Authentic South Indian veg fare w/ flavorful dosas & coffee. A casual, affordable taste of India.
This South Indian vegetarian chain, with origins in India, offers a diverse menu of authentic dishes, particularly known for its variety of dosas and flavorful filter coffee. While generally well-regarded for its casual dining experience and reasonable prices, some diners have noted that the Manhattan location may not perfectly replicate the authentic taste found elsewhere.
The restaurant specializes in South Indian vegetarian cuisine, with dosas and filter coffee being standout items that many recommend. While generally praised for its authenticity and variety, a recurring point of comparison is with other South Indian establishments, with some opinions suggesting the Manhattan location may not always meet the highest standards, particularly concerning the sambhar served with dosas.
"Dosas, particularly the Mysore masala dosa, filter coffee, chai, and thali meals are frequently recommended by patrons."
Overall, customers have a positive sentiment, frequently recommending the restaurant for its vegetarian South Indian options, especially the dosas and filter coffee, though some comparisons suggest local quality might vary.
Important Note
Some diners have noted that the Manhattan location may not be as exceptional as other branches or establishments, particularly when compared to Semma for dosa quality, though it is still considered a good option for value and variety.
"This user mentioned Saravanaa Bhavan as a decent option for South Indian food, while also noting a lack of diverse options in the cuisine category."
Neutral"Saravanaa Bhavan is a recommended spot for Southern Indian cuisine."
Positive"Saravanaa Bhavan was suggested for its Thali meals, which are typically served in large, varied portions."
Positive"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
