Jewel of India — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

My response to the businesses response • As mentioned in my feedback, I was told the restaurant was open (it was after 5pm)

edited feedback to be objective

Arrived, the entrance was being mopped, I asked if they’re open, while containing to mop, they said yes (no greeting) I was asked to wait. I happily waited. Ideally a well trained server will know to stop what they’re doing and tend to guests. Other people might have walked away.

👍 Was seated by the window 👍 Samosa was good, slightly undercooked, not fresh 👍 Waitress was attentive and helpful

👎 25 minute wait for the meal - takeaways being prioritised 👎 I ordered NIZAMI HANDI “A mélange of vegetables cooked in a cashew & tomato gravy” 👎 I got baby carrots, a few small pieces of broccoli in lots of oil and salt 👎 Quality of service and food not reflective of price 👎 Head chef/owner spent most of my time there seated at a table entertaining guests in suits

I’m sincerely sorry about the review, but after seeing the rating and other reviews and deciding to visit a $$ 4 star restaurant. It being 5pm sharp is not an excuse to be unprepared for service. There was plenty of staff.

I hope this comes as welcome feedback for the owners wishing to appraise their service, nothing but compassion and...

I have been eating here for the last 15 years whenever I am working in Canberra. Has gone downhill since it changed ownership/management about 4 years ago. The food used to be excellent. They now add sugar (!) to their dishes. Their chicken tikka masala had far too much sugar in it, was unpleasant and I sent it back. Manager admitted they added "a little sugar" - it shouldn't have any added sugar at all! It's like trying to eat a steak with several tablespoons of sugar on it - yuk. They replaced my dish, but even the replacement tasted "sweetened". I eat regularly in Indian restaurants in Canberra and Sydney (and less frequently in New Delhi and Bangalore) - they seem to have ruined many of the main dishes this way. The service is amateurish (dish almost thrown on table with bits of garnish falling onto the table). The only reason I have given any stars at all is their pappadums are light and crunchy, their nan bread is very good and the owner seems genuinely helpful. They just need to change the recipes...

The service and the food was absolutely exceptional. Could not recommend this restaurant more. One of, if not the, best restaurant I have been to.

The food was second to none. We ordered two Butter Chickens and one Chicken Korma, each with rice. The food was fresh, well-cooked and tasty, with the presentation beautiful. An amazing dinner that we knew was fresh and made with passion.

The owner of the restaurant provided me with the best service I have experienced in a restaurant. One of the kindest and bubbliest people I have met, ensuring that I left with a smile on my face. His conversation was amazing, and it really made my time at the restaurant. I seriously could not speak more highly of him.

If you are in Canberra, have a meal at this place....