New India Restaurant — Restaurant in Columbus

We stopped by this restaurant for dinner last night after seeing its positive online reviews. Traveling through Columbus, we were excited to have a good meal after a long day on the road. Unfortunately, the experience left us disappointed.

Ambience: The restaurant was nicely decorated for Christmas, which we appreciated. However, we entered a freezing cold space with no other customers at 7:30 PM—a red flag we overlooked in our faith in the reviews. When we asked about the lack of heat, the server casually mentioned that it was cold outside and that it would take time to warm up, and we heard the heater kick on after we asked. We ended up dining in an uncomfortably cold environment throughout our meal.

Food: We ordered two plates of paneer masala (hot/spicy), expecting something exceptional based on the restaurant’s reputation and reviews. Instead, we were served watery, bland, and cold dishes that had no flavor or spice. When we gave honest feedback, the server claimed this was “original North Indian flavor food.” As someone familiar with authentic North Indian cuisine, I can confidently say this claim was questionable.

The server offered to make a different dish for us if we wanted to try something else, but when we asked for recommendations, the server’s generic response, “everything is good here,” was unhelpful and didn’t inspire trust after our initial experience. Despite the server’s offer to make a different dish, we chose to not waste anymore food and to eat what we had ordered with some cilantro/mint chutney, which, to their credit, was good.

Midway through our meal, the chef (assuming he is the main chef) came out and offered to remake the dish or suggested other options like bhindi (okra) or aloo gobi. While the gesture was appreciated, it came too late. Good customer service would involve addressing the issue promptly, not after half the meal was over. The chef insisted on remaking paneer masala dish, but only for one plate despite us ordering two. While the remade dish was slightly better, it still fell short of the reviews and pictures we had seen online.

To top it off, we were charged for both poorly made entrees, even though only one was remade.

Overall: Our experience was marred by poor service, subpar food, and a lack of warmth—both literally and figuratively. The chef’s delayed effort to rectify the issue was appreciated but insufficient to salvage the evening. This restaurant might have a long-standing legacy, but based on our visit, it failed to live up...

Dinner here with my son yesterday was phenomenal! This was our first time here and had decided on this place due positive reviews. The restaurant itself is small but vibrant, beautifully decorated inside with lots of lights, chandeliers, and holiday decor. The outside of the restaurant is also well lit and vibrant! It felt very clean and welcoming, with seating offering both tables and booths. We opted for a table close to the door, which was our mistake, as it was a bit chilly. I don't know if it's typically cold or if this was due to the recent cold snap. But this was the only negative we experienced and it would not deter us from returning. Also to note, the bathroom was clean as well, which is extremely important, especially when traveling out to dine.

I had Malai Kofta medium spicy and my son had Paneer Shahi Korma. We each also ordered garlic naan which was delightful. The spice level was perfect for both of us who enjoy spice but not extreme. Both dishes were savory, flavorful, filling, and piping hot! The basmati rice was some of the best I've had. It was flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and fluffy! Honestly, most times I just eat curry with garlic naan, but I was loving the rice here. This meal was the definition of comfort food and was made with love.

We've never had a Mango Lassie before, so I cannot compare to others, and we decided to splurge a bit, but only ordered one to split. They graciously brought out a glass for both of us, and it was so good, creamy and chilled, sweet and refreshing mango smoothie goodness. If you do order anything spicy, this is the perfect drink to calm the heat.

Lastly, the staff here were attentive, welcoming, and very kind. Water refills were readily available and the service was just top notch. We can't wait to go back and try some other options! Oh, who am I kidding? ...I will likely get Malai Kofta again! Sadly, I did not take any pictures but wish I had. I highly...

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, the New Indian Restaurant on Bethel Road is a must-visit. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance welcomes you with a warm, inviting atmosphere that's both modern and comfortable. The service is impeccable — attentive without being overbearing, and the staff are knowledgeable, offering thoughtful recommendations based on your preferences.

The menu is a delightful fusion of traditional Indian flavors and contemporary twists, ensuring there's something for every palate. Whether you're a fan of rich, aromatic curries, tandoori delights, or more contemporary options, the food is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. The spices are perfectly balanced, and each dish is a celebration of authentic Indian cuisine with a fresh, local touch.

Standout dishes include their signature butter chicken, which is wonderfully creamy and flavorful, and the lamb vindaloo, which delivers a perfect amount of heat without being overwhelming. The naan is fresh and perfectly fluffy, ideal for dipping into the flavorful gravies. For dessert, the kulfi is a delightful, cooling end to a meal that's both indulgent and refreshing.

The New Indian Restaurant also offers a wide range of drinks, including traditional lassis and a carefully curated selection of wines and cocktails that complement the bold flavors of the food.

Overall, it’s a place that combines delicious food, excellent service, and a cozy ambiance. Whether you're a long-time fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this restaurant will exceed your expectations....