Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » India Bistro – Seattle
India Bistro - Seattle
Photo from India Bistro
India Bistro at a glance
Seattle Roosevelt
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 69 of the guests
#463 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#9 Indian Restaurant out of 22 in Seattle
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
535
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Generous portions
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Takeout inconsistency
- Service issues
- Cleanliness
The restaurant India Bistro is a beloved Indian restaurant nestled in the vibrant Roosevelt neighborhood of Seattle. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quiet meal.
Beyond its authentic Indian cuisine, you can look forward to a truly great tea selection, making it an ideal spot for tea enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed dinner or a quick lunch, this spot offers a welcoming experience for everyone.
Overview: Introducting India Bistro
India Bistro offers a culinary journey where many find the flavorful profile of dishes and generous portion sizes to be a real draw. While the affordable price point is often appreciated, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with takeout orders.
Dining here often comes with a warm atmosphere and generally attentive staff, contributing to a pleasant visit. However, there have been instances of service lapses and occasional concerns regarding overall cleanliness, which are worth noting.
Good
7.4
out of 10
535
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
123
negative
21
neutral
391
positive
India Bistro garners a solid 7.4 out of 10 for its overall performance, with customer satisfaction standing at a good 73.1%. These figures are derived from a substantial 535 customer remarks, comprising 391 positive and 123 negative observations, indicating a generally favorable reception.
Delving deeper, the Food (7.6) clearly leads as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality. The Ambience (7.4) also contributes positively to the dining experience.
While Service (6.9) is generally good, it occasionally falls short, and Value (6.4) sits in the average range, with some finding it reasonable and others noting concerns about portion sizes for the price.
What people like
- Flavorful Indian food
- Generous portion sizes
- Attentive, quick service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent takeout portions
- Occasional service lapses
- Cleanliness concerns
With a recommendation score of 7.6, India Bistro presents itself as a worthwhile option for those seeking flavorful Indian cuisine. The restaurant generally delivers on taste and offers good value, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
If you prioritize well-prepared food and a pleasant setting, it’s certainly worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential minor inconsistencies in service or takeout portions, and you’ll likely have a good experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on India Bistro
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.6 score and leaving 74.9% of diners satisfied! With 277 positive remarks out of 370, many rave about the delicious food and authentic Indian cuisine. Guests frequently praise the generous portions and flavorful dishes, especially the popular buffets and variety of vegetarian offerings.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 76 negative comments noting some no flavor or salty experiences. A few found certain items not authentic or felt the portion sizes could be inconsistent, especially for takeout. Some also mentioned issues with frozen vegetables or bland curries.
Food
370
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
76
negative
17
neutral
277
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Generous portions
- Flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flavor/authenticity
- Small takeout portions
- Salty or bland food
Often praised
- foodWe ordered butter chicken, lamb curry, palak paneer and an eggplant dish. All dishes had such a flavorful profile and were $3-4 cheaper than Taste of India. The portion sizes were incredible, and they keep the dishes warm by serving them in a metal dish with a tea light candle underneath.
- butter chickenWe are usual patrons of Taste of India but was blown away by the food here at India Bistro. We ordered butter chicken, lamb curry, palak paneer and an eggplant dish. All dishes had such a flavorful profile and were $3-4 cheaper than Taste of India.
- Indian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a buffet offering amazing Indian food at a very affordable price. I highly recommend it, especially for vegetarians, as the entire menu is vegetarian.
- lunch buffetMy experience at this humble neighborhood restaurant was excellent, particularly with their high-quality lunch buffet. The food was fresh and perfectly seasoned, not overly salty or greasy.
- buffetcame for the buffet. Everything I tried was so good.
- naanEverything has been excellent, including the okra, eggplant, and classic chicken tikka masala. The naan is fresh and fabulous. My only comment is that the fried appetizers, like the samosa and pakora, are a tad salty.
- food qualityThe biryani portions are generous, and the Rogan Josh has my favorite balance of spices compared to other Indian places around here. Edit Apr 2023 - the food quality, service, and atmosphere is great as it's always been, but it seems that they've reduced the portion sizes a bit while prices have stayed the same. Understandable, but no longer quite as good a deal as it was before.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great flavors and large portions. I've tried 3-4 dishes so far, and all of them have been hits.
