Saravana Bhavan

Great selection of South Indian dosa, uttapam and other savory delights. I’m
Not sure why their rating is poor. Every time I’ve been here it’s been consistently good.

Came here with a party of 4. Was extremely busy so you will feel rushed immediately upon being seated. Also, if you are not Indian do not bother asking for recommendations as they will not provide anything beyond the basic specials listed on the front page of the menu.
Food was above average, but before we finished a bus boy had spilled yellow sauce down my dress shirt. Would have been fine if he didn’t end up smearing it with a napkin all over my back and laughing while doing it. Any sort of apology would have been nice, but as expected we were give the bill and rushed out. Would recommend management to cover the dry cleaning bill in the future, but the dry cleaner was unable to get the sauce out so be careful with what you wear here. Decent food for $ 40/​person, not worth ruining your clothes over.

Been coming here for years and now I finally have to say that this place has the worst food and service ever. Overtime they treat non Indians better. Restaurant was empty but the host refused to seat us by the window. Furniture is outdated and chairs/​tables are sticky and greasy. Service is so poor although ten guys will be around but none of them would look at you incase you need something. If you ask for an extra small plate, the waiters roll their eyes.
Worst is food. Bhatura were pre made, cold and chewy. Chole not fresh. Uttapam was not well cooked at all, couldn’t eat raw dough like this.
Please don’t waste your money here, there are other better options nearby.

I v had better Rasam in other places that serve south indian food in NY, but their paper masala dosa was hands down amazing! Only thing I didn’t like was the pace at which the main course came– which didn’t let any of us finish our appetizers. Also, be careful of the portions cause my dosa could easily be shared between two ! Definitely try their trio of chutneys (which come with most of their dosa/​idli/​vada type dishes). Found the place a tad bit expensive for the kind of food and ambiance. The service was a little appalling cause when I asked the server to pour my hot rasam from my bowl into a glass he first looked at me with surprise, then got me a glass to do it myself. I mean how am I supposed to do the task of pouring hot liquid from one steel container to another on my table without spilling it all over? Then when we asked the guy to pack our unfinished dosa into a doggy bag– he again looked surprised and then got us an empty box to do it ourselves! If you expect a tip, I would suggest polishing some of these rough edges in service.

We craved for chana bhatura and dosa so decided to check this place. Worst decision. The paper masala dosa was burnt as well as very greasy as well as cold. The chutneys and sambhar was okay.
The channa bhatura — channa masala was good. The bhatura was big but too oily. Too much oil.
Decided to try the Madras coffee and it sucked. Never again.

I think, we as a audience, have hyped this place so much that the air has gotten in to the entire staff. We ordered mini idlis at around 9.30 PM. The waiter, in a very stern voice, made it very clear that it will be the last order. After few mins he arrived back at the table mentioning about mini idlis not being available. We changed the order to Onion Dosa. Believe it or not, they actually made a ultra plain dosa and sprinkled it with onion pieces! Really? Am i suppose to pay them 8 $ + taxes + tip for this? When we called the waiter to ask him «Is this really your standards of food?» He smirked and said, «Yes!». You know what I mean when I say «the unnecessary pride in the head?»

Best South Indian Food. Mini Tiffin was amazing with Dosa, Idli, Rava Kichdi and mind blowing Moti Chur Ladoo.
Great service from Raj and Bachhan. Will return soon!

Given the dearth of good dosa places in Manhattan this place gets the job done but how I wish they’d just out in a little more effort, into… everything! Service leaves much to be desired, food quality isn’t anything to write home about, literally (Ami I right, desi people?)
Finally, the prices, holy hell…$ 9 for a plate of idlis!!? Bordering highway robbery.
So yeah, check it out if you’re really craving dosas but if you’re not feel free to skip this very highly overrated south Indian spot.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Saravana Bhavan, as my friends all agreed how fun our time here was. With each dosa the size of half of the table, it is truly a fun experience seeing my groups faces when the dosas were served. I cannot say anything about authenticity or quality because this was my first dosa, but I would highly recommend if you are in the mood for a playful meal with friends. Just be prepared to eat with your hands and lots of dosa tasting.
On a side note I ordered the Ghee Dosa which me and my friends thought was too buttery and not done properly, although my other friends Paper Dosa and Cheese Dosa was delicious!

