AJANTA — Restaurant in Kyoto

This is the best food I’ve had in Japan so far. Everything I’ve ordered on their menu is amazing. Their food is so good that I had to come back two nights in a row. They have amazing tomato soup and great hospitality. I’m typically not a fan of tomato soup but Ajanta’s tomato soup changed my perspective. Their naan is cooked to perfection, super crispy yet still soft and chewy. They have the best chicken biryani and turmeric rice. I tried chicken tikka masala and butter chicken and it is the best I’ve ever had. It is very well seasoned and balanced. Everyone who eats at the restaurant leaves an empty plate without any crumbs left. I think about this restaurant and meal every time I eat. This restaurant is the highlight of my vacation. I recommended to everyone who goes to Kyoto. I will probably make another visit before I leave Japan. Do yourself a favor and try this restaurant out, you won’t regret it. Their chef has over 15+ years of experience cooking at a 5 star hotel. I will promise this will be the best dining experience of your life. The decoration, music and vibes of this restaurant are impeccable. It was such an honor to eat at Ajanta. This restaurant deserves a...

The reviews of this restaurant are poles apart and personally I believe this is owing to the expectations one has when going to Ajanta. To cut to the chase, you shouldn't go in expecting an authentic Indian experience nor should you expect amazingly good food. The restaurant is ok. Not bad for sure, but not perfect either. Simply put, it is one of a myriad of Indian restaurants in Japan; it serves vegetarian food and so is a good option for vegetarians and it offers a break from Japanese food. Service is very fast and efficient and the staff are polite. However, due to the speed of their service I wouldn't be surprised if they sing ignore personalisations to your order (see the cream review for more details. This actually occured while I was visiting too, to the customer on the adjacent table).

In short, go here if you want vegetarian food or are accustomed to the quality of Indian food found in the majority of Indian restaurants in Japan.

Do not go here if you are searching for an authentic Indian experience or food that will blow away your mind and palate.

Oh and the prices are very reasonable. That is...

Very decent Indian, fantastic naan. Good value.

I wouldn't write home about this food, nor the space. In saying that, I think the price is very fair, good value.

The butter chicken was good, not great. But don't let that put you off. The other curries were more flavourful.

There was a lack of meat to sauce ratio, again, value. It is very inexpensive, especially for the location.

There was a delicious soup served with the meal deal. The naan. The naan. The naan. Absolutely stand out, fluffy, crispy, soft, all at the same time. Yummy flavour, and, wair for it, UNLIMITED with the meal deal.

They didn't have many beers available and when I asked for a different type, it was warm. They didn't serve it, they asked me, so points for customer service there.

The rice was a bit of a disappointment, it was short grain rice. Not the long grain, fluffy, delicious rice the curry deserves.

The interior was a little old/run down.

Super friendly staff. Fast service.

I would eat here if you want...