Maharani Indian Restaurant

Absolutely love!

Bad food bad staff and it’s not Indian food. Trust me I am Indian

For some reason the staff does not want to give me enough boxes to take my leftovers.

The Maharani is one of my favorite restaurants near downtown Madison! I personally love the lunch buffet from 11:30-3:30pm Friday-Sunday. The picture shows one example of foods you can get in the buffet. As a vegetarian, I love that they have a huge variety of plant-based entrees and side dishes. I am a picky eater, and I have not found one thing in this restaurant I do not like. I highly recommend them for both lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is ambient and relaxing and they have outdoor seating in the summer.

This is probably one of, if not the worst, Indian restaurant in Madison. It's a shame that it's the closest one to where I live, and also a shame that it's quite expensive despite the lacking quality.

Let me start off by saying that the food here isn't actively terrible, but it's not nearly what I'd consider good. I've given this place multiple chances, and every time I feel disappointed.

I've ordered the butter chicken, a popular menu item, and my stomach hurt the next day. There wasn't much chicken in it, and what was there was cut into odd shapes that felt unappetizing and very processed. It was also quite sweet, and not very spicy, even though I ordered the hottest spice level.

The Chicken 65 was soggy, had an odd texture, and was bland. The chutneys that came with it were either way too sweet, bland, or had a flavor that clashed with what little flavor the chicken had.

Once I ordered two different types of chaat. They were indistinguishable and bland. I ended up tossing them, and I hate wasting food.

Maybe I've just gotten unlucky every time I've been here, but unless I'm craving Indian food, and need it fast, I doubt I'll order from here again.

The food here is always excellent! The staff is friendly and service is quick. Pricing is reasonable. Love it here!

Serves reliably tasty Indian food I have enjoyed occasionally over the years. Unfortunately, the man who addressed me at the counter clearly has no training in customer engagement or social skills. He had a poor attitude and foul breath. I did not leave the restaurant feeling appreciated.

I went into the restaurant while my husband picked up our order and was told I couldn't use the restroom. The guy at the front was entirely rude upon encounter to me and my husband. I cite that we are people of color, this is important to know from the interaction we had with the gentlemen. He mentioned bathrooms were for customers, which I believe the custom or policy in place is sitting or dine in customers. I felt his rude tone and his arrogance really marketed the place as a place that wasn't welcoming. Being new to Madison and that establishment, many natives rave for the food but upon tasting it and meeting the man at the bar area, I will have to safe I don't think we are accepted there and if we are welcome under his leadership we wouldn't get serviced fairly as seen today. He made us feel belittled and entirely out of place.

Absolutely delicious! Rice is included, recommend sharing one dish, especially if you want dessert (their dessert is a must) and a side of Naan! Portions are generous, and the patio is very pleasant. Would not hesitate to eat here, their homemade cheese is to die for! Family owned and quiet, if you are a foodie, this is some of the best Indian food I've had.

Vegetarian options: Their vegetarian selection is my favorite party of the menu!

Parking: Street parking, can be hard to come by and may require a good walk. Expect to pay meters during the day.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lamb Curry, Basmati Rice, Chef's Special Naan, Samosa Chat

I ordered Tikka Masala and asked for veggies and lentils in it. When I went to pick it up she said that was too much to do but it was in the bag. I thought it was odd she complained about such a simple request.... Looked in the bag and she completely changed my order. Although the curry did have veggies it did not have lentils and was not Tikka Masala. :/

Service: 1

The owner is so rude to her customers. Do not bring your caste behavior to the USA. I have met so many people who went to this restaurant and said the female owner is so rude!
I also experienced her rudeness.
The Indian restaurants in Middleton are way better than this one!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

Food was okay. Not the best.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 4

This place was super. Food was so tasty and the flavor was on point. Loved loved loved it all.

I’ve been calling and calling these guys to give me the secret third ingredient to their tikka masala—

Ketchup- check
Water- check
____ - ????

Cmon guys/gals, what is it?
Mayo? -nope.
Sugar?
Yogurt? -no, woulda improved it.

I’ve never NOT eaten a bowl of TM. Good job, y’all, this is a first.

A disgusting, inedible first. ??

Almost always take out and I recommend it! Can be expensive though.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

I was really looking forward to trying the open buffet at Maharani but unfortunately, the experience was far from enjoyable. The food was a major letdown – it was cold, dry, and lacked flavor ( 2:00 PM). It felt like leftovers from the previous day.
To make matters worse, the staff was indifferent and seemed uninterested in providing good service. It's a shame, as the potential for a great Indian buffet experience was there. I won't be returning.

Not sure, if ordered from the menu, would get a different experience!!!!!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1