Akbar Restaurant — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

We were for hungry women looking for something delicious to eat. We stumbled across this place because it was right in the vicinity and we were happy we did because the food was delicious. However, when we ordered the food we found out that they charge you for the rice. I have never ever seen any Indian restaurant in Long Island that charges for rice. It was ridiculous I will order was over $85 and we could not have been given any rice with our entree?????? We thought it was absurd. So I went to go and pick up the order I spoke to one of the staff members who stated that Rice does not come with the order. So I'm assuming that when an order is made by phone or when we sit at the table we would not get any rice how absurd is that really. I understand the pandemic has placed a lot of business in the rear however this was really ridiculous. The staff member was pleasant and as I explained to him I have been to many restaurants specifically Indian restaurant where they would gladly serve rice with an entree especially with an order that was $85 or more. I gather he understood how serious this was to us he then decided to give us an order of rice but I informed him we already began cooking up our own rice at home and that it was not necessary. I don't think it should be one should force a staff or a business to give rice to their customers when their order is expected to come with rice. I saw nothing on the menu that said rice was not included. Now I don't know if this only pertains to outgoing orders or seated in the restaurant but I'll tell you what even though the food is not was absolutely delicious we decided it wasn't worth the $6 and we will not be back again. I think this restaurant should really consider putting a smile on their customers face and change their practice of not including rice in each order we ordered four entrees and some appetizers. I will stick with the restaurant that I am familiar with from now on. This was our first time and certainly our last. It may not be a big deal for some people to pay the extra $6 but certainly one should be notified before the customer makes the order that rice is not included. No one should have to be surprised especially when they're hungry. One of the biggest traditions with ordering Indian food is to enjoy the rice with the meal so once again why not serve RICE? So to the owner can you please place on your menu that rice is not included so that no one else would be surprised when they get home with an entree of food and find that's...

Akbar has such a beautiful interior and everytime I visit they seem to have some type of celebration going on and I always take a moment to marvel at the beauty of the women dressed in their finest.

Now let’s get into this meal. If you love the tart yet sweet fruit tamarind, give the Tamarita a try instead of the traditional margarita. Be careful, this drink creeps up on you!

For starters, the Chili Fried Shrimp is amazing, the batter is a blend of seasonings that compliment the taste of the shrimp, while not overpowering and just enough heat to be mildly spicy. Yes, you must dip them in the sauce.

For my vegetarian and vegan friends, try the Gobi Manchurian. A cauliflower that’s spicy but sweet fried up with green peppers, onions in a chili garlic sauce. This can easily stand alone, or serve as a side dish to the meal. Baingan Bharta is for my eggplant lovers, if you don’t fall into that category, then I am not talking to you!

Who doesn’t love a good tangy Chicken Tikka Masala? If you are a bit skeptical about experimenting with Indian food, this might be a safe start for you. Sap it up with naan, plain or garlic, slathered with butter. This is food to eat with your hands, it just tastes better.

If you have a hankering for Biryani, the shrimp is my favorite, so I highly recommend it. This trip I decided to try all new dishes so the rice that comes with each meal is Tarkari Pulao, a basmati topped with peas and carrots.

No matter when I visit, the service is always wonderful, and a preferred section is not needed, unless you have built a relationship with a member of the staff. Akbar is family friendly, don't be surprised if you see children and hear them.

I was pleased by the cleanliness of the restaurant, not only were the dining rooms spotless, the bathrooms were as well.

Akbar can be considered a fine dining restaurant, so make sure you are dressed appropriately. No you don’t have to be dressed up, but gym wear would not seem appropriate in my opinion.

So if you are looking for a nice restaurant that provides a pleasant dining experience, and delicious Indian food, check out Akbar in Garden City. Don’t forget to tell them Unnerved Traveler...

i am from NYC. i have eaten at plenty of the finest general and specialty restaurants, with the highest Zagat ratings and reviews, in all 5 boroughs as far out as east Hampton. I can say and affirm with all honesty. This restaurant had the FINEST SERVICE i have ever had the pleasure of experiencing in a restaurant anywhere in NY. I was literally taken aback by how swiftly this packed place on a Saturday evening could attentively seat us. As soon as someone gets up from their table, they had the table cleaned, clear, ready with fresh water and clean silverware in the 30 seconds it took for us to walk over, while the the other party was leaving(mind blown). The food was timely. The waiter actual took our order for the appetizers, brought them to us with our drinks, let us enjoy ourselves, than came back and took our order for the main course which arrived less than five minutes from our appetizers being finished.

EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS, and I'm very critical. On top of that...Everytime we finished with a fork, knife, or spoon, one of the servers would spot that we had put the used silverware down and would remove it, only to return it to me cleaned in less than a moment(jawdropping). We literally had fresh silverware the entire evening through 3 courses. Are you ready for the icing on this amazing cake...the owner or manager of the establishment was going around with a smile asking everyone how their meal and experience was thus far(a long forgotten courtesy). Of course i could hardly wait for him to ask me! This was all while a large wedding party was going on in the catering part of the hall. AKBAR remains very true to its Magnificent name, being by far THE GREATEST RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE I'VE HAD THUS FAR. The only thing i am disgusted by are these google reviewers looking for a reason not to give this excelsior establishment, a less than excellent review. You all should be ashamed of yourselves! Please don't go back, because i would like for it to be filled with people like me who know what quality is and appreciate phenomenal food and service. I am in love and definitely will put it in my budget to be a...