Govinda's

I was so pleased to see this vegetarian restaurant on my way to a meeting today.

So I bought a bean burger. It was £3.25 which I though was extortionate just for the burger, no bun or salad, but just for the burger. I was looking forward to eating it. but when I bit into it, it tasted so salty, and the outside of it was burnt.

I was really disappointed that Govinda's normally a wonderful spiritual place would serve me something that I had to put into the bin after first taste.
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Raksha
2 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Visited here during the 80s and on returning to London this year, it was always fantastic, scrupulously clean with delicious food. On my return, it has even improved. Wide range of choice of food, proper wholesome Indian food for great prices. Fantastic atmosphere, welcoming.
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Janet K
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, November 03, 2012

Great krishna cafe, very humble staff and great food. Its not anyhere near expensive, you can pay for a meal and get as many servings as you like! They give complementary cake which is very nice. Very healthy food too, no meat what so ever but its still great, go here whenever i go into central london
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Jake
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Came here as a large family meal, however basic concepts of a Thali werent followed by giving a roll instead of traditional roti. However if you wanted a roti you had to pay £1.00 per piece which is extremely high. Other foods such as chilli paneer tasted like tomato curry. On a plus side we were offered complimentary cake. Wouldn't really recommend anyone to come here looking for good food.
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Vimal & Vinay - View all reviews by this user
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Friday, March 30, 2012

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