was excellent.
(4)Matthew D.
Excellent food, excellent service.
(4)Abe N.
Good food. Great for families. Owner came out and played with my three-year-old so my wife and I could enjoy our meal. None better in all of Columbus.
(4)Jason T.
Great food, quick, friendly service. Only my first time there so I don't have a great feel for the overall menu but so far so good. I'll definitely be back.
(5)sarah b.
some years ago the owner moved from a cramped, decaying old house near the osu campus to a renovated car dealership downtown, and the food is every bit as good. i have yet to find pakoras or mango lassis as good as theirs, and i visit nearly every time i'm back in ohio. (the owner still remembers my favorite dishes.) being downtown, they get crowded for weekday lunches, but you'll find it surprisingly easy to get a seat in the evening. if you love indian, don't miss this place.
(5)