Maharaja Fine Indian Cuisine

A hidden gem. Tucked away in a shopping mall off Seminole road it can be hard to locate. The atmosphere is cozy and attractive, the service attentive and helpful, the food is properly prepared and seasoned and the prices are reasonable. I always get a thali for the variety of foods and the pretty little stainless steel bowls arranged on a big platter.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best Indian restaurant in C'ville, I stop by every time I have to make a trip into this town

I love this restaurant so much, I order the food about once a week. This is the best Indian restaurant in cville hands down. The host is so kind and very funny. The only con is the prices but the food is so good that I can get over it from time to time. I highly recommend their Chicken Kadai and Tandoor Chicken, they will change your life.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food tastes fantastic! We ordered lamb as our main dish, and it’s incredibly tender! I haven’t had such excellent Indian food in a long time. I highly recommend it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a hidden gem in Charlottesville! I am a regular and I wish I took pictures of my food to share how wonderful it was! Just came in for the first time in a few months. Next time I dine I will definitely be editing this post with pictures. I hope I can encourage more people to check out this restaurant based on this review alone.

I am a regular at this restaurant for a good reason. I often feel that there are not enough very good restaurants in this area that are not extremely expensive. Maharaja is one of my go-tos when I am very hungry, want authentic Indian food, and don't have lots of time to spend waiting.

Let's talk about the food! I highly recommend the Samosa Chaat as an appetizer- sweet, crunchy, light yet filling, and perfect sharing size for two! For mains I have a couple favorites: tikka masala (recommend Medium unless you can handle hot!; lamb is always on point), vegetable khorma (LOVE their homemade paneer), Palak Paneer and Dal Paneer. They have a huge menu and these are just the dishes I have tried. When I really love a dish I tend to order it over and over, that's why I haven't eaten everything on the menu! Also, if you come in hungry and share an appetizer, split a Naan and order one main, you'll be going home with leftovers (unless you're a body builder or something).

Atmosphere is amazing as well. There are lots of tables inside and on the patio, as well as a small bar I've sat at to eat when dining alone (not for lack of tables). The restaurant is very clean, esthetically pleasing, not too loud, and comfortable. Not one of those places where they cram as many seats in as they can. I will say that it's almost too quiet. When seated next to another table I mind my speaking volume so my conversations won't disturb others. A little increase in music volume would easily solve that.

Now on to service. I'm always stunned to see so many open tables especially on Friday nights. There is one waiter, Inacio, who always takes care of us (he has help for food running and bussing before you assume there will be a long wait). Inacio is one of the best and kindest waiters I regularly interact with. He remembers names and faces, promptly seats you and takes your order, refills your water at least once without being asked, asks if you will be having your usual, and above all he connects with his guests to make them feel special and at home. His recommendations are always on point too! Even if the food was below average (it DEFINITELY is not), I would come again and again just for his service alone. Please be kind to your waiter!

They also offer delivery services with DoorDash if you want to check out their food first before dining out. Overall, if you want good food without high prices, please consider adding Maharaja to your destination list.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Garlic Naan, Tikka Masala, Chaat, Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, Cheese Naan

Went in around 8 in the afternoon and didn’t realize it was closing soon. Nevertheless, we were served and our waiter was kind and hospitable. It felt like I was a guest at someone’s home.
Some of the best indian food I have ever eaten. Big menu with lots of options. The spices were amazing. I will definitely come back here next time I am in the area

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The portion is quite large. I’d recommend to start with only 1 dish for 1 person. All of my food is delicious. There’re many level of spicy you can choose but my recommendation is medium or below.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

great experience all around

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tasty Indian cushion and an easy going Manager. Friendly too.

It was a wonderful experience. Our host was so helpful in explaining the differences in the choices and directing us to the part of the menu that had excellent descriptions of the sauces that accompany the main entree.

Everything had distinctive flavorful ingredients and it was beautifully presented. Our host checked on us frequently and refilled water as needed. Everything was perfect.

Very rude people.

Loved everything about it and our waiter, Inacio, was the best!! This restaurant is a hidden gem. Great food, great prices and fantastic service. Will definitely be going back!

Plenty of sittings available, Great place for groups, couples, families. The food was outstanding, fresh, aromatic. The pricing was reasonable. Online ordering and pick- up for take out.

Food was very good. It was on the spicy side so a note to self, medium is a bit too spicy, must go with mild

It was the perfect meal, a truly memorable experience. We can't wait to go back again soon.