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oChef » India Bistro – Seattle
India Bistro - Seattle
Photo from India Bistro
India Bistro at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 72 of the guests
#568 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#11 Indian Restaurant out of 22 in Seattle
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
444
Reviews
67.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Attentive service
- Pleasant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Pricing issues
- Rude staff
- Parking difficulty
The Indian restaurant India Bistro in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood invites you to discover an authentic culinary journey. You’ll find a casual and cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner.
This spot is known for its welcoming vibe, offering a delightful escape where you can savor traditional flavors and enjoy a comfortable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting India Bistro
India Bistro offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests praising the flavorful Indian cuisine and generous portions. The inviting atmosphere also contributes to a delightful visit, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some visitors have encountered issues, particularly concerning perceived value discrepancies and occasional reports of rude staff interactions. These points suggest an experience that can be quite varied depending on the visit.
Good
7
out of 10
444
Reviews
67.8%
Satisfaction
115
negative
28
neutral
301
positive
India Bistro achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 7, placing it in the good category. However, the Customer Satisfaction stands at 67.8%, which falls into the mixed range.
This divergence suggests that while the overall impression is positive, there’s a segment of diners whose expectations aren’t fully met, based on 444 total customer remarks. Diving deeper, the Food (7) is a clear strength, garnering the most attention.
The pleasant Ambience (7.6) also scores highly, creating an enjoyable setting. While Service (6.8) and Value (6.6) are rated well, with 301 positive comments against 115 negative ones, these areas occasionally present challenges for some guests.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant, fun ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pricing issues
- Occasional rude staff
- Limited parking options
India Bistro presents a compelling option for those seeking enjoyable Indian cuisine in a pleasant setting. With a Recommendation Score of 7.1, it generally delivers on its promise of good food and atmosphere, making it a worthwhile consideration for many diners.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing and service, which some guests have noted. If you prioritize flavorful dishes and a nice ambiance, it’s worth a visit, but manage expectations regarding value clarity and staff interactions.
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Verdict: Our expert take on India Bistro
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot earns a 7 out of 10, indicating a good experience overall, with a 68.8% customer satisfaction. Many diners, based on 190 positive opinions out of 276 total, rave about the authentic Indian flavors, generous portions, and the fantastic lunch buffet. Classics like Butter Chicken, Saag Paneer, and Garlic Naan are frequently praised for their taste and quality.
However, 68 negative opinions highlight some areas for improvement. Some found dishes to be bland, greasy, or lacking the expected authentic Indian taste. There were also mentions of inconsistent quality, with issues like undercooked naan or vegetables with frostbite, suggesting a mixed bag for some items.
Food
276
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
68
negative
18
neutral
190
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian flavors
- Generous food portions
- Excellent lunch buffet
What people don't like
- Bland, greasy dishes
- Lack of authentic taste
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was really friendly, and all three of us loved our food. The Aloo Chole was particularly outstanding, offering some of the most flavorful Indian food we've encountered in the city.
- lunch buffetI saw the sign while driving by and decided to try the lunch buffet, and I'm so glad I did! The food was excellent, and the service was friendly.
- Indian foodI found the food to be good and solid, offering great value for the price. It's my go-to place for Indian food. The owner and employees were really nice, contributing to a classy and inviting atmosphere.
- naanmy cat ran up to my naan and TRIED TO STEAL IT!
- portionsI particularly loved the saag paneer and the chicken tikka. The portions were good, making it a delicious and filling meal for a good price. I highly recommend this place, especially for their vegetarian options like the saag paneer.
- chaiI also ordered a chai, a mango lassi, and a rasmalai to try and they were all delicious
- samosasI liked the samosas the best
- Chicken Vindaloorecommend the Chicken Vindaloo it's not to spicy.
- buffetespecially the buffet
- curryThe curry I had was good
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was for the lunch buffet, which cost $18 per person. Compared to other Indian buffets, the selections were far less and the food was tasteless.
