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Ambrosia India Bistro
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
185 reviews for Ambrosia India Bistro
Review Highlights
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"The butter chicken is awesome with Naan bread." In 32 reviews -
"...for letting me know about the vegan menu at Ambrosia." In 9 reviews -
"Simply the best Indian food I've ever had." In 16 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
185 reviews in English
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Review from Anthony P.
Marina, CA
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Best Indian Food in Monterey!
I have never been here for dinner, but usually go for their buffet in the afternoons. They have free champagne on Sundays which I found out on my last visit. I always start off with a small salad with a basil dressing. It is so tasty and refreshing. I had tandoori chicken, butter chicken, chicken curry, tofu masala, garbanzo bean masala, and some vegetarian items that I cannot recall. I finished up with their rice pudding as it helps to calm the stomach after a large meal.
Their naan is done very well and comes out nice and hot! They also make a really good mango lassi, however this time it was a little bit too thick for my liking.
Final Thoughts: Every item they serve is packed with flavor and spices. The Absolute Best!!! -
Review from Lacey C.
Monterey, CA
5/11/2012
I ate here only once and I will never eat here again. The biggest turnoff for me was that the dishes were positively FILTHY!! Both my app plate and dinner plate, and my silverware were covered with red sauce splatters that looked like they had been stuck there for a decade. It was so disgusting, I wanted to throw up in my mouth. My husband volunteered to give me his dishes, but they were no better. Secondly, the service was absolutely terrible. We had no less than four different guys show up at our table and had no idea who our server actually was. My husband motioned several times for a server to refill his lemonade, but no one seemed to notice or care. Mind you, we were one of only TWO couples in the restaurant. No one ever checked on us after our food was brought out, and they never brought the tab! After waiting for a ridiculous length of time, my husband had to go inside and track it down.
In all fairness, I can't comment on the food....I was so disgusted by the lack of cleanliness that I couldn't continue with my meal. But I can say that my husband, a chef, wasn't impressed. We will never go back. -
Review from Jamie M.
Marina, CA
3/3/2012
Very good Indian food! I see that other reviewers complained of the lack of options of Indian food in the Monterey area--I was impressed nevertheless. The cost for food is higher and the portion size smaller than at the related Ambrosia Cafe but the food is high quality and in my opinion worth the extra money.
We tried the Rogan Josh (lamb dish) and Mushroom Masala. The restaurant also gave on the side a cracker-like bread that came with dipping sauces including the excellent mint and cilantro chutney. I tried the mango lassi drink for the first time and I was happy I tried it!
The restaurant was very pretty inside. I would like to try sitting on the patio when we have nice weather. I would also like to try the buffet as other reviewers have commented it not only costs less but lets you try more varieties of food. -
Review from Sarah R.
Monterey, CA
5/26/2012
The butter chicken here is delicious! I've tried to order other things on the menu, which are always also fantastic, but nothing compares to that butter chicken. If you're looking for cocktails, the chaitini is a good way to go too, and they also have a decent selection of wine. Service can be spotty, but the food is just incredible.
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Review from Michelle S.
Peoria, AZ
Ambiance good. Food average
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Review from T. T.
San Jose, CA
5/3/2012
I'm not sure about dinner but their lunch buffet is comprised of delicious and quality selection. Their naan is fresh and makes you want to melt when you bite into it. I've been to MANY Indian restaurants and I would say that this made it to my top 3.
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Review from tami w.
Pebble Beach, CA
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Technically 3.5 stars... the food gets a 3 but the atmosphere and service gets a 4. Don't get me wrong, the food is good, it's just not amazing. I've definitely had better chicken tikka misala and the naan was pretty dry. The chicken samosas were good, but small... just about two bites. Overall good for Monterey, but I'm spoiled with Bay Area Indian food. I'd come back if I was in the mood for Indian in Monterey.
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Review from Phillip E.
Monterey, CA
4/29/2012
This place was great a lot of vegetarian options and they were all delicious.
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Review from Diego S.
Monterey, CA
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best lunch deal in Monterey.
The food is always changing. -
Review from Angela L.
Folsom, CA
4/26/2012
Buffet food: Uggh! But we're hooked; it's one of the best Indian buffet foods we've had anywhere. Every time we're in Monterey we have to eat lunch here, and usually manage to come at least twice in a week. It has never disappointed since we started coming 4-5 years ago.
The variety is good, though nothing spectacular. But they usually have several veggie entrees and at least a couple of meat entrees, along with standbys like Tandoori Chicken. What we love about the food here is that they aren't afraid to make it spicy. Most Indian buffet food is bland and blah, but not here. Dishes range from flavorful to nice and spicy (not hot, and certainly not Indian Hot, but spicy enough that some spice haters would complain). The food is always fresh and (temperature) hot (for buffet food, anyway).
