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oChef » Kanishka – Seattle
Kanishka - Seattle
Photo from Kanishka
Kanishka at a glance
Seattle Yesler Terrace
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#377 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#7 Indian Restaurant out of 22 in Seattle
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
96
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Large portions
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Takeout issues
- Poor entrance
The restaurant Kanishka, an Indian restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Yesler Terrace neighborhood, invites you to explore a world of aromatic spices and authentic flavors. You will find a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you are stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely dinner.
Kanishka cuisine of India offers a delightful culinary journey with its diverse menu.
Overview: Introducting Kanishka
Kanishka offers a culinary experience where the food often shines, with many finding it quite legit and praising the massive portion sizes. The service is frequently described as warm and friendly, contributing to a generally positive visit.
However, some aspects could use refinement. The ambience might present an awkward entrance for some, and there are occasional concerns regarding value for takeout.
While the food is a highlight, there have been notes on inconsistency in spice levels and preparation.
Good
7.7
out of 10
96
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
17
negative
6
neutral
73
positive
Kanishka earns a solid 7.7 overall, with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 76%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most patrons.
The Food (7.8) leads the way, frequently praised for its quality, followed closely by Service (7.7), which many find attentive. These assessments are drawn from 96 customer observations, with 73 positive remarks outweighing 17 negative ones.
While Food and Service stand out, Ambience (6.7) and Value (7) also contribute positively, though with slightly lower scores. The feedback suggests that while the culinary offerings and staff interactions are strong points, there’s room for minor improvements in the overall dining environment and perceived cost-effectiveness, particularly for takeout.
What people like
- Exceptional Indian food
- Warm, friendly service
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Takeout service issues
- Unappealing entrance/parking
With a recommendation score of 7.8, Kanishka generally delivers a satisfying experience, particularly for those seeking flavorful Indian cuisine and attentive service. It’s a solid choice if you prioritize the food itself and a welcoming atmosphere.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food preparation and occasional hiccups with takeout orders. If you’re planning a visit, focusing on the dine-in experience might offer the most consistent enjoyment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kanishka
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a strong 78.5% customer satisfaction. Many diners rave about the wonderful rich flavors, generous large portions, and consistently excellent Indian food, with the butter chicken often singled out as a standout. These positive experiences are reflected in 51 favorable comments out of 65 total remarks.
However, not every dish is a home run, as indicated by 10 less favorable observations. Some patrons have noted issues like a soggy pizza crust, inconsistent spice levels, or specific dishes such as lamb chops being rubbery. A few also mentioned certain items, like the Angara Butter Chicken, having excessive oil.
Food
65
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rich, flavorful food
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent Indian dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent spice levels
- Rubbery lamb chops
- Excessive oil
Often praised
- Indian foodbest Indian food in the greater Seattle area
- butter chickenget the butter chicken and then STAND HERE AND EAT IT FRESH. It's the absolute best
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found the Indian food to be the best in all of Seattle, hands-down, and arguably some of the best in the country. As a foodie who has traveled to India multiple times, I can confirm that this place is legit.
- portion sizesThe portion sizes were massive, more than enough for our group.
- portionsMy single order of Fried Rice took much longer than suggested, and they didn't provide utensils with the takeout order. However, the Chicken Fried Rice itself was good and served in fairly large portions, including onions and peppers. The chicken was breaded, so it's not gluten-free.
- Indian pizzaI highly recommend getting the butter chicken and eating it fresh. It's the absolute best, and it blows all other Indian pizza in WA out of the water.
- tandooriThe tandoori is fantastic
- Chicken Fried RiceChicken Fried Rice was good
- Chicken Tikka MasalaKanishka's at Medium spicy was easily the best I have ever had
- Coke and PepsiThey have Coke and Pepsi too!
