Tamasha: Bar + Indian Kitchen (Kitchener) Bar & Indian Restaurant in Kitchener | Modern Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Kitchener

I really wish I’d looked at the reviews first before deciding to try this place out.

Half the restaurant was empty and it was long past the dinner rush, yet because I went in alone the hostess (who looked inconvenienced by my even being there) insisted on seating me at the bar… which I don’t mind, except despite all the empty chairs she seated me directly next to where the runners go for orders and drink pickup and explained in detail how I couldn’t be in her way and asked if that was okay. Just seat me somewhere else?

I thought that my being largely ignored by the staff was because I went solo and therefore won’t earn them as much as a bigger group but no, based on the reviews here this is just… how they are. Inattentive and at times just straight up rude.

Then to top it off, the entree I ordered which (while too filling for me to finish, which I was expecting anyway ordering something “small” as I wasn’t very hungry) was severely overpriced and mid at best and you have to spend even more if you want any sides at all because the entree is just that. Most of the “meat” was actually just bone, and I couldn’t taste any of the sauce ingredients listed on the menu aside from tomato. I’m not even sure the server gave me the correct dish to be honest, because he got my drink completely wrong but it truly wasn’t worth pointing out and requesting the drink I’d actually ordered. I could barely hear him and had to order by pointing at the menu - which isn’t great when it’s a web page on your phone.

I do not recommend going here and will not be going again. I honestly wish I’d asked for my tip to be refunded when the server/bartender started fully ignoring me after handing me the debit machine. I hate to say it, but I would’ve been better off going to Crabby’s.

If you’re like me and like going to someplace fun for food after sunset sessions - pick somewhere else. Anywhere else.

Edit: pictures added with the food that was one note flavour and overpriced, and the drink I did not order but was served. At least their...

Disappointing Service, Great Food – A Mixed Experience at Tamasha

We were a group of five who recently dined at Tamasha in downtown Kitchener, and while the food truly impressed us, the overall experience left a lot to be desired due to the service.

To start with, despite the restaurant being far from busy, we were seated at a table meant for four, which forced three of us to squeeze uncomfortably into space meant for two. It set an awkward tone for the evening. The staff didn't seem particularly welcoming, and there was a noticeable lack of warmth in the service. For example, the water jug they brought barely filled three glasses, and the dinner plates were simply stacked on the side of our table—we had to distribute them ourselves, which felt unprofessional, especially in a place that presents itself as upscale.

What really stood out, though, was how differently we were treated compared to other tables around us. Other guests—who were not of our nationality—were receiving far more attentive and friendly service. We had to wait several minutes each time we needed assistance, while other tables seemed to enjoy consistent engagement and smiles from the wait staff.

That being said, the food was fantastic. We tried Rumali rotis, naan, kaju curry, black pepper chicken, truffle chicken, and Delhi butter chicken—and every dish was flavorful and beautifully cooked. Hats off to the kitchen team for delivering on taste.

Unfortunately, the experience ended on the same disappointing note. When it came time to pay, the waiter simply dropped off the card machine and walked away without even asking how our meal was or thanking us for coming.

In short: Tamasha serves great food, but the service we received was far from the level you'd expect. We hope this feedback is taken seriously, as no guest should feel unwelcome or overlooked—especially when others are clearly being treated with...

My family wanted to go for a special dinner, found this place and we decided to give it a try. When we entered the restaurant, the ambiance looked classy. We ordered stuffed Achari paneer tikka, kolkata street style chowmein, chicken pepper fry with malabari parotta and cheese naanza. Service was quick and waiters were friendly. The starter was average - stuffing was the same as gravy on the top and it is expensive for the portion size. Chicken pepper fry - it was tasty and spicy but malabari parotta was served under the chicken so there was no way to get it out without making a mess, which was not ideal for the atmosphere. This is when things really started to fall apart. Chowmein was lacking salt which made the dish a bit off so we requested the waiter if it is ok for them to mix the salt as it would be difficult for us to mix it into chowmein at the table. The waiter was ok about it and took the dish to chef. He then returned with the dish along with salt shaker and according to him, the chef said “this is how he makes the dish for all the customers so he did not see an issue with it and that we should adjust it ourselves” which we thought was a very unusual comment from the chef considering this is chowmein and not gravy to adjust salt ourselves. We decided to pack the food and bring it home to fix the dish. Once fixed, the dish tasted great but we found the attitude of the chef frustrating. We were planning to order more food but we decided to cut our visit short. I would have rated it higher had it not been for this incident. Overall experience otherwise would...