5th Element Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Jacksonville

I had visited this restaurant a long time ago and, back then, the experience was quite good. Unfortunately, my recent visit for their lunch buffet with my family was extremely disappointing.

This was, without a doubt, one of the worst buffet experiences I’ve had in the U.S. The food was stale, dry, and tasted like it had been sitting out for an extended period. The peas rice, in particular, was completely dried out — the rice had turned hard and sharp from the lack of moisture.

To make matters worse, when I tried to raise concerns about the food quality, the staff showed no interest and made no effort to connect me with a manager.

I would not recommend this place to anyone. There are plenty of better options where your money will be well spent and your dining experience will actually be enjoyable.

Update after Owner reply:

Please don’t pretend that customer experience or food quality is a priority for your restaurant.

During our visit, I raised concerns about the food’s quality and taste with your front-desk staff — not once, but twice. Both times, I was completely ignored. The staff’s attitude was dismissive, as if their only concern was processing the payment and moving us out.

When my wife asked to speak with the manager, we were told, “Our manager is very busy.” That response made it clear that customer feedback was not welcome or valued.

In most restaurants, staff at least make an effort to check on guests or ask how the food is. In our case, even when we left 90% of the food untouched, the employee clearing our table didn’t say a word or ask if anything was wrong.

Now, in your response, you suggest that we should have informed you earlier. We tried — your staff simply didn’t care. Don’t shift the blame onto customers when the issue is clearly with how your team handles feedback...

Outstanding Experience at 5th Element Indian Restaurant!

I just had the most incredible dining experience at 5th Element Indian Restaurant, and I cannot stop raving about it! This place is an absolute gem that deserves every bit of praise.

Kaushal was absolutely amazing!!! I cannot emphasize enough how exceptional our server was. Kaushal’s service was nothing short of phenomenal - attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring we had the perfect dining experience. His recommendations were spot-on, and his warm hospitality made the entire evening memorable. Kaushal truly elevated our visit from great to extraordinary!

Now, let’s talk about the food - WOW! Every single dish was a masterpiece:

Tandoori Chicken - Perfectly charred and bursting with authentic flavors

Red Curry Chicken Fried Rice - A brilliant fusion that worked beautifully

Chicken Korma - Rich, creamy, and absolutely divine

Mango Chicken - The perfect balance of sweet and savory

Lamb Tikka Masala - Tender lamb in the most incredible sauce

The drinks were equally impressive! The tamarind ginger margarita was a creative twist that paired surprisingly well with the spices, and the Cuba Libre was expertly crafted. The wine selection complemented the meal perfectly.

The atmosphere at 5th Element is warm and inviting, but what truly sets this restaurant apart is the exceptional service - particularly from Kaushal. His dedication to excellence and genuine care for guests makes this place special.

I’ll definitely be returning soon and will be requesting Kaushal’s section. If you’re looking for authentic Indian cuisine with world-class service, 5th Element is your destination!

Highly recommend...

I recently visited By the Fifth Element and I have to say, the entire experience was outstanding from start to finish. The food itself was absolutely delicious—rich flavors, beautifully prepared dishes, and everything came out fresh and fast. But what truly made the evening memorable was the incredible service we received from our waiter, Kaushal.

From the moment we sat down, Kaushal made us feel welcome and taken care of. He had a warm, professional presence and gave us excellent descriptions of the menu, helping us decide on dishes we might not have tried otherwise. His recommendations were spot on and added so much to the overall dining experience. Not only was he attentive and quick in bringing out our food, but he also made sure we had everything we needed before we even thought to ask.

Kaushal’s energy and professionalism stood out the entire night—he was friendly, knowledgeable, and truly elevated the whole atmosphere. It wasn’t just about getting great service, it was about feeling like someone genuinely cared that we had the best experience possible. He made the evening smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.

I can confidently say that Kaushal helped turn a great meal into a fantastic experience. The food at By the Fifth Element is worth the visit on its own, but the service we received—especially thanks to Kaushal—has guaranteed that we’ll be coming back and recommending this place to friends and family.

Big thanks again to Kaushal for making the night so enjoyable—you’re a true asset to...