India Rosa — Restaurant in Montreal

2018/08/28 Dinner

After being contacted by the management team and asked to give them a second chance, we did as I believe everyone should be given a second chance, especially with the conditions in the original review.

India Rosa gains one star, now bringing the review to four. The main points are as follow:

-Food and cocktails were just as excellent as the first time we went. The cocktails add a nice touch that differentiates this Indian restaurant and any other that I have been to. -We were served by a manager who knew about our discontentment. -The air ducts were still dripping due to condensation. -The restaurant was busy and the experience still enjoyable.

Overall, we appreciated the feedback from the management team and we will be back again to India Rosa.

2018/08/14 Dinner 19:00

Positive points:

-The cocktails were really good. When I saw who was behind the menu, I knew it was going to be great.

-Food wise, it tasted really good.

-The restaurant itself looks great.

-The location is great.

Negative points:

-The service was horrendous! Not because of the waitress who had to do the whole restaurant, which was filled, by herself, but due to the fact that the management team understaffed the whole place. The cocktails took long to get to our table even though I could see that they were already made and sitting on the counter. The waitress took a while before bringing our cocktails, taking our food orders, bringing the food and taking a second drinks order. Everything took way too long than it should. One of our party members went to management to complain. The waitress and busgirl came to us quickly, gave us water and such. She asked one of our party members if there was a problem after hearing a comment about herself. That said party member replied, in my opinion considering I have worked in the business, in an improper way to address the issue at hand that was mostly out of the waitress control. Of course the waitress could of said sorry and explained the situation. Those words never came out clearly as they should of had. Most would of been at ease with that. We could see what was going wrong from the get-go.

-No staff member had a smile beside the bartender and one member of the management team who greeted us out at the end of our meal.

-The waitress told us she quit the job.

-The air conducts were dripping water on our party members sitting against the wall due to the condensation.

-Prices are high for the portions served. I can get a better quality/price option in an older Indian staple institution in Montreal.

-The restaurant which is rather new (about 2 months old), already have their menus damaged and stained. They already require a replacement. For the money they will spend if they decide to do so, they could of laminated every single one of them, clean them up at the end of every shift and voilà! Clean menus for the next day.

Conclusion:

-There is much room for improvement. The location is great and the cocktails gets you going on a great foundation. If I ever come back, I am sitting at the bar where I believe we would of got a...

I visited India Rosa with a friend for brunch, and as a self-proclaimed eggs Benedict snob, I think I’ve found my new favorite way to eat it. The cozy atmosphere and unique take on brunch classics had me excited from the start, and the dishes we tried were nothing short of delicious.

Video review coming soon to TikTok @Foxy.appetite and Instagram @Foxyappetite

In depth review

The Menu:

India Rosa brings an exciting fusion of Indian flavors into traditional brunch dishes. Each plate is beautifully crafted, with bold spices and creative combinations that make you think differently about brunch.

Our Picks: • Bene Butter Chicken: As an eggs Benedict enthusiast, I was blown away by this dish. The rich butter chicken was served on soft brioche bread, and the addition of cashew nuts, fried onions, Brussels sprouts, green peas, and sorrel sprouts created an incredible mix of textures and flavors. I honestly think I’ve found a new way to enjoy eggs Benedict—this twist had me hooked! • Chicken and Waffles: The masala waffles were light and full of flavor, paired with fried tandoori chicken that was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The cari and lime sour sauce added a tangy kick, while the spiced honey and cashews brought the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It was a dish that kept surprising me with each bite. • Rosa’s French Toast: Coated in panko crumbs and five Indian spices, this French toast had a crispy, spiced exterior that made it stand out from the usual. Topped with fresh fruit, maple caramel, lime yogurt, and maple syrup, it was a decadent, yet light treat. The flavors melded together perfectly, making it a must-try.

Service:

The service was friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. Our server was more than happy to help us navigate the menu, and the food came out at a perfect pace. The staff made us feel right at home, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Pricing:

While India Rosa is a bit on the pricier side for brunch, the creativity behind the dishes and the quality of the ingredients make it worth every penny. We spent about $50 per person for three dishes and drinks, and considering the generous portions and unique flavors, it’s definitely a splurge worth taking.

Final Thoughts:

India Rosa offers a brunch experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind in Montreal. The combination of Indian spices with classic brunch dishes is bold and inventive. Whether you’re an eggs Benedict aficionado or just looking to try something new, this place is a must-visit.

Pros: • Innovative takes on brunch classics with bold, flavorful spices • Cozy, inviting atmosphere • Friendly and attentive service

Cons: • Slightly on the pricier side, but the quality makes it worthwhile

If you’re looking for a fresh and exciting brunch experience, India Rosa will definitely satisfy your cravings. I’ll be coming back for more, especially that Bene Butter Chicken—it’s a...

If I could give a 0 (ZERO) I would. On a cold night, a group of three brown skinned individuals were asked to wait outside for a few moments as a table was clearing up with the party having already paid the bill. Since it was just a few moments and since I was feeling extremely cold, I asked if I could stand inside near the host. I was told in a rude and blatant manner by Lillianne "No you cannot, You will block the entrance". Even if it was a rule to not let the customers stand at the entrance being so rude and inconsiderate cannot be a possible skill for a host.

To add insult to the injury, momentarily a French couple was allowed to wait inside at the entrance while their table was set-up. This double standard could be construed as racism or coincidence. Especially if one person standing would block the entrance but not two people. Unsure if this was just a host that lacks skills or hidden racism against the brown skin or because I didn't speak in French.

When asked about this, Lillianne was unapologetic and mentioned that it was a rule to not have customers stand at the entrance. She did say sorry, but even a child would understand that it meant nothing.

Edit to reply to the response: We were told that we would get the table momentarily as the previous party had paid the bill. If it was going to be a long wait, we could have been informed otherwise and we would have left instead of standing outside. Each person's cold tolerance is different, I asked to accommodate just me at the entrance area going by the word that was provided that it wouldn't take long to be seated. Even if the case was a longer wait and the hosts avoided communicating it to ensure we dined, saying "No you will block the entrance" is not really humane. It may be a policy and that could have been communicated. (Which is also quite dumb in my opinion, but given the lack of space, choosing profits customer comfort, that is understandable) When seeing someone else, even if they had a reservation, treated differently (again we were told our table just had to be cleared) does not reflect the high standards you seem to indicate. It doesn't matter if the restaurant is Indian and owned by an Indian if this is the treatment that one gets walking in. These are facts, how each one construes it is their...