| Author | Message | ||
     Joel Janney Citizen Username: Joel_janney Post Number: 76 Registered: 6-2004 |
Finally went tonight and hope to go back soon. | ||
| cody Citizen Username: Cody Post Number: 1106 Registered: 5-2001 |
My husband and I went there tonight, too. The service was a bit uneven, but they are new. Everyone was very nice and helpful, just a bit disorganized. The food was enjoyable. Excellent selection of Indian breads, more than I've seen in most of the Indian restaurants I've been to. I liked the look of the place very much and will be going back. Really, my only "criticism" is that the tables for 2 people are very small, and we had to keep juggling the dishes around to make room for everything. Would it be so terrible to seat a twosome at a larger table? It would make the experience a lot more enjoyable. This isn't a rap directed specifically to Sona, because lots of restaurants do this. Given my druthers, I'll pick a restaurant where I don't feel cramped over one where I do. | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 1748 Registered: 3-2002 |
We had a second dinner there a couple of nights ago also, and were again pleased. (and they were nearly full on a week night) Staff is still very new, and a bit uneven, but that is to be expected, and won't keep us from going again! | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5422 Registered: 9-2001  |
...Libby and I also went with friends tonight, and I must say it was very enjoyable. The décor is very tasteful, pleasant background music, good service, and excellent food at more than reasonable prices. We also met the owner and she is not only lovely but very talented. Her Art work adorning the walls adds nicely to the over all ambiance. We will be back... | ||
| connied76 Citizen Username: Connied76 Post Number: 65 Registered: 1-2004 |
We also went Friday night and the food was excellent. Service was really poor. We were seated fairly quickly and in about 5 minutes, a pleasant woman (owner?) came over and said hello and took our wine bottle to open. Then, 4-5 more tables came in and sat. I guess we got lost in the mix because it was a good 15 minutes and no one came back to us. We waved the woman who took the wine over after she took an order from another table and she said "I'll be back in a second" from across the room. Another 5 minutes passed and she finally came over - no wine in hand. She apologized and came back in a few minutes with our wine and some bread chips/dip and apologized and said she'd be back. Whoever opened the wine had jammed the cork back in and we couldn't get it out, so again we were just sitting there but at least this time we had some chips to munch on. We told her about the wine, she brought it in the back and came right back with the cork out and took our order. After about 20 more minutes, she asked us if we had wanted the lamb or the chicken seekh appetizer- hello! we ordered 20 minutes ago. About 10 minutes later everything came out at the same time- entrees, appetizers and soup. No apology for the timing or any mention of it at all. And the two-top table was way too small for that much food. Very annoying. However, the food was very good- lamb in a heavy raisin, mint, nut sauce and chicken tikka masala. Seekh and naan for an appetizer and great soup. Food was great but it took from 7:35 until 9:30 for our meal. The | ||
| Camnol Citizen Username: Camnol Post Number: 441 Registered: 3-2005 |
Dave or Jamie, just a heads-up that Sona's link in the restaurant directory is incorrect (sone instead of sona). I looked them up to see if they are open on Mondays. Someone might want to suggest to them that they put their phone number and address on the Web site. | ||
| Stuart0628 Citizen Username: Stuart0628 Post Number: 323 Registered: 2-2003 |
Would also love to see a scan of the menu online at their site. | ||
| msg Citizen Username: Msg Post Number: 237 Registered: 8-2001 |
My husband and I just returned from a wonderful dinner here. After all the negative posts I was a bit apprehensive. We found it delightful. Beautiful decor. Plenty of room at the table for two. Enjoyable music. We had chicken with apricots and vegetable bihrani. It definitely came with plenty of jasmine rice and crispy popadam to start. The spices were just right - not too hot, not too mild. We recognized one of the gentlemen there from the Maplewood Coffee. We stopped him and he told us he is a partner. Can't wait to get back to try more dishes. This is a keeper, hope everyone will agree and support them. | ||
