Diva Indian Bistro and Lounge

Oh my god! I am from colorado visiting friends at MIT happen to stopped by at Diva restaurant. I have never eaten food this bad and never had service terrible like this. No offense the guy with tie was nothing but a joke, he was doing nothing but watching TV! I waited so badly to walk out but I had to stay 15 minute just to pay the bill.Think twice before u go in.

Posted 08/16/09

I went there tonight after saw a movie with my friends in Sommerville theater. It looks nice from outside, but after I was seated, I would never want to come here again. The host didn't even smile at all; the seat was not comfortable and sticky; table was shaking all the time. After I told the host about changing a table, he just totally ignored me and put some pad under the table.

After we ordered, I was surprised that the food was tasty and served pretty fast. But the service was terrible. For the whole time, I cannot figure out which waiter should take care of my table because there were four or five waiters come around to take the check. The host didn't say anything when we were eating until we gave the tips.
Terrible service but good food...

Pros: yummy food

Cons: horrible service

Posted 07/25/09

My wife and I have been eating at and very much enjoying Diva for many years. We discovered it just before Shalimar closed for renovations. Indian food is about the food and Diva has always been satisfying until last weekend. The pakora were hard as rocks and the chicken tikka were dried out. We have never encountered this before and are wondering if it is a bump in the road or if the good Diva is gone.

Pros: Long history of good food.

Cons: Last week the food was inedible. What does this mean?

Posted 10/13/08

Diva has really gone down hill. The service was atrocious, our waiter barely spoke to us, and when my wife who had never had Indian food before asked him a question about the menu he mumbled something unintelligible and pretended he didn't understand. The bread sampler basket we ordered had almost no flavor. I'm not sure how you can mess up Nan, but they were dried out and tasted like they were shaken around in a bag of charcoal. The Tandori chicken my wife was ordered was drier than the Nan while my dish was ok, it just didn't have much flavor.

I had to get up and ask the host for refills on our water because the waiter never came back to the table, and when my wife finished with her drink, she found there was a fly in one of the ice cubes. The host comped her drink but that was it. We will never go there again. The next time my wife decides to give Indian food a shot we'll brave the wait at Punjabs instead.

Pros: The atmosphere while load is nice.

Cons: Service, Food

Posted 08/19/08

I don't know what some of the other users are complaining about- especially when it comes to the waiters. I've been to Diva several times- the food has always been great, and the service very good and the waiters polite. Moreover, the restaurant is one of the nicest in terms of atmosphere in all of Somerville.

Pros: Food, Atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 08/02/08

Service is discriminated. The servers have zero knowledge of what they are serving.Food is not authentic.
I mean they dont even know that 'pav bhaji' is served with 'pav' and not 'roti'. If you are looking for Indian food, there are lot of places far better than diva in Boston . And please dont support these kind of restaurants where service is biased and food is not authentic.

Posted 07/05/08

Last night, Valentine?s Day, was the best night of my life?until entering Diva Bistro. Actually it began the day before, we called for reservations and were told it was walk-ins only when they were really completely booked with reservations.

On the day of, my (now) fiance and I had spent a lovely afternoon together. We arrived at Diva without being greeted, then finally told that there was nothing they could do, even though we were willing to wait at the bar for as long as needed. After watching others who walked-in after us were seated before us, we were offered the (dirty) table of another customer who left, right in front of the door.

We chatted with the couple next to us for a half an hour before grabbing one of the bussers (that were continually running into my chair and knocking my purse onto the floor) to ask for a waiter and clean silverware. He said nothing about a waiter be un-politely told us? ?No, that is clean,? and walked off?I assure you, I saw the previous occupant with this silverware and it was NOT clean.

Next we grabbed our favorite host who, after looking annoyed for a moment, turned over his reservation list and so ?what do you want?? We attempted to order the most expensive diner that comes with a choice of soup, entree and desert?but tonight, he said, we could not have our choice. It was too loud for the kitchen to hear orders so we had to have the basics?WHAT?!? Not only that, but the basics were described as ?spicy hot? on the menu and after arguing for five minutes about this I told him I wanted nothing and please just go away. We immediately went to a manager?who did NOT offer to pay for our drinks, but instead just said, ?but you have a table.? I?m not sure how we were supposed to respond but I chose to leave.

