The Dreaming Tree Restaurant — Restaurant in Tiruvannamalai

I wouldn't have written this review if I reckoned that they were having an off day. This was the fourth instance of being served sloppily in a week that was so triggering. TLDR: The quality of service leaves a lot to be desired. I barely know where to begin. The new wait staff need to copy out the orders from the menu, and will not hesitate to take the menu card from you whilst you are still perusing it. And frankly, they are incapable of even copying things out correctly (wrote " toast with "not" butter despite explaining thrice that it was "nut" butter that we wanted and not toast without butter). I had to write out most of the order to ensure that it got communicated correctly because there had been an instance of incorrect communication for an order in the past. The drinks and the dishes come out asynchronously; a coffee and a dish first - a smoothie that was ordered along with the coffee arrived after the breakfast. The coffee came but we needed to ask again for sugar, which was forgotten (or not understood - not sure which) and eventually we'd to pick up the sugar jar from an adjoining empty table. The water was served but without the glasses for which we needed to ask again. One would barely have begun digging into a dish when the waiter will prompt you with an obtrusive: "Next, sir!?". This place could definitely do with some competent wait staff, the lady and the new appointee are untrained and painful to deal with, often not understanding basic instructions / questions from customers. There is only one competent waiter, who is often assigned to tables with foreign clientele, whilst their countrymen are stuck with a "Grin and bear it" sloppy service. On speaking with the manager, the excuse was that the wait staff is new. If that's the case, train him properly (have him shadow an experienced waiter) before having him deal with customers. When we said that we were done and didn't need anything else, and if we could please have the bill, the bill wouldn't arrive for a good 10 minutes. Eventually, we had to get up, list out our order and pay at the counter. The manager Gokul didn't even have the courtesy to comp us for our troubles. The place is overhyped and for this quality of service, it had...

I would give 3,5 stars if possible, but for one small reason I’m not able to give 4 stars. The place is very expensive compared to Indian restaurants. But it’s worth it. What really shocks me is that one must pay to have water (20rs to fill your own bottle and 30rs for a polluting plastic water bottle). It’s the first and only place in India (in 7 months) where I have not received free water with the meal. Even the cheapest restaurant serve filtered water for free. It’s not about 20 or 30 rupees. It’s for me just unbelievable. (By the way, please stop using these single use plastic bottles...mostly organic on one side and plastic polluting on the other...no sense!)

Food = 4 stars. Best veg (tofu&mushroom) burger that I’ve had in India. It has an incredible taste. Fries are also very good. Salads are also very tasty. I would rate the pizza with 2 stars, considering that there was way too much cheese and the tomato sauce was a bit weird. Mushroom pasta was excellent. Portions are quite abundant

Drinks = 5 stars They are very very tasty (had lemonade and pina colada without ice cream)

Coffee = 3 stars. Excellent compared to the average indian coffee, but poor when compared to the western world (talking about western kind of coffee, like cappuccino or flatwhite). They use the coffe from Marc’s cafè, the coffee roasters from Auroville. But the taste is far far away (sadly they aren’t able to make the foam when requesting Soy milk, but I haven’t tasted with cow milk, so I don’t know)

Atmosphere and place = “10” stars. It’s a beautiful rooftop restaurant with an amazing mountain view.

Service = 5 stars. The guys working there are very polite. The service is quite fast once you place the order.

Overall is a must-do experience.

Very well located, closeby the sri...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Dreaming Tree in Tiruvannamalai, and it was a delightful experience that beautifully blended global flavors with a serene, bohemian ambiance.

The meal began with a comforting bowl of soup, rich in flavor and perfect for setting the tone. The Gobi Manchurian was a standout—crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce that was both satisfying and addictive. The pizza, adorned with fresh vegetables and a perfectly baked crust, showcased the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and authentic taste.

The fried rice was another highlight, each grain infused with subtle spices and complemented by a medley of vegetables. The naan and chapati were soft and warm, ideal for pairing with the flavorful channa masala, which boasted a robust, well-balanced spice profile.

For dessert, the chocolate cake was a decadent treat—moist, rich, and indulgent. The ice cream, smooth and creamy, provided a refreshing contrast. The fresh juice was vibrant and invigorating, rounding out the meal perfectly.

The Dreaming Tree's ambiance is equally noteworthy. The rooftop setting, adorned with eclectic decor and overlooking lush greenery, creates a tranquil environment that enhances the dining experience. The staff were attentive and courteous, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Overall, The Dreaming Tree offers a diverse menu that caters to various palates, combining traditional Indian dishes with international favorites. The quality of the food, coupled with the inviting atmosphere and excellent service, makes it a must-visit for anyone in Tiruvannamalai. I highly recommend this restaurant to those seeking a memorable culinary experience in a...