Vatan

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409 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016-8103 (at Between 28th Street and 29th Street)
New York, NY 10016

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(212) 689-5666
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Vatan - New York, NY
Vatan - New York, NY
Vatan - New York, NY
Reviews
( 25 )
( 17 )
( 6 )
( 5 )
( 13 )

Best

Hi, Vatan is one of the best resturants I have ever been to. The food was awesome, its just like having dinner in gujrat. I have been to BARODA and I know what Indian food tastes ...

Worst

The enjoyment I get out of a Vatan visit seems to diminish each time I go. They are not kid friendly at all, charging a full $31 even for a 7 year old! They crammed us into a ...

Great restaurant 10/10/2005

I've been to Vatan several times and it is both good for couples and groups. The restaurant is decorated very uniquely and the unlimited food is very tasty and satisfying. The staff is attentive and will bring you back as much food as you specify. I'd recommend making reservations because it is a popular restaurant. Pros: ample food, great staff, ambience more
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What a rip off!!!! 9/8/2005

Worst service that I have ever seen. Waitress was very rude. Would not even ask if we wanted more appetizers, just took the plates away. Too slow to bring food. Would never go there again and won't recommend to anyone either. more
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A great place 7/13/2005

I've been to Vatan's several times and have never had the problems some reviewers complain about. My reservations have always been honored (I've even been a bit late for a couple), the staff has been very attentive (explaining each item and explaining that we're more then welcome to ask for more at any time). I would higly recommend them to anyone. Pros: Lovely staff, Inexpensive more
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Vatan excursus (vegan/veggie paradise) 6/18/2005

I spent an evening at Vatan tonight with my partner, and we had a wonderful experience. I can only speak as a non-Indian, since we both come from an originally American palate, but Indian cuisine, both Northern and Southern, is my favorite non-Western cuisine, and I'm always on the prowl for something delicious and worth the price. I found that the food variety was great, and the waitress was very accommodating to my vegan boyfriend describing all items' ingredients and how you may request more of what YOU like, creating a unique experience. I am wary of other reviews saying "they" were rude or "they" wanted us out, because you usually deal with your waitress alone; not an army of Hindi apathetics. Best chai tea, and overall, worth every bite! Pros: Vegan friendly, Knowledgeable staff, Great chai Cons: Reservation only, Epcot center vibe more
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Big disappointment 5/3/2005

It says "All You Can Eat", but as soon as you tell the waitress that you've never been there, they just bring the pre-made things that are cold and don't even explain it to you that you can keep ordering what you want. Also, they chase you out by pushing you to pay. They don't want people to sit and relax. In fact, we were asked to give up our table when more than half of the tables were empty!! The place was so empty at 8:30 pm, still we had to leave. The women who work there seem so grumpy, too. To make the matter worse, the food was not good. Ignore Zagat!! Pros: sitting on the floor Cons: bad service, below average food, cold food more
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Rip off! 1/9/2005

Took 2 guests for dinner. Advertised as 22.95 for fixed price dinner. We did'nt order any drinks. Got a bill of $90.00 with nothing itemized. I was with 2 guests and could not inquire about the bill so had to just pay it. Nice way to steal. -Sam more
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Come with an empty belly 12/28/2004

I love this restaurant. My brother came in from out of town and I brought him there and even though neither one of us were vegetarians we left totally stuff and fulfilled. The food is just delicious and the staff is so accomadating and polite. I would recommend this place as a great introduction to someone who has never tried indian food as they give you tiny appetizer like portions of a myriad of items(that they keep bringing you more of), so if you aren't crazy about an item it's not a big deal b/c there are a ton of other dishes to try. Just make sure you make a reservation. more
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Excellent! 12/15/2004

Take your shoes off, sit on a pillow, and tell them how spicy you like it.....and they do the rest! The interior is a bit kitschy but it adds to the charm....It's a great open space where you aren't cramped or rushed.....Just make sure you make reservations a few days in advance because there aren't a lot of tables. Be prepared to loosen your belt a few notches too because it's all you can eat and you just can't stop eating! more
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Atmosphere & Buffet 12/3/2004

ITs all you can eat, and the non-Indian people will love the atmosphere of being in a village. As for the food its okay Gujarati-Vegetarian food, with plenty of refils. At about $23 bucks a pop, don't think its worth it. I rather spend that much, order from a menu and get great food. Pros: Atmosphere, Service more
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Exceptional 9/24/2004

This is an exceptional restaurant. The service is great. Everyone is extremely polite and helpful. The decor is meant to give you the impression that you are in an Indian village and its very well done. The restaurant is quiet. The food is very good and you get a lot of food. Very good value. One of my favorite restaurants in NYC. Pros: Great service, Good Food, Great atmosphere more
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Good Gujarati Food! 6/24/2004