Frequently criticized
- food qualitydoes not match the Redmond kanishka at all. Do not expect the quality of the food to be great
- chefs special Angara Butter Chickenchefs special Angara Butter Chicken had too much oil and it had separated
- crustthe crust became soggy very quickly and fell apart
- lamb chopschops were charred so badly that the bones were black and fell apart
- lamb chops meatmeat was so rubbery and overdone that they were almost hard to eat
- lamb tikka masalaway over salted and the texture of the meat was rubbery and way over cooked
- oilhad too much oil and it had separated
- portion sizesmallest portion
- spice levelsBoth the chicken tikka masala and butter chicken were fantastic, so much so that we have ordered them multiple times. My only complaint is that on both occasions, they got the spice levels wrong. The food quality itself is a definite highlight, but the inconsistency in spice levels is a point of frustration.
If you're craving flavorful Indian food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some specific dishes or spice levels might be inconsistent, so choose wisely to ensure a great meal.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
Overall, the service here seems to hit the mark, with a good score of 7.7 and a solid customer satisfaction rate of 72.2%. Based on 13 positive remarks out of 18 total, many folks rave about the amazing catering, seamless setup and delivery, and the truly helpful staff. Guests often highlight how warm and friendly the team is, making special occasions feel top-notch.
However, it's not all smooth sailing. A few experiences, totaling 4 negative opinions, point to some areas for improvement. Some customers noted issues with missing utensils for takeout orders and concerns about the restaurant potentially being understaffed, leading to frustratingly long waiting times.
Service
18
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing catering
- Friendly staff
- Top-notch service
What people don't like
- Missing utensils
- Long waiting time
- Understaffed concerns
Often praised
- ServiceSo happy they’re not on the west side! Service was also great - super warm and friendly!
- Yash and PranjaliYash and Pranjali are two amazing people to work with
- cateringdid an amazing job of catering for us
- catering orderscatering orders
- chef to makeTook about 12 minutes for the chef to make
- deliverydelivery and serving as well
- refundgot a refund for it
- servicethe atmosphere and service were also top-notch
- servingdelivery and serving as well
- setuptaking care of entire setup
Frequently criticized
- napkins or utensilsdidn’t even bother to put napkins or utensils in our takeout bag
- understaffedsuggesting the restaurant might be understaffed.
- utensilsDidn't offer utensils on takeout order
- waiting timeIf you enjoy waiting at least a half hour for burned, rubbery, and substandard food, then this place is for you. We went out of our way to try it based on a friend's recommendation.
If youre looking for a place with generally warm and helpful service, especially for catering or special events, this spot is definitely worth considering. Just be aware that some takeout orders might miss small details like utensils, and there could be occasional waits if theyre busy.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
The vibe here seems to hit the mark for many! With a score of 6.7 and a solid 71.4% customer satisfaction, the atmosphere is generally considered good. Guests rave about the top-notch atmosphere and call it a legit place, often highlighting the cute little bar and big dining room.
These 5 positive remarks out of 7 total really set a welcoming tone. However, it's not all smooth sailing. A couple of guests (2 out of 7) found the parking situation a bit tricky, with one describing the entrance as feeling like a loading dock to an industrial entrance.
This could lead to an awkward conversation before you even step inside, so be prepared for a less-than-grand arrival.
Ambience
7
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great overall atmosphere
- Features cute bar
- Spacious dining room
What people don't like
- Awkward entrance path
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmospherethe atmosphere and service were also top-notch
- barIt's my go-to place. They also have a cute little bar and a big dining room.
- dining roomIt's my go-to place. They also have a cute little bar and a big dining room.
- placethis place is legit
Frequently criticized
- entranceloading dock to an industrial entrance
- parking situationawkward conversation with my 15-yr-old son
Overall, the ambience is a mixed bag with more positives than negatives. If you can overlook a potentially awkward entrance and parking, youll likely enjoy the "top-notch atmosphere" inside. Its worth a visit if the interior vibe is a priority for you.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7, many guests rave about the great price and reasonable costs, especially for an affordable take out lunch. Out of 6 total comments, 4 were positive, highlighting that while prices have gone up, theyre still considered fair for the quality.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a somewhat mixed 66.7%, indicating theres a bit of a split. One comment, focusing on the price per person, found the takeout cost shocking. So, while many find it reasonable, it seems some experiences can lean towards the pricier side, especially for certain orders.
