Saravanaa Bhavan Zurich — Restaurant in Zurich

I recently visited Saravanaa Bhavan and had a disappointing experience due to the owner Mr. Sarankan Ravendran’s attitude. The lack of possibility for reservations left us waiting outside in the cold, and when we expressed our concerns, the owner was insensitive. He dismissed us by saying we were free to go elsewhere, showing a complete disregard for customer service and insensitivity to the situation.

I wanted to support this restaurant for their efforts to secure work permits for their employees, aiming to provide an authentic Indian experience. However, this recent visit left me disappointed regarding the very fundamental values of Indian hospitality.

When we arrived, we were informed that there were no reservations and we would have to wait 40-50 minutes outside in the cold. When I asked if we could wait inside, the owner told me I was free to go to another restaurant. This lack of compassion was shocking, especially seeing elderly couples waiting alongside us in the cold for a long period.

It makes me question whether their fight for work permits was truly for the community or just a business decision. Hospitality and warmth are cornerstones of Indian culture, and this experience felt far from that. It’s disheartening to see a restaurant that fought to share our culture with their secret old recipes, failed to show the very basic our older generations are loved and admired for. And that is hospitality and warmth.

I was also disappointed by the lack of respect for customers' time. Throughout my years living here, I’ve come to appreciate how much we value punctuality and reservations. Unfortunately, this establishment does not allow reservations, forcing diners to wait outside in the cold without any clear estimate of when they might be seated. This experience felt frustrating and out of place in a city that prides itself on efficiency and consideration. I hope the restaurant reevaluates its approach to better align with Zürich's culture of respect for customers' time.

Although needless to say, I wouldn’t be...

We visited Saravana Bhavan Zürich yesterday and, unfortunately, we were quite disappointed with our experience.

We ordered Medu Vada, Mix Veg Parotta, and Filter Coffee. The Medu Vada was especially underwhelming — instead of the regular-sized vadas typically served, we received just three mini vadas (I’ve attached a picture for reference), which felt more like a sampler than a full portion. Additionally, the coconut chutney was extremely sour, making it quite unpleasant to eat.

The Mix Veg Parotta also did not meet expectations. It barely had any vegetables — only some capsicum and chickpeas — and although the menu clearly stated it would be served with onion raita, it was not provided until I specifically asked for it. When I inquired, the server informed me that they “usually don't serve it unless requested,” which contradicts what is stated on the menu. If that's truly the practice, it might be more appropriate to rename the dish as "Chickpea Parotta" to avoid misleading customers.

The filter coffee was decent.

In terms of service, I found the server’s attitude disappointing and not customer-friendly. I’ve visited Saravana Bhavan branches in India, UAE, USA, and Germany, and have always had a much better experience in terms of both food and service. Sadly, the Zürich branch did not live up to that standard. Either the staff member's attitude needs to improve, or a more courteous approach to customer service needs to be encouraged.

This experience was quite different from my previous visits to Saravana Bhavan. I hope the management takes this feedback seriously and works on improving portion sizes, food consistency, and service quality to uphold the...

Went for dinner and we were slightly late as it closes at 10.Reached there at 9.15pm and the kitchen closes at 9.30pm. Got our order by 9.35-40pm. They expected us,3 adults, and 1 kid, to finish our food before 20 mins and leave. They started cleaning, putting chairs up on the table while we had just started eating. Started staring at us to leave asap at exact 9.55pm. Someone even came to check if we had finished ( all this just 10, 15 mins after serving our food). Just shows zero respect for customers. If you close at 10, at least allow guests to finish their meal without feeling pushed out. If an Indian chain like Sarvana treats their customers like this then its a pity! In india anyone who is still eating be it in a restaurant or any other place, is never treated like this, and is always given time and space to eat peacefully or atleast finish their meal! Isnt it part of hospitality that customers who are dining should be treated with respect till they finish? We literally gulped down everything just coz it was 9.55pm and they almost started closing the restaurant. Thanks to swiss punctuality!!! Imagine paying a good amount for our food and not even getting to eat peacefully for few minutes. They should have informed us when we entered that we would be closing at 10 sharp and we are rigid with that, so go ahead with your order only if you can finish your food before our closing time.

Highly disappointed with this experience. In India, customers are treated with respect till they finish their food— never rushed like this. India's Sarvana Bhawan would never do this.

For the food part didnt like their dosa but uttapam and...