Jyoti Bihanga

A peaceful place to gather with friends for a healthy dinner. Every time we go we run into someone else that we know. All the food is delicious, but I like the NeatLoaf best!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

The food is different, yummy, and reasonably priced. The place is owned and run by students of spiritual master Sri Chinmoy, Jyoti Bihanga. You have to try their Netloaf Sandwich and Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Even my non-vegi friends swear by it. Not in the greatest part of town however, so be careful. San Diego could use more vegetarian restaurants like this.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Never having been here before, I was extremely pleased with everything at Jyoti Bihanga. The staff was kind and helpful and willing to recommend drinks and dishes for newcomers (like myself). I ordered the Neatloaf with mashed potatoes, and let me tell you, it was so nice to have healthy "comfort food". The chai tea with soy is a delicious addition to the meal and their hummus with cucumbers and bread is fantastic.
If you're in to trying new things or are a vegetarian looking for some great food, this is definitely the place to go. Food is priced average.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Jyoti-Bihanga is a pale blue restaurant located in Normal heights at 3351 Adams Avenue. Run by the followers of Sri Chimnoy, an Eastern religious group, the food is terrific.

For vegetarians who are accustomed to having a choice of pasta in tomato sauce, steamed vegetables or a veggie burger at most restaurants, this place is a great relief. In most places, there is no way for me to get a soup as even vegetable soups tend to be made with beef or chicken stock. Jyoti-Bihanga always has at least four vegetarian soups on the menu. Two are usually vegan. My favorite soup to date was a carrot and ginger soup. The carrots had been roasted to carmelize them and the soup was smoky and sweet with just the right essence of ginger.

At the same time, this is not a "hippy" food place. The menu includes far more than just the tofu and brown rice of some places. Those options exist. There are also specialties like their portabello and black bean quesadillas which can be ordered as an appetizer or as a main course. There are daily specials. Jyoti-Bihanga's menu emphasizes fresh ingredients. There are always specials on the menu. The food here tends towards California cuisine. There are pastas, a touch of Mexican influence, brown rice, lots of bean dishes and lots of fresh vegetables.

For those who have allergies, the menu is a blessing as all ingredients are there. The waiters and waitresses are all well-informed about the menu and are good at answering questions. Have any questions of the chef and they will get them answered for you. Need more detailed information, the chef will come on out him or herself. They are also uniformly friendly and polite. The people here really want to please.

The atmosphere here is airy. The walls are painted a light blue with clouds and birds. There are huge picture windows on two walls. There are lots of plants. Overall, it is lovely and comfortable.

Besides food, the restaurant sells art by Sri Chimnoy and a number of books, cards, and religio

PROS: Great food with great service
CONS: lack of parking spots

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?