Navaratna — Restaurant in Stamford

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Navaratna Indian Restaurant, located in downtown Stamford, and I must say it was a delightful experience.

Food: I ordered the Chole Bhature, a classic North Indian dish, and a homemade mango lassi to accompany it. The Chole Bhature was exceptional. The key to making this dish perfectly is being able to bring it to the table while the Bhature is still puffed full of hot air from coming out of the oil, and Navaratna nailed it. The Bhature was fluffy, golden, and piping hot. Many places make the mistake of serving flattened Bhature that have been sitting out for too long, but not here. The Chole, a spicy chickpea curry, complemented the Bhature beautifully. It had just the right amount of spice and flavor.

Drinks: The homemade mango lassi was a refreshing and flavorful choice. It had that perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a delightful accompaniment to the meal.

Atmosphere: Navaratna boasts a nice atmosphere that sets the stage for an enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant's location, about a 10-minute walk from Metro North and across the street from the only mall in Stamford, makes it easily accessible. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch spot or a place for a cozy dinner, Navaratna's ambiance fits the bill.

Service: The staff at Navaratna were not only friendly but also knowledgeable about the menu. They were more than willing to provide recommendations and answer any questions we had, which added to the overall pleasant dining experience.

Water Quality: Even the quality of the water was notable. It tasted like it was filtered, which is a small detail but certainly appreciated.

Overall: Navaratna Indian Restaurant has quickly become my favorite vegetarian Indian restaurant in Connecticut. They excel at crafting dishes from both northern and southern India, offering a diverse menu that includes everything from dosa crepes to vegetable biryani, Mumbai street chaat, and bhindi chettinad. The attention to detail in their food preparation and the commitment to serving dishes at their freshest really set them apart. If you're in Stamford and in the mood for authentic Indian cuisine, Navaratna is the place to go. I highly...

Having recently dined at Navaratna, I am compelled to share my delightful experience with fellow food enthusiasts. From the moment I stepped into this charming establishment, I was greeted with the warm and inviting ambiance that promised a memorable dining adventure.

Navaratna is a celebration of vegetarian cuisine, offering an extensive menu that showcases the rich and diverse flavors of India. Each dish we ordered was a revelation in itself, bursting with authentic spices and fresh ingredients that spoke volumes of the culinary expertise behind the scenes. The chefs at Navaratna have truly mastered the art of balancing flavors, creating dishes that are not only pleasing to the palate but also to the soul.

The highlight of our meal was undoubtedly the Paneer Tikka Masala, with paneer that was so tender it practically melted in the mouth, enveloped in a creamy, richly spiced tomato gravy that was a pure delight. The Dal Makhani was another standout, slow-cooked to perfection, offering a depth of flavor that was simply unmatched. Accompanied by a selection of perfectly baked naans and fragrant basmati rice, each bite was a testament to the authentic culinary traditions of India.

But what sets Navaratna apart is not just its food; the service here is exceptional. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience, offering recommendations with a smile and attending to every need with the utmost care and attention.

For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu is not to be missed. The Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai were the perfect end to our meal, each a sublime blend of sweetness and texture that left us longing for more.

In conclusion, Navaratna is a gem in the realm of vegetarian dining, offering an unparalleled experience that transcends mere eating. Whether you're a lifelong vegetarian or simply someone who appreciates the finesse of well-crafted cuisine, Navaratna is a must-visit. It's not just a meal; it's a journey through the heart of India's culinary heritage, served with love and passion. I eagerly anticipate my next visit, confident in the knowledge that it will be as incredible...

I have been a loyal customer of this restaurant for the past four years, consistently appreciating the quality of food and service. Unfortunately, my most recent experience has been extremely disappointing and has forced me to rethink my loyalty.

I had placed an order well in advance to Ramesh (he seems to be the manager) and had told him thrice, he said he would make it. On the night of the order, he did not respond so I called the restaurant and then I was informed that the order is not made and will not be made. So I spoke to Ramesh directly as I felt insulted in front of my guests. Ramesh, instead of apologizing, he just said that I should stop placing future orders. He was very rude and abusive. I was told directly by him that he would no longer prepare food for me and that I should stop ordering altogether. This was shocking, disheartening, and frankly humiliating, especially given my years of support and positive patronage.

As a paying customer who has been returning regularly for nearly half a decade, I expected to be treated with respect and courtesy. Instead, I was made to feel unwelcome and dismissed without any explanation or attempt at a constructive solution. Such behavior is not only unprofessional but also deeply discouraging.

Restaurants thrive on long-term customer relationships, and this abrupt refusal to serve a loyal diner reflects very poorly on management and hospitality standards. Regardless of how good the food might be, treatment like this makes it impossible to recommend the establishment to others. Ramesh is also very sexist, many of my female friends stopped coming to restaurant because of him.

I hope the management reflects seriously on this incident and reconsiders how they engage with loyal customers...