Lacto
Indian
International
Western
Buffet
Buffet style restaurant where food is cooked to Hare Krishna's vegetarian concept. Most food is vegan. Movie lounge upstairs. Open Wed-Sun 6:00pm-10:00pm.
29 Reviews
First Review by InJessT
rap attack
Points +187
Been over a year since i was there - Edit
I didnt like the minimal amount of vegan options and way too expensive for me. I would rather eat small. The food is too heavy, place is too crowded and noisy
Read morePros: There is some vegan options, Place is largish, Tables and chairs are good
Cons: Food not that good , Expensive, noisy
Guest
blinki
Points +924
Good food but - Edit
Very good dahl. Nice place. Very comfy cinema. Reasonable price. Bit disappointed on the number of vegan curries- 1 out of 3, all of which look like they could be made vegan easily. Though there was a good selection of vegan salads it isn't what I went there for.
Read moreGuest
sweeteater
Points +28
Loved it - Edit
I really loved this place. We went on a Thursday night where almost all of the dishes are vegan – it’s a new thing apparently. The indian dahl soup was the best I have tasted, even better than I’ve had in India, and the coconut green curry was equally as amazing. The quinoa salad was a winner and the pasta bake was delicious. I thought the choices at the buffet were great, we were very impressed. Govindas is vegetarian, but I feel they are doing really well to please the vegans also. They have a list next to the buffet of what’s vegan and what’s gluten free. If you want the most choice, I’d recommend going on the Thursday night, but it seems from the list that on other nights vegan options are well covered also. They had a special vegan cheesecake for dessert on the night we were there and again, it was amazing. I’d highly recommend this place. Go to the cinema afterwards too, it’s such a relaxed vibe up there with huge lounge like beds and pillows, and it’s cheaper than a normal cinema. Overall, a great experience.
Read morePros: excellent food, nice vibe and dimly lit, friendly atmosphere
Cons: no cons for me :-)
Guest
naminoodles
Points +31
Terrible ! - Edit
There's hardly any vegan options, and the food keeps getting worse while the price increases. Been going here for over 10 years. Never again. Staff are pretty annoying as well.
Read moreCons: Overpriced, gross Food, Terrible Service
Guest
Moix
Points +343
Easy vegetarian night out. - Edit
This place used to be one of my favourite finds in Sydney. A vegetarian buffet and an amazing mini cinema where you recline on huuuge cushions. =) Last week I visited it for about the 4th time in two years and though it was still very enjoyable, I thought the buffet seems like it has diminished. The other reviews are correct, it is questionable as far as vegan options go. They have some greasy western staples too; mac n cheese, wedges (probably an option for fussy kids?) But the ambience & vibe is warm & lively, dark red walls & dim lights. It's equally perfect for a group dinner or a date. The service is wonderful too.
Read morePros: buffet allows sampling sesh, perfect vibe, cinema!!
Cons: limited vegan options
Guest
moo
Points +70
Uninteresting food at poor value for money - Edit
Even as a non-vegan (see reviews below), every visit to Govinda's has left me underwhelmed. I must admit, I walk away full, but mostly because I feel I need to get my money's worth when the food just isn't that interesting, and the buffet shows little change between visits.
Read morePros: all-you-can-eat
Cons: uninteresting food, expensive
Guest
amaranth
Points +115
I was hoping for more vegan options - Edit
I was assured there were lots of vegan options available but when I got there the staff had no idea what was in the dishes. I won't be going back.
Read morePros: nice atmosphere
Cons: lacking vegan , unhelpful staff
Guest
marta red
Points +63
go for the movies not for the food - Edit
we are vegan amd went there for dinner this evening.For us were there just the lentil soup,steamed rice and chickpeas and salads.The food was nothng special but the movie experience was very nice,because you don't seat,you lie down on a confortable bed like sofa.So we really enjoy the movie!
Read morePros: the cinema
Cons: few vegan choice
Guest
Lanky
Points +404
decent buffet with amazing cinema experience - Edit
I've been to Govinda'a several times, and although I must admit I go more for the cinema experience, the food is pretty good also. The cinema has beds and couches to lie on... its the most comfortable cinema I've ever been to.
Read moreA note about some of the reviews below... this is an Indian vegetarian place. Indian vegetarians include a lot of dairy in their diet. The unhappy vegans below should perhaps try vegan establishments. I think their reviews are somewhat unfair; its a bit like a vegetarian going to a steakhouse and complaining about the lack of veggie options.
Pros: great cinema, decent food, good value
Cons: not great for vegans
Guest
MaitreyaBelmore
Points +416
Fantastic & Addictive Dining Experience - Edit
I must say I was pleasantly surprised that Govinda is a beautiful restaurants with elegant chic interior, romantic lighting, friendly and professional staff, clean and beautiful selection of food in clean presentation. I thought this place would be like the typical Indian take-away places, but it is more like fine dining. The buffet is sumptuous with selection of mouthwatering "kofta balls in tomato sauce", vegetables curry, yellow saffron rice, salads, raitas, pickles, penne pasta in tomato sauce and cheese, potato wedges, and more. The interior is dimly lit and very romantic for fine dining experience. THere is also a balcony for those beautiful summer nights al fresco dining. There are great selections of beverages to die for. Definitely an amazing dinign experience and the food is addictive. I must go back for more!
Read morePros: Beautiful interior and lighting, Great selection of good food, Friendly and professional staff
Cons: Rather secluded area upstairs, Only open for dinner
Guest
InJessT
Points +68
Wish it was better - Edit
I really like the lentil soup, which is lucky because it's one of the only vegan options there. The non-vegan food looks average. However it is worth it just to go to the very comfy cinema (remember that you have to take your shoes off so make sure you don't have holy socks or smelly feet). I wish they would get rid of the religious material, but I guess that's part of what they're about.
Read moreJeffrey
Hi InjessT, I liked your review. I'm not sure I'd go there if I could only eat lentil soup though! Maybe if they had a really good movie on!
Read moreGuest
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