Disappointing Experience at Saravana Bhavan
I'm giving Saravana Bhavan 2/5 stars for my recent visit. The food was just okay - nothing special, nothing terrible. However, the real letdown was the service.
The staff seemed more interested in chatting among themselves than attending to customers. They appeared to be students, and it was clear they weren't properly trained or managed. Orders were mishandled, and the overall atmosphere felt chaotic.
To make matters worse, the upstairs dining area was closed, forcing us to eat in a cramped space near the kitchen and cash counter. With service staff milling around, it felt more like a food court than a restaurant.
The biggest issue, though, was the lack of cleanliness. Flies were buzzing around, and the staff didn't seem bothered enough to take action. Given the reputation of Saravana Bhavan, I expected better.
Key Issues:
Indifferent staff: More focused on chatting than serving customers. Poor order management: Orders were mishandled, and the staff seemed overwhelmed. Limited seating options: Upstairs dining area was closed, and the alternative was unappealing. Cleanliness concerns: Flies were present, and the staff didn't take adequate measures to address the issue.
Room for Improvement:
Train staff to provide better customer service and manage orders efficiently. Ensure cleanliness and hygiene standards are met, including pest control. Consider revamping the dining area to provide a more comfortable experience for customers.
Until these issues are addressed, I wouldn't recommend...
Read moreI had been craving proper Indian food, so when I found Saravanaa Bhavan in Milan I decided to give it a try. The place is vegetarian/vegan, clean and modestly decorated, with a calm, welcoming vibe and friendly staff. It’s part of the well-known South-Indian chain and sits at Via Flavio Baracchini 9, not far from the Duomo.
I ordered a thali, plus a side of chole bhatura, vada, sambar, filter coffee — and a chana dish. To my surprise, the chole bhatura was genuinely delicious: the bhatura was puffed and soft, slightly crisp on the edges, and soaked up the chole nicely (especially impressive for a place that leans south-Indian). The rest of the thali components were solid — the sambar was aromatic, the vada had a good crunch yet stayed tender inside, and the filter coffee at the end was a comforting finish.
That said, there were a few small hiccups: the menu is extensive (lots of South and North Indian options) and some of the staff speak mostly English, which made choosing a bit of a guesswork. Still, the service was reasonably prompt once I placed the order, and the portions felt generous. On the whole, Saravanaa Bhavan in Milan delivered a satisfying experience — especially for someone yearning for Indian flavors — and its unexpected strength in chole bhatura won me over. If you ever feel homesick for Indian food in Milan, this is a place...
Read moreBeing a South Indian student in Milan has had its challenges, especially when it comes to finding home food. After arriving in November, I struggled to find a place that reminded me of home until I visited Saravann Bhavan’s Paris branch. The food took me back to my roots, and the quality was exceptional. Since then, I couldn’t stop wondering why there wasn’t a branch in Milan. Fast forward three months, and my manifestation came true.
Saravann Bhavan is renowned for its authentic South Indian dishes, and if you’re looking to experience the best, I highly recommend ordering from their South Indian menu. The masala dosa is consistently excellent, and the mini idli in sambar is delightful. What truly stood out to me, though, was the customer service. There was a man at the drinks counter who noticed me trying to get the attention of a waiter during the busy rush. He paused his task of arranging glasses and personally came to our table to take the order. His proactive and thoughtful approach left a lasting impression.
Such work ethic is something I truly resonate with. If I were to be an employer, I’d hire more people like him—those who go the extra mile to ensure a...
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