Vatan Indian-Vegetarian

I had very similar experiace as explained by first reviewer. That was almost a year back when I decided not to visit this place again. I have guests this weekend who would like this food. So just wanted to check if they improved on service. But recent negative review reconfirm my decision not to visit this facility.

It is a shame on part of vatan to be in negative books for so long. Go their if you want to see pennywise people

Posted 05/19/09

Four of us went to Vatan for a friend?s birthday. She?s a vegetarian and loves Indian food, so Vatan sounded perfect. The evening started off slowly when we got sat at 9:10 for our 8:45 reservation. Our waitress took another 15 minutes to come our table. After that the appetizer and entr?e round of food were both equally slow. I don?t understand how a prix-fix, set-menu restaurant can have slow service. Everyone in the restaurant is eating the same food, so why does it take 45 minutes for an entr?e to be delivered after the appetizer plate has been cleared?? Despite the slow service, the food was extremely good and representative of what one would eat in India. My final complaint and the one that pushed me to leave a review was the 18% gratuity included. The restaurant calculated the required 18% gratuity on the total bill INCLUDING TAX, not just on the food and drink total. I was very upset at this because 18% was extremely generous for the abysmal service we received, but putting gratuity on the tax is WRONG. I mentioned this to our waitress and suddenly her English wasn?t good enough to understand. I walked the check to the hostess desk and explained that gratuity should be calculated on the food and drink total, not on the tax. She argued this was their policy and wouldn?t budge. I paid the total because at this point it was 12:30am and we had been in this restaurant for over 3 hours and were very restless. I will never return to these crooks again.

Pros: Authentic Meal

Cons: Rude Hostess, Slow Service, stolen tip

Posted 04/20/09

Hi, Vatan is one of the best resturants I have ever been to. The food was awesome, its just like having dinner in gujrat. I have been to BARODA and I know what Indian food tastes like. The staffs and the servers were very welcoming and they took care of me and my friends very well. I completely disagree with the previous negative review. I think there must have been a misunderstanding. I wish VATAN best of luck and hope it carrys on spreading Indian tradition.

Posted 03/06/09

At first I was impressed with the ambiance and decor. However, when the food service began I soon realized this was a gimmick. The waitress kept coming back with a fake smile and kept asking if we were finished with the course. She grabbed my beer that was still 1/4 full and asked me if I would like another. The second and third courses were served at once, sending us a hint that we took to long with the appetizers. Desert was then served (more like tossed on the table) and the waitress whispered into our ears that the next guests were waiting for our table. By this time the fake smile was no longer there, She had already switched to "clear table" mode. Next thing I know my Indian chi tea was whisked from under my nose, cup half full, and a bill for a couple hundred + $ appeared. NOTE: the Prix Fixe price is no longer $22.95, rather it is now an whopping $31 for an array of vegetables (apparently not even organic). To say the least the experience was very anti-climactic. At first I thought this would be a great place to dine with future guests. By the end of the meal it was clear that this was a gimmick!

Pros: Ambience

Cons: food service felt rushed and fake

Posted 03/01/09

There is nothing bad and everything good about this place! The service is attentive, the food is delicious and plentiful, and the space is beautiful! Unlike a lot of Indian places, the food is cooked very healthy - not oily - and the ingredients seem really fresh. It's a fixed-price/fixed dish menu, but you get a huge selection served right to you, and seconds, thirds, etc or whichever dish you want. At dessert time, ask for the mango pudding; that's the one dish they don't automatically bring you, and it blends wonderfully with the dessert. I went with two Indian friends, and they both love this place and say the food is exactly how their moms and grandmothers prepare it at home.

I just really hope that they remain in business for a long time! The menu is so reasonably priced, and you get so much food, and most of all, they have a HUGE space in Murray Hill, but they have very few actual tables. It's greatly refreshing to go to a restaurant in Manhattan and not be seated elbow-to-elbow with the strangers next to you, but I just really hope they serve enough people in there each night to make s profit.

