04/06/09

wonderful and full of flavor

by jakey33

the ambiance is a excellent and romantic. Great lighting and service. I found this place to be everything that I wanted in a cozy romantic restuarant. We sat in a private booth where it seemed that the place was completely ours. The food was mouthwatering. I loved the lamb. There is really nothing bad I can say. Service was perfect and attentive but not intrusive. 5 stars all the way+++

• Pros: everything
• Cons: none

02/07/09

Avoid Devi If It's A "I Want Everything to Go Just Right" Evening

by chieffoodtaster

My boyfriend and I had a very poor experience at Devi. The food was fine -- not exceptional, but creative and ably executed -- but when the bill came, the manager acted as rudely and unprofessionally as I've seen a restaurant manager in New York act.

I'll explain: My boyfriend had been given a $100 giftcard to Devi as a present for Christmas. When the bill, for $85, arrived, my boyfriend presented the $100 giftcard, plus $3, to make for a 20% tip. But when the waitress returned with the bill, it only noted an $86 withdrawal from the giftcard. My boyfriend asked the waitress if the tip could also be placed on the card. (How else were we going to spend $14 at Devi?) The waitress -- who, while very nice overall, became a bit foggy here -- said she didn't think so, and that she didn't think the manager allowed it. My boyfriend then asked politely, but firmly -- he knew it was an awkward situation, but not one of the waitress's making -- if he might speak with the manager.

A few seconds later, the manager came thundering over and asked, in a hugely sarcastic tone, what seemed to be the problem. My boyfriend explained the issue, and the manager said, with unbridled pissiness, that the giftcard could not be used to tip: the computer wouldn't allow it. My boyfriend said that this didn't make much sense -- still politely, but slightly more firmly -- and the manager said, reverting to the sarcastic tone, that he would be sure to take it up with someone. Then he walked away. My boyfriend and I both felt embarrassed and silly. (We used the extra $14 on the card on a tasty double order of garlic naan for the road and paid the tip in cash.)

The whole incident was handled so unprofessionally, I thought I'd put this out as a warning. I'm sure almost most any visit to Devi will go well, but if its an evening where you want to make absolute sure that everything goes well -- big date, client dinner, parents in town for one night -- you might want to try somewhere else.

• Pros: Bright, creative Indian food
• Cons: Beware the manager.

01/28/09

Overall Impression : Quite good

by Avious

Went last night, Jan 27 2009, for my bday dinner with family.

Had reservations for 8 o'clock, wasnt seated until 8:35. Then we were seated at a broken table which nearly fell over. The Maitre'd /Mgr was a big help over all. Fianlly a waitress came over and took our drink orders at 8:45 by 9:10 the drinks had still not arrived. Again the Maitre'd / Mgr , whose name I did not catch, was very apologetic. I have to say they more than made up for the very rocky start. From that point on all of our drinks were covered by the mgmt and they kept coming one after another the moment each one was finished. Btwn the 5 ppl at our table we had a combined 17 drinks all of which were free. In addition they brought out 2 free appetizers aside from what was ordered and brought one of each of the 6 desserts they offer as well. The biggest redeeming quality though was the food. All of the appetizers were out of this world, I strongly recommend the bhel purhi, the seared scallop, and the tandoor chicken stuffed with lamb, they each left us begging for more. The real Knockout of the night though was the tandoori grilled lambchops, they were cooked to absolute perfection and errupting with wonderful flavor.

Try and get there during restaurant because the $35 dinner deal is awesome. If not its a bit on the pricey side but the food is definately worth it. If u like indian food definately check this place out.

12/03/08

Ridiculously overpriced

by tasteofasia

Devi has a beautiful ambiance, but it is really, really overpriced for what it is. The dishes were elegantly presented, but nothing extraordinary in terms of flavor. In fact, I found the food to be somewhat bland, and they charge extra for EVERYTHING. Staff members were courteous and very attentive, which was nice. I would recommend this place to people who seek out places based on ambiance, and who are not traditional Indian cuisine enthusiasts. In fact, my friend and I were there on a weekend night and there wasn't a single Indian patron, which I think speaks volumes. We will not be returning.

• Pros: ambiance
• Cons: food, $$$$

11/03/08

Romantic and Yummy!

by sixftcutie

The place is soooo pretty, great for dates and parties and the food is tasty. The host sat us immediately and the vibe in there makes you feel like you're somewhere else. I'd totally recommend people to come here.

