One of my favorite restaurants in town. When the buffet is running the food is kept mild, so that may be something to keep in mind if you prefer very spicy curry. When food is ordered for sit down or carry out you will be given the option of mild, medium or spicy. The variety on the buffet is good, especially for being a smaller restaurant. It always has vegan, vegetarian, and meat options, as well as appetizers, salad, dessert, soup, and fresh na'an. As of this review the buffet is currently not available for COVID safety, but they are also running an excellent deal for the lunchbox special during the same time it would be open. The special includes 1 veg entree, 2 chicken entrees, rice, na'an, chutney, and cilantro salsa. The entrees and rice come in a nice neat little container that keeps each entree separate which is great if you're splitting it with another person (it is A LOT of food) or have a picky eater, the chutney and salsa come in condiment cups, and the na'an comes in foil to keep it warm. Both the buffet and the lunchbox special are $11 plus tax and more than enough to stuff you. The building itself is cozy, with comfortable booths and mellow lighting. The building does not have it's own parking lot but for a downtown location that's fairly common. There's usually plenty of onstreet parking available so long as you don't mind parallel parking, and there's also a nearby parking garage that's only $1 for 2 hours. The restaurant is in the heart of downtown near several hotels, the riverfront park, the Figge art museum, and the Analog barcade, making it a good option for a traveler or a local spending the...
Read moreMantra Indian Cuisine & Spirits is a gem that would make even the most jaded of travelers sit up and take notice. From the moment you walk through its unassuming doors, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that whispers of India’s rich tapestry. The warm hues, the intricate decor, and the subtle aroma of spices promise an experience that’s both exotic and familiar.
The food here isn’t just good; it’s transcendent. The chicken curry, a dish often found but rarely perfected, is a masterclass in balance and depth. The tender, succulent pieces of chicken bathe in a sauce that’s rich, complex, and endlessly flavorful. Pair it with their naan bread – warm, pillowy, and slightly charred – and you have a combination that’s nothing short of sublime. Each bite is a revelation, a testament to the chef’s dedication to authenticity and excellence.
Service at Mantra is impeccable. The staff, with their deep knowledge of the menu and genuine warmth, make you feel less like a customer and more like a guest in their home. They guide you through the meal with a deft touch, ensuring that your experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Mantra Indian Cuisine & Spirits isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a journey. It’s a place where food and culture converge to offer a slice of India that’s both timeless and contemporary. For those seeking a culinary adventure that excites the palate and warms the soul,...
Read moreMy dad and I got there around 6:40 there was a group of 8-10, a table of 4,and maybe 1 or 2 more customers. It took awhile for the server to take our order then finally around 7:30 we got our appetizer which in some parts was a little cold, around 8 we got our entrees. the food was good some dishes may be a little bland but it’s good. we ended up spending around 50 dollars for two lassi drinks (3.50 each) 2 orders of bread which is about as big as a large tortilla(3.50 each) and two entrees (13.99 each) the waitress was really nice just busy and the waiter just kept it really short and was inattentive which wouldn’t be a issue if we were bad customers but we really were nice and quiet so it was off putting and discouraging. We saw many tables and to go orders get their food (that came in after us mind you) it was probably about 13 people we finally just kept waiting for our food because we thought we were in some type of bizzaro world and needed to see what would happen. For a hole in the wall type restaurant it’s definitely not giving any incentive to come back especially for the price. Please listen to the bad ratings although some are a tiny bit exaggerated they all hold bits and pieces of the truth. So i’m giving 2 stars since at least the food was decent and the...
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