Pros: Great vegetarian, service, value

Cons: nothing!

Posted 02/08/09

The experience all Vatan was awful. The food was tasteless. The service was terrible. They didn't even come to see if everything was okay. The staff very rude. Me being from Indian culture know and acknowledge the taste and flavor of Indian and Gujarati cooking. Their food had no flavor, no taste, just absolutely bland. It is not a place I would recommend coming to.

Posted 01/10/09

As a frequent visitor to Vatan I must applaud the new decor, wonderfuil service and as always, incredibly delicious food. For those of you giving a bad review, what planet are you on?

Pros: Peaceful setting, attentive and knowledgable servers

Cons: NONE

Posted 01/07/09

hi i went to vatan with some of my friends we had a wonderful time i cant find fault with any aspect from the hostess to the server to the food to the ambiance every thing was perfect so if u want to experiance the real home cooked meal GO TO VATAN u would not be disapointed

Pros: ambience

Cons: none

Posted 11/09/08

I have been to Vatan several times. Everything I go back thinking its not fair to judge them in just one or two visits. However I believe in THREE STRIKES AND YOUR ARE OUT. I had gone this time with my whole family it was really embarrassing for half of my family members to be standing up. They attempted to try and fit 5 of us on a table of 4 and 12 of us on a table of 10. Now for those who have been there you know how big those plates are so you can figure it out yourself. I agree with the fact that their motto if for you to eat fast, pay and leave.
They had appointed ONE waitress for 30 of us!! Yes ONE! So you can imagine how much of a mess it was. They had plenty of space to sit us all... but they stated it was "reserved" when the whole time we were there no one showed up till we were getting ready to clear our check. Oh and don't fall for the .."who wants their dishes spicy, medium or mild.. cause there is not such thing. They all taste the same, they swear it is. When I had gone upstairs to talk to the manager about out seating there were like 4 waiters/waitresses standing around doing nothing.... absolutely nothing.. when they could of helped downstairs with our waitress maybe it would of made things a little better after the attitude and bad service we had received when we had reached there. Please think 10 time before going to Vatan, unless you enjoy throwing your money way for poor service and food which you have to swallow down.. then by all means go for it.
For those who are like myself, like to go out for dinner and be able to spend X amount of money as long as you have good service and are not being rushed to eat so they can attend the next customer that comes in so they can make their quota for the day. Just very very disappointing. I would much rather go to a place where I have to spend a little more (not that Vatan hasn't raised its price from $22.95 to $32 something) to have better service and be treated right.

Pros: When you make a reservation, they do take you right away...

Cons: But regardless if you make a reservation or not YOU ARE DEF. RUSHED OUT OF THERE w/ their poor service.

Posted 11/09/08

Go to Vatan for a unique dinner experience. I am so glad they reopened for I have definitely missed the flavorful dishes. We went there for my friends birthday. Everyone who went really likes indian food and I must say we all agreed that they serve the best vegetarian cuisine. The whole experience is so different from any other indian restaurant in NYC. The whole table decor is made to make you feel like you are eating in a hut in India. They redid the entire inside of the restaurant and it is sooo cool the pictures dont do it justice. We had a wonderful relaxed, unrushed time. The waitress was great always checking in periodically to see if we need anything! I reccommend this restaurant to everyone even if you do not like Indian food. Just go fo rthe atmosphere!

Pros: Two thumbs up

Cons: not one

Posted 11/09/08

Good food if you like Gujarathi food. May not be as if it is in rural Gujarathi. More of Americanised stuff
They need to be soft and polite

Pros: Good food

Cons: Poor service

Posted 08/09/08

i think this place is great and maybe you folks are just a-holes who had no choice but to be treated like disgusting people during your dining session.