- naannaan feels like a readymade heated version
- potatoesI ordered a dish that should have had lots of good chunks of potatoes and there were none!
- ALL THREE DISHESALL THREE DISHES i ordered were the exact same color and texture
- Chai teaOne small styrofoam cup of leftover tea from the buffet
- Chicken Vindaloono idea how to make Chicken Vindaloo
- Indian foodsome of the worst Indian food I’ve had
- Indian food tastethe Indian food taste was missing
- Kashmiri riceKashmiri rice after I read the description it said fruit and special spices, when I got it I was so surprised because not only were there no fruits but when i tried it, it just had the same gravy as the Mali kofta and Shahi paneer
- Mali koftaThe naan was raw, and disappointingly, each dish shared the same gravy. I ordered the Kashmiri rice expecting fruit and special spices as described, but it contained no fruit and had the same gravy as the Mali kofta and Shahi paneer. The food did not taste authentic Indian cuisine.
If you're craving authentic Indian flavors and generous portions, especially from their lunch buffet, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might occasionally fall short on flavor or consistency, so choose wisely.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.8, placing it solidly in the average range, though leaning towards good. Customer satisfaction sits at 66.7%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Out of 90 total customer remarks, 60 were positive, highlighting aspects like excellent service, friendly owners, and attentive staff.
Many praised the caring staff and stellar service, making for a pleasant dine-in experience. However, not all experiences were smooth sailing, with 29 negative comments. Some customers encountered rude or argumentative staff, leading to an unpleasant experience.
Issues like long waiting time for orders and poor customer service from counter staff were also noted, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency and handling customer interactions, especially during busy periods.
Service
90
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
29
negative
1
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, caring staff
- Attentive service
- Responsive owners
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waiting times
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceI look forward to returning and supporting this lovely local business. Thank you to Mike and all the staff for the WONDERFUL beautiful service. The delicious food, caring staff, and delightful atmosphere made for a precious evening.
- staffThe Saag spinach lamb dish and the home-made mango lassi were absolutely delicious, and the portions were very generous. The staff was extremely attentive; the young man at the cashier even came running after me on the street after I'd forgotten to take my credit card. That's what I call stellar service : -))))
- ServiceService - 5/5 fast and friendly
- ownerowner filled up a container for food for them no questions asked
- serverthey had a great server to help us
- EmployeesEmployee's are very nice
- IbrahimIbrahim was very kind to our family. We were a stressed-out couple with no time for lunch, and the lunch buffet at $17 a person, all-you-can-eat, was exactly what we needed – no need to think!
- MukeshMukesh was responsive the day of our reception
- StaffStaff were very fun and entertaining
- attentivestaff are always attentive and friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceI came in to pick up a to-go order, and the lady at the counter named Veronica was extremely rude. She was disrespectful, delayed giving me my order, and spoke in an insulting manner.
- counter personThe person handling the counter was really rude
- customer servicevery bad customer service from the girl in the cash
- staffUpon arrival, there were over 7 people waiting for pickups, and no staff were assisting at the entrance. When I finally approached a staff member, she was very rude and informed me it would take another 20 minutes, making it a full hour since I ordered. I then spoke to a second person, who I believe was the owner.
- Grubhubdiscovered they now use grubhub
- argumentative staffHe was a little argumentative
- change the orderNot sure if they read the notes you add to an order, but I accidentally ordered something with milk in it. They did not give me a call to change the order.
- colleaguecalls her colleague and says “the packaging charge seems a lot to her it seems”
- delayed giving me my orderI came in to pick up a to-go order, and the lady at the counter named Veronica was extremely rude. She was disrespectful, delayed giving me my order, and spoke in an insulting manner. This was a very unpleasant experience, and it will be my first and last time ordering from this place.