We just went yesterday, and the price is still a reasonable $9.99. We Love It! -
Review from Shirleyanne Z.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012
I wish that Monterey had better Indian restaurants. The ambiance is great at this place and I like to hang out at the outdoor patio on warm afternoons but I was not impressed by their dishes. I guess I was spoiled by having so many awesome Indian restaurants in the SF/East Bay Area. This is such a bummer because sometimes I do crave Indian cuisine when I'm visiting my parents in the Monterey Bay Area.
They are pretty expensive when compared to Indian restaurants you can find in the SF Bay Area. They charge $15 for chicken tikka masala when you could get it for $7 elsewhere and even though it's cheaper, the quality would be better. Their butter chicken was good but it could use more spices because the taste was pretty bland. The rice and naan were decent and I like the little pots of sauces they serve with your meal.
Bottom line: Even though my eyes are happy with the decor and scenery at this spot, my wallet and tastebuds are much happier the the hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurants in SF Bay so I just have to simmer down and wait to satisfy my cravings. -
Review from Mark A.
1/23/2012
This local spot has a flowing ambiance with good service. I had the garlic naan with the chicken peppercorn curry and the papadum with the 3 dipping sauces was better than expected.
The restaurant was full which is a good sign for any spot. This is a first class spot and would recommend for any occasion. -
Review from Lesley R.
Ambrosia in Monterey, CA was very good. Excellent food, good service....the chef even came and talked to Grandma to ask if her food was "not spicy" like she needed.
I live in the Santa Cruz area so will mainly be going to the Aptos location of Ambrosia, but I am thrilled to have a great place to go out to eat. -
Review from Kristi R.
Draper, UT
5/10/2012
Great service, yummy food! Also had a great environment. Most dishes at other Indian restaurants come with rice but we were charged separately TWICE for rice, which I wasn't too happy about. But overall I was very pleased.
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Review from Dawn S.
Salinas, CA
The buffet lunch is such a great deal for two people; it was under $30 including drinks and tip. They have a really good vegetarian selection. They had a dish made with jackfruit that was so delicious. My husband loves the butter chicken.
Ambrosia is also really good if you have limited lunchtime because you can come in and start right in on building your plate while they bring the drinks and naan to the table. We were in and out within 30 minutes so we could make it to a movie. Fantastic. -
Review from Raha G.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has perfected the art of appealing to its customers, mainly upper middle class white consumers. Ambrosia has "Indian Food" but some of their dishes just don't meet my expectations of being really great. Nevertheless, it's difficult to find any other alternative restaurant for Indian cuisine and Ambrosia's one saving grace is their freshly backed tandoori naan.
Paying for individual dishes gets a little expensive so I suggest going to their Lunch Buffet special instead. -
Review from Ramesh C.
Torrance, CA
8/31/2011
Although the food did not taste truly 'Indian', it was certainly good. They had a pickle made of garlic and vegetables which they served with other chutneys. It had a unique taste, and was awesome.
Presentation of the food was well done, and made the food appear inviting. So were the ambience and decor. A la carte dishes could have been a little less pricey. -
Review from Courtney B.
Monterey, CA
3/10/2012
Excellent food! They also offer a vegan menu which is great for when my sister comes to town. The outdoor seating is great for a sunny day. I look forward to going back.
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Review from Nathaniel H.
Monterey, CA
9/24/2011
HOLY CRAP this is amazing. Come here for the most delicious tandoori naan ever. It's a little pricey, and not completely authentic Indian food, but I swear it is delicious and you will leave happy.
Great ambience and good service. -
Review from Gopi V.
Fremont, CA
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome Indian food in Monterey. Everything on the menu, right from the paappad to naan and paneer curry and thali were delicious. The service needs an uplift, but with food so good, it doesn't really matter.
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Review from Levy L.
Minneapolis, MN
4/16/2012
Cannot say enough about this restaurant. The food was superb, the service even better. The chef personally came to the table when informed of my daughter's food allergies to speak with us about the ingredients in the dishes as well as other precautions taken. He also remembered us on subsequent visits and always went above and beyond to make oir visit as pleasant as can be. Also has an extensive vegan menu. Highly recommend!
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Review from J R.
Pacific Grove, CA
Updated - 12/22/2011
A group of six of us enjoyed the lunch buffet earlier in the week. Nice selection of vegetarian & chicken dishes, but I wasn't quite as blown away with the flavors & variety as I had been in the past, and there was food residue on a number of the plates.
Listed in: Memorable Monterey Peninsula…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/28/2011
Gf & I had very good dinner there the other night. Our appetizer platter (Assorted veggie… Read more »
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Review from Katie O.
