811 Grant Ave, Novato CA 94945
(415) 892-3440
Parking: street parking
Hours: Buffet Lunch Mon - Sat 11:30am -2:30pm, Sunday lunch Noon - 3pm
Dinner Mon-Sat 5pm-9:30pm, Sun 5pm - 9pm
http://www.anokharestaurant.com/
Last Visited: January 28, 2011
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$$
A member of the group of Indian restaurants owned in San Rafael, Lotus, and Fairfax, Lotus Cafe, Anokha is a welcome addition to the restaurants on Grant Avenue with a name that means unique or different. The same owner also owns Old Town Bistro next door to Anokha.
A sign in the window advertises their $8.95 lunch buffet available Monday through Saturday starting at 11:30am. Enter Anokha and you may feel like you've stepped into a different world. From the Indian music on the sound system to the mustard colored tablecloths, there is a certain warmth about the restaurant. I also really appreciated the spacious seating. A bench topped with long seat cushions line the window and one wall of the restaurant. While this somewhat affects the height of those seated compared to the table, it's only initially uncomfortable and certainly bearable throughout the meal. The Indian art on the wall features ladies in their saris.
So far, I've tried the lunch buffet a handful of times and each time, I've walked away stuffed with good food. Upon arriving, the staff immediately greeted and seated us. After settling down with drinks, we received some Naan cut into quarters and lightly oiled, served in a basket. The buffet corner is at first impression, quite small, but there are enough choices for both vegetarians and meat eaters. The plates are placed next to the hot food and then the adjacent wall contains cold items, sauces, and dessert. The best thing about the lunch buffet - if you arrive before noon, it doesn't take long to get food, and even with a crowd, it moves fairly quickly.
For those whom are unfamiliar with Indian fare, each of the items are clearly labeled. However, they are often labeled with their Indian name which may mean some translation after you've had a chance to look at the menu.
Here is a sampling of what I've tried so far:
- Vegetable Pakora - Cauliflower and an assortment of a few other vegetables are lightly breaded and fried. While some of my dining partners enjoyed this a lot, as a fan of tempura battering, I found it to be just okay.
- Vegetable Samosas – Fried pastry is stuffed with potatoes and peas. It looks like a little pyramid with its triangular shape. The dough was fried until deep brown. I prefer my samosas to have more stuffed inside them (meatier in texture). This one was only slightly filled. I liked the texture of the dough - crispy on the outside, but would have preferred more potatoes and peas.
- Bhindi Masala (Okra Curry) – Sliced okra is cooked with onion, tomatoes, ginger, and spices to create a warm curry. This dish was new to me. I think I would have enjoyed it a little chunkier, but good.
- Chicken Tikka Masala - Chicken breast chunks is cooked in a creamy red orange sauce. Great flavor. Good.
- Tandoori Chicken - During every visit, they have had tandoori chicken available. Drumsticks to drummettes are available along with onions and bell peppers cooked with the chicken. The meat is tender, and sometimes it's a little more salty than I prefer, but paired with rice, it's fine.
- Dal Makhni – Lentils are always one of the dishes available. The only drawback of the buffet is that you can't ask for it to come extra dry.
- Saag (Spinach) - Most times, Saag Paneer is available, so if you like paneer cheese, it's just what you would want. However, during this last visit, the paneer was absent. If you've never had it before, think creamed spinanch with Indian spices.
- Basmati Rice is always a buffet staple, present each time I have visited. On most occasions, they've also had brown rice as an option, but not during my most recent visit.
- Kheer – Cold rice pudding with nuts (I think they were almonds this time), cardamom, and saffron is one of the desserts always available. I love the flavor of this dessert.
- Gulab Jamun – Small round pastries made with milk are fried and served with hot honey syrup. Think of a donut hole, but denser, floating in a light sweet syrup. This is a great way to cleanse your palate after eating all of those wonderfully spicy dishes. Arriving for lunch earlier means a denser pastry while a later arrival usually means that the ball has expanded as the dough absorbs more of the liquid. Good thing I don't have regular access to this.
Fresh green salad, fresh fruit (watermelon and honeydew), raita (cold yogurt with vegetables), and a variety of sauces were also available between the hot dishes and dessert.
This is a great place for a quick and reasonable lunch. I also like that they vary some of their offerings so you don't grow bored and are able to try new dishes in a low risk situation. There is always more available. The staff is friendly and frequently come by to clear plates, refill drinks and water, and the like. I enjoy the great flavors and the adventure the buffet offers. Definitely one of my favorites for lunch in Novato - fast, easy, and pleasant setting.
The buffet area was a bit too small. They could set it out length-wise instead of in a corner, that way I can go back for my fruit and desserts without feeling like I am cutting in line or hampering those lunchers who are just starting! :)
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