Invitation Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in North Cowichan

Don’t wait to be invited to “Invitation” Indian Restaurant…just go, you won’t regret it! Since moving to Vancouver Island nine years ago, we’ve searched high and low for a good quality Indian Restaurant, serving authentic cuisine. We’ve had many “missed the mark,” quite a few “on the fence,” and the odd “ok but nothing outstanding.” We fulfilled our mission tonight, when we chanced upon Invitation in Chemainus. Chemainus is about a 45 minute drive from where we live…we ummed and aahed as to whether we wanted to drive that far for a curry…we’re very glad we did and will do it again gladly. An easily navigable menu, with all the regular favourites and some lesser known goodies…I was very happy to find a Saag on the menu which I hadn’t seen for ages…and it was spectacular, as was everything else we had to eat. Our seafood platter appetiser consisted of spiced battered calamari, fish and prawns…it arrived piping hot, and was deliciously mouthwatering. We followed up with some plain basmati rice, lamb saag (with cream and spinach) Goan fish curry, chicken Karahi and eggplant bhartha. The flavours of each were complex and entirely discernible in each dish…no basic “one size fits all” base sauce in this restaurant. We couldn’t miss out on a naan bread…there’s lots of flavour options; we chose garlic and basil. We even managed to squeeze in a gulab jamon dessert…honeyed sweetness at its finest. This little outing cost us $101.00…I should mention that our over-ordering tactic paid off, as we left with two complete dinners for another day. Who can complain at $25 a head for a great meal these days…not us! Staff were friendly and helpful, checking that we were enjoying our dinner without swamping us. I can’t say enough good things about Invitation, and will most definitely return. If you enjoy superb quality, East Indian food, then you should go too…you won’t be disappointed based on...

I recently dined at what I believe to be one of the finest Indian restaurants on Vancouver Island, and I must say, it exceeded all expectations. The culinary journey I experienced left me thoroughly impressed, and I've never been disappointed with my visits here.

The food speaks volumes of the chef's expertise and dedication to quality. The naan, freshly baked and golden, perfectly complemented the rich and flavorful chicken masala. Each dish on the menu showcases a symphony of spices, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors and culinary excellence.

What truly sets this establishment apart is the impeccable service. The staff consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcome and attended to. Their attention to detail, from offering menu recommendations to accommodating dietary restrictions, is commendable and adds to the overall dining experience.

In all my visits, I have never once been disappointed. The consistency in quality and flavor is remarkable, making this restaurant stand out as one of the best Indian dining experiences on Vancouver Island.

In conclusion, if you're craving an authentic taste of India served with warmth and hospitality, this restaurant is a must-visit. I highly recommend it and eagerly anticipate my next dining...

We ordered takeout ..first time at this local restaurant. We were so pleased with our meal and every dish was a delightful fresh taste. It was a special meal for Valentines . We ordered 2 appetizers. The Butter Garlic Prawns...so tasty and perfectly cooked as they were very fresh and still a bit crispy. And the Gobhi Garlic cauliflower fritters...came in a chickpea flour covering. perfect tastes and the the tamarind sauce with them was also great. We also ordered 2 main courses. Tandori .. Murgh Malai Tikka marianated chicken breasts..cooked perfectly..moist and very tasty. And a Chicken Coconut dish with a wonderful sauce, very creamy and tasty. Throughout our meal..we just kept announcing how delicious each dish was and how well it was cooked, tasty and very tender. Enjoy your own...