Govindas

I love Govinda's, the best vegetarian comfort food in London, an amazing vegan cake and a nice lasagne in a chilled out atmosphere. The food isnt piping hot..its served lukewarm but I dont think this is a problem as the food still tastes great!! My only issue is that it closes way too early as its a great place to have a pre soho dancing snack!
Comment on this reader review

deena - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Sunday, May 01, 2011

Govinda's is great if you're looking for cheap and cheerful in the Soho/Oxford Street area. It's easy to eat under a tenner, and even under a fiver if you push it. As others have said, the cooking conforms to Hare Krishna standards, so while there's better Indian out there, it's a great option if you're on a budget and every penny counts. Go early and it's pretty quiet, go during peak times and it's packed. If you want fancy Indian or Veggie, go elsewhere. Simples.
View/Add comments (1)

6 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Being strict vegetarians, we decided to go to Govinda's for my 21st birthday, having read the impressive reviews on the Internet. However, when we arrived, we were rather shocked as to the type of service offered. In our minds, we envisaged a restaurant, perhaps one similar to Meera's Village, where we would receive a sit-down service. Instead, the 'restaurant' is a sort-of canteen layout, where one approaches a counter and orders their food accordingly, taking it alone to their table on trays. Although the food is kept warm under the counter, the people serving the food proceed to heating it up in the microwave, which results in the food losing its taste ever so slightly. Therefore, we were pretty disappointed, as we had had a brilliant day so far, which was dampened by Govinda's. The hilarious fact was that we sat down and waited to be served, but no one came over!

Having said all this, the food was quite nice. The portions are small, which is alright for us since we are not big-eaters. We ordered the vegetable lasagne, which was eggless, therefore it met our dietary needs. The eggless cake was absolutely delicious. The restaurant itself is kept very clean and the staff are extremely friendly. There is also a Radha-Krishna mandir right next door.

Overall, due to its layout, I would recommend Govinda's for students or a simple lunch out rather than a sit-down meal, as it would not live up to expectations. In the worst case scenario, hop on the central line, get off at Marble Arch and eat at Pizza Hut!
Comment on this reader review

Meera
4 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 4
Friday, August 27, 2010

I ate here on 27/7/2010.

The food was absolutely lovely. OK so it isn't the full vindaloo on the spice front (that maybe to do with some dietry restrictions of the devotees that discourage the use of very strong "heating" spices) nevertheless it was authentically Indian and very tasty.

The service was quite professional and friendly on the day I visited.

The environment was clean, busy, not too noisey and other diners seemed to be heartily tucking in.

The portions are not enormous and I like that because I can finish it all and not feel bloated..........still some room for pudding. I didn't have a dessert so can't comment on that aspect.
Comment on this reader review

dorothy
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, July 30, 2010

I have visited Govindas in Soho several times, as well as the Govindas in Vrindavan, India and it never fails to disappoint. The atmosphere is very relaxed and laid back, the staff are Hare Krishna devotees and are very polite, calm and sincere. It is a great place to visit for lunch, a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of a perpetually frantic Oxford Street and the food is lovely. The chilli paneer with brown brown is delicious, spicy and fully of flavour. Mango lassi's are thick creamy and refreshing. The Thalis are filling, a real taste of India and the paneer burger is great for those fancying something slightly more western!! All food is vegetarian, the cakes are made with no eggs and are delicious, and I have taken numerous meat lovers for lunch there who all agree at how satisfying vegetarian cusine can be!!
Comment on this reader review

Tara Ealy
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Friday, January 22, 2010

Went here after passing it several times. I am well versed in Vegetarian Indian Food etc and this place was a dissapointment. I really wanted some Chilli Paneer so i ordered a small Thali and the rather grim faced server asked me which curry i wanted after he had put some salad and rice on the plate with some dhal, i replied 'chilli paneer please' he told me it wasn't available with the Thali, this was not written anywhere and so not complaining i proceeded to have one of the blandest meals possible, the salad was bitter, the bread hard, the popadom just weird, the dhal, ok, the veg curry, soggy and overcooked blandness, the rice was just devoid of taste or anything, it is cheap, but bland, you have been warned!!!
Comment on this reader review

DLDN
2 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Saturday, January 09, 2010

Terrible customer service. Food is ok.
Comment on this reader review

4 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Saturday, December 19, 2009