| connied76 Citizen Username: Connied76 Post Number: 79 Registered: 1-2004 |
We went back again over the weekend. Food was even better than last week. Service was excellent- it seems they have hired a waitstaff rather than trying to run the whole operation themselves. We got a larger table that had more room to spread out so no issue with that. | ||
| Czele Citizen Username: Czele Post Number: 106 Registered: 9-2002 |
I agree, msg. The spices are a perfect balance. I thought the food was very fresh, especially for a buffet! (we went last Friday around 2pm) The service was the best we've had anywhere...but we happened to be their only patrons at the time. Regardless, for a buffet lunch- I was expecting no one to show up to seat us, greet us, offer us fresh nan, never leaving our waterglasses half full, and explaining what was being served. At one point I asked if they had some Rajita, and our server didn't just say "yes- it's at the buffet", she actually brought me over to it's location at the buffet. I have to admit, we had a really bad takeout experience when they fist opened (wrong charges, wrong food, forgot to place order- waited another 45 min at pick up, food too spicy & salty etc). I just wanted to give them another try last week and I dragged my husband kicking and screaming. I'm so glad we went. This is a new local gem. I can't wait to go back. | ||
| Shanabana Citizen Username: Shanabana Post Number: 954 Registered: 10-2005  |
Good news! Is it really the same people as who run the cafe/restaurant by the parking lot? Or is that just a rumor? | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2782 Registered: 8-2003  |
Went to Sona last night. ess and I shared an appetizer and two dishes and 2 orders of naan. Plenty of delicious food. The decor was really really lovely. (I had not been there when the space was Celebrated or Dasti's) The service was pleasant and we had no complaints with any aspect of our meal. Shana - ess recognized a man walking around as one of the owners of the Village Coffee shop, so I do believe the rumor is correct. what a great addition to the village. I can't wait to go back! | ||
| msg Citizen Username: Msg Post Number: 238 Registered: 8-2001 |
Shana - go back and reread my post. The gentleman in question told me he was part owner of Sona and the owner of Maplewood Coffee. The Indian food at Maplewood Coffee was always good just not appropriate for a "coffee" shop, I think. Glad the chef's talents are now being put to better use. | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 3022 Registered: 11-2001  |
What Pippi said. It was a very attractive restaurant, had pleasant ambient music, and very nice service. Both the dishes that we ordered (plus appetizer) were really delicious! It seems as though any kinks previously mentioned (e.g., the rice) had been resolved more than satisfactorily. I think we're lucky to have a restaurant this nice right here in town. I plan to return, as well. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater  Post Number: 2506 Registered: 10-2004 |
Finally went tonight. My first reaction was it's alright, but I think I am going to hold off giving my final assessment until I've gone AT LEAST one more time and tried a few more dishes. | ||
| vocallee Citizen Username: Vocallee Post Number: 38 Registered: 9-2001 |
Service GREAT! Food very good. Light in the main room needs a dimmer switch...too bright. Music good, but more appropriate for a nice gift shop. Would prefer to hear something more ethnic to complete the experience. Will definitley go back. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 9079 Registered: 5-2001  |
Do you think that a reservation is required for Friday night? | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2793 Registered: 8-2003 |
"Light in the main room needs a dimmer switch...too bright. " I think it must be on a dimmer, because the light wasn't very bright when we were there. It wasn't dark, per se, but it wasn't bright | ||
| J-9 Citizen Username: Newtotown Post Number: 52 Registered: 8-2004 |
Do they take reservations? | ||
| connied76 Citizen Username: Connied76 Post Number: 84 Registered: 1-2004 |
Yes, they take reservations. I saw some people getting seated lastFriday without them but it was crowded. If you don't mind a possible 15-20 minute wait at peak time of 7-8pm, I don't think ressies are necessary. | ||
| NFK Citizen Username: Nfk Post Number: 117 Registered: 9-2003 |
do they have any outside seating? | ||