Posted 05/22/08

Impressive that a restaurant in New York would attract such accolades and be so incredibly disappointing, touting variety and a long history of great service, Vatan is for those who have no understanding or appreciation for quality cuisine, have no capability to distinguish fine Indian flavors and for vegetarians that would rather be impressed by volume and disregard quality.
Do not take your children, the menu is fixed and uncompromising on head count, and does not offer anything that a parent would be satisfied with, so get a baby sitter if you must go. The service is polite, stubborn and uncomfortably forceful making the surcharge painful to part with. The food was flavorless from the potato fritters, bland sev puri, tasteless chick peas to the selection of unimpressive and stale mains and the cheap ice-cream desert that had no relevance and that no child would eat.
The Indian patronage should be ashamed to assault their heritage of taste buds to such average food. New York boasts some of the best selections of Indian cuisine at better prices, service, quality and variety.
Strike this from your list if you enjoy Indian food and have a discerning wallet.

Pros: Vegetarian

Cons: poor quality food and service

Posted 12/28/07

I have been to Vatan once and thank God that it is not the only restaurant in New York.. The hostess clearly hates her job. If you don't make an appointment she makes you feel like an 'idiot'. I had heard great things about the food which to their credit was not bad. However, we were told that we should finish eating in less than an hour although the whole restaurant was empty. We were literally made to gulp our food. I am from India and I must tell you this place is not a good example of friendly Indian culture.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Unfriendy staff

Posted 11/24/07

I really like Vatan, I even had my birthday there one year. I don't go back often, as the menu doesn't change much, but it's a great way to introduce someone to Indian food. And the meat eaters don't miss the meat! The decor is fun too, for my birthday we had the upstairs table to ourselves.

Pros: all you can eat, a little of everything

Cons: none in my experience

Posted 11/08/07

I went to Vatan a few weeks ago, great food, but I have to say the two ladies who are in charge there are so unprofessional, rude and not welcoming at all, the service is just okay nothing great there. They need to be more polite and patient with customers you dont even get a smile when walking in, they stare right at you for being there, not worth it I know not to go there again!!!

Posted 09/06/07

what a terrible disappointment. we went on a tuesday evening at 5:30 pm without a reservation. the place was empty. when i asked if we could dine without a reservation, i was told that we could if we left in one hour. what's that about? if they'd told me that they were fully booked, i'd have understood that far better than to be told that we had to eat and leave in one hour. so rude.

Posted 08/28/07

Dining out should be relaxing, a time to unwind with good friends, good food, and good drink. That's what we pay the premium for when we seek out a fine restaurant. Apparently there is disagreement concerning this very basic formula within the management at Vatan, where there is a strict time limit on your stay--one hour, thirty minutes. The atmosphere here is not redolent of Gujarat, but more like that of Stalin's Russia. Make no mistake about it, you will be asked to leave when your stay is up. But the check...ah, the check...now that comes promptly. There are too many authentic Indian restaurants in NYC to pay a premium for what Vatan considers service. Stay far away.

Posted 02/22/07

I went to Vatan with high expectations and it did not disappoint. The food was fantastic and was totally worth all the good things I'd heard about it. However, it's not a place you can frequent, so it would be good to introduce a bit of variety or specials in the pre-fixe to mix and match a little bit. But then I guess if it ain't broken, why fix it. I totally agree with all the reviews about the ambience and service - totally up to the mark, but that is only once you've managed to secure a table and have everyone seated. If, God forbid, one of the people turns out to be 15 minutes late, you could be made to feel like a felon for it. Apart from the food-Nazism, everything else about this place turns out to be top-drawer.

Pros: Good food, great value, great ambience

Cons: Making reservations can be a pain

Posted 01/23/07

My vegetarian husband and I love Vatan. So much so that we had our wedding rehersal dinner there. Cool atmosphere aside the food is an excellent example of South Indian fare so far from home. You think the small dishes will never fill you up but come dessert you'll be in pain from all of the food you had. A great place to go as a group (make reservations!) where their extra large beers can be shared and you'll get plenty full before it's time to get the check. When you go be prepared to eat with your fingers, it's all part of the enjoyment of eating at Vatan.

Pros: All you can eat for one good price.

Cons: Wish they were larger.