- tandoori chickenThe food was fresh and perfectly seasoned, not overly salty or greasy. I especially enjoyed the fried cabbage, tandoori chicken, and Haryani chicken kebab. The desserts were also nicely balanced, not too sweet.
- Saag PaneerMy wife likes the Saag Paneer
Frequently criticized
- foodcouldnt even finish a few bites of the food, had to throw it away
- buffetI used to enjoy their great lunch buffet, but it is no longer available. I was super disappointed to find out there is NO BUFFET!
- Indian foodThe staff was rude, and the food was awful. I will never be coming back and do not recommend it to anyone looking for Indian food or hospitality.
- chickenThe chicken was hard and tasted old and dry
- food tastetoday the food tasted was off
- portion sizeI will definitely go again. If you get takeout, they do skimp a bit. Most recently, my Butter Chicken had maybe 5 bites of chicken in the whole container, which is not worth $17.
- portionsI have been getting butter chicken as a take out for over 10 years, on a monthly basis. The food was always consistent in taste, but the price kept increasing and the portions were getting smaller and smaller. However, today the food tasted off; the butter chicken was watered down and didn’t taste the same.
- sauceThe sauce also had an overly citrus and yet bland taste
- American palateI'm giving it 3 stars because while nothing tasted bad, the food did not taste authentic. The flavors were very mild and too sweet, clearly catered to the American palate. If you're looking for actual Indian food, I recommend continuing your search.
- BiryaniBiryani. It was not that good and was missing the spices.
If you're craving flavorful Indian food with generous portions, especially from their buffet, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might occasionally miss the mark on authenticity or spice levels, and takeout portions can sometimes be smaller.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Lets talk service! This place generally hits a good note, earning a score of 6.9, which is quite respectable. While customer satisfaction sits at 66.3%, suggesting a mixed experience for some, many guests rave about the incredibly kind owners and attentive staff.
With 57 positive remarks out of 86 total, folks often highlight the quick service, polite waiters, and the staffs accommodating nature, making for a truly welcoming visit. However, its not always smooth sailing, as 27 negative comments indicate. Some diners have unfortunately encountered issues like slow service, a few instances of rude staff or server attitude, and even problems with wrong orders.
These hiccups can certainly detract from the overall experience, showing theres still a bit of work to be done.
Service
86
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
27
negative
2
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Kind, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating owners
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Wrong orders
Often praised
- serviceThe biryani portions are generous, and the Rogan Josh has my favorite balance of spices compared to other Indian places around here. Edit Apr 2023 - the food quality, service, and atmosphere is great as it's always been, but it seems that they've reduced the portion sizes a bit while prices have stayed the same. Understandable, but no longer quite as good a deal as it was before.
- staffThe staff are ALWAYS on it to take care of your every need
- quick serviceI found the food to have a good taste. The service was excellent, with a prompt response and quick service. Additionally, the prices were reasonable.
- EveryoneThe atmosphere was warm, and the space was not super busy, making for a pleasant dining experience. Everyone was very welcoming.
- ServiceService:5
- Water refillsUpon arrival, I was allowed to choose my own seat, and with only one other person present, there were plenty of options. Water refills and dirty dish removals were frequent and prompt. The restaurant was mostly quiet with only moderate conversation volume.
- attention to detailsput that attention to details
- buffet entrees fullTo cleanse my palate, I had the rice pudding. Despite being a busy restaurant, they did a great job of keeping the buffet entrees full.
- cateringOne service they do really well, is catering.
- catering a weddingThey did a great job catering a wedding
Frequently criticized
- servicethey forgot to cook one of my items for 30 minutes
- staffThe staff was rude
- ServiceService:2
- bar personbar person left at 7pm
- checkThey gave me the check before they started cooking
- drink ordermissed drink order twice now
- drivertheir driver got the address wrong
- hospitalityThe staff was rude, and the food was awful. I will never be coming back and do not recommend it to anyone looking for Indian food or hospitality.
- incorrect timingsconfigured incorrect timings in Google
- online orderUnfortunately, the restaurant wasn't very helpful in resolving the issue. I don't think I will ever order online from them again, but I might consider picking it up myself in the future.