- disrespectfulShe was disrespectful
Service here can be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter incredibly friendly and attentive staff, or you could face some less-than-ideal interactions. If you're looking for consistently stellar service, you might find it hit or miss, but many still have positive experiences.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
The atmosphere here really shines, earning a 7.6 score and leaving 70.6% of customers satisfied! Many rave about the delightful atmosphere and fun vibe, often highlighting the cozy interior and beautiful Indian music. It truly feels like a cherished, family-run spot, with 24 positive remarks praising the overall ambiance.
However, a few points could use a little polish. Some guests were disappointed that the advertised outdoor seating or patio wasnt available, and finding parking can be quite a challenge. These 6 negative comments suggest theres a bit of room for improvement in these specific areas.
Ambience
34
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delightful atmosphere
- Fun vibe
- Beautiful Indian music
What people don't like
- No outdoor seating
- Parking is difficult
Often praised
- atmosphereThank you to Mike and all the staff for the WONDERFUL beautiful service. The delicious food, caring staff, and delightful atmosphere made for a precious evening. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into operating the establishment, the energy to serve, and the care to keep doing it!
- Aartiplaying a beautiful Aarti which made out day even better
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Ballard spotThe atmosphere was also a highlight, with a fun vibe. I truly treasure this as a Ballard spot.
- Indian musicindian music is playing so beautiful
- ambiancethe ambiance is very nice
- dine inLooks good for dine in as well
- eveningwonderful lovely evening out
- family runFamily run since decades
- fun vibesuch a fun vibe
Frequently criticized
- parkingparking is not possible around this restaurant
- hand sanitizertheir hand sanitizer empty
- maskingtwo of their staff were masking non-compliant
- outdoor seatingoutdoor seating was advertised but not set up or open
- patiowish they had the patio open
If youre looking for a place with a delightful indoor atmosphere, a fun vibe, and great Indian music, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and dont count on outdoor seating being available.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot gets an average score of 6.6, with a mixed customer satisfaction of 61.4%. Many diners appreciate the reasonable price, value for money, and great prices, especially for lunch specials. With 27 positive remarks out of 44 total, guests often find the food priced well and a bang for your buck, making it a cost-effective choice.
However, not everyone is thrilled. There are 12 negative comments highlighting increased cost, packaging charge, and discrepancies with prices online. Some feel the value isn't there, particularly with value box offerings or unexpected TOGO charge additions, suggesting that while generally fair, some aspects of pricing could use a closer look.
Value
44
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Good lunch specials
- Solid value
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Increased costs
- Poor value boxes
Often praised
- priceportions were great for the price
- value for moneyIt's one of the few establishments from the early days of Ballard that still stands. I found a wide variety of tasty Indian food, and the pleasant dine-in experience offered good value for the money. Being family-run since decades adds to its charm.
- $17 a person$17 a person and all you can eat
- affordabilityaffordable delicious food
- bang for your buckmost bang for your buck
- billOur bill was significantly lower than expected
- costFood, service and cost overall was good
- cost effectivevery cost effective
- great pricesgreat restaurant with great prices
- lunch specialsMy experience was fantastic! They were offering amazing $12-14 lunch specials which included 2 mains plus rice, naan, and mini samosas. The food was super fresh, and every time we eat here, it is consistently delicious.
Frequently criticized
- valuethe box was not $25 value for sure. It was $8 value
- TOGO chargeadded TOGO charge extra $0.75 on top
- costsignificantly increased cost
- foodIt’s more like a $10 food that got charged $8
- online menuEvery item was priced up in the bill by a $1 than online menu
- packaging chargeextra charge for packaging on my bill
- priceNot worth the drive for “$25” worth of food
- pricesThe food was mediocre at best. I noticed that the serving sizes have gotten smaller while the prices increased. It feels like the focus is on cutting corners and cheapness.
- prices onlineprices online and what they charged me were different
- value boxDisappointing value box from the Too Good To Go app
Overall, if youre looking for a decent meal at a fair price, especially their lunch specials, this place could be a good bet. Just be mindful of potential extra charges or if youre opting for specific value box deals, as those have sometimes disappointed. It's a mixed bag, so go in with clear expectations.