Posted 11/23/06

I love Vatan! It's a big space and you get your own private corner to sit in, take off your shoes and don't have to order because everybody gets the same platter. I've had the most relaxing evenings there!

Pros: quiet, cheap, relaxing

Cons: -

Posted 11/09/06

Don't go if you'r in a hurry. This is the kind of restaurant where you really want to take your time. The food, decor, including wait staff in costume, are all outstanding!

Pros: Ambience, Service, Food

Cons: parking

Posted 11/02/06

I brought a friend here on a friday night for her birthday and was really blown away. The ambience was incredible, the food was neverending and really, really delicious, and our waitress was kind and attentive. I'll definitely be returning.

Pros: ambience, food, staff

Cons: none

Posted 09/04/06

The first time I tried to eat here I was gruffly turned away because I did not have a reservation. Not to be deterred I made one two nights later for their only open seating at 10:15. Despite the late hour my girlfriend and I had an amazing time. The atmosphere was a little 'campy' but very enjoyable. The food was fantastic, and the 'all-you-can-eat' prix fixe offers a great variety of tastes and textures. I'm a pretty big eater and I couldn't make it for round 2 in this place since I was stuffed after the apps and main course. Our waitress did a good job explaining all the dishes and we did not feel overly rushed to leave (which we did around 11:45). Overall I was happy with my experience and look forward to going back. My one recommendation is try not to geta seat by the door, there is a large brass bell that people like to whale on when they leave the place. It's a little unnerving when you're trying to enjoy your food and your eardrumbs are shalacked by repeated. ear-piercing rings.

Pros: Food, Price

Cons: That damn bell, slight lack of customer service

Posted 06/11/06

This place has amazingly flavorful vegetarian Indian food - I"ve been going there for years and have brought many a friend there who was happy to have been introduced to such a great place! i don't understand these bad reviews - it IS NOT a curry house, so one shouldn't expect that style of Indian food. And yes, the decor is charmingly "theme"-ish, as it re-creates an Indian courtyard, but in no way is the quality of the food "touristy". As a New Yorker, I do not dine in Little Italy and Times square for that reason, and this restaurant DOES NOT fall into that category. It's pretty quiet (rare for NYC), the service has always been consistently attentive, and it's a great deal for the price!

Pros: food, price

Cons: ambience - if you are looking for a standard decor

Posted 06/09/06

Service was very polite with the exception of the lady who first greeted us. Decor is quite pleasant, the entire area including the restroom was kept very clean. However, food is average to slightly above average at best, a lot of it is not really Gujarati in origin but rather Punjabi. I wasn't very impressed by the vast majority of the dishes. The samosas were of the tiny variety that you can buy frozen. The only items that stood out in my mind are the khichdi, khadi and the chai. The menu largely consists of simple indian dishes cooked in a home-style manner. This isn't inherently problematic but I'm afraid the execution in this instance does not live up to billing. Lastly, don't be fooled by the price-fix quote, they charge an arm and a leg for drinks.

Posted 02/25/06

The ambiance completely transports you and allows for intimate conversation. The food is fantastic. The the price fix relieves you of choices, just allowing you to sit back and be served- West Indian style.

Posted 01/20/06

Had heard a lot about this place. But, got a chance to visit only yesterday and I am glad I made time to visit the place. The ambience is awesome and even though the restaurant might be fully booked, it doesn't look crowded. Best Vegetarian Gujarati food I ever had. Gajar ka halua was the Best.

Pros: Good Food, Not Crowded, Ambience

Cons: Fixed menu, Little expensive

Posted 01/11/06

Me and my wife went to this place with our close friends. This place is truly one of the best places to find a authentic vegetarian gujrati food. The ambience is awesome and the well/banyan tree, kites etc etc take you back to that indian village life. Service was also really professional. Was an amazing place to end 2005 at.

Posted 01/01/06

I've been to Vatan several times and it is both good for couples and groups. The restaurant is decorated very uniquely and the unlimited food is very tasty and satisfying. The staff is attentive and will bring you back as much food as you specify. I'd recommend making reservations because it is a popular restaurant.

