Vadivelu — Restaurant in Gardens

A Flavorful Feast at Vadivelu: Kloof Street's Indian Culinary Gem

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My recent dining experience at Vadivelu on Kloof Street, Cape Town, left me thoroughly impressed and satisfied, marking it as a standout destination for authentic Indian cuisine.

Upon entering Vadivelu, the welcoming ambiance immediately set the tone for a memorable evening. The restaurant's fusion of traditional Indian elements with modern aesthetics created a comfortable and visually appealing setting.

Now, let's delve into the highlight of my visit—the Prawn Curry at Vadivelu. It was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. The blend of flavors in the curry was impeccable, offering a rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying taste that truly showcased the diverse palette of Indian cuisine. Each bite was a delightful journey through the complex and well-balanced spices.

The prawns, the star of the dish, were cooked to perfection. Tender, succulent, and infused with the delicious curry flavors, they demonstrated the chef's expertise in achieving the ideal texture and taste. The harmony of spices allowed the natural sweetness of the prawns to shine, creating a delectable contrast that left me craving more.

Portion sizes at Vadivelu were generous, ensuring that every bite celebrated the culinary craftsmanship on display. The fragrant basmati rice served as the perfect accompaniment, absorbing the flavorful curry and enhancing the overall dining experience.

Service at Vadivelu was exceptional. The staff was attentive, friendly, and well-versed in the menu, providing valuable recommendations that heightened the dining experience. The genuine enthusiasm of the waitstaff for the cuisine added an extra layer of authenticity to the overall visit.

To complement the meal, I explored Vadivelu's beverage offerings, finding a curated selection of wines that paired well with the dishes. The knowledgeable staff enhanced the overall enjoyment of the dining experience with their recommendations.

In conclusion, Vadivelu on Kloof Street has rightfully earned its reputation as a top destination for authentic Indian cuisine in Cape Town. The Prawn Curry is a standout dish that lingers on the taste buds, and I eagerly anticipate returning to explore more of the culinary treasures that Vadivelu has to offer. Whether you're a devoted fan of Indian cuisine or seeking a remarkable dining experience, Vadivelu is a must-visit gem in Cape Town's vibrant...

⭐☆☆☆☆ Vadivelu: The Restaurant That Treats Walk-Ins Like They’re Invisible

So, I stroll into Vadivelu Indian Restaurant, hungry, excited, and ready to devour some spicy goodness. I didn’t bother making a reservation because it didn't mention anything on their Google page that a reservation was required. Plus, I thought, “Hey, it’s just a weekend — how busy could they be?” Famous last words.

As I walk in, I’m greeted with the kind of cold shoulder that makes you question your life choices. The host looks at me like I just showed up wearing socks with sandals—judgmental and confused. I ask if I can get a table, and he gently (but firmly) says, “No reservation? Sorry, no table.”

At that moment, I felt like I’d just asked for a loan from a bank that doesn’t lend money on weekends. I mean, I get it — reservations are probably like gold dust here.

So, I had to do what any seasoned foodie would do: I paid for an Uber to get there, imagining a glorious meal waiting for me. Instead, I got a look that said, “You’re not that special,” and a very polite “Sorry, no seats today.” I was basically turned away faster than a cricket player gets out on a terrible shot.

Meanwhile, my Uber driver — a hero in his own right — looked at me like I was auditioning for a new reality show called “The Great Indian Restaurant Escape.” I sat in the backseat, my stomach grumbling, wondering if I’d just been part of some elaborate prank. Spoiler: I wasn’t.

So here’s my advice: if you EVER want to eat at Vadivelu make a reservation. Otherwise, you’ll end up like me — a hungry and disappointed person sitting in a car, contemplating what other restaurant would like to take my money

But hey, at least I got a good story out of it. And next time, I’ll definitely be calling ahead, or maybe just ordering takeout and eating in my pajamas instead.

Vadivelu, you’ve officially earned your place in the “Restaurant That Turned Me Away and Cost Me Money” Hall of Fame. Thanks for the memories — and the lesson...

I love Indian food & saw this new restaurant that opened in Kloof Street.

We decided to try it & we were blown away by the entire experience.

As we walked in we were greated by Kevin one of the owners & he made us feel welcome immediately & later Jason the other owner joined us as well. Thank you guys for such a great welcome.

We were taken to our table & this guy with a killer smile, Emmanuel served us. What an absolute pleasure, he knew the menu & was on point with all his suggestions. Thank you your exceptional service & attention to detail.

The interior of this establishment is on point & welcomes you as you enter this venue.

We placed our orders & we were so impressed by the presentation of the cuisine.

I've eaten a lot of Indian food & must say this was on of the best we've had in a long time. The taste of every dish was amasing & you could taste the love in each morsel, well done.

Kevin even organised a small tasting portion before we placed our main order.

This venue has a well appointed menu with a good selection of dishes to suite the most discerning pallet.

If you're in this area of Cape Town & looking for a good Indian Restaurant with amasing cuisine, look no further, this is the place for you.

To the management and staff thank you for a great experience & you will be seeing us again.

Kind regards

Ferdie Liebenberg

We went again tonight the 14th June 2025 & once again we were blown away by the entire experience. The food was once again exceptionally good as was the service. We even got to see a Indian happy Birthday being sung to a patron with dancing and amasing vibes in the venue. Than you guys, you made our evening.

Kind...