Seriously awesome food! So many flavors on just one plate! This is a vegetarian dream. Must try! This place can get packed so try to come during the off hours.

Really delicious food!!! Loved idli n mendhu Vada!!!
Just one thing I want to say is too much potato filling in masala dhosa… Otherwise it’s perfect!!!

Wasn’t expecting too much from this place, and when the food was served it didn’t look like much. Imagine my surprise when I actually tried it! I’m not too big on vegetarian food (especially when I’m hungry), but I’ll have this over Shake Shack or chicken and rice any day in the city.
Would recommend the Masala Dosa! Had a spicy kick that was just right, accompanied by four dips that were delightfully flavorful but not overwhelming. Thanks for the rec Eileen!

I’ve been to this place a handful of times expecting that it will get better each time. It really hasn’t. It’s a completely vegetarian restaurant which is awesome but I really don’t think it’s as good as everybody says it is. Everyone I know is obsessed with this place and I just really can’t figure out why.
I mean don’t get me wrong It’s a pretty solid Indian restaurant on curry hill but I wouldn’t say it’s the ABSOLUTE best. Portions are massive so you won’t be hungry, but I think if you’re looking for South Indian food, Pongal is your best bet and only a block away.
The dosas here a huge but includes the smallest amount of filling. The sambar on the side isn’t as spicy as I would want it and not as flavorful. One time I decided to try the Chana Bhatura and I would never try that again. It’s just so bland and flavorless. The staff is great and everybody is really friendly which is why I give it three stars. But I think my personal preference would be to choose another South Indian restaurant if I’m really craving that cuisine.

The finest experience one can have when it comes to Masala Dosa, Kaima Idly and other fine vegetarian dishes. My family goes here probably once or twice a month. The service is always familiar, friendly and attentive. Food is prepared fresh and served on the typical shiny metal plates and trays. The seating might
be a bit tight in the front but they are able to accommodate my rather huge father in law. The ambiance is bright, clean and energetic. I have never ordered a drink from the bar but always get a big King Fisher or two, served cold with the proper glasses. Love this place and could eat here everyday if given the opportunity.

Truth is, I’ve been to this South Indian restaurant twice, both times in the same week. The first time, I loved it. It was for lunch, and the place was packed. I arrived just before the crowd, and by the time I left, there was a line out the door. My meal was delicious (Cheese Dosa), and the portion was very generous.
The second time I went, it was later that week, and it was for dinner instead of lunch. Far less crowded. I even ordered a dosa again, but this time the Masala Dosa. Almost as soon as I started eating the dosa, I found something nobody ever wants to see in their food — a hair! (And not my own.) I told the waiter about it, and they took the plate away and promptly replaced it with freshly-​prepared order.
Once seen, it is hard to get past a HAIR in your food.
I just don’t see myself going back to Saravana Bhavan. It’s unfortunate, because in fact, the food was tasty, the wait staff was speedy and attentive, and the vibe was hip Manhattan Indian eatery. Benefit of the doubt — I’m going to assume this was a one-​off, that it doesn’t happen regularly, and that it most likely would never happen again. My dining partners were very happy with their meals and are eager to go back.

No matter you try this place anywhere in the world, the taste of their dishes remain the same. I have ordered the Rava dosa and Rava kichdi both supposed to be their trademark dishes. As soon as they arrive at your table, you can smell ghee in the air. The Dosa was crispy and the special part are their chutneys like coconut, mint and spicy chutney in red, white and green colours are always fresh to have. I guess they never go wrong with it.
They have got nice ambience and surprised to see a bar in there as well.
P.S For those who doesn’t want to eat ghee this place is a big no no

I don’t even know where to begin. This place has one of the best dosas I have had in a long time. We were initally skeptical of going because of older reviews. Then we decided what the heck its worth a shot. Boy am I glad we did. The dosas here are absolutely delicious. Thin, crispy, light and full of flavor. I love when my dosa isn’t doused in oil and I was so happy when I ate this one. The chutneys are also delicious.
Only thing I wish was different was more sambhar. The gunpowder chutney is worth the spice and the biseballe rice was also amazing.
I will definitely be coming back!
I also have to say, thank you Bhojraj for great service!