Vatan is by far my favorite Indian restaurant. I love love the food here. I would have given this place 5 stars but am quite turned off by their attitude problem. I know I will keep going here because the food is comfort food for me and takes me back home, but they really need to check their attitude. They will not do reservations unless you call 2-3 days in advance even though the place is always half empty. Why can't they just be nice and accommodating for their customers? I go there just once a year now! FYI, the food is vegetarian, all you can eat, and they have a fixed menu. Pros: Good food, Variety, Good Ambience Cons: Always booked, Fixed Menu more
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Great for non vegetarians 3/11/2004

This is one of those places that is great for the vegetarian and non vegetarian alike. The deep fried peppers (not sure of the proper name?) were phenomenal and must have been in response to requests for spicier food. A great place to sit around in a non hurried atmosphere and kick back a lot of Indian beer. Pros: Indian Beer, Endless Food, Stay for hours more
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YUM! 11/30/2003

I had dinner here with some friends from out of town and at first we were shocked at the tiny portions. . . But they kept coming and they were soooo good! I would highly recommend Vatan. The decor was fun and I love any excuse to eat with my hands. more
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My favorite restaurant in New York!! 11/10/2003

I love this place!! Everytime someone visits me from out of town, I take them to Vatan. We always eat so much we feel uncomfortable, but we have a great time every time. I've never had a bad experience there, always had very attentive service (the ladies explain each item, how it is to be eaten and even ask if you would like it spicier next time) and the ambience is excellent. Be sure you sit at the tables where you sit cross-legged with your shoes off! Pros: unique, fun, great food Cons: must have reservation, not good for kids, no room large parties more
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record straight 7/21/2003

Vatan isn't your typical N/S Indian restaurant as you can tell by the polarized reviews. If you're looking a spicy vindaloo or a tikka masala head to a "curry house" instead. For the rest, it is a great opportunity to sample a plentiful and varied menu from the largely vegetarian Indian region of Gujrat. The elaborate decor recreates a small village, centered around a large banyan tree. Most will find it charming/romantic while some a little kitschy (as all theme restaurants are). It's just like being in India without the heat, cows, scooters, nosie and pollution - Hmmm. Expect prix-fixe "thali" style dining - they will bring more of any dishes you like. Keep in mind, Gujarati food is not known for being spicy - so if you like it hot, ask for VERY spicy. I think its great only in NY could you find something so authentic. Pros: Authenticity, Variety, Charm Cons: Not the norm more
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Best Indian Food in City 6/17/2003

ALmost 99.9% of Indian restaurants in USA or UK serve food that has absolutely no similarity of food you eat at home. This one is REALLY authentic (both in decor and taste). If you go to any joint on Lexington, it is like going to Pizza Hut to enjoy real Italian food!!! This one definetly made mo home sick. The service is indeed bit uptight. Pros: good food, great decor Cons: bad service, rude service more
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10? 9?-Give me a break!!! 6/1/2003

If you're the tourist crowd I suppose you might like this place but by New York standards the interior is kitschy and the food boring(and I asked for extra spice!). The service was ok until the place started to crowd up then I got the feeling they wanted us to settle the tab and go. No problem, I was bored by the food and the atmosphere too. Definately for the Disney crowd-they'll think they saved the trip to Epcot. New Yorkers have better choices nearby. Cons: Dull spicing, Corny space more
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Wonderful experience 5/20/2003

My experience at Vatan was fantastic from start to finish. Unlike some of the other reviews here, the reservation was upheld, the waiter took the time to explain each dish and frequently asked if we wanted more of anything (which we did, several times). The food was excellent (even for a die hard meat lover). I would definitely recommend this place. Pros: Friendly wait staff, Great food, Interesting more
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Go to Pongal or Madras 3/15/2003

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but all the "10" reviews are WRONG. I too couldn't get in the first time I tried because of a reservation "mix up". I should have taken the hint but I went again with some friends(one of whom is Indian). The interior filled with plastic palms and fake bambo isn't "romantic" as another reviewer noted-it's corny. My Indian friend thought it was an insulting cliche. He also thought the food rather one noted and rote. No way was it "just like home". I agree with the previous reviewer who suggests going to Lexington Ave. This place can't touch the food at Madras Mahal or Pongal. MUCH nicer atmoshere too. more
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WOW 2/2/2003

Two weeks ago I was in the city with some friends looking for some traditional indian food. Being vegetarians they have everything we were looking for. Great samosas, tasty khichidi, and a great selection of wine. The price is well worth the quality and quantity of food. I would suggest this place to anyone who enjoys good food, beautiful atmosphere, and prompt and courteous service. more
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Menu for Vatan


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Editorial

  • In Short
    The bi-level dining room, which resembles a bamboo-thatched hut, is a brightly-lit, wide-open space with high ceilings and laminated depictions of Indian village life. Cast your shoes aside and sink into a cushioned booth in an enclosed hut, surrounded by artificial banyan trees and wisteria. The prix fixe meal typically includes spicy chickpeas flecked with tomato and coriander, samosas stuffed with ground vegetables and peas, khichdi (a lentil and rice mixture) and chilled mango soup.

  • 9/7/2004 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Sun, Tue-Thu 5pm-9:30 pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm
  • Payments: American Express, Visa, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: Kips Bay, Midtown
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