Amaya Buffet — Restaurant in Ottawa

What a horrible experience!!!! We are regular customers that have been going here on a weekly basis for the past year. We called ahead of time around 8pm to make sure they are open as they tend to close the restaurant earlier than the advertised time of 9pm. The server on the phone mentioned they close the kitchen at 8:30pm, so we were like great I'll be there in 10 to 12 minutes.

Upon arriving at 8:13pm, there were 3 other tables with customers sitting. There was no server present to greet us so we sat ourselves at a table and waited for 10 minutes at which point I went to the front desk and called out for someone to serve us, which seems odd that the server was in the back kitchen while other customers were also looking to be served at their table. The server came out and noted he will be with us. Eventually he comes by after serving the other customers to take our order, we order the hot and sour soups and chicken lucknow bryani from the menu (which is clearly advertised as boneless chicken) and confirmed by the server. We were given complimentary papars but with no chatni (sauce) that normally come with it. We asked if he can bring the sauce. After waiting another 5 to 10 minutes our soups arrive and the sauce for the papar which we had finished by the time he brought it to us. So now we are having our soup at 8:40pm. In the meantime 2 customers arrived after us to dine in and were seated. The server brought the bryani at 8:50pm and were right away noticed the chicken bryani was bone-in not boneless and we indicated this to server. He told us to wait he will go back and talk to the chef. While we are just sitting there waiting thinking they are preparing the proper order the server comes back and tells us the menu we have is old and they don't do boneless chicken (mind you we have been coming for the past year and the menus brought to us have been the same with no changes). I asked him is the butter chicken and other advertised boneless chicken have bone or boneless he mentioned they are boneless (so then just cook the boneless chicken??). He said you can talk to the chef, we said ok please bring the chef so we can address our concerns. The server comes back to us and tells us the Chef will not talk to you he is leaving he is going to miss his bus. So now there is one excuse after the other. Now its 9pm, the customers that came after us are still dining in. The server tells us if we can pack the food to takeout and that they are closing. SERIOUSLY!!!!! We arrived their at 8:13pm you bring the food at 8:50pm the wrong order and then tell us to pack up and leave because your closing. I have never seen such incompetence service.

To the OWNER'S if you are reading this, your service, quality and treatment of customer's have gone down and we will definitely be sharing our experience with friends and family to avoid this place. I have attached the menu as well, if you are not going to offer something than don't advertise it or conveniently the chef choses to not to correct the order and make an excuse for it because he wants to leave. If I could give 0...

What an absolutely dreadful experience! As regular patrons who have faithfully visited this establishment on a weekly basis for the past year, we called ahead at around 8 pm to ensure they were open, given their tendency to close earlier than the advertised time of 9 pm. The person who answered the phone mentioned that the kitchen closes at 8:30 pm, so we planned to arrive within 10 to 12 minutes.

Upon arrival at 8:13 pm, we noticed that three other tables were already occupied by customers. However, there was no server present to greet us, so we seated ourselves and waited for about 10 minutes. Eventually, I approached the front desk and called out for assistance, only to find the server in the back kitchen while other customers were also waiting to be served at their tables.

After some time, the server finally attended to us, taking our order for hot and sour soup and chicken Lucknow biryani from the menu, which clearly stated that the chicken was boneless, as confirmed by the server. Although we were provided with complimentary papars, there was no chutney, which typically accompanies them. When we requested the sauce, it took an additional 5 to 10 minutes for it to arrive, by which time we had finished the papars. Thus, we began our soup at 8:40 pm.

Meanwhile, two customers who arrived after us were seated and served before us. The biryani finally arrived at 8:50 pm, but to our dismay, it contained bone-in chicken instead of the boneless variety we had ordered. When we brought this to the server's attention, he informed us that the menu was outdated and that they no longer served boneless chicken, despite the fact that we had been frequenting the establishment for the past year and the menus had remained unchanged.

When we inquired about other boneless chicken dishes advertised on the menu, the server assured us that they were indeed boneless. We requested to speak with the chef to address our concerns, but the server returned with the excuse that the chef was leaving and would not speak with us as he would miss his bus.

By this point, it was already 9 pm, and the customers who arrived after us were still dining. The server then suggested that we take our food to go, as they were closing. This was utterly unacceptable, considering we had arrived at 8:13 pm, waited until 8:50 pm for the wrong order, and were now being asked to leave because they were closing.

The level of incompetence in the service provided was astounding. To the owners, if you are reading this, please be aware that the quality of service and treatment of customers at your establishment has significantly declined. We will certainly be sharing our disappointing experience with friends and family to deter them from visiting. Furthermore, if certain items are no longer available, they should not be advertised, or the chef should be able to fulfill orders as...

If you’re someone who enjoys variety, bold flavors, and exceptional value for money, Amaya Buffet is hands down one of the most satisfying buffet experiences you’ll find in the city. From the moment you enter, there’s a comforting aroma of spices and freshly cooked dishes that immediately whets your appetite. The staff greets you warmly, and seating is quick and well-managed, even during peak hours — a testament to their efficient service and popularity.

The buffet itself is a paradise for food lovers. The butter chicken is the star of the show — creamy, tender, and rich with just the right amount of spice. The biryani is fluffy and fragrant, balanced with a subtle heat and generous portions of meat or vegetables. Their tandoori chicken is always juicy and fresh, cooked to perfection with that classic smoky char.

You’ll also find delicious vegetarian options like palak paneer, chana masala, and dal makhani, each one holding its own in flavor. Fresh naan is served hot to your table, perfect for scooping up every last bit of curry. The appetizer section includes samosas, pakoras, and chutneys that pack a punch — and the rotating dishes keep the experience fresh every time you visit.

The dessert section deserves its own praise. Whether you love the richness of gulab jamun, the cool creaminess of kheer, or the light sweetness of mango mousse, Amaya delivers. There’s also fresh fruit and sometimes even Western-style cakes or puddings — so there’s truly something for everyone, no matter your palate.

At only $18 per person, the buffet is incredibly affordable considering the quality and range of dishes. You get to try so many different flavors without having to order individual items, making it great for those new to South Asian cuisine or just looking for a satisfying meal.

The ambiance is clean, modern, and comfortable. It’s ideal for families, large groups, or casual dining. Despite being a buffet, it never feels chaotic — dishes are always replenished, and staff are attentive but never intrusive.

Overall, Amaya Buffet is a gem. Whether you're a fan of South Asian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this place will not disappoint. Generous portions, consistent flavor, clean environment, friendly service — what more could you ask for? Highly recommended for anyone who loves value...