Ruchi of India / Nila Of India

Just went here for lunch today. It was a great experience, and the food hit the spot! I have a gluten and dairy allergy, and they were extremely accommodating with dietary allergies. Super friendly and attentive service. Recommend highly if you’re craving Indian food in the area.

[We are all going to miss Raj' and we wish him well in his next endeavor]. [ OK , so this part includes references to the buffet, which they don't presently have operational. Since it is sit down, and each dish is prepared to order, things take longer Statements about the food taste and quality hold; it is even better since it is made to order now ]. BUFFET: The food is very tasty and reasonably priced and you can be in and out in as little as 15 minutes; They also do take-away from the buffet at a per serving fixed price. For people with dietary considerations, THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS IN EVERY DISH, and I mean far better than most places. There are gluten free, vegetarian, fish/meat free, diary free options (ghee is technically diary, though better tolerated by some). Numerous dishes include nuts (cashews, almonds & I think peanuts; BUT that's it nut wise (ask) & they do know exactly which ones). While not the finest Indian food I've had (70, up to 85%-ish; occasionally they absolutely ace a dish or two: Among the best Chettinad dishes I ever had was here), both the evening a la carte & the buffet are the best Indian food in the area (if you know of better, or even as good, please post). The staff are a subdued-polite, ' sometimes seem distant but always cordial; until you get to know them: Then they are openly friendly, engaging, very warm. The restaurant is neat, simply decorated & reasonably clean. They are somewhat reluctant to seat people late in the buffet session -at least those whom they don't already know how long it takes ' to eat- so, if they don't know you already, consider showing up with at least half an hour until the buffet end. They only have mango syrup Lassi; no salt, or sour Lassi (that is sad). There is a good selection of chutney and pickle at the very simple salad bar. There are always two choices of rice: plain and a variable flavored rice to keep regulars interested. The spices are ground on premises, and you can smell and taste the difference: the seasoning is VERY well done here. The vegetable dishes are so subtle but flavourful that you really don't miss the meat/protein at all. The Vindalu is -of course- quite spicy (don't bother, if you don't at least like quite spicy Mexican, Thai, or medium chicken wings), but not like some places where it is physically painful (they are happy to give you a hot pepper to spice it up). Solid, earthy (sometimes indistinct) curries with a nice selection of goat, fish, chicken, dal and vegetables round out the menu. The Nan is good and fresh. Day to day the desert ranges from simple/plain to rich and is usually good , though often not to American tastes. The buffet is distinctly better earlier in each session. The evening a la carte is a distinctly more refined food preparation experience with many more menu choices. Note: Customer experiences are varied here and it has a lot to do with different cultural expectations, but my family consider this place and its long term staff, a local treasure.