Authentic, budget-friendly vegetarian South Indian fare. A go-to for classic flavors & impressive variety.
A well-loved vegetarian South Indian chain, this establishment offers a wide array of authentic dishes that are both reasonably priced and impressive to visitors. It's a fantastic spot for lunch, known for its variety and value, making it a go-to for classic South Indian flavors.
This is a vegetarian South Indian restaurant chain originating from India, known for its variety of dishes and reasonable prices. While many enjoy the authentic flavors, particularly the dosas and filter coffee, some find it does not quite match the quality of more upscale establishments like Semma. Despite this, it's considered a solid choice for classic South Indian comfort food and a good option for those seeking vegetarian meals.
"Dosa, especially the Mysore masala dosa and cheddar masala dosa, are frequently recommended. The filter coffee and chai are also highlighted as enjoyable beverages, and the chutney receives specific praise."
Customers generally have a positive view, appreciating the authentic vegetarian South Indian cuisine and its affordability. However, there are mixed opinions when compared to other highly-regarded Indian restaurants in NYC.
Important Note
Some reviews suggest that while good, the Manhattan location may not be as highly regarded as other branches or more upscale Indian restaurants in the city. There are also mentions that prices might be higher than expected for certain dishes.
"Saravanaa Bhavan was listed as a restaurant the user loves and finds affordable, as part of a broader discussion on budget-friendly eating in NYC."
Positive"This is a casual, all-vegetarian, South Indian chain from India with multiple Manhattan locations. The user found it great for lunch, reasonably priced, and impressive to visitors."
Positive"This commenter confirmed Saravanaa Bhavan is a solid choice for dosa."
Positive"The filter coffee at Saravana Bhavan is considered decent but not the best."
Neutral"This commenter suggested that making homemade dosa is fun and easy, recommending a potato and onion filling with dal on the side."
Neutral"The original poster expressed enthusiasm for trying Saravana Bhavan after the recommendation for Indian food."
Positive"This commenter recommended Saravana Bhavan for Indian food, specifically suggesting trying a dosa."
Positive"Saravana Bhavan is considered okay, but it fulfills the need for South Indian food when one doesn't want to travel to Queens."
Neutral"This user mentions going to Saravana Bhavan for dosas during night classes at Baruch, implying it was a convenient and regular choice."
Neutral"This user, who liked Adda and Dharmaka, found Semma to be overpriced Indian food for the West Village. They prefer Saravana Bhavan for their go-to dosa in Manhattan."
Positive"While acknowledging Semma's dosa is good, this user highlights that its sambar is incredible and prefers Murder Bhavan's (Saravana Bhavan) chutney. Semma is better for groups wanting unique dishes, while Saravana Bhavan is for classic lunches."
Negative"This user believes Semma's dosa is significantly better than Saravana Bhavan's, though Saravana Bhavan's is still not bad. They compare the pricing to pasta dishes, suggesting it's acceptable to pay more for an excellent dosa."
Neutral"This user claims Saravana Bhavan doesn't have significantly lower prices than Semma and that its quality can be uneven."
Negative"The author, a South Indian who has eaten at both Semma and Saravana Bhavan multiple times, states that Semma's dosa is of better quality but not worth the price. They recommend Saravana Bhavan for its variety and value compared to Semma."
Negative"This user expresses a preference for Saravana Bhavan, stating they have never tried Semma and know little about dosa."
Positive"This user finds the dosas to be equal at both Semma and Saravana Bhavan and questions why one would spend significantly more at Semma."
Neutral"This commenter expressed a strong desire for dosas."
Neutral"The user mentioned enjoying cheddar masala dosa from Saravanaa Bhavan in Kips Bay, expressing a love for South Indian food."
Positive"This user agrees with the recommendation of Chote Miya and also suggests Saravanaa Bhavan as a decent option."
Positive"This is one of two main options for an Indian food crawl in the Curry Hill area. It is known for its dosa."
Positive
