Indian Haveli ( Indian Restaurant & Bar) — Restaurant in Athens

Upon entrance we smelled those authentic masalas which took us back to home. Those fresh Masala smells not onlh triggered our hunger but also thought that everything is made fresh. We were immediately seated by super friendly staff and were given the menu. One of the wait staff got us water bottle and set our table neatly with table Mats, china plates, beautifully designed fork and knives and clean glass to drink water in, while we went through the menu.

Moment later a friendly wait staff stopped by our table to take our order. We got Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandori Shrimp, Chicken Malai and chicken Biryani. We were asked if we would like to get some appetizers to which we said no. While we waited for food, and talked about our trip to Meteroa, I appreciated the decor inside the restaurant. The restaurant faces the road and the walls are painted with picture depicting Indian ladies most probably from punjab. It reminded me to Sohni and Heer and Laila. Behind me the wall was painted with smaller pictures again reminding of the homeland.

We were informed by Manoj that food is taking a little time as they prep everything fresh. Manoj and another person stopped by our table and we had heartily conversations. It was just like at home, where you would talk to a complete stranger and it doesn’t feel like you are meeting them for the first time. They asked where we are from, how long have we been visiting for and where they are from. The feel of “apnaiyat” (roughly translated to “your own” or “family like”).

While we were chatting a team of wait staff brought our food to the table. The Malai Tikka on the sizzler were first to hit the table, which tandoori shrimps which followed then came the chicken tikka masala and lastly the biryani. We started off with Makai Tikka. I picked one with the fork from the sizzler into my plate. As I picked the fork went right through it. I cut a small piece with the knife. The chicken was super moist and creamy just like how Malai chicken should be. With smoke still coming out and aroma enhancing my sense of smell I took that first bite. I closed my eye briefly to end in pleasure and loved the flavor. It has been a while since I had such amazing Malai Chicken so flavorful so authentic. I knew from that point on that this will be the best food I will have in Athens. I next tried the tandori shrimps were had that tandoori flavor. Chicken tikka masala and biryani were equally flavorful.

We all indulged ourselves in the flavor from back home. Every little bite reminded us of food from the motherland. Tandoori naan and garlic naan came out fresh n everything we had was beyond our expectations. So authentic so flavorful.

If you happen to be in Athens do stop by at Indian Haveli. You will not regret it. The wait staff is amazing, the food is authentic the flavors are mind blowing. This is one stop shop for your desi craving when I’m Athens. It’s definitely flavor of home...

If I could give zero stars, I would. Let's get into it:

1. It was cold inside. People were sat with their coats on, mid-winter.
2. Though it wasn't very busy when we arrived, it was difficult to get the attention of anyone to take our order. They seemed much more interested conversing among themselves.
3. I should have known authenticity was out of the question when I saw item number 26, but I told myself- let's give them a chance.
4. Ordered the dahi papri chat, and as you can see from the menu picture attached, the item is savory. Well imagine my surprise when I'm presented with a veritable fruit bowl with yogurt mixed in, and not a chickpea (or anything from the description!) in sight.
5. We inform the wait staff. They hem and haw, finally returning with a glib 'Oh, the menu is wrong.' Really? I mean, I was born at night, but it wasn't last night.

Now, fair reader, do you think at the very least, for my discomfort and displeasure (food was left as is, just picked at), a solution was offered? Perhaps a discounted bill? Or the item completely removed? Or even an apology? Nope. Nothing of the sort because they just aren't interested in customer service.

Don't waste your time, money, or appetite, and please, for the love of God, don't go there thinking you'll get...

I was extremely disappointed with my experience at this restaurant recently. I ordered a mild Dal Makani whilst my husband ordered a extra hot madras. We made this perfectly clear to the waitress when ordering. What then proceeded must have been a mix up, my dish came out eye wateringly hot, whilst my husband's came out extremely mild!

When I tried to explain this to the server they seemed very confused, with no apology. My dish was then taken away to try and resolve the issue, whilst my husband decided he would just eat the dish he was given.

What then proceeded was me waiting a half an hour with no meal, my husband finishing his dish whilst I just sat there. As the minutes ticked along I no longer wanted to be at the restaurant!

We finally after minimum apology decided to pay up, and have the food to take away. When I got home and tried to eat the food, yes it was mild but excessively salty! This was such an utter disappointment as it was out last night in Athens and we really expected better.

I understand mistakes can be made, but it was the lack of apology from staff and no effort to discount us for their mistake plus the time it took to bring another dish. On top of that chef please taste your food, both dishes...