Pros: ample food, great staff, ambience

Posted 10/11/05

Worst service that I have ever seen. Waitress was very rude. Would not even ask if we wanted more appetizers, just took the plates away.

Too slow to bring food. Would never go there again and won't recommend to anyone either.

Posted 09/09/05

I've been to Vatan's several times and have never had the problems some reviewers complain about. My reservations have always been honored (I've even been a bit late for a couple), the staff has been very attentive (explaining each item and explaining that we're more then welcome to ask for more at any time). I would higly recommend them to anyone.

Pros: Lovely staff, Inexpensive

Posted 07/13/05

I spent an evening at Vatan tonight with my partner, and we had a wonderful experience. I can only speak as a non-Indian, since we both come from an originally American palate, but Indian cuisine, both Northern and Southern, is my favorite non-Western cuisine, and I'm always on the prowl for something delicious and worth the price. I found that the food variety was great, and the waitress was very accommodating to my vegan boyfriend describing all items' ingredients and how you may request more of what YOU like, creating a unique experience. I am wary of other reviews saying "they" were rude or "they" wanted us out, because you usually deal with your waitress alone; not an army of Hindi apathetics. Best chai tea, and overall, worth every bite!

Pros: Vegan friendly, Knowledgeable staff, Great chai

Cons: Reservation only, Epcot center vibe

Posted 06/19/05

It says "All You Can Eat", but as soon as you tell the waitress that you've never been there, they just bring the pre-made things that are cold and don't even explain it to you that you can keep ordering what you want. Also, they chase you out by pushing you to pay. They don't want people to sit and relax. In fact, we were asked to give up our table when more than half of the tables were empty!! The place was so empty at 8:30 pm, still we had to leave. The women who work there seem so grumpy, too. To make the matter worse, the food was not good. Ignore Zagat!!

Pros: sitting on the floor

Cons: bad service, below average food, cold food

Posted 05/03/05

Took 2 guests for dinner.
Advertised as 22.95 for fixed price dinner. We did'nt order any drinks. Got a bill of $90.00 with nothing itemized. I was with 2 guests and could not inquire about the bill so had to just pay it.

Nice way to steal.

-Sam

Posted 01/09/05

I love this restaurant. My brother came in from out of town and I brought him there and even though neither one of us were vegetarians we left totally stuff and fulfilled. The food is just delicious and the staff is so accomadating and polite. I would recommend this place as a great introduction to someone who has never tried indian food as they give you tiny appetizer like portions of a myriad of items(that they keep bringing you more of), so if you aren't crazy about an item it's not a big deal b/c there are a ton of other dishes to try. Just make sure you make a reservation.

Posted 12/28/04

Take your shoes off, sit on a pillow, and tell them how spicy you like it.....and they do the rest! The interior is a bit kitschy but it adds to the charm....It's a great open space where you aren't cramped or rushed.....Just make sure you make reservations a few days in advance because there aren't a lot of tables. Be prepared to loosen your belt a few notches too because it's all you can eat and you just can't stop eating!

Posted 12/16/04

ITs all you can eat, and the non-Indian people will love the atmosphere of being in a village. As for the food its okay Gujarati-Vegetarian food, with plenty of refils. At about $23 bucks a pop, don't think its worth it. I rather spend that much, order from a menu and get great food.

Pros: Atmosphere, Service

Posted 12/04/04

This is an exceptional restaurant. The service is great. Everyone is extremely polite and helpful. The decor is meant to give you the impression that you are in an Indian village and its very well done. The restaurant is quiet. The food is very good and you get a lot of food. Very good value. One of my favorite restaurants in NYC.

Pros: Great service, Good Food, Great atmosphere

Posted 09/25/04

Vatan is by far my favorite Indian restaurant. I love love the food here. I would have given this place 5 stars but am quite turned off by their attitude problem. I know I will keep going here because the food is comfort food for me and takes me back home, but they really need to check their attitude. They will not do reservations unless you call 2-3 days in advance even though the place is always half empty. Why can't they just be nice and accommodating for their customers? I go there just once a year now!
FYI, the food is vegetarian, all you can eat, and they have a fixed menu.

