Gateway To India — Restaurant in Tacoma

A hidden gem that needs some light shined on it!

My wife and I have tried Indian restaurants all over the south sound area and what we've discovered is that they are few and far between. Then when you find one, it usually isn't very good. We were surprised to stumble upon Gateway to India just a few weeks ago because it is literally just a few blocks from our house. We've lived in Tacoma nearly all our lives and yet somehow we've missed it. I do have to say that our first visit was a little bit confusing because they have a sign that reads; wait to be seated and yet the woman told us just to sit anywhere we wanted. Then when my wife went to choose a table flanked by a booth on one side and chairs on the other as she prefers, we were asked to sit at a smaller table even though the place was not busy. I think the lack of communication skills along with the over-eagerness to provide a good experience actually hinder the hostess a bit and that could be the reason that other reviews label the staff as a bit rude. I didn't experience rudeness; however, I did feel like they don't have a good routine down and that they are just over eager to please. Putting that aside, the place is spacious and can accommodate a lot of people. They keep it clean and presentable, and the ambience is comfortable and welcoming. The aroma of the food that greets you as you enter the place will stir up more of an appetite than you had previously thought you'd had. We have always visited during the lunch buffet and unlike other buffets, you pay after you're done eating rather than up front. The buffet offers a good selection of entrees, and they rotate their selections daily, so you never know what you'll be able to have until you arrive. On every occasion, I've tried every dish offered on the buffet table and I have been very satisfied with nine out of ten of the items each time and that is not because the tenth item was not good, but my personal tastes did not line up. If I had to give them any suggestions, they would be that the naan isn't very good overall. It's good enough as far as naan goes but I've had way better at other Indian restaurants. They open from something like 11:00 to 3:00 for lunch buffet and then close down for a bit to prepare for dinner service later in the evening. We have not attended that, but they do not offer the buffet for dinner. I'm sure that you can order from the regular menu during lunch hours as well though. Overall, this place is clean, inviting and a very good value. The staff is a bit anxious and over eager to make sure that you enjoy your meal, but the complete experience is definitely worth making a trip over to see for yourself.

Pro tip: If you like your spice level higher than the default which isn't bad to begin with, they will provide you with their house made habanero hot sauce to add to your dishes. Be careful though because it is HOT.

I can't say enough good things about Gateway to India and I hope that this review can help bring them more business. Thanks for...

I recently tried to place an order at this restaurant during my break and was greeted by a woman who answered the phone. Unfortunately, she seemed rushed and impolite. I informed her of my intention to place an order, and she requested my full name, which I found unusual. She then asked for my credit card number to secure the order. As a vegan, I inquired about a tofu option, but she falsely claimed it was unavailable, despite the website clearly offering it. She insisted that I pay for the order over the phone, but I preferred to pay in person since I was picking it up. When I expressed discomfort providing my credit card information over the phone and suggested ordering online, she abruptly terminated the call. Upon arriving at the establishment, she greeted me rudely and informed me that my order was not ready, displaying a disdainful expression. After a 15-minute wait, she presented the food, placing it on the table rather than handing it to me, and then walked away. Despite feeling irritated, I maintained my composure due to time constraints during my lunch break. It appeared that she was displeased that I did not provide my card number, possibly indicating malicious intent. I have no intention of returning to this establishment, as her treatment of customers is utterly unacceptable. The request for my full name and credit card number over the phone was unusual, and her reaction to my refusal to provide this information was concerning. I would advise caution when supporting this business. Like who asks for someone’s first and last name and credit card number in order to secure and fulfill an order over the phone, and then when you decline to give her your information over the phone, she hangs up on you. I’d be very wary about supporting this business. I highly believe that this establishment is...

I wish i could give negative stars... I went here the other day with my family, no reservation, just walked in. There were 2 tables of customers at the time, the rest of the place was empty. It was 7pm on a Saturday night. A woman, (the manager or owner) "greeted" us, apparently put out, lecturing me that they need a reservation. I bit my tongue and swallowed my smart alek retort and she relentingly agreed to seat us. We really put her out in our attempt to eat in her restaurant. Eventually a table was prepared and we were seated. We naturally took off our masks as we were served water to drink but were immediately lectured about the need to put our masks back on while sitting at the table, between sips of water, even though the next closest table was 10+ feet away. The qr code didn't work for the menu but the same woman begrudgingly brought us a single printed menu for 3 adults. I have never been treated so horribly a restaurant than here, and I was a complete gentleman to this woman. I took my family out of the restaurant after the lecture just to avoid what certainly would have been additional conflict had the woman condescended to take or order. It was beyond belief how little this woman cared about our business or respected other people. I considered ordering food to go because I'd read such good reviews about it but couldn't bring myself to support the restaurant in any way. I will gladly drive 30 min to the other well recommended Indian restaurant rather that ever eat here. I've traveled rather extensively around the US and the world and haven't run into this kind of contempt from someone you would expect to be interested in your business, anywhere. I do not recommend this place and will never return. The restaurant certainly is not concerned...