If youre looking for a place with genuinely kind owners and often quick, attentive service, its worth a try. Just be aware that while many have great experiences, there's a chance you might encounter some service hiccups like slower speeds or occasional order mix-ups.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The ambience here generally gets a thumbs-up, with a strong customer satisfaction of 79.1%! Many guests, accounting for 34 positive remarks out of 43, loved the comfortable dining and warm atmosphere. Reviewers frequently highlighted the comfy booths, quiet noise level, and the overall clean environment, making it an excellent spot for a date or a relaxed dining experience.
The overall score for ambience stands at a good 7.4. However, not everything is perfect, as 8 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Some found the tables and silverware to be dirty, and a few wished for better atmospheric lighting.
There were also concerns about hygiene, with mentions of a dampness smell and the carpet needing a thorough cleaning. Parking can also be a bit tricky for some.
Ambience
43
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Comfortable dining
- Clean environment
- Quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Dirty tables, silverware
- Dampness smell
- Carpet needs cleaning
Often praised
- atmosphereThe biryani portions are generous, and the Rogan Josh has my favorite balance of spices compared to other Indian places around here. Edit Apr 2023 - the food quality, service, and atmosphere is great as it's always been, but it seems that they've reduced the portion sizes a bit while prices have stayed the same. Understandable, but no longer quite as good a deal as it was before.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- CleanClean…
- accessEasy access by bus or metro
- barthe bar was regal
- bathroomsThe chai is to die for. Even the bathrooms are relaxing and have grab bars, though they are rather small, which might make it difficult for power chairs. Everyone is so kind and accommodating for your every need and want.
- buffetThey have the cleanest buffet I've ever seen
- busyI definitely enjoyed the dishes. The atmosphere was warm, and the space was not super busy, making for a pleasant dining experience. Everyone was very welcoming.
- comfy boothsoffer comfy booths for seating
- date placeGreat date place!
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- atmospheric lightingWould love to see atmospheric lighting!
- carpetTheir carpet needs thorough cleaning
- hygieneNot hygienic
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- smell of dampnessThis place has smell of dampness
- store-frontnot the cutest store-front
- tables and silverwareTables and silverware were also dirty.
If a comfortable and generally clean setting with a quiet atmosphere is what you're after, this place is worth checking out. Just be aware that a few guests have noted issues with cleanliness in specific areas and parking might require a little effort.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The value here often hits the mark, with many customers finding the prices to be a fair deal and quite affordable. Based on 23 positive remarks out of 36 total, diners frequently praise the lunch buffet and lunch specials as offering a good value for the money, especially for the generous portions. It seems you can often snag a great meal without breaking the bank.
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 63.9% and an average score of 6.4. Some experiences, noted in 12 negative comments, suggest that certain items can feel expensive or overpriced for what you get, with a few even mentioning an unexpected child buffet charge. It appears consistency in value might be an area for improvement.
Value
36
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch deals
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Some items overpriced
- Poor takeout value
- Child buffet charge
Often praised
- priceWe ordered butter chicken, lamb curry, palak paneer and an eggplant dish. All dishes had such a flavorful profile and were $3-4 cheaper than Taste of India. The portion sizes were incredible, and they keep the dishes warm by serving them in a metal dish with a tea light candle underneath.
- PricesPrices were completely reasonable
- $20$20 for a huge amount of incredible food
- 20%off couponyou can get 20%off coupon with that
- affordable priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! While their lunch buffet, which offered an INSANE amount of butter chicken and naan at an extremely affordable price, is not currently offered (much to my dismay), the regular menu still provides reasonably priced food. A great benefit is the ability to adjust spice levels to your preference, as the buffet versions are typically mild to accommodate everyone.
- dinner pricesdinner prices are also super reasonable
- expensiveWe found it to be some of the best Indian food we've had, and we will definitely be returning. The prices were fair and not too expensive. Highly recommend!
- fair dealwhich is a fair deal for Seattle
- good priceI tried the lunch special, which includes three portions of a meat or vegetarian option, a drink, naan, and dessert. The portions were big, offering a lot of food for $16, which is a good price for Seattle. However, the food itself was disappointing.
- good valueIt’s a good value
Frequently criticized
- priceIf you get takeout, they do skimp a bit. Most recently, my Butter Chicken had maybe 5 bites of chicken in the whole container, which is not worth $17. Whereas, in person we had plenty of food for dinner and leftovers.
