Cafe Maharani

"The food is very tasty and unique, for example they eggplant tikka masala. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is really Indian - music, little dirty and hot. I’ve been there a few times and there are always crowded. Now I prefer to take the order to go."

"As the name suggests, every dish was king size meaning very large quantity and very delicious food. We had samosa chaat and veg biryani, samosa chaat was delicious, but the biryani was okish. Service and atmosphere were great as well"

"Best Indian food in Oahu (possibly all of Hawaii, but I haven't been to all of Hawaii yet). I have been here many times--I try to go at least once every time I come to Oahu. Highlights from this most recent visit: Food: I had lamb vindaloo -medium spicy. I could have used a touch more spice but I didn't want to overdo it, and I haven't had their vindaloo before. The flavors were divine, and the lamb melted in my mouth, tender and wonderful. Saffron rice: not soggy, not dry, very tasty. Everything I want rice to be. Garlic cheese naan: 15 inches of garlic, cheesy goodness. Perfect for dipping in the curry, picking up moist tender pieces of lamb, or just eating by itself. Family size, I got it for me. It's about the size of a small pizza. (I do have leftovers of everything, I could make 3 meals out of this, maybe four!) Chai: I love their chai. I had multiple cups. I got some to go. Best chai I have had in years. Serving sizes: Good for sharing or leftovers. Service: Fantastic. Seated quickly (given my choice of open tables), ordered quickly, food came out quick and hot. My water never emptied, I was checked on regularly without being bothered. Everything I needed, I had. Atmosphere and etcetera: I was alone, and brought a book to read. At first it was quiet, but the noise level did pick up some by the time I left (normal restaurant level, nothing absurd.). They open at 5, don't take reservations, and close at 9. When I left at 6, there was one open table that had just vacated a little before me so it does fill up. Dim lighting--but not too dim. I could still read, but it wasn't super bright. It was a rainy day, so it would likely be brighter if the sun was out. The smell of the food and tandoori oven wafts out over the restaurant in a very enticing manner. Tips: It's BYOB. So grab a bottle of your favorite wine, or a few of your favorite beers, and bring them with you. They do have wine glasses for you. Parking: not a lot right there, but there are some lots and garages in the nearby area. This is a mile walk from some of the major hotels (Hilton Hawaiian village / Hale Koa area), so walkable assuming no differently abled situations. Tables of 5 or more have gratuity added. 15% I think-maybe 18% (I overheard this while I was there). If they are too busy, or you don't have time to wait, you can order to go, and can order ahead online. Picture: the garlic cheese naan, and the lamb vindaloo. I forgot to take one of the entire table. Oops. Verdict: Don't miss this place."

"the food is AMAZING do not get me wrong!! their naan is fluffy and soft so its easy to pull apart and pairs so well with their chicken tikka masala! however, their service could be better. Im used to having my water refilled automatically but i had to ask them… also the waiters rarely come to your table which may be great for some people who just want to eat.."

"The atmosphere was great, the young girl who served us was very pleasant , sweet and friendly. The older tall host was not very pleasant and did not say a word to us when he brought our food to the table. Not sure if he was having a bad day but I noticed him being unpleasant to other customers as well. The food was not bad but it did not taste like Indian food. No Indian flavor. The pakoras and samosas were over fried and hard. The chicken biryani was soggy and without flavor. The mixed grill was great."