Monterey, CA
8/5/2011
All I can say is: Wow! This is the best Indian food I have ever had. It wasn't too spicy, and all of the flavors were layered perfectly. The staff is very efficient, almost to the point of being curt, but they knew their menu like the back of their hand and could suggest a dish for even the most specific dietary needs.
The only weird thing was that one person in my group ordered an Indian beer and they brought him a different Indian beer, saying that it was more popular. Way to make an executive decision for the customer, dude! That's not what he ordered. -
Review from Kevin K.
Marina, CA
4/9/2012
This is by far our favorite indian restaurant in Monterey county, and I'd even say it is the best I've ever experienced. I can't think of anything we've had here that didn't exceed our expectations. Everything is so fresh and flavorful and the ambiance is very cool. The lunch buffet is excellent as well. And for wimpy people like me that can't take a whole lot of heat, the spice level is just right.
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Review from Mahesh P.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/7/2011
This place gets 1 star for ambiance and being only restaurant in Monterey area. This place food is customized for western test and doesn't taste like Indian food at all. All the curries are diluted and they are very bland. If you are looking for a Indian food than this is not the place for you. Not worth for what thye charge.
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Review from Austin C.
Monterey, CA
1/6/2012
Went here for the buffet lunch with a friend, and it was great to find there's very good Indian food here in Monterey. There were around seven entree options, a few sides and a desert. I tend to be somewhat wary of food sitting in steamers, but it was delicious. Probably half of the dishes were veggie friendly, a welcome sight. Had to go back for seconds. Being a buffet, I can't comment too much on the service, but they seemed quick refilling beverages, though I believe it took a bit longer to get the check. Lots of seating indoors and outside on the patio. I look forward to returning sometime.
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Review from Eddie W.
Updated - 3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Easily the best Indian Restaurant in Monterey, quite possible one of the top 5 restaurants in Monterey County. Definitely, #1 Lunch Buffet in Monterey.
Overall Thoughts
Come here if you know whats best for you!Listed in: Best Restaurants In Monterey…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/3/2010
Went here for the lunch buffet a week or so ago with a couple of friends. I wasn't sure what to… Read more »
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Review from brenda l.
Monterey, CA
10/13/2011
One of the few decent places for Indian food on the Peninsula. Good service, won't burn your mouth out, tasty spices. It probably isn't 100% authentic, but most locals, including me, can't handle 100% authentic. Prices are a little on the high side. Try the veggie platter for an interesting mixture of spices.
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Review from Jessica B.
Marina, CA
1/5/2012
The food was so good. The service was excellent. They were constantly filling our water glasses and checking that everything was ok.
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Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Shiho it's Tikka Masala, get it through your thick skull. I always call it Tikki Masala, has a tropical ring to it doesn't it?
Went late last night before they closed and we were the only ones dining there. Food is solid as always and we ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala, Cheese Naan (mozeralla and basil), Saffron Rice (2), a Chilled Cauliflower dish, a Lamb dish (sorry I can never remember the names of these dishes), Mango Lassi, Sweet Lassi, the soup with lentils, coconut milk and chicken - good but salty but the highlight was this bread stuffed with spiced ground lamb.
The description did not do my favorite dish of the night any justice... more like Thin Lamb Sausage stuffed in Naan. Killer. I'd definitely stop by just to grab one of those to-go. Make a great snack or party appetizer if you sliced it up like pizza.
Only ouch is that the bill was $75 before tip and after a $25 gift certificate (from http://restaurants.com) and we only got one beer.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/21/2008
Chicken Tikki Masala still my favorite. Next time I go, I may go ahead and order an extra one just… Read more »
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Review from Chelsea R.
Salinas, CA
7/16/2011
We love Indian food, but haven't had any in the Monterey area. Ambrosia was great, but it was also our only option.
Service was so quick and above our expectations!
We tried the vegetarian platter as an appetizer. The samosa was fantastic, but everything else was a little dry or overcooked.
Main course, the aloo gobi - very gingery and tasty, and the chicken tikka masala - not as spicy as we hoped, but well cooked and seasoned.
Garlic naan - absolutely delicious!
I also ordered the mangojito cocktail, which I realize is not very Indian, but the flavors went well together. It was a little too mango-y and not enough cocktail-y for me.
Overall, we will be back! Probably to try the lunch buffet.
If I was ordering dinner, I would also ask them to make the food a little spicier next time. -
Review from Kevin T.
Alhambra, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
In simple words, good solid Indian spot. I got the staples - naan, chicken masala, and lamb vindaloo and each was prepared very well. The chicken was tender, perfectly cooked and the sauce was great. The vindaloo had just a little too much ginger for my taste but nonetheless, it was delicious. You can really taste all the spicies inside the dish and it had a nice spiciness to it and the lamb was very tender. Ambience is nice - lights are dimmed for a little more intimacy but noise level is on the louder side. Overall, great place to have good authentic Indian food.
