Banana Leaf

07/04/2008 Posted by jitterbugperfume

The lousy thing about having an anniversary on the 4th of July is that it can be hard to find someplace for that celebratory dinner. After encountering closed doors at our usual neighborhood favorites, we ran home for a quick Citysearch search and came up with Banana Leaf. We chose Banana Leaf because we love Indian food and because it is vegetarian, but we were surprised to encounter a total novel dining experience. The extremely gracious host explained all of the food to us, telling us it was based on Indian street food. Plate after plate of chaat appetizers came out, and we eagerly devoured them all, washing them down with mango and rose lassi, not realizing there was still a full dinner buffet to follow. The dinner buffet was also wonderful, with the freshness of the ingredients shining in every dish. We especially liked the eggplant curry, even over our usual favorite paneer. Though we didn't have enough room to try the desserts, we will certainly be back, gaggles of friends in tow, to enjoy this food again.

Pros: Delicious food, very gracious service, all vegetarian, fun!

Cons: Maybe there could be some music playing?

05/03/2008 Posted by romeozjul

I was in the mood for Indian food and this happened to be close, so we went. It's a tiny little restaurant in a strip mall (as far as I'm concerned this is the hallmark of good ethnic food!) with lovely posters of India on the walls. When we got there, we were expecting a standard buffet. Instead, we were served approximately 6 different appetizers at our table along with lassi. The owner came out and personally explained each dish in the buffet to us- what was in it, what traditionally goes together, etc. He also offered to bring us repeats of any of the appetizers and brought out additional bread and dosas from the kitchen. We were also pleased to find that everything is fresh (the guy tells you that about everything, but you can definitely taste it) and vegetarian. After dinner we had fresh chai tea (not what you get at Starbucks, the real stuff). The whole experience was really wonderful and comfortable, and it only cost $25 for the two of us. We left quite full and had a lot of fun in the process. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone!

Pros: Very friendly service, comfortable atmosphere, great food, all vegetarian

Cons: I really have no complaints!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/26/2008 Posted by jeffica

Banana Leaf has an amazing selection of great food with unique flavors. Their prices are very reasonable. There was great service with friendly and polite staff. Banana Leaf had a very eclectic palate of flavors. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at the banana leaf and will be dining there regularly. We also enjoyed the informal family owned atmosphere. This is truly a hidden treasure.

01/12/2008 Posted by jewler1

I finally had the chance to sample Banana Leaf and was happy with my lunch selection. There is a mix of food with sharp flavor and spices at a nice temerature, as well as creamy sweat to balance the flavors. My friend and I had a pleasant experience as we were taken care of by the staff. I know indan flavors, but southern vegetarian is very different. This is the place to expereience that taste.

Pros: quick and friendly staff. Awesome buffet. Lassi included

Cons: ambience

10/13/2007 Posted by king11

This is a hidden treasure as far as Indian food goes. Extraordinary service on the 3 times I have been there. So much food it is hard not to overeat. Variety is unbelieveble and freshness is always refreshing. Be sure to stop by. Exellent curries and chaat. They hold nothing back. Very informal and free atmosphere. Very highly recommended.

Pros: Excellent food, fresh, tasty and health

Cons: small place, crowded

08/28/2007 Posted by rkappor

Plz don't go further . The food was good previously around a month back but now now it really bad & i don't have words to express that bad food & i strongly belive the other day i went it had a roa*hes in the food. Some person said he is the owner & he promised me free food . As if he is giving me free food saying don't pay still i paid & went way & that person's behaviour was rude .

04/14/2007 Posted by macdaddy01

Last night was our seventh visit in six weeks. The owner(s) are always more than helpful and generous with suggestions and their transcendental Southern and Western Indian cuisine. Some of you may remember these folks from the second iteration of Anna Purna at Cleveland and 161. Banana Leaf offers a very diverse menu, many sampler plates and buffet.

04/05/2007 Posted by manda1971

This place is excellent value for money. Their chaats are extraordinary and service. The vegetable curries are awesome and there is always too much food for the price. I am never dissappointed and havent seen any unhappy people there. I do miss the gujarati Thali - but the chaats do make up for that. The dosas could benefit from more time on the grill..but overall great food for a very reasonable price.

Pros: excellent food, great value, good service

Cons: Small place, can get crowded