Minerva Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Norwood

2024 Oct: Excellent food and fresh buffet items, but after the meal, when the customer is presented the device at their table for paying with a credit card, it is very unprofessional for the waitstaff to stand and watch over while the customer is put on the spot to choose a tip and fill out the survey of "how did we do?" If this happens yet again next time I go, I won't be tipping at all.

REVIEW PART 2: Thanks for the prompt reply. My problem with your response is as follows:

1st, while you apologized, you seemed to deflect responsibility by emphasizing how no one else had complained before and how long you've been in business. This doesn’t address my concern but rather minimizes it, implying my experience is an outlier and perhaps invalid.

2nd, you employ a dismissive tone. By stating “if you read our reviews, you would understand how much we care,” you subtly dismiss my critique, suggesting that my experience should be disregarded because your overall reputation is positive.

3rd, you exhibit lack of empathy. Instead of fully acknowledging how uncomfortable it feels to be watched while tipping, you explained the logistics behind the device use and waitstaff behavior. This misses the emotional impact of my feedback, which was about feeling put on the spot, not about the mechanics of payment.

4th, your conditional solution to the issue was “going forward, we will instruct the waitstaff,” but this is reactive not proactive. It doesn’t demonstrate you understanding why this unprofessional behavior creates an uncomfortable atmosphere and instead suggests this was not seen as being a problem before my comment. As you state in your initial reply to my review, your restaurant staff only began using the devices in January of this year (although you made a type-o stating 2025 instead of 2024) so for you to reference your 18 years of business is irrelevant when it comes to this particular criticism. You have used these machines for 10 months. I happen to be the first to mention your staffs behavior; being first doesn't make the criticism...

Tried this place for the first time recently. Dinner was very expensive to be honest with you. They charge almost $5 for the papadum with chutney (many others offer that free..sort of like chips/salsa or rolls at other restaurants.) They were VERY cheap with the chutney too & even when Inasked for more they brought out another TINY portion. It was over $7 for two small samosas..& each entree was over $18. As for the food itself I think the sauces were really flavored well but the meat tasted a little weird..almost like it was reheated. Service was nice. Our waiter was eating in plain sight (not at a table) which I thought was a little weird..especially when I asked for something & he went over and continued eating without bringing it...Lastly, & perhaps most concerning was the atmosphere of the place. It is painted a horrendous green color inside & very dirty! We sat near a big window and dirt/dust/food was caked on the windowsill & wall. The bathroom was DISGUSTING! I feel as though the cleanliness of a bathroom often reflects the cleanliness of a kitchen which makes me hesitant to go back there. For future reference, they offer a lunch buffet for under $20 a person (menus change daily) but honestly my impression was overall not good so I don't think I'll be going back there. It also made me uncomfortable that our waiter stood over me while I made my payment on some handheld machine so I left a higher tip than I would have had he not been doing that. Food was already pricy enough and service...

From the moment I walked into the restaurant, the rich aromas of spices enveloped me like a warm embrace. The atmosphere was inviting, with soft lighting and the perfect ambiance that made me feel like I was about to embark on a culinary adventure.

The buffet spread was an absolute feast for the senses. Every dish was a tantalizing mix of flavors—perfectly spiced, bursting with heat, and delicately balanced. The tender tandoori chicken melted in my mouth, while the creamy butter chicken left me craving more with every bite. The warm naan, fresh from the oven, was like a soft, pillowy touch that complemented the bold flavors.

But it wasn’t just the food that was irresistible. The service? Nothing short of spectacular. The staff made me feel like royalty, attending to my every need with a grace that was as smooth and satisfying as the silky dal makhani. They were attentive without being intrusive, always ready with a recommendation or a refill of my favorite curry. The hospitality was, in a word, unforgettable.

As the meal came to a close, I sat back, completely content. Each bite had been an experience, a journey into the heart of Indian cuisine, where flavors and textures mingled in the most satisfying way. The service had been just as fulfilling, leaving me with the kind of warmth and satisfaction that only comes from a truly memorable...