Akbar Restaurant — Restaurant in Baltimore

First-time post-covid. I'm not sure if I can still rank it as my favorite Indian restaurant. The food was good, but the service was lacking. What's good food without a great atmosphere, service, and ambiance? I need the whole experience! It took 40 mins to get our food, we had to send a dish back, whereas the non-melinated couple that came in after us ordered, got their food, ate, paid, and left before we even got the bill. Our server seemed irritated and aggravated with our table and acted as if we were an inconvenience when we asked for anything. Contrasted with the other table; he was all smiles and was very attentive. He made sure that they didn't need or wanted for anything. He constantly checked on them for satisfaction, but with our table, he seemed to skip over us, didn't check on us, and we had to track him down when we needed something. If he happened to be passing by when we asked for something, he would respond as he was walking away with his back towards us. There was a clear and definitive difference in attitude when he dealt with us. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt by saying he was an older gentleman and a one-man show. He was the hostess and server, and he also handled the take-out orders when there were two younger gentlemen sitting near the bar, not helping (maybe they were on break🤷🏾‍♀️). So, maybe he was overwhelmed and tired; however, this does not excuse his treatment and attitude of contempt toward us. I just wished that his treatment and pleasantries would have been consistent with all patrons, not just select ones, is all. There have been many changes, and not all were improvements. (i.e., the rice is now white, but last time I went for my birthday (March 2019) it was more of a (yellow) rice pilaf with saffron, cardamom, golden raisins, and almond slices enough for the whole table. I believe now, to get that type of rice, you have to order a biryani dish.) It will be a while before I go back, but if and when I do, maybe I'll try the weekend, and hopefully, it'll be better. (I will admit that the meat samosa was...

Finally got to try this place after hearing about it from a Baltimore friend! Happy to say it's delicious! I ordered the Chicken Xacutti (zah-KOO-tee)--a spicy chicken dish--a side of Garlic Naan, Mango Lassi (a sweet shake-like drink), and a Gulab Jamun dessert (fried dough balls served in syrup).

Yes, I ate all of it. The Chicken Xacutti was great, nice and spicy, served in a little pot carrying a candle inside to keep it warm. Great presentation and quality. Dinner price was $17.94.

The Garlic Naan was wonderful. Soft and doughy throughout, just the way I prefer it. $4.00

The Mango Lassi was perfectly sweet and satisfying. $5.50

The Gulab Jamun was doughy, hot, and tasty! Served with two dough balls. $5.00

Overall, the meal was wonderful and the people I was with enjoyed their food without complaints as well. We went on a Saturday evening, when it opened at 5pm. There was no one when we arrived, but quickly attracted more customers.

The atmosphere was small, dimly-lit, and decorated to accommodate several tables and booths. There was a small bar in the back, with two men serving the whole of the restaurant. The bathroom in the back was small, and did not have paper towels when I visited, but at least it had soap and water! Masks were not required.

In short, I'm glad I tried this place, happy I went with friends, and satisfied with the quality of the food. The prices were a little high, with most entrees costing ~$15 and upward, even simpler dishes like Chana Masala (chickpeas). Still, it was good and delicious and worth a...

This Indian establishment is a one-of-a-kind special place in Baltimore. Charming! I was so excited to have discovered Akbar while passing by this morning to go to the little quick-mart a few doors down.

I ate a small breakfast, drove out to the Patapsco Valley State Park for the day, got lost in the forest and crossed a part in the river that soaked my socks and shoes, only to climb up the side of the park hill to get back onto the trail, made it to the Jeep, followed through with going to Manor Hill Tavern in Ellicott City to have a beer BUT I had stayed extremely disciplined to not eat a single thing there even though I was so hungry because I knew what I was saving myself for and that was Akbar!

So here’s a shout out to Akbar and their staff and all the hard work that is paying off for them. Well done you guys. Outstanding team! Outstanding aesthetics! Outstanding atmosphere! Outstanding ambience! And most of all outstanding food!

If this is your first time having Indian food, always start off with Chicken Madras around a level 3, like the perfect spiciness -not too basic; not too spicy. And lastly: Dear Akbar, I will be sending my love to you all all the way back from down in hot, steamy Florida and I will shout it loud that I am thankful you Akbar exist. Thank you for being here and gifting new customers and returning customers with your grace. Keep up the great work! If I sound corny and ridiculous I do apologize lol. But I am giving a genuine, wholehearted...