Pros: Good food, Variety, Good Ambience

Cons: Always booked, Fixed Menu

Posted 06/25/04

This is one of those places that is great for the vegetarian and non vegetarian alike. The deep fried peppers (not sure of the proper name?) were phenomenal and must have been in response to requests for spicier food. A great place to sit around in a non hurried atmosphere and kick back a lot of Indian beer.

Pros: Indian Beer, Endless Food, Stay for hours

Posted 03/12/04

I had dinner here with some friends from out of town and at first we were shocked at the tiny portions. . . But they kept coming and they were soooo good! I would highly recommend Vatan. The decor was fun and I love any excuse to eat with my hands.

Posted 12/01/03

I love this place!! Everytime someone visits me from out of town, I take them to Vatan. We always eat so much we feel uncomfortable, but we have a great time every time. I've never had a bad experience there, always had very attentive service (the ladies explain each item, how it is to be eaten and even ask if you would like it spicier next time) and the ambience is excellent.
Be sure you sit at the tables where you sit cross-legged with your shoes off!

Pros: unique, fun, great food

Cons: must have reservation, not good for kids, no room large parties

Posted 11/11/03

Vatan isn't your typical N/S Indian restaurant as you can tell by the polarized reviews. If you're looking a spicy vindaloo or a tikka masala head to a "curry house" instead. For the rest, it is a great opportunity to sample a plentiful and varied menu from the largely vegetarian Indian region of Gujrat. The elaborate decor recreates a small village, centered around a large banyan tree. Most will find it charming/romantic while some a little kitschy (as all theme restaurants are). It's just like being in India without the heat, cows, scooters, nosie and pollution - Hmmm. Expect prix-fixe "thali" style dining - they will bring more of any dishes you like. Keep in mind, Gujarati food is not known for being spicy - so if you like it hot, ask for VERY spicy. I think its great only in NY could you find something so authentic.

Pros: Authenticity, Variety, Charm

Cons: Not the norm

Posted 07/21/03

ALmost 99.9% of Indian restaurants in USA or UK serve food that has absolutely no similarity of food you eat at home. This one is REALLY authentic (both in decor and taste). If you go to any joint on Lexington, it is like going to Pizza Hut to enjoy real Italian food!!! This one definetly made mo home sick.

The service is indeed bit uptight.

Pros: good food, great decor

Cons: bad service, rude service

Posted 06/17/03

If you're the tourist crowd I suppose you might like this place but by New York standards the interior is kitschy and the food boring(and I asked for extra spice!). The service was ok until the place started to crowd up then I got the feeling they wanted us to settle the tab and go. No problem, I was bored by the food and the atmosphere too. Definately for the Disney crowd-they'll think they saved the trip to Epcot. New Yorkers have better choices nearby.

Cons: Dull spicing, Corny space

Posted 06/01/03

My experience at Vatan was fantastic from start to finish. Unlike some of the other reviews here, the reservation was upheld, the waiter took the time to explain each dish and frequently asked if we wanted more of anything (which we did, several times). The food was excellent (even for a die hard meat lover). I would definitely recommend this place.

Pros: Friendly wait staff, Great food, Interesting

Posted 05/20/03

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but all the "10" reviews are WRONG. I too couldn't get in the first time I tried because of a reservation "mix up". I should have taken the hint but I went again with some friends(one of whom is Indian). The interior filled with plastic palms and fake bambo isn't "romantic" as another reviewer noted-it's corny. My Indian friend thought it was an insulting cliche. He also thought the food rather one noted and rote. No way was it "just like home". I agree with the previous reviewer who suggests going to Lexington Ave. This place can't touch the food at Madras Mahal or Pongal. MUCH nicer atmoshere too.

Posted 03/15/03