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT EAT HERE! THEY ARE RUDE RUDE RUDE! I apologize for the need to write four paragraphs but after having the greatest night of my life ruined, I felt warranted.

Posted 02/14/08

Their interior design is impressive, the drinks are interesting....but if you have any food allergies, don't set foot in Diva. After asking my waiter (twice), then the host(twice), then the Manager - none of them could fathom what a food allergy was, or tell me what kind of oil they cooked in. Fairly simple question I think.

And after making several inquiries, our server and his version of service (if you can call it that) got worse (if that's possible). The manager didn't even bother to apologize, or offer to pay for our drinks.

Don't bother. Go down the block to Namaskar instead.

Posted 01/30/08

I have eaten here many times because the food is very good. Generally I will only do take out since the service is always poor. When I go in to order take out it takes for ever just to place the order. Twice, I have sat at the bar for 20 minutes on a slow night while my food sat on the bar and the bartender failed to tell me that my order was ready. The times I've eaten there it has taken long periods of time for someone to come over and seat us, then longer periods of time to even get a server to come over. All of our servers have the hardest time even understanding what we're ordering, and it has taken forever to get the food.

Again, really good food, but not worth it if you have to spend more than 10 minutes in the place.

Pros: Great food, authentic Indian.

Cons: Worst service you can imagine, short of being assaulted by the staff.

Posted 06/03/07

I definitely would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. As a matter of fact, I would rather eat at McDs, then to ever eat at Diva. To begin the night of, I made reservations ahead of time and when we arrived, we were not greated for 10 mintues, let alone we waited 15 more minutes. Top it off, one of us had to seat in the walkway area on a dusty old chair. Food was not served promptly, and we were rushed to make orders and the waiter kept coming to our table asking same questions if we were done with food, when its only been 5 minutes since he has served it. Food was cold, bread was burnt, we ordered medium taste, and the waiter brought us food that was in the "HOT" category. Waiter spilled glass of water on the table and did not bother to clean it up. When we complained to the manager, he took waiter's side and started to argue with us. Whatever happened to "Customer is always right!!!" policy? The night is still not over yet, the waiter asked, "Can I get you dessert?" So we ordered, and guess what? The fool never cleans up the table from our meal, and serves desserts right on the table where there is no room left. He puts one of the dessert plate in the bread basket. For crying out loud, what an idiot. So what kind of a tip did I leave? Upside down glass with a penny in it!!! Afterall, I guess he deserved it.

Posted 04/22/07

To preface my review, let me begin with credentials: I am a chef, culinary educator, researcher and currently a medical student at Harvard Medical School. My evening at Diva (3/2/07) was the worst restaurant experience that I've had since moving to Boston. As someone that suffers from food allergies, I am always careful to call ahead to make sure that restaurants are able to accommodate and are informed ahead of time. I was assured that my allergy was absolutely no trouble and they would be happy to have my guest and me for the evening. When I arrived, I was ignored by the host. Later, once seated, I again explained my allergy to the waiter who rudely refuted everything that I had been told on the phone. I was informed that they could make me some grilled vegetables (instead of the meals that I was told were available previously). When the "meals" came, mine was served with a side containing said allergen. Luckily, I noticed, and they grudgingly returned it to the kitchen only to replace it with another dish slathered in the allergen. After alerting the waiter, who thoroughly understood the allergy and which substance was in the food, I was rudely asked if I was going to live, received an indifferent shoulder shrug and a, "that wasn't supposed to be in there." There was no apology. Had I eaten the meals that they provided, I would've been rushed to the nearest ER in anaphylactic shock. I would think that threatening someone's life would at least constitute an apology. I know the food industry well - after this experience, and reading about previous managerial tolerance of racial epithets hurled at customers, I cannot see why anyone could frequent this establishment in good conscience.

