Mahal — Restaurant in Town of North Hempstead

TLDR: I would never return nor recommend this place ever.

I chose this place randomly based on their goggle rating and geography. The first time I looked at their prices I was a bit shook, but I decided to order. I didn’t want to assume that the meat dishes included rice…. They don’t. So that’s a 20+ meat dish that you need to order a side of rice. Okay.

Called in the order for take out. Said 25 minutes. No problem. Entered the place. Greeted by a gentleman in a suit who asked why I was there, said I was there for pick up. He didn’t ask my name or anything, just dismissed me and said a few minutes. I waited several more minutes until a kind female wait staff asked me my purpose and even asked my name. She went to the back and returned saying a few minutes. No problem.

A few orders came out while I waited there and they were taken. I stood there one my phone texting my partner who was wondering what was going on. An order came out and it sat on the counter for SEVERAL minutes. PLEASE keep in mind that there were only three tables of parties in the entire place. Sure. I could have looked at the bag sitting on the counter top but after Covid and what not, people are funky. So once again, the female wait staff came up and asked me my name. The order sitting there was my food. Another wait staff said that they thought I was a door dasher. I’m sorry, do you all not communicate or even bother asking me? Additionally, I had already waited an ADDITIONAL 25 minutes for someone to bring me my order.

As I was ready to pay for this over priced food, I told the man in the suit that I didn’t even feel like paying at this time because I waited so long. The suited man stated that the food was only there for two-three minutes. I told him that it was more than that, because I remembered looked at my messages and saw the text I sent my partner when that order came out. I also stated that he was a horrible manager/owner for trying to play down the amount of time the food was sitting out. Silence.

Like I stated before the food was overpriced. The portion? Maybe it matches the price they are charging you. I will admit the naan is likely fairly priced. Understandably that each region has their own curry mix, and uses their different spices. However, that chicken tikka masala tasted almost straight up like tomato paste that barely had time to cook. There were no complementary flavors. The tomato taste was overpowering. The chicken korma? Meh. Average. Again, I just didn’t think the flavors could even compare to those I have had from other establishments that are more fair in price.

Never did I feel so I welcomed by a host or establishment. Not sure if it was because of gender or ethnicity, or even possibly my casual attire. But I do not think this establishment is worth it. I hope the gentleman in the suit learns to have a better attitude towards other patrons and they learn to...

where to begin😞🤦🏻‍♂️ I waited for time to pass after my dining experience so i can properly give a non emotional review. Took my lady here for Valentine’s day because she wanted Indian Food and this place was “rated well!” To sum it all up, This place is in a nice town, in a nice building and has nice interior/ decor BUT the restaurant tries to jam pack people in like sardines. People are sat way too close to one another. They have an upstairs but the vibe Up there is sad. Feels like a time out room. No music, no vibe. just a room filled with people looking miserable! Why miserable? well, back to downstairs exp.

Music was barely audible, but at least people were chattering downstairs. You are sat down and maybe 10 mins later, someone brings you water. 10 more mins later, waiter finally comes by and takes your order. Nice FRIENDLY behavior BUT This place is SLOW.

15 mins later, my mango lassi arrives (which left much to be desired) It is 30 mins later and no Food!

40 mins total waiting: NO FOOD everyone around the room is “miserable looking” at this pt , including us. They are all waiting for their drinks. All they have is water. Many waiters and servers walking around like robots. holding empty trays. But no food or drinks. Truly a weird scenario. We felt maybe we were being pranked? This wasn’t happening was it?

We are the only ones in this place ON valentines day out of 50 people with actual drinks BUT again NO FOOD.

IF NOT FOR V-Day, we would have walked out long ago BUT i knew it would be hard getting a reservation elsewhere this late. FOOD FINALLY ARRIVES 55 mins later.

It was welcomed as i was quite hungry. BUT the portions, presentation and quality was not there. Ordered food that needs to be eaten with NAAN: Served us our food BUT “naan is not ready” So we sit for another 5 mins staring at food we cant eat without the naan. Naan arrives and we eat! we are laughing at the terrible experience but noticed we are the only two people eating. we ate for 20 mins and noticed NO one else had food. These folks looked at us with anger and misery. It was hard to enjoy the food even if we wanted to try. we quickly ate and got the hell out. NEVER AGAIN! Pls feel free to try this place BUT i recommend you lower your expectations and eat a snack before you come here. Heck, bring a snack. Def do NOT bring kids, they wont have the patience to wait 55 mins for...

Food was good but prices are high and overall, our experience was ruined by service that though nice, was epically incompetent.

We were there for a birthday dinner and towards the end of the meal, discreetly asked the manager for a small dessert with a candle just to sing happy birthday -- which he readily agreed to. What ensued was almost 45 minutes of completely avoidable aggravation.

First, having finished eating, we waited for over 20 minutes with dirty dishes sitting on the table. Eventually a runner appeared and slowly cleared the plates… still no sign of the dessert. Then, after another 5-10 minutes, the manager came over and distributed dessert menus… my brother-in-law leaned aside and reminded him of our request for the dessert, which was met with nods.

15 more minutes of sitting / waiting and… nothing. My b-i-l left the table, tracked down the manager, explained our growing exasperation, and just asked for the check. After another 10 minutes, the manager brought over a piece of mango cheesecake with a candle, despite our request to cancel it and just bring the check.

Final insult: the check (when it finally arrived) included a charge for a 2nd beer we didn’t have. B-i-l went and requested its removal; staff member apologized and offered to remove it and comp the cheesecake. Five minutes later, the revised check appeared, minus the beer but including a $10 charge for the cake. We mentioned to the staff member who just stood here with a frozen smile; at our wits’ end, we paid & quickly left.

Can’t recall encountering service so bumbling and clueless. It’s a shame since the restaurant is physically very nice and the food delicious, but never again given terrible...