- child buffet chargeCharged $9.95 Child Buffet for 2-years old kid
- credit carddoes not match what was taken from my credit card company
- everything goes up in priceEverything goes up in price when I go there
- expensivefood is too expensive for what you get
- greedThis is not inflation but greed
- moneyNot worth the money
- overpricedgood food but over priced
- paid fornot what we paid for
- tipadding extra to the tip and pocketing it like a thief
If youre looking for a solid lunch deal or reasonably priced portions, this spot often delivers good value. However, be mindful that some menu items might feel overpriced, and the overall value can be a bit inconsistent. Its worth trying for lunch, but perhaps approach dinner or specific takeout items with a bit more caution.
How are the prices at India Bistro?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 69 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite varied! While the average is 24, many guests find great value in the $11–$20 range. There are also some premium options for those looking to splurge, showing a nice mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 69 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this restaurant versus similar spots in Seattle.
For an Indian Restaurant in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those seeking value and those ready for a more premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about India Bistro
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Vegetarian Indian Cuisine
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for vegetarians. The vegetarian options were delicious, and our favorites included the Eggplant bartha, Saag Paneer, and aloo gobi. We have also enjoyed other dishes.
The food was rated a 5 out of 5. The service received a 4, and the atmosphere was also rated a 4. Parking was convenient with underground parking accessible from the back alley, and an elevator next to the front entrance.
They offer free parking in a garage with plenty of space. Reservations are not required, and there was no wait time. The restaurant offers a vegetarian menu or section.
The meal type was Dinner. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible from both the parking lot (via elevator) and street level (with a ramp).
- vegetarian options10
- Eggplant bartha10
- Saag Paneer10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Lunch Buffet Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We visited for the lunch buffet and had a truly great time. I absolutely loved the food, the service, and the atmosphere.
The chicken curry was particularly outstanding and the best I've had.
- lunch buffet10
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Favorite Indian Place with Great Value
This is our favorite Indian restaurant! We highly recommend trying the lunch buffet. The dinner prices are also super reasonable.
- lunch buffet9
- dinner prices8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Humble Neighborhood Lunch Buffet
My experience at this humble neighborhood restaurant was excellent, particularly with their high-quality lunch buffet. The food was fresh and perfectly seasoned, not overly salty or greasy. I especially enjoyed the fried cabbage, tandoori chicken, and Haryani chicken kebab.
The desserts were also nicely balanced, not too sweet. Overall, it's an excellent option if you’re looking for a quick Indian bite at lunchtime.
- lunch buffet9
- food9
- fried cabbage10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Service Lapses Mar Ok Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. Although the food quality was okay, the service significantly impacted my visit. Despite visiting during a non-busy time, one of my items was forgotten for 30 minutes.
To make matters worse, I was given the check before the missing item was even started. The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 4 out of 5, but the service issues were a major drawback.
- food quality6
- atmosphere8
- service2
- check2
What India Bistro offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- 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
- All you can eat
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dietary options and beverages are available at India Bistro?
India Bistro caters to diverse preferences with healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. You can also enjoy a full range of beverages, including coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor, ensuring a perfect pairing for your meal.
How accessible is India Bistro, and what are the parking options?
India Bistro is fully accessible, featuring wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms. You’ll also appreciate the convenience of free street parking and a free parking lot, typically offering plenty of available spaces for your visit.
How does India Bistro generally rate among customers?
India Bistro holds a good overall Restaurant Score of **7.4** out of 10, with a Customer Satisfaction rate of **73.1%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Food** (7.6) and **Ambience** (7.4), while **Service** (6.9) and **Value** (6.4) are seen as generally good but with some room for improvement.
What are the main strengths of the food at India Bistro?
The food at India Bistro is frequently praised for its flavorful profile and generous portion sizes. Many find the dishes fresh, perfectly seasoned, and a good representation of Indian cuisine, with options like butter chicken and tandoori chicken often highlighted.
Are there any common issues or areas for improvement at India Bistro?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies, particularly with takeout orders where portions might be smaller than dining in. There are also occasional reports of service lapses, such as forgotten items or less attentive staff, and some mentions of cleanliness concerns regarding tables or the general atmosphere.