Note: Please feel free to re-post this review, in its entirety, anywhere you feel led.

Posted 03/02/07

W ON D E R F U L - First of all the atmosphere is gorgous, the service is outstanding, my friends and I had a drink in the lounge while we waited and we sipped delicous Mojitos emmmm so good, anyhow we had some tapas while waiting and the bartender was a doll - she made sure we were tended to on a busy night - she still found time for each customer, come to find out she is the manager as well - great job -
Now on the the comfortable seating in the restaurant - the wait staff was superb and the food was mouth watering, I can not wait until my next visit. Prioritize DIVA on your to do list in Davis Square.

Pros: ambience service

Posted 12/12/06

I have been to Diva several times and have always enjoyed it. One of my most recent visits was with friends who happen to be Indian and they thought the food was very good. We usually bring friends from out of town over to Diva and everyone is always pleased with the food and service.

Posted 12/11/06

Please refer to following article in the Tufts Daily online if you are considering eating at this establishment:

Racism at Diva Lounge, Issue date: 12/4/06, Section: Viewpoints

Posted 12/05/06

Are you tired of Indian restaurants messing with your palate? You won't be sorry here. Try the Vegetarian Thali (soup, samosa, your choice of two veg entrees, poori, rice, chai and dessert, all for under $15). For meat connosseuirs I would recommend the succulent goat curry.

Posted 11/01/06

Me and my friend were in the lounge on Sept 3rd in the lounge. The bartender was lousy and was having a tough time as his assistant wasn't there. We ordered 3 tapas [Fish Pakora, Tandoori Mushrooms and Mozarella/green chilli Nan]. The food was ok. The total bill came upto 18.90 and I gave 4 $ tip. I see my credit card bill today and they have charged me 28.90. Basically they have changed the tip amount.

Posted 09/06/06

i was a little biased because i'd read all about bad service, but everyone was nice to us. there was one strange moment when there was no room on the table and i hadn't finished my appetizer, when the waiter brough my entree. no big deal, but a little strange. otherwise, everyone was friendly and the food was really delicious. i like spicy food and i got the HOT version because i'd read that the food wasn't that spicy. HOT was perfect, definitely nothing to be afraid of if you like things to be well-spiced. the bhaingan barta was awesome as was the tofu-life cheese version of chicken tikka masala. you'll enjoy it if you go.

Posted 08/10/06

I'm surprised that the other reviews seem so poor. I'm not from Boston, and I find alot of the food here really bland. We've been a couple times and each time we had a group who wanted really mild to really, really spicy food, and everyone was totally satisfied. The prices are decent, and the atmosphere is pretty standard--trendy ethnic restaurant. The first time we went, it was busier, and we were in a hurry. The service was great until we needed the check. We asked three times, and literally waited for 20 minutes. We went back when it was totally empty, and the waitstaff was more interested in the World Cup than in us. We were gathering our stuff to leave when someone finally took our order. Our food came out at different times, and we had another long wait for the check. It was bad enough to keep me away since then. I'm interested in the buffet, because then I won't have to deal with their service, but I can't convince anyone to go back.

Pros: Decent food, Close to T

Cons: Serivce is ABSOLUTELY HORRENDOUS.

Posted 08/03/06

How does Diva get a 9.0 rating when most of the reviews are negative?
Anyways, the food is pretty bad, the service is really bad. The only thing going for it is the decor which is pretty friendly I must say!

If you are hankering for good north indian food, walk a block from Diva away from Davis Square to Namaskar. The decor is unappealing, the service is not great either but the quality of food is far superior.

Pros: Ambience, close to the subway

Cons: bad food and bad service

Posted 07/11/06

This place looks and feels very cool from the outside. Atmosphere is great, especially when the weather is nice and the front windows are open. The food, however, is very plain. And if you're out to eat Indian food, plain ain't good. I was hoping for spicy and flavorful and didn't get either. We were there for dinner but I've heard great things about the lunch buffet. Howver, I can't imagine that they run out of flavor everyday at lunch.

