Arjun T.
Yelp
Actually went here by the happiest accident- meant to go next door, and it was closed but world's magic was open and we thought the concept of the restaurant was interesting so we went in and I couldn't be happier that we did.
Tables were well-spaced and we were given menus and seated promptly. Interior deco is nice and the overall feel is very bright but without being overlay distracting. Just has a nice open feel.
It's worth noting that service here is pretty atypical. From what I could tell, there were only really three people working, and all three were involved in the kitchen including the gentleman who was in charge of hosting. He was in the kitchen helping set plates and also serving and seating folks, so service may not seem attentive like you are used to at typical restaurants but it is friendly and quick, especially considering only three people are present.
The menu itself is concise, which I actually like. There are solid options for vegetarians between the main dishes and appetizers. My parents got the okra and gareesh for their mains, and my brother and I had the chicken and lamb Mandi. For our appetizer we had the grape leaves.
Starting with the app- grape leaves were amazing. Stuffed to perfection, warm (which was a nice break from the norm of cold grape leaves like you usually see at restaurants. The stuffing was seasoned and cooked well and had a touch of heat which I really liked!
The gareesh was amazing. It was creamy and with the addition of the topping, had some nice flavor to it. I am not a huge fan of cracked wheat but my mom loves it and she loved the dish.
The okra was also really good! It was cooked really well, and wasn't slimy at all. They cook it with a tomato based sauce which adds some really nice acidity that complements the okra very nicely.
The lamb and chicken Mandi were both cooked to perfection (seeing a common theme here?). Literally falling off the bone, both meats were super tender and juicy and they were served on a whole truckload of beautifully seasoned rice. The sauce served with it was a thin tomato sauce, almost like a spicy salsa but with some spices to differentiate it. I thought it was amazing and while the meats didn't need the sauce since they were seasoned and cooked so well, it went amazing with the rice. This was literally some of the best lamb and chicken my brother and I have ever had, and the price point is pretty epic for the amount of food you get.
Overall, incredibly happy. We were there at off hours, like 3:00-4:30, and while we were the only ones inside when we got there, people quickly started filing in after us and it was almost full when we left! Love the food, love the pricing. Would definitely come again. This place shines in Orlando, where so many restaurants go for glitz and glamour to attract tourists but lack the quality in their food while charging you an exorbitant price. This truly is magical!