Aahar The Taste of India (Alta Vista)

I like to come here to spoil myself from time to time and the food is always really good and Monika has been a tremendous server each time I've come. Today I decided to try the Khumb Ras Soup with my meal and it was honestly the best soup I've had. I'm definitely ordering more next time. I forgot to take pictures this time, but I'll keep up a picture from a past visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken, Biryani, Tandoori Chicken, Soup, Chicken Biryani

Absolutely delicious food! Some of the best we’ve had in Ottawa. Fantastic and kinda service from Monika. Will definitely be coming back with friends.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We were served by Monica and even though it was really busy, She made sure our food was on our table in under 20 minutes. Kudos to her!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The food was phenomenal but if you are going to dine in, go early. Twice now we've been rushed out the door. We got there at about 7:30 and there wasn't anyone else in the restaurant, were told right away they closed at 8:45. We were asked to order our appetizers at the same time as our meal because the kitchen would be closing. When the waitress checked to see if everything was OK she asked if there was anything else or she would just bring the bill. Next we were given take out containers to pack up in before we were done eating and again told they would be closing at 8:45 while we still had some of our drinks left we were told they were closing and would need to leave. The staff walked out the door with us.
I've worked in a few restaurants and I've never rushed a table like this. Usually a kitchen wants your order in before 9 because they are closing but not the dining room.
As much as we enjoyed the food perhaps take out is best or go very early in the evening.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 3

I live in the USA and every trip to Ottawa I make it a point to visit the restaurant for their famous channa batura . I arrived at 6.30 pm and drove straight to the restaurant for their famous food .. Monica who waited on us said that channa batura was only on the lunch menu and when I told her how I drove straight from the airport to eat my favorite dish she went straight to the kitchen and they obliged . This is what I call great service not to mention the great food . For anyone wanting to try the best Indian food in Ottawa along with service that’s fast and amazing make sure you try this wonderful restaurant.
Monica thank you again and to the cooks for being so accommodating. I will be back many times more 🙏🏽

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Understaffed. We chose our own table. We were 1 of 4 occupied tables in a row (the only tables with customers). Server was taking phone calls for orders after we were seated. She walked past us several times (phone on ear). Never presented our family a menu, water, anything.

After 10 minutes, we decided to leave.

It seems this restaurant is geared towards Uber eats and take away.

Sadly, we will not return to dine in.

Love Aahar!
Moved to Toronto 10 years ago and have not found anything that compares to Aahar.
Anytime we are back in Ottawa, we must have dinner here.
Last night we were there, and despite the kitchen also preparing for a big party of 20, Monika ensured that we received our appetizers very quickly and our main meal in a timely manner.
Butter chicken is my favourite there! Also the Allo Tikki, Onion Bhaji, Fish pakora and Buna Lamb were outstanding.
I highly recommend Aahar!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had booked Aahar to cater a large event I was hosting on August 23. Let me tell you the food wasn’t just great- it was exceptional!!!!!! The quality, the flavours and the value was all worth it! My own parents who hardly eat outside Indian food as they make it at home like me, told me it was probably the best Indian food they ever had in Ottawa. I agree. All my guests were calling the food epic and they even provided very generous portions of both appetizers and lunch.
I ate everything and was blown away by the quality, freshness, and flavours. I would never look elsewhere for Indian catering as they exceeded my expectations with every dish!!!!
They work with you to create a good menu offering insightful advice and understanding your needs.
My sincere thanks to Aahar for making my event memorable!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Chicken, Chole Bhature, Tandoori Chicken, Chutney, Palak Paneer, Chicken Curry, Fish Pakoras

I ordered Lamb Biryani and gave them an hour and a half to prepare it, knowing that authentic biryani usually takes time to cook properly. As a true biryani lover, I was very disappointed with what I received—it wasn’t biryani at all. Instead, it was just plain rice mixed with lamb curry, lacking the flavors, layering, and authenticity that make biryani special. Definitely not what I was expecting for over priced briyani.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 2

I was very disappointed with service at Aahar restaurant , the food was cold and not fresh I don’t recommend the buffet. Expensive, but not good quality.

We( 3 people)had buffet lunch on the weekend. The food tastes good but there were very limited options offered as if it was served for free. Literally the buffet has very few options like simple naan, plain rice and dessert (kheer )and 1-2 curries. Not worth the price. They need to include more varieties in menu, hopefully they upgrade their services.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

First time visit for me at the buffet in this neighborhood Indian restaurant on a cold and snowy day. Great selection of dishes, the vegetable curry and pakora appetizers were my particular favourites along with Chana masala, tandoori and butter chicken. I treated myself to a very good mango lassi - so good. Shoutout to our host, Monica, who patiently answered all our questions. I look forward to trying take out in the future, especially the chicken biryani.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butter Naan, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken

Monika was excellent. Very attentive.

Delicious indian food

Vegetarian options: Paneer jalebi naan chinese veg kabab ,mango shake etc

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was average and honestly not so great. Fancy, pricey and cosy but great service. Biryani and their curry were so sweet. Definitely not impressive felt disappointed.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Goat Curry, Biryani