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: The food

Posted 07/02/06

You're paying for the trendy atmosphere and the artistically shaped plates and bowls. The food itself is bland. When I want Indian food, I want flavor. We ordered medium spiciness and it wasn't even spicy at all. Even less spicy than what mild is at any other restaurant. Disappointing. The food isn't too authentic. You're better off going to a less trendy Indian restaurant which will have an even better selection and more flavorful entrees.

Posted 05/05/06

I have had a lot of Indian food, and Diva is probably the best. Dinners are fabulous, especially the vegetarian dinner for two. But, the lunch buffet is by far the best food quality and the best value. Full salad offerings, appetizers, soup (always have the soup - wonderful) and several main entrees. I have been here many times for both the lunch buffet and for dinner, always delicious. There many varieties of naan are all fresh and delicious. Worth trying all of them. Diva also has a full bar.

Pros: lunch buffet, soups, sauces

Cons: drafty up front, slow on H2O refills

Posted 03/25/06

For an Indian buffet, Diva is da bomb! First off, buffets, especially Indian buffets, usually suck. However, I've had Indian all over Massachusetts and London and Diva is one of the best. I've never dined there in the evening, but their afternoon buffet is economical and tasty. I never had a problem getting my water filled and they bring you complementary nan. The only problem, if any, is that the nan is made to order, so it's best to not rush up and start eating straight away, unless you can handle the "bite" of Indian food without bread. Another thing I have to suggest is a pistachio shake. If you're like me and like spicy foods but also enjoy the relief of the taste in your mouth, a pistachio shake (or any of their other milk-based treat) will add pleasure to your lunch.

Pros: Excellent food, Cool atmosphere, Attentive service

Posted 02/17/06

We went to Diva last week after being tempted by the smells wafting out of the restaurant. The service was absolutely horrible and the waitstaff couldn't have been less attentive. The restaurant wasn't even full, so we have no idea why we were ignored and then spoken to so rudely once we did catch our waiter. On top of that, the trendy music from the lounge area mixing with Indian music in the dining room was just strange.

The food was pretty good, but not spectacular. The tandoori chicken was quite good and the half portion was quite large. I would not go back. For the amount we spent, I expect good food AND service!

Posted 01/25/06

A friend and I walked into Diva excited about eating some good Indian food and walked out thirsty and extremely deceived. After practically throwing our way-too-salty dinner on the table after a longer-than-average wait, we never saw our waiter again. We were dying from thirst and no one ever came to refill our water. I almost walked out of the restaurant, I was so angry with the poor service. The restaurant wasn't even busy, as it was a weekday night, and if they were understaffed, I would have been more understanding, but they weren't. We had to beg for the check, and couldn't hurry out of this terrible establishment fast enough!! For all the money they spent on decor, you'd think that the food and service would at least match up halfway, but no.

Pros: in Davis Square

Cons: terrible service, too salty, TERRIBLE SERVICE!!

Posted 08/09/05

the soft lit lights lured us into the restaurant-
we love indian food! the food arrived (we asked for it spicy) and the sidappointment experienced from the first bite was overwhelming- far from authentic, spiced up with raw chilies, blandest indian food ever! thank goodness i was able to fill up on the frequent water service. . ...we'll never ever (EVER!) go to this restaurant again!

Posted 08/07/05

Contrary to most of the reviewers here, I've only had good experiences at Diva's. My wife and I live in the area, so we usually come early enough to find a table, and we've found the waitstaff attentive and helpful (I think by now they recognize our faces). I'm not an expert on Indian food, so maybe I'm not a good judge of what's truly Indian food and what's not, but I like the vegetable samosas, the nan and the chicken saagwalla, and if you share everything, the bill isn't too bad. It's a shame that they have the takeout service handled by Dining In, which always tacks on a $5 fee and makes you wait a long time to get anything.

Pros: good food, nice atmosphere, good service

Cons: no good takeout

Posted 07/10/05