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Review from Grub S.
Monterey, CA
5/3/2011
Call me a naive westerner who can't tell the difference between good Indian food and something that an un-touchable wouldn't eat, but I think Ambrosia dishes out some tasty meals. Not everything is to my liking and some items need improvement(a bit more salt) but I think Ambrosia is the place to eat Indian food on the peninsula.
If you are a total carnivore, like me, and scoff at the idea of eating a vegetarian dish I challenge you to try something like dal. I came away completely satisfied and did not have the urge to murder the nearest cow and devour it's red red flesh.
The atmosphere is decent and the wait staff get the job done.
If you are going there for the first time I would recommend the dal bukhara and the khandari prawn curry. Of course the naan is great but I am a true carb slut. Try everything mild at first and work your way up as necessary. -
Review from Sia K.
Dallas, TX
10/24/2011
Not spicy at all. My tandoori chicken had no red color. My friend sent her lamb vindaloo back to add more spice - it's flavor was at least tasty, it just needed more spice. The aloo gobi was good. I would give it 2 stars except for the fact that I would never return myself nor would I suggest it as a good representation of Indian food to anyone seeking it.
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Review from Christina D.
Tucson, AZ
5/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
BEST Indian food in Monterey!
My favorite menu items include butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and every flavor of Naan that they have.
Okay so they have a lunch buffet. You can sample a lot of different food and they give you Naan throughout the lunch. I would suggest this if you are trying out Ambrosia for the first time. After that, come in for dinner and order off the huge menu. If you like spicy, Ambrosia does not disappoint. It is literally melt your face off, nuclear hot, while maintaining the flavors of the meal. Just watch your nostrils, because they will be running.
Service is great, and dining in this restaurant makes you feel like you are somewhere super fancy. I love the patio and its garden look. The ambiance is perfect for a romantic date.
5 stars for food, service, and overall atmosphere. Go here, eat, be happy. -
Review from yelp j.
Napa, CA
12/3/2011
Ambrosia India is on Cannery Row as well. Like an extension of this restaurant. I think they have the best Fish Curry and fantastic naan. Kind of fitting for Monterey. The staff has been very nice and generous to me when i visit. This is a regular visiting spot for me.
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Review from Denise S.
Monterey, CA
5/25/2011
So we went in for dinner one night and were sat right away. The cracky tortilla chip/pita thing was delicious and the dipping sauces were awesome.
I ordered the chicken tikka masala (sp?) which was amazing, and my boyfriend got the Aloo Gobbi (potatoes and cauliflower in a tasty sauce). We also ordered the Garlic naan and a couple Pimm's Cups to drink.
No one has a Pimm's Cup on their drink list. Not since Prohibition anyway, but it was refreshing and I recommend it if you plan on getting something on the spicier side.
While our entrees were filling and tasty, the brown rice I got looked like it was out of a Rice-a-Roni box (greasy). Also, while I don't know if it is customary, the sauce of my tikka masala had sliced almonds in it. It made no mention of it on the menu and called it the "chef's secret sauce." Secret sauces are fine, but my boyfriend has a severe allergy to nuts and I wish they would have been listed on the menu.
While we can't pick the other customers dining with us, I have to say the tables are a little close together. I wish they'd been a bit farther apart because the woman who sat next to us would. not. shut. up.
We'll be back nonetheless, but will probably order take-out... you get 10% off if you do! -
Review from Shveta S.
Santa Clara, CA
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had their sunday buffet ... Choice is less but food quality is good as compared to some other Indian places. Price is 15 $ for buffet.
I'm not sure if I want to go back again. -
Review from Tony C.
Santa Clara, CA
7/4/2011
Ambrosia India Bistro was a legit restaurant. Only open after 5:00 pm for dinner, my wife and I waited outside until it opened. We were not disappointed.
We got to seat ourselves and the service was great. They gave us free Indian papadum while we picked our entrees. My wife ordered the butter chicken and I ordered a half-order of the Tandoori chicken tikka. We also had to order individual sides of rice (saffron) and naan. This would be the only con of this place. It made the dish more expensive.
Overall, the food was incredible. There was not a lot of meat on the chicken tikka order, but it was delicious nonetheless. Additionally, the service was great and the environment was fun. If you're looking for a nice night out in Monterey and have a hankering for delicious Indian food, visit this place! -
Review from Anya W.
Berkeley, CA
12/23/2011
I would come here again if it didn't cost quite as much. Their is good service and it isn't too nosy. As soon as your seated you are brought complimentary papadam with yummy dipping sauces so i was won over fast. After my family quickly went through 4 bowls of this the food came. We ordered 3 dishes as well as naan and rice for 4 people and the portions were shockingly small! Well small compared to what were usefull. But it got us to slow down and enjoy the delicously spiced dishes and we all left full.