How are the prices at India Bistro?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 72 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 22, a good chunk of diners actually spend a bit less, with most falling into the $11–$20 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to slightly more premium dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 72 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian Restaurant. It offers good value, especially with options for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about India Bistro
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Value Box & Rude Service
I purchased a $24 value box from the Too Good To Go app and was very disappointed. It contained only one small meal, which was less than a standard $12 lunch box. I would advise others to be cautious if considering ordering through the app.
Additionally, the woman working at the establishment was unnecessarily rude during pickup.
- value box2
- small meal2
- woman working2
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Extremely Rude Service, Unpleasant Experience
I came in to pick up a to-go order, and the lady at the counter named Veronica was extremely rude. She was disrespectful, delayed giving me my order, and spoke in an insulting manner. This was a very unpleasant experience, and it will be my first and last time ordering from this place.
- service1
- disrespectful1
- delayed giving me my order2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing TGTG Box Experience
My experience with the TGTG box was largely negative. Firstly, parking around the restaurant is impossible, and I wouldn't risk parking in a non-designated zone due to the potential for towing or tickets. Secondly, the lady who handed me the box was rude, acting as if she were giving me something for free, despite me having paid for it.
Thirdly, the box was not vegetarian as expected; it contained a couple of pieces of meat (possibly chicken) and a couple of pieces of tofu. Overall, the box was definitely not worth $25, I'd say it was only worth about $8. I would not recommend ordering this due to the significant hassle involved.
- parking2
- lady who handed me the box2
- veggie box2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Too Good To Go Experience
I used the Too Good To Go app and was very disappointed with the selection. There were only vegetables and rice available, which did not feel like a good value for the "$25" price. It seemed more like a $10 meal that was overcharged.
Additionally, parking was impossible to find. I won't be returning.
- vegetables and rice2
- parking1
- price2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Incredible Value Buffet Lunch
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially considering the value. The lunch buffet is a steal at an unbeatable price. It's an all-you-can-eat with no time limit, and the food quality is just as good as ordering Ă la carte.
While it's not the most extensive buffet, featuring some salads, about six Indian staples like tandoori and butter chicken, and a couple of desserts (with no drinks included), the food itself is excellent. I also tried a chai, a mango lassi, and a rasmalai, all of which were delicious. The reviewer noted that most buffet items are gluten-free and there are several presumably vegan options, though they aren't labeled.
Parking is free street parking, but can be somewhat difficult to find. The atmosphere and service were rated a perfect 5, and food a 5. It's also wheelchair-accessible and there was no wait time.
- lunch buffet9
- all-you-can-eat9
- food quality9
What India Bistro offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options does India Bistro offer?
At India Bistro, you can enjoy various service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For those who prefer dining on-site, outdoor seating is available. You can also plan for catering services, and table service is provided for lunch and dinner, with desserts also on the menu.
Does India Bistro cater to specific dietary needs and offer alcoholic beverages?
Yes, India Bistro is committed to offering diverse choices, including healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options to suit various dietary preferences. For beverages, you’ll find a full bar onsite with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails available to complement your meal.
How does India Bistro generally perform according to customer feedback?
India Bistro holds a Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a good overall experience. Food (7) is a strong point, complemented by a pleasant Ambience (7.6). While Service (6.8) and Value (6.6) are also rated well, the Customer Satisfaction stands at 67.8%.
What aspects of India Bistro's food do customers frequently praise?
Customers often highlight the delicious and flavorful Indian food, with many appreciating the generous portions and specific dishes like Aloo Chole. The lunch buffet is also a popular choice for its quality and variety.
Are there any common concerns regarding value or service at India Bistro?
Some patrons have reported inconsistencies in value, noting discrepancies in pricing and unexpected extra charges. Additionally, a few experiences mention instances of rude or unhelpful staff interactions.