08/09/08

Best Indian Food in the CIty

by JaneBee72

I love the food here! The service is also wonderful. My favorites are the curry and the okra. Try the mango cheesecake! YUM

• Pros: Ambience, food
• Cons: none

07/24/08

Two things make this place great- at least

by rachelz3

Even those who didn't like the food and prices have admitted the atmosphere is romantic, you can count on that. True enough, most of the meal was good but not exceptional, and if I was paying normal prices that may have skewed my overall review- so that is why I leave off one star. BUT- the lamb chop entree was truly spectacular. I can't express that strongly enough. The drinks were poorly made, my ginger collins was undrinkable, my friend's drink was unidentifiable. As far as it not being an authentic "Indian" cuisine, of course it's not. The amuse bouche was pure class. Gotta love the excess of the chicken stuffed with lamb starter- and the cauliflower was very nice too. Did I mention how great the lamb chop were? The quail was not just fried, it was deep fried, which was a nasty thing to do to a little quail. But the lamp chops will take you to a new stratosphere and each item served with it extends the experience like the small fireworks that trail a big display. It was nice of our server to let us know up front that the rice and bread would be extra. Jackfruit biryani was somewhat bland, but nice. Garlic naan, also nice.Bread pudding for both of us, as I can't eat mango (poor me) and it was quite nice. Lamb chop lamb chop lamb chop. Lamb chop lamb chop lamb chop.Lamb chop lamb chop lamb chop.Lamb chop lamb chop lamb chop. Really, you have to try these lamb chops. They are worth whatever they charge. I am completely over the moon about these lamb chops. After dinner I ran into a friend in the lobby and told them about our meal. They completely agreed about the lamb chops and decided on the spot to head to Devi for lamb chops instead of the place they set out for. They are really something. Lamb chop lamb chop lamb chop.Lamb chop lamb chop lamb chop.Lamb chop lamb chop lamb chop.Lamb chop lamb chop lamb chop.

• Pros: Ambiance, Lamb Chops, Service
• Cons: If you expect traditional Indian you will be disappointed

04/29/08

please don t go.... ripp off!!!!

by corsicaman

you like a charming restaurant atmosphere you got it.

you want to be abused and molested by the prices you got it !!!!!!

you want real delicious indian food you don t get it !!!!

the menu ,45$ doesn t even include rice +6$ or nan +4$, the wine list for a red starts at 45$...no glass.

plus they give you the wine list before the menu, then you find out you can get a combination of wine and food on the menu.........no common sense

the service is arrogant and unprofessional they don t even know how to serve the wine.they make it bubbly with all the splashes you can imagine and they serve the women first to taste it........simply a joke.

the food portions are ok but it is too tasty...way too strong and the cream on the lamb chops almost cheesy......forget about the one star

the prices were way to high for the quality.............it was a disappointment...............the only great thing was the always great company of my beautiful girlfriend.

• Pros: atmosphere
• Cons: food prices service..(that is a lot)

03/02/08

Romantic Indian getaway in your back yard...

by ladyofthelake4576

In culinary school my chef instructor recommended Devi. My husband and I went and were like royalty. The food was amazing! We began at the bar with a Ginger Collins, fabulous drink made with Maker's Mark, fresh and candied ginger, and ginger ale. Their beer list was nice as well. For dinner I had the three course tasting menu with a 2004 Syrah that had been recommended to us by their sommelier (who was very charming and knowledgable). My husband opted for the ala cart menu and we pretty much devoured our food. The presentation was beautiful as well as the service being excellent. I particularly enjoyed the cauliflour, their tamarind chutney, and tandoori prawns. No one rushed us out, they let us enjoy our tea and dessert as they were closing for the night. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who is new to this style of cuisine and is looking for a little romance and intrigue to go along with their meal... I am very much looking forward to our next visit.

02/29/08

Go Tuesdays for the Masala Fried Chicken

by baby_oil

I read about the masala fried chicken and how good it was and I was destined to try it. On a Tuesday night I sat down and asked for the masala fried chicken and a glass of sauvignon blanc. I was impressed by the service and it was prompt. As my dinner was presented to me the first thing that came to mind was how small the portions were. I was given two pieces of chicken an a cold potato salad, which I didn't care for all that much. Notwithstanding the small portion the fried chicken was juicy, good and wasn't greasy. The fried chicken would be better fit for lunch and definitely not dinner. Should you try it ask for two servings otherwise you'll be heading home hungry. I would have given a five rating if the serving were bigger, however, I was coerced to give a three rating.

• Pros: Prompt seating and excellent service
• Cons: Small portions and location was a bit remote