| NFK Citizen Username: Nfk Post Number: 118 Registered: 9-2003 |
oops, should have asked this in the above post. Is it BYOB? | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2794 Registered: 8-2003 |
Yes to outside seating and yes to BYO | ||
| mallory Citizen Username: Mallory Post Number: 80 Registered: 6-2002 |
maybe i need to try it again, but i did take out last week from SONA, and was disappointed. the portions were very small for the price and the food was so-so. i am a big fan of indian food, and my husband is a great cook of indian type food (he's from bangladesh, and does his own version of bengali/indian food) plus we used to eat out alot at indian restaurants when we lived in the city so i have alot to compare it to. i found it a bit pricey and not all that good. maybe the takeout doesnt compare to eat -in??? i will probably try it again. maybe the buffet, my mother-in-law is going to be staying with us for awhile and she doesnt eat typical american food. hope it will be better than my first experience. | ||
| mantram Citizen Username: Mantram Post Number: 256 Registered: 8-2003  |
I agree about the take ot portions being too small. Barely half the container was filled when we ordered a chicken dish. | ||
| connied76 Citizen Username: Connied76 Post Number: 85 Registered: 1-2004 |
Went back tonight. Portions were smaller and my dish was not good. I ordered the same thing as my past two visits and it was completely different and terrible. | ||
| kellybean Citizen Username: Kellybean Post Number: 65 Registered: 2-2003 |
We went there tonight for the first time and it was great! My husband had lamb rogan josh and I Pallek Pannir, both delicious. the service was excellent. Even though we ate outside, when I went in to use the bathroom, the interior is beautiful. I hope this place sticks around! | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 9161 Registered: 5-2001 |
A bunch of us went and I cannot name all of the dishes we had. But the dahl mahkni and biryanis were great. The chicken masala and vindaloo exquisite. The 5 kinds of nan, the pakoras and samosas. Can't remember the others. The flavors were delicate and aromatic; the food very fresh. Definitely great. They are still working out some service kinks. But, who cares? I didn't find it that expensive for the amount that we ordered. About $30 per person, including tax and tip. | ||
| wunderdog Citizen Username: Wunderdogny Post Number: 124 Registered: 9-2004 |
Based on the recommendation from this thread we tried it tonight. Beautiful interior, excellent food and impeccable service. The service part surprised us, but clearly they "heard you" and have fixed it. In fact my only complaint about the service is that there was possibly too much of it - that they overkilled us with kindness and attention. Better than than the other. Chicken with apricots was delicious and cheese Nan bread tasty. I hope they make it - head over heals better than the one in S.Orange. | ||
| J-9 Citizen Username: Newtotown Post Number: 54 Registered: 8-2004 |
My friend and I went last night and were also totally impressed. Very, very yummy and we had a similar service experience to wunderdog. They were nothing but speedy and attentive! | ||
| Mr. Big Poppa Citizen Username: Big_poppa Post Number: 859 Registered: 7-2004  |
Anyone know if there is a kid's or toddlers charge for the lunch buffet? Can you order a la carte during lunch as well? | ||
| buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 5749 Registered: 5-2001  |
I just want to say I had take out from Sona tonight. I was really good. A little higher in price in terms of the average take out, but it was by far one of the best take out meals I have had here in 8 years. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 2556 Registered: 10-2004 |
Buzz, have you done take out from Caribbean Cuisine? It's my personal favorite. And the price is righter. | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 6652 Registered: 5-2001  |
They should post a menu on their website. | ||
| jamie Citizen Username: Jamie Post Number: 591 Registered: 6-2001  |
here ya go mem - http://www.sonaindiancuisine.com/menu1.php | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 10676 Registered: 4-1997  |
When was the last time a TC member delivered that quickly? The League of Awesomeness strikes again. | ||
| oots Citizen Username: Oots Post Number: 464 Registered: 6-2001 |
ate at Sona tonite-delicious!! oots | ||
| Hamandeggs Citizen Username: Hamandeggs Post Number: 377 Registered: 8-2005 |