Tried Masala Dosa, Pongal and Medu vada in 2013. They had the same good quality you get in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. But the prices were way too expensive, well then everything in NYC is expensive.
They were offering alcohol though, which was unusual for Saravana Bhavan restaurants in India.
For vegetarian South Indian cuisine, this is the best place in New York City.

Was finally able to go to the restaurant after a few years and everything was as good and mouth watering as I remembered. Onion chilli masala rava dosa and mysore masala dosa hit the spot!!!

Pretty good food but terrible customer service. For such a big restaurant chain I expected better.
We waited for almost half hour to get inside on a not so busy early evening and a further 40 mins to get the ordered food.

I wanted to break the bad image of this restaurant. If look into the entire picture; my experience was a better one.
*Kiama Idliy with Raita
*Vegetable bonda
*Rasa Vada
Try those dishes before making a conclusion, I’ll be fair by giving this place 4 stars!

Walking into Saravana reminded me of walking into my favorite tiffin room in HYD. The thali was good and the dosa was crispy and spicy. Chutney’s were slightly watered down. And the rice was not great. I’d go back.

The food varies from time to time in terms of quality. The portions are very big but the prices are pretty high when you’re mostly paying for flour and potatoes.
The service is poor– they only come to take your order and to take your dishes away. They could care less if you need something in the middle of the meal.
I like that they have sinks on the side for people to wash their hands.

Hands down, my favorite vegetarian eats in the city! Discovered a new found love for South Indian food. Their veggie korma and Kerala porotta is my absolute favorite. All of their dosas are perfect and always fresh! I love the coconut chutneys and almost always wipe the plate clean. I have been back multiple times and plan to come even more. I don’t think you can find any more authentic South Indian food in the city. Worth a visit! Or two or three or four… who’s counting anyways. :P

I love the mini thali! I love the dosas! I love the chutneys! I love the idli and Vadas! I love everything! The Taj Mahal beer! The 1947 beer!
It’s a delightful place!
Service is QUICK! You’ll be in and out in 45 minutes. Good safe bet on any given day.
Few cons: don’t try the wine. It sucks that they charge extra for coconut chutney (it’s so yummy) ((but then, extra guac costs money too right?))
Nothing that i would penalise them for! 5 stars well deserved

Luckily we had a short wait time. I hardware few of my friends had bad experience before. So I did not have any expectations. But the food was good and the service was fast enough.
Ordered Adam avyil-​the coconut gravy was too good when had with the sugar served as side. Ordered sambar vada. A special credits goes to the sambar. It’s exactly what we get in India. And definitely a must to try the madras filter coffee.
The mango lassi is not good. I have tried better ones than this place.
One thing i noticed is that the management don’t note down the name anywhere during wait time. It’s very difficult for us to remember who is next and stuff. It would be good to improve this part.

one of my favorite places to get Southern indian food in NYC. This place isn’t fancy but has a large menu with lots to try. Service can be hit or miss but the lunch specials/​dinner specials are great value. A lot of food! Great place to bring a vegeterian but a meat eater won’t leave hungry!

There were two entrance… I picked the one in right and it seems newly renovated…
You can expect a typical South Indian crowd.
I ordered Rava dosa and poori. Service was quick.
Rava dosa was too dry and cold. Sambar was just average. Poori with potato masala and cauliflower korma was good and that made my day !
Overall a good treat for guys missing South Indian food. But Is it really that good? Nope.
And Why we have good comments here for this restaurant? Because it’s the only decent South Indian restaurant we have in USA and we all have to deal with it.
Hope to see them do better. Or Hoping to see new restaurants which really brings out the authentic taste of dosas, idly, Pongal and what not.

