When the focus has recently been on businesses springing up in the center, we cannot forget the Elmwood area. Last night we went to Bombay Olive for the first time. We had a great time dining there. We were a anxious to see what the decor would look like in a former IHOP building — and once you get inside, it is so lovely! I loved the detail work — especially the pressed tin ceiling. The paintings of Everest or various Himalayan scenes are also lovely.
We began with samosa, which were light and fluffy — really good. After reading that they cook with olive oil (hence the name of the restaurant), I can see why they tasted a little different than I was used to. It was a nice change. Sujal and I had the black dahl and the paneer tawa masala with roti and paratha. It was all very good. The dahl was creamy and perfectly spiced. The paneer was a new dish for us. The veggies in the dish still had some crunch to them — perfectly cooked. After dinner, I ordered the masala tea. It was not quite like the masala tea (chai) I’ve had in the past. It did not contain cream, but it was still good, even though I am partial to an authentic masala chai.
The service was friendly, yet they seemed to be forgetful of our tea and dessert order (our friends had dessert). This was fine because we were with good company, but that could be an area for improvement. On the way out, I grabbed a bit of mukwas — it was an interesting mukwas. I can’t say I loved it — I’m partial to green mukwas — but it was decent.
Finally, I’d have one suggestion for the menu. Sujal and I recently ate at the great Indian restaurant in NYC (though they threw away our leftovers, a crime for which I shall never forgive them), and they had tandoori paneer tikka. It was so tandoorilicious!
I recommend Bombay Olive. They have a mix of indian, american (western), nepalese, and persian food. They even have breakfast — which I’d love to try someday.
The Connecticutian 
[…] The Connecticutian gives a very favorable review to Bombay Olive (in the old IHOP location on the corner of New Britain and South Main — across the street from […]
anyone with you try their chicken tikki masala? Any good? that’s our kids’ standard order, so it’s all-important for us.
I’m not sure if anyone had the chicken tikka — so I can’t comment. Bt we went again tonight. It’s delicious!
They had a print out of your review in the restaurant! We went today for breakfast. Fairly yummy food (especially the non-American fare)
We went for dinner last night. I had the chicken vindaloo and Kyle had the lamb vindaloo. We also ordered the (regular) naan. It was all yummy, but seemed very similar to India Oven. We’ll probably continue to frequent India Oven more often because it’s closer to our house, I don’t really care about “atmosphere” and for some reason Bombay Olive was freezing. There was someone sitting at a booth (maybe an owner or a relative of the owners) and they had their own personal space heater. That should have tipped us off it would be cold in there. 🙂 The service was fine and friendly though.
Kate — Thanks for the heads up!
Amy — Yes, we were also rather cold there. Perhaps they will work on the insulation and heating issue soon. We also felt that it was on par with India Oven — but truly, I think the use of olive oil does make a difference. The samosas are great!
I went to this restaurant for the first time last week and to tell you the truth….I was not even very interested in the food. I found myself staring at the interior of the restaurant and it looks so rich and inviting. I found out the people who built most of it is a company called Home Techs Improvement & Design out of West Hartford CT. Great job…I think that eventhough the food and service was ok, the ambiance made my experience more enjoying.