Dwaraka turned up when we were looking for a place that would be open for lunch, and provide multiple options for the vegetarian friend that we would be dining with. It proved to be a wonderful choice.
My guess is that very few, if any places that traditionally had buffets have reopened them yet, as pandemic restrictions are fading. Dwaraka has come up with a way to make me not miss the buffet experience at all. When we were seated, the one page lunch menu had approximately 7 or 8 total options, divided into vegetarian and non-veg sections. The meals we received were essentially exactly the kind of selection I would have taken for myself at a buffet, but all portioned into separate metal containers, served within a metal tray. The main dish was in the largest container, and a separate basket of naan completed the experience. Getting a lot of what I specifically wanted and a little bit of many other things gives me exactly what I want from a visit to an Indian restaurant.
A light blue arbor-type structure occupies the center of the dining space, providing visual separation without really taking up any room at all. It's a lovely touch.
Harshith SathyaPrakash
+4
We were passing through Portland and stopped for lunch at Dwaraka.
We ordered chicken biryani and chilli chicken. The chicken pieces in the biryani seemed little hard but both the biryani and chilli chicken were really tasty.
The restaurant is on a busy street where parking could be an issue at times.
Really perfect in every way. The lunch special, chicken curry, was excellent. Service was perfect. Price was very good.
Perhaps the best Butter Chicken I've ever had. Great service. Great meal! 😋
I had the lamb biriyani and it was delicious. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the portion size was more than enough for one meal. I ordered takeout, but I must say the service was quick. I also like the fact that I was instantly greeted upon entering.
First time having Indian food and what a great experience. The waiter was very patient with us explaining every item in detail that we pointed to on the menu with spice levels and textures of the item. He also recommended a great Indian beer for the great weather that day. The food was delicious but take in mind it is spicy. The dining area was clean and comfortable. Thanks again for the great experience.
Fair.
Good people, good food, environment was good: music, lighting, tables, etc... pricing was appropriate. I have only one other experience with Indian food and it set my expectations pretty high.
Overall, I enjoyed the food, some of it was a bit spicy(heat), but good spice flavor(what I expect from Indian food).
Probably my favorite Indian food in Portland and definitely worth checking out. Modest frontage betrays the excellent curries that keep me coming back time and again. The makhani and saag are personal favorites, especially with a chunk of fresh naan. The mild has a little spice and the hot is definitely noticeable. A favorite of my kids too!
This has been a favorite spot for years! Wonderful people, great food and atmosphere. The upgrades they did throughout the pandemic look amazing and the aesthetics feel very good in the restaurant. The food never disappoints!
Staff here are friendly and helpful, and the food here is delicious. To suit our taste, they adjusted the spice levels. I would say it's one of the best Indian restaurants in the SE Portland area. Definitely coming back!!!
So nice to see them open for lunch’s again! I had the Navaratna Korma Thali lunch today, with a Chai. All the food was incredible and flavorful. The naan was also cooked to perfection. The service was great, and the owner even came out to assure all the food he cooked was up to par. He cares greatly about what he is serving and appreciates his customers. 🙏
Oldham Family Adventures
+5
Excellent food, great atmosphere. The initial service to give us menus was a little slow (15 minutes), but once we ordered, it was fast (about 5!)
Friendly staff & great cocktails!
Friendly staff. I asked a lot of questions and our host answered them politely.
Chicken Masala was soo good.
-1⭐ Its a bit expensive for the portions they serve. $14 for A La Carte and $17 for the next Entree up. Better to go lunch buffet $12 to try the food if your somewhat new to Indian food like me.
While it's not the very best from among the other Indian restaurants in the Hawthorne - Cesar Chavez area, it is quite decent in both the quality, quantity and price. I have been here once for dinner and twice for lunch, and it did not disappoint. For dinner among the regular Indian dishes they do offer the choice of thali for $17 which is just like ordering one main dish along with dal, rice, naan, rasam, a second dish and some amount of Indian desert. It is more than sufficient for that price. For lunch, they do a buffet and for the second time I just visited to once again have the mutton curry. The lunch buffet is a variety of options too. Overall, as mentioned earlier - it is pretty decent for the price you pay.
I’ve eaten here from when they first opened. They are fantastic, consistently yummy food, and have great portions. I crave their mahkani sauce all the time!
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