EDIT to manager's response: The manager responded to my review to suggest that I visited the wrong restaurant. I did not. I have a receipt and Google Maps location history confirming that I visited Hola Indian Restaurant.
If I did indeed review the wrong restaurant I would have edited or removed the review in good faith over an honest mistake. This was not the case.
This is a fine overall restaurant, but it is not nearly as good as ratings would suggest. At 4.8 stars in March 2024, this should be an outstanding, unique, and memorable place you'd revisit many times. In reality, it's much more similar to restaurants in the 4.2-4.4 star range. Why the sky-high rating? Simple: they solicit reviews (our server came to our table before handing us our bill and asked us to scan an enormous QR code to write TripAdvisor review). Reviews are the lifeblood of businesses in the tourism sector, so asking for reviews is fully understandable. However, doing so before providing the bill and in an on-the-spot manner was off-putting.
As for the food, it was solid and satisfying. There's a good variety on the menu, and it came out fairly quickly. That being said, compared to other Indian restaurants in the US, it's average, not exceptional. Both the curry and tikka we tried were also noticeably sweet, in an odd way that took away from the food. The other main issue is that this place is not a good value at ALL. Portions are relatively small, prices are high, sides (such as rice) are not included, and tax + service are not built into the prices. None of this is hidden (it's all stated in the menu), but it certainly adds up to an overpriced package.
Finally, the service was very attentive, but not in a good way. Waters were filled after 1 or 2 sips the entire meal, and we were interrupted probably 15 times in 45 minutes. The restaurant was mostly empty which might explain the increased attention, but it was still excessive.
Mostly enjoyed the food, but the inflated ratings, solicited reviews, overly attentive service, small portions, high cost, and difficult parking means I wouldn't return here or recommend others to eat here (unless they specifically wanted Indian food and had zero...
Read moreIf you ever find yourself in Manuel Antonio and craving Indian food, Hola Indian Restaurant is an absolute must-visit. The flavors here are truly authentic, this is as close as you’ll get to dining in India without actually being there.
We tried several dishes and were thoroughly impressed. The pakodas are a must-order crispy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. The kadhai paneer was outstanding, rich with bold flavors and cooked just the way it should be. If you’ve never had Indian food before, or if your only experience has been in restaurants outside India, this is the perfect place to discover what real Indian food tastes like.
The lamb rogan josh was another highlight—tender, aromatic, and packed with layers of flavor. Honestly, if someone happens to have a dish here that doesn’t hit the mark, I’d say it’s either the restaurant having a rare off day or just that particular dish not being their best, because overall the food is exceptional.
On top of the food, our server was exceptional—warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, which made the whole experience even better.
I’d recommend Hola Indian Restaurant to anyone in the area, whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan of Indian cuisine. It’s better than every Indian restaurant I’ve tried outside India, and even rivals some I’ve been to back home in India. Truly a gem in...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Hola Indian Restaurant in Manuel Antonio, and it was an unforgettable experience! Nestled beautifully in the lush surroundings of San Manuel Antonio, the ambiance perfectly complements the delightful culinary journey that awaits.
We ordered a variety of dishes: garlic naan, basmati rice, chicken coconut curry, butter chicken, palak paneer, and chana masala. Each dish arrived piping hot and was cooked to perfection, showcasing distinct and delicious flavors that left us wanting more. The butter chicken was especially remarkable, balancing rich creaminess with just the right amount of spice.
The service was outstanding—attentive and friendly. The owner’s hospitality truly stood out; he even surprised us with complimentary mango ice cream at the end of our meal, which was the perfect sweet touch to conclude our dining experience.
Hands down, this is some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had! If you’re in the area in Costa Rica, do yourself a favor and visit this restaurant—you...
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