Machan Restaurant Bhimtal - Branch of Nainital — Restaurant in Uttarakhand

Utterly disgusting and disgraceful place which not only shows no respect for a person's religious values but their health as well. They have come up with a new invention where they are serving a new dish- Bone wala Kadahi Paneer. This has happened for the second time with us. It happened sometime back when a bone had been found in Arhar Dal and my father simply spoke to the chef and made him understand. He paid the bill even after such an incident. But it was unbearable this time since the owner, Mr. Akhilesh Semwal not only refused to take accountability of this shameless incident but also made statements like 'I am unable to understand how something like this happened with you twice'. There was a female counter manager at that time who at least showcased professional decency and apologized profusely for this inconvenience. She checked the bone piece and confirmed that it was a huge blunder. However, Mr. Akhilesh arrogantly tried to not own up to his restaurant's misdemeanour. A bone is factually a bone but he made statements like 'if you are saying this is a bone, I will believe you' as if it could be anything else. He didn't try to pacify us but acted in a really defensive manner. For a vegetarian person, it is not only a disrespect for his religious values but also a health hazard where the bone could have easily choked him if he had not taken it out at the right time. Mr. Akhilesh's behaviour was extremely shameful and neglectful. He asked us not to pay for the food. However, his lack of sensitivity was really shocking about the incident as if it was every other day thing for him. He was more concerned about us not creating a scene at the place rather than attending to our misery. A family goes out to enjoy food on specific occasions so they can enjoy being in each other's company and make memories. But Machan not only proved to be a disaster but also ruined such a special occasion for us. I would urge food safety officer of Nainital and other respected authorities like FSSAI to cancel their license to run a restaurant if such blunder happens in serving the food to their guests. Highly disappointing and shameful. Never visiting this...

Extremely Disappointed — False Advertising and Rude Staff

I don’t usually leave reviews, but this experience deserves to be shared to prevent other pet lovers from facing the same ordeal.

We specifically chose this restaurant because it’s listed as pet friendly across multiple platforms and even mentioned in a few blogs highlighting pet-welcoming spots in the city. My partner and I were looking forward to a relaxed lunch with our well-behaved dog, who is leash-trained, quiet, and honestly better mannered than many adults in public spaces.

We went ahead just to double-check, and the staff casually said, “Yes, pets are allowed in the outdoor area.” Sounded good, only to be flatly denied entry the moment we walked in with our dog.

The staff didn’t just say no — they were condescending and dismissive. One of them waved us off as if we were doing something outrageous. No apology, no explanation, no willingness to accommodate. Just plain rude.

Let me be clear: this is not a pet-friendly restaurant.

Don’t fall for the misleading marketing. Whether it’s a ploy to draw in more customers or just a complete lack of internal communication, the result is the same — frustration, wasted time, and a ruined outing.

To make matters worse, the outdoor area was nearly empty. There was no logical reason we couldn’t sit there quietly with our dog. Other truly pet-friendly places manage just fine. This restaurant clearly doesn’t care enough to implement clear policies or train their staff to communicate respectfully.

I’d much rather spend my money where both people and pets are genuinely welcome — and where the staff treats guests with basic decency.

Save yourself the trip, the disappointment, and the disrespect. Plenty of better options in the city that actually live up to their...

I have been to this place like "n-th" times,

It's like our good to go place.. But to be honest it's modestly overpriced.. a plate of chicken steamed momos (8 pieces) will cost you around 260 + taxes, I ain't complaining, every Fine Dining Restaurant/Cafe here will cost you this much, but I believe when you are at hill place, go local, have authentic kumaoni food (that's missing here).... but yeah the Food Is Good, I personally like there 1. Veg Soups (esp. lemon coriander soup), 2. chicken momos (but few members of my family doesn't even like the smell of it, bcz the inside filling is not cooked , but steamed)... I like giving detailed description, bcz to each his own liking... Moving on to next.. we usually have our dinner here... Do try there 3. Tawa chicken curry, with 4. Garlic naan (do try their garlic naan, rather than normal Butter naan), 5.Daal Makhani is delicious 6. Chicken malai tikka is Also good. Didn't liked there Roasted Chicken (it was quite dry), there are many more things on list.. but I don't want you to stop experiencing, try whatever you like.. Because FOOD IS GOOD HERE and QUANTITY IS ENOUGH FOR 2, you can ask servers to customise food accordingly..

THE BEST THING.. the reason we keep going back here is the way they treat, their humble nature... the Frank nature of owner, (akki bhaiya), talk to him about anything and you'll instantly feel comfortable.. the servers are welcoming and take each order of ours with so many do's and don'ts readily.

Now coming on to location.. it's on main road connecting bheemtal- bhowali, mehragaon.. one can easily spot it through google maps, seating arrangements is good.. ambience is casual and refreshing..

P.S- helpful note for those who are new, petrol-pump is just opposite...