Urban Rasoi — Restaurant in North Brunswick Township

We got late and decided to eat out and figured would give Urban Rasoi a try based on all the reviews.

Upon walking it was nice to see the inside decor as it not like the usual Indian restaurant decor. It’s done in a simple elegant manner . We were welcomed in got a table quickly since it was a Monday and we probably were after the main dinner rush It was a nice touch for them to start us of with some rose water with lemon served in the minute Moscow mule type glasses . That was a nice touch. There were also 2 Poland spring water bottles on table and we thought maybe someone forgot them there (more on that at bottom of review)

Food - we ordered Gobi Manchurian with gravy, shaam savera , naan and paratha. Food was good but I do agree with some reviewers a little pricey for the portion size . In the entire shaam savera we only had 4 small koftas and the rest was just gravy (not well balanced between koftas and gravy) . For the price I expected more. Gobi Manchurian was also good and not too spicy. Paratha and Naan bread were supple and soft but again I thought was slightly smaller size than other places. Normally we order 2 breads between 3 of us and we are good but here I had to order 3

Service - good service and attentive but I think people who brought food could be a little more at ease and friendly. Not sure if their nature was to be work-to-work or they are trained not to interface too much with customers

Catch - remember I said there were 2 bottles of Poland spring water on table and we thought someone forgot them. Well we later noticed that other tables had them too and we noticed that staff got additional ones for the table next to us. We asked the server staff if the water was free and she said no each one was $2 ! Lucky we did not open them . When I got the bill there was a charge of $4 on the bill for the 2 bottles. I told the host we did not open the bottles so he said no problem and removed the charge which was ok.

Here is my issue - what are they keeping the water bottles on the table without any clear sign that if you open you will be charged and based on charge I got I am assuming (right or wrong) they may have a standard practice of charging for the 2 water bottles on the bill and probably half the people don’t even notice it. They really should be more transparent on the water charge and have a clear sign for it. Even worse in this day and age when we are trying to reduce plastic waste why is a mid-range restaurant serving up water bottles and creating more waste!!!!

Overall food is good , portions are relatively smaller (and more gravy than expected in shaam savera) , ambience is good and service was good . The whole water thing was a “cheap scheme” to make profit which put me off slightly and hope they...

People have had similar experiences as us recently at this restaurant. We walked in with a reservation and they scrambled to get us a table. They also told us that day that their regular menu, the one advertised on their website was not available that day, instead was a weekend chef's specials menu where everything was up charged. Then, we asked for tap water and they told us they did not have tap water, and tried to charge us $6 for bottled still water. This is highly irregular of a restaurant and is definitely not a good business practice given that all according to NJ health standards for restaurants, the tap water they use for cooking and cleaning has to be safe to drink by law.

Then came the mediocre and inexperienced service. We were told we had to order apps and entrees all at once, so we clarified, asking them if the apps would come with the entrees or if we would be served entrees before we were done eating the apps. They assured us that would not be the case. Lo and behold, 3 min after serving us our last app, they brought over our entrees, trying to stuff them onto a small table that already had multiple plates of unfinished apps as well as finished apps that no one had picked up. It was pure stressful, unprofessional chaos. We politely asked them to come back with the entrees later, and exactly 2 min after that they once again tried to give us the entrees. When we told them we weren't ready, they placed our food outside the kitchen on the busser's table with all the used dishware. At this point, we finally lost our patience and asked them to please take the entrees back to the kitchen and make us fresh entrees as this was completely unprofessional and unhygienic. They promised they would do so.

Finally, when we told them we were ready for entrees, they brought us back the SAME food that was sitting on the busser's table, just microwaved. We are a family of very experienced cooks, we know the difference. After average entrees that we hardly touched, we were ready to just pay the bill and get out of that hellhole. We have paid less for fine dining dinner and cocktails at Manhattan restaurants, so I really don't know who these guys think they are. Be advised that they attach 18% gratuity regardless of party size. It's just a scam to make as much money as possible. Completely incompetent, unhygienic, and uncaring for the customers, I would not recommend anyone ever eat...

Nestled in the heart of the north Brunswick city, Urban Rasoi offers a delightful escape into the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, all wrapped in a warm and inviting ambience that perfectly complements the culinary experience. From the moment you step inside, the thoughtfully designed decor—rich with traditional elements—and the aromatic spices wafting from the kitchen set the stage for a memorable meal. To start our culinary journey, we opted for the Goat Sukka—an absolute star of the appetizer menu. This dish was a masterpiece, featuring tender chunks of goat meat simmered in a medley of spices, giving it a rich and deeply satisfying flavor profile. Each bite was a wonderful explosion of taste, showcasing the chef’s understanding of traditional preparation while subtly elevating it to delight contemporary palates. Paired with the Roomali Roti, which was perfectly thin and soft, this combination was a match made in heaven. Next, we ventured into the fusion territory with the Smoked Chicken Tikka, which beautifully melded classic Indian flavors with innovative presentation. The smokiness added a tantalizing layer to the dish, enhancing the tender chicken that was marinated to perfection. It's clear that Urban Rasoi pays meticulous attention not only to flavor but also to how the dish is served, as the vibrant colors were striking and enticing. Moving on to the main course, we were treated to a selection that maintained the high standards set by the appetizers. The variety was commendable, and it was clear that each dish was crafted with care and precision. The overall presentation of the food was appealing, enhancing the dining experience. Every element on the plate was thoughtfully curated, making each dish not just a meal but an experience. In conclusion, Urban Rasoi stands out as a remarkable destination for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Indian cuisine with a modern twist. The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and a cozy ambience makes for an excellent dining experience. Whether you’re there for a casual meal with friends or a special occasion, this restaurant is sure to impress. I look forward to returning and exploring more of their enticing...