Value
6
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Reasonable for quality
- Affordable lunch options
What people don't like
- High takeout cost
Often praised
- priceCan't wait to come back and try more things. Great price, too!
- affordable take out lunchUnbelievably affordable take out lunch
- pricesprices have gone up but are fair
Frequently criticized
- price per personaveraged out to $29/person for takeout, which was shocking
If youre seeking good value, this place is generally a solid choice, especially for an affordable lunch. However, be aware that some takeout orders might feel a bit pricey per person. Its worth trying, but keep an eye on those specific costs.
How are the prices at Kanishka?
You’re looking at roughly 29 $ per person – reported by 18 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 others spend, most diners are right in this sweet spot, though there’s a mix of folks finding slightly cheaper bites and others opting for a bit more of a splurge.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an Indian restaurant in Seattle. It offers a good balance, making it a solid choice for a tasty meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kanishka
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Indian Food in Seattle
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's one of the best Indian food places in Seattle. The naans and tandoori items are authentically prepared in a tandoor, which really enhances their flavor and texture.
I highly recommend this place for its delicious food.
- Indian food10
- naans9
- tandoori stuff9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
5
Massive Portions, Mixed Food and Service Experience
My experience involved ordering takeout for three people, including tandoori chicken, a medium butter chicken pizza, and a mango lassi. The portion sizes were massive, more than enough for our group. However, there were a few drawbacks.
Firstly, my food was ready 20 minutes past the scheduled pickup time, suggesting the restaurant might be understaffed. Secondly, while the butter chicken pizza was flavorful, the crust became soggy very quickly and fell apart, though I still enjoyed it. I prefer Pizza Twist or Can-am for pizza.
Lastly, the tandoori chicken was just okay – not particularly flavorful or tender. I would consider returning if I needed a very large quantity of food, but not for a while.
- portion sizes9
- tandoori chicken5
- understaffed3
- crust4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Finally Found Great Indian Food!
Wowie, we've been on the hunt for food like this in Seattle (the drive to naan n curry was getting excessive lol) and we've finally found it. It's delicious - the naan and chicken were phenomenal - small medium pieces, so tender. The tikka masala was flavorful and creamy, but not too creamy.
10/10. Can't wait to come back and try more things. Great price, too!
- naan10
- chicken10
- tikka masala9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic Indian Pizza Find!
I am so happy to have found a place that does Indian pizza close to me, and I don’t have to travel to Redmond. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere and service were also top-notch. I highly recommend this restaurant!
- Indian pizza10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Best Chicken Tikka Masala Ever!
Kanishka is a take out or delivery only establishment with no dining room. Although I don't frequently eat Indian food, I have a fondness for Chicken Tikka Masala. Kanishka's version, at medium spice, was easily the best I have ever had.
The chef prepared it in about 12 minutes. I enjoyed it outside on the sidewalk before heading to the Seahawks game. The portions are very generous and the price is very reasonable for the quality of the food.
Kanishka will be my go-to spot in Seattle for a pre-event meal.
- Chicken Tikka Masala10
- portions9
- price9
What Kanishka offers
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Offerings
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Kanishka?
Kanishka provides a range of convenient service options for you, including curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, takeout, and standard delivery, ensuring you can enjoy your meal however you prefer.
What dining times and special offerings does Kanishka provide?
You can enjoy Kanishka for lunch, dinner, and dessert. The menu also features excellent vegetarian options and quick bites, perfect for any craving or schedule.
How does Kanishka generally perform?
Kanishka holds a strong overall score of **7.7** with good customer satisfaction at **76%**. Its **Food** (7.8) and **Service** (7.7) are particularly well-regarded, while **Ambience** (6.7) and **Value** (7) also contribute positively.
What are the highlights of Kanishka's food?
Many customers praise the Indian food as authentic and delicious, with specific mentions of the **butter chicken** and **tandoori**. Portions are often described as generous.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Kanishka?
Some patrons have noted inconsistencies in food quality, such as **spice levels** or specific dishes being **overcooked** or **oily**. Takeout orders occasionally lack **utensils** or experience longer **waiting times**.