India Gate Restaurant — Restaurant in St. John's

When I was in St. John’s, NL over Canada Day I had difficulties to find an open restaurant for dinner in the downtown area. There were several Chinese restaurants open; but didn’t have appetite for it. So I went to an Indian restaurant, called India Gate. It caught my attention because of the nice building in that it is situated. When I entered the place I realized that it is most likely an upper level price category. However, I was there to relax that’s why I didn’t mind to pay more if the quality is high. When I was ready to order I asked the server whether my choice (Kebab Platter) would be too much. She agreed and recommended taking some of the one-person specials they offered. I decided to order the non-vegetarian Thali. Originally, I wanted to order my standard dessert Gulab Jamun too. But since the server told me that the Thali comes with a dessert I didn’t do it. First, Papadam with three different kinds of dips (Mango-Carrot Chutney, Mint-Cucumber Yoghurt, and Tamarind sauce) was served. My favourites were the Chutney and the Tamarind sauce; I am not a big fan for mint. Then came the Thali. Usually, the Thali with served on a platter with different compartments. Here is was a half-moon-like tray with several small bowls. The bowls contained Chickpea Curry, Vegetable Curry, Lamb Curry, Rice Pudding, Chicken Tikka, Rice and Vegetable Pakoras. The dish was served with warm naan. The taste of all dishes were ok. The Chicken Tikka was not dry. This seems to be a challenge since most other restaurants I have visited presented a more or less dry chicken, which interfered with the joy of eating. I was a bit disappointed that the dessert contained just rice pudding instead of my favourite Gulab Jamun. If I would have known that at the beginning I would have ordered it as an additional dessert. However, despite the food amount in each bowl was similar to a taste sample, the total served amount of food was very good and I was so comfortably filled (but not stuffed) that I didn’t order another dessert. I felt so well that I ordered a Port wine and a closing item. Since the server did not know whether the taste of the wine would be the only I would like to have I got a sample of that wine, something I rarely encounter during my restaurant visits. Also in general, the servers and management were all quite attentive, friendly and competent. They asked every customer (not just me who was the only photographing the food) whether everything is good or whether there are still wishes. The only thing I did not like was that the bill was given me without my request since I wanted to enjoy the atmosphere a bit longer. Despite the quite elevated price of the meal I enjoyed the stay and did not regret the visit. Overall, the service was good, the food tasty, the atmosphere relaxing and the washroom...

I actually got recommended to this place by some of the indians that i met in St. Johns. They told me out of all the indian restaurants in St. Johns that this was the best one. So i went there in the evening as they only open from 4 pm onwards. The atmosphere and ambience of the place are great. Should give them credit where credit is due. They certainly have the space to accommodate a lot of people. The place was not busy as i arrived there at 4:30 pm. I was welcomed by the waitress who took me to the table. Upto now, everything was great, but the moment i saw the menu, i was perplexed! The prices for the food items on the menu are so much expensive. Even if the food is expensive, one would think at least the food would make up for it. So i ordered an aloo gobi masala with butter naan and tandori roti. The aloo gobi masala was just so basic and not worth its price of 23$ I am coming from Moncton, New Brunswick, where the same item would cost less and taste way better. Since this is the only option or the best among the rest would be the reason why the prices are this high, but overall, i am disappointed.

Also, apparently, you are required to provide 18% mandatory tips, which i didn't provide because tips are provided on the basis of service, atmosphere, food, and overall satisfaction. I was not...

Feeling the need to escape the house on a Friday night, we walked to the downtown area for a nice meal.

Having remember the last time we did this and finding the doors to India Gate closed for renovations, we thought we would try again. To our pleasant surprise, the restaurant was open and quite full. Fortunately, there was a table for two!

Our servers were very professional and we were well attended for our meal. For those still concerned with Covid, all servers wore masks.

We ordered the Dinner for Two which came with one choice of appetizer but with two plates ( this is confusing in the menu), two selections of meat dishes, a vegetarian plate, one of the simple rices and garlic naan.

We did find the cost rather expensive having recently eaten a Dinner for Four at an Indian Restaurant in Halifax for the same we paid for two here. That said, our meal was quite good and one of the better I’ve had recently.

It was a little perturbing and presumptuous that a 15% tip was automatically added to the bill. While I didn’t mind tipping, it should not be presumed that I will. Image if our service would have been poor and I had to ask to have the tip removed from our bill.

Anyway, it was a wonderful meal with a wonderful decor and wonderful service. I...