Saravana Palace — Restaurant in Virginia

Every weekend, I love to take my family for an Indian food because we grew up in India and we always loved Indian food. The name Sarvana had always been our favorite food stop from India and when we found one here it continued, until the last horrible and disrespectful experience..

To share - It was around 7pm on July 20, when we entered this restaurant and like always ordered our regular combination of north and South Indian food. We placed order at one time but only requested to bring two tea at the end of the meal. Suddenly we got this one cup of tea in the middle of our meal and were told that they are going to bring the second cup of tea soon. To make it more worse, the server told us that sugar is already added to the tea which is very unusual there, coz we always order tea and it always served without sugar and also the cup wasn’t even filled. Very patiently, I ignored everything and continued to enjoy our meal with an toddler and a older kid. My wife drank tea without making any fuss because they said second tea will be served soon. We waited for our 2nd cup to come but never came. Finally, the server came and informed us that they are out of tea. Completely shocked and surprised, we were left with no choice but to exit this restaurant. Can not believe, we ordered two tea but one tea was served in hurry and for second tea kitchen ran out of tea.. Sounded weird, god knows whose cup of tea they served us. My wife left the restaurant feeling insulted with this inferior treatment. Plus every meal we would finish they would come and remove the plates from table like they were in rush to chase us out. Feeling frustrated and angry, I went straight to the cashier to make the payment. To add on, they had billed us for two cup of tea… when I enquired for correction and clarify how is it that kitchen is out of tea at 7pm (restaurant closes at 10pm). Finally, I what I got to hear from them was shocking - turned me furious, the guy (owner) stated they are busy with other incoming customers. I don’t know what I should take out of this but they poorly failed in customer service, that really spoiled our day crushed our trust in that restaurant. We were their regular customer even during Covid. Learn to Value each customer with due respect, we don’t come to eat for free, we pay for what we eat and pay taxes and add fair amount of tips too, with our every visit! NEVER...

A Vegetarian's Delight: Exquisite South Indian Cuisine at Saravana Palace*

Review:

From the moment I stepped into Saravana Palace, I was enveloped in a welcoming ambiance that promised an authentic South Indian culinary experience. This vegetarian haven, nestled in the heart of Fairfax, VA, is a true gem for anyone seeking a taste of Southern India's rich and diverse cuisine.

Ambiance and Service: The restaurant's interior is both clean and inviting, creating a perfect setting for a family meal or a casual dining experience with friends. The staff at Saravana Palace are exceptional, embodying the epitome of hospitality. They are attentive, friendly, and always willing to offer recommendations, ensuring a delightful dining experience from start to finish.

Food - A Culinary Journey: The highlight of Saravana Palace is, without a doubt, its food. The menu is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and aromas, each dish crafted with authentic spices and ingredients.

The Dosa Delight: The dosas are a must-try. Perfectly crisp, these crepes are a culinary masterpiece, served with a variety of chutneys and sambar, each adding its unique flavor profile to the dish. The Masala Dosa, in particular, with its savory potato filling, is a crowd-pleaser.

Buffet Extravaganza: The lunch buffet is a journey through the various regions of South India. It's not just a meal; it's an exploration of tastes. From mild to spicy, the buffet includes an array of dishes like samosas, curries, and delicious hot Indian bread. The desserts, from traditional Indian sweets to yogurt-based treats, provide a perfect end to the meal.

Standout Dishes: Apart from dosas, dishes like Idli, Pani Puri, and Uttapam stand out for their authenticity and flavors. The coconut chutney, with a unique crunch of channa dal, is a delightful accompaniment.

Conclusion: Saravana Palace is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience that transports you to the heart of South India. Whether you're a vegetarian or just someone who appreciates good food, this restaurant is a must-visit. The combination of delightful flavors, warm service, and a cozy ambiance makes Saravana Palace a standout in Fairfax's dining scene.

Feel free to modify it to better suit your personal experience or preferences...

We went on a weekday evening, driving for about 30 minutes. Very much worth it. First thing first, after my appalling experience with Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Restaurant at Fairfax, I always pay particular attention to how staff at Indian restaurant behave with Indian customers and this place was great - no complains at all.

Dosa was really good. I had the Milagaipodi Masala Dosa and it was exactly as I expected it, a close cousin of Gunpowder Masala Dosa (which this place does not serve). I am sure aficionados will disagree but sitting in the DMV area, this is the best one could get. The sambhar accompanying the dosas was out of the worldly delicious !! The Vada was good. The idly was not the fluffy, soft, steaming, hot delicacy that I imagine when I think of idly but it was decent. One thing I must add and that is ( I do not hail from the Southern part of the country, so am ignorant about subtleties here !), there are several kinds of dosa one can get in South India. This is towards the entirely crispy end of the spectrum and not the kind that has a crisp exterior and soft interior.

I am sorry that I hadn't discovered this gem earlier. Looking forward to going back again and also checking out their buffet. Keep it up, folks. And for those of you who care, give Woodlands at Fairfax a kick and check this place out. So much more worth it !

Edited on 05/27/2019 - Went back for the buffet. We have been looking for a good South Indian buffer since Madras Palace closed down in Maryland and were very very disappointed by Woodlands in VA. Saravana Place lived to the earlier expectations. It was very busy, indicative of being consistently popular joint. They were extremely well behaved, that can be a rare trait in Indian restaurants towards their Indian clientele ( a point where Woodlands scored sordidly poorly !) and the buffet was delicious. Look forward to be back. Only one minor point - I wish their buffet was a little bit heavier on the South Indian items...