Saravna Bhavan is a constant of authentic South Indian food around the world, and it is no less in New York. Come here if you’re looking for a delicious South Indian meal — dosas, idlis, masala chai, the whole deal. I have no complaints about the food itself: any South Indian mother will approve it. My favorite is the onion rava masala dosa.
The service can be meh, sometimes the waiters are unresponsive and strange, but to me, that’s not a huge deal. The prices aren’t dirt cheap like they are in their other locations that I’ve been to but that is to be expected in this city.
Definitely recommend!

I go here for three things — Kaima Idli (which is AMAZING — get it every time), rava masala dosa (which was kind of burnt last time I went so slightly upset) and of course, south indian coffee!
The service sucks and your food will come out before your friends, but the food is tasty!

Nestled in Kip’s Bay/​Murray Hill («Curry Hill»), Saravana Bhavan offers some excellent Indian food at a very good price. They specialize in Dosa’s and is one of the few places where you can find these done so well in the city.
The price is very reasonable, $ 10 – 12 for an entrée. The service was ok,. The restaurant is very minimalist with few decorations or any distinguishing features. That being said, the dosas, price, and value could not be beat. Definitely worth a visit!

Hunger and curiosity brought us here, we were just passing by. We had no idea what dosa was, but decided to give it a try. It’s a huge crispy crêpe served with different sauces. I’m not an Indian food fan, but this was fantastic!!! I had dosa masala, friends had plain dosa and onion chili dosa, we all loved our food! It’s very authentic and different. It’s great to live in New York!

Being a South Indian I am very particular about the dishes served at restaurants. Must say this place reminded me of my mom’s dosas and sambhar :)
The green chutney was to die for. Would love to visit this place again next time to try their thali :)

5 Stars for the food minus 4 for manipulation and cheating.
We went here today for lunch, after checking that the menu had a Lunch Thali Special for $ 12.50, still more expensive then all the other Indian restaurants in the area, but Saravana opens for lunch at 11:30 and all the other places don’t open till noon, and we were hungry.
We ordered two of the Lunch Specials, and asked for them to be hot — spicy, when the waiter brought the thalis, he said that for the food to be hot & spicy they had to «give» «South Indian» thali.
The food was very good. The check was not very good, as we were charged for two South Indian Thalis at $ 17.95 each. So no, it does not break the bank, just the heart, to be cheated for $ 9.80 (with tax).
Almost any place is better than Saravana. We used to be regulars here, since we live about 1,500 feet away, and we are strict vegetarians. DONE! Never Again will I subject myself to being manipulated for nine bucks, what crap.
But at least we got out alive…

Once in a while we go to this place. The same happens:
The food doesn’t really full you up. The prices are a bit steep. Nothing spectacular about the food since I have had better vegetable biryani. The vegetable biryani tasted a bit dry and seems like someone put extra spices to divert the dry taste. That doesn’t help since the spices covered the vegetables. I can’t taste the vegetables themselves.
Something must be done about the seating. It feels a bit congested. The service is average.
There are better Indian restaurants in the city. No need to settle for this one.

Great place for South Indian food. I would not have known what to order if I had not gone with my Indian friend. Thankfully he navigated the menu for us even though he himself isn’t South Indian. The service was brisk and the food came out fast.
We ordered three things:
Idli with Sambal and Coconut Chutneys — The idli has a texture of corncake. It was relatively flavorless like rice, but perfect for dipping into the samabl and three coconut chutneys. The sambal was like vegetable soup and would have never guessed the chutneys were coconut.
Onion Uthappam — Utthapam was delicious. It was thicker than the dosa with more flavor. Amazing with the tomato and onion dipped in the chutneys.
Paper Masala Dosa — I haaven’t had dosa since I was 12, but it was delicious! Even better was that it was a paper dosa, which means extra thin crispiness. The potato mash filling seemed small at first, but it was actually the perfect amount and very filling. The whole thing was at least 2 feet long. Must go back for more.