What I really like about it is how very relaxing the place is! Soft music, muted colors, distance btw tables, not much rushing around. | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4997 Registered: 5-2001 |
Will have to go on our next night sans kids...they have not yet developed a love for Indian. Menu looks good and the vegetarian dishes are certainly moderately priced. | ||
| Strings Supporter Username: Blue_eyes Post Number: 914 Registered: 4-2004  |
I went with my mother and step-father on Tuesday - we loved it. We usually go to the Star of India in Kennilworth for really good Indian cuisine, but now we might not have to make the drive. We were pleased with everything - the ginger chicken "wings" (really drumstick) were delicious, the sagwala and tikka masala were outstanding - flavors you could really taste and not too heavy. The vindaloo was good, but my step-father and I agreed that's the only dish we felt the Star did better than Sona. Rice was included, just enough for the three of us, and service was excellent. | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 1001 Registered: 1-2006 |
Bring your own feni and limka? jd | ||
| Alberto Rojas Citizen Username: Rojas Post Number: 19 Registered: 10-2005 |
We had the lunch buffet on Saturday and dinner last night; everything was delicious and well-priced. The service was very good as well. It has already become one of our favorite destinations. | ||
| Dego Diva Citizen Username: Fmingione Post Number: 853 Registered: 12-2003 |
They have the lunch buffet on Sat? I thought it was only weekdays. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 9379 Registered: 5-2001 |
We got take-out Friday and I agree with someone else upthread that the portions seemed smaller than dining-in. | ||
| Eats Shoots & Leaves Citizen Username: Mfpark Post Number: 3612 Registered: 9-2001  |
Did the buffet on Sunday, sitting outside with a cool breeze. The food was good--clean, fresh, and some interesting takes on typical Indian dishes--subtle differences, but enjoyable and even surprising. The tomato soup particularly stood out. The pakora was a bit soggy, but I put that to the late hour we got there and the slow day. My partner in food crime lives in Morristown and we often hit Moghul and Cafe India (and Panir for Afghani) and we agreed that Sona was pretty good and comparable. For $10.99 it was hard to beat the buffet price. There are some interesting dishes on the menu that I want to try next time I go back. The service was wonderful. The hostess came out several times just to chat, and she was pleasant, attentive, and gracious. The waiters were observant even though we were outside alone. Two families with three little kids sat in the restaurant and everything seemed fine for the kids. I loved the rich colors on the walls. All in all, I am going back soon at night to check out the dinner menu and special entrees. | ||
| Dreamer Citizen Username: Dreamingguy88 Post Number: 12 Registered: 3-2004 |
* when you order take out the food portions are smaller. * some of my friends have called and no one picked up for several phone calls. * they used to serve sizzling food but not anymore. * each time anyone i know has gone in there and asked for stuff on the salad menu they never have it as well as some deserts. * the place has a lot of tasty things but the tables are tiny. we've pushed things around to just fit our food on the table. * has anyone been sat at tables that are lopped sided yet or have had a large party go in there with tables that aren't the same level? * there is a place in chatam called begham palace that seem to serve many dishes with a different taste and have many things not on their menu. | ||
| Hamandeggs Citizen Username: Hamandeggs Post Number: 386 Registered: 8-2005 |
Hmm...that's a real laundry list of complaints. Fortunately, they are all tiny and shouldn't interfere with your enjoyment of the place, especially as your post suggests that you've been at smaller tables (for 2) and there with a large party. If it was bad you wouldn't have returned, nor would the friends you mention have called for takeout (are you sure it wasn't a Monday?) or asked for salad and dessert. I was there again last night, and dessert was available. I really like the place. | ||
| Dreamer Citizen Username: Dreamingguy88 Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2004 |
if i only tried it once and gave a bad review for one experience that would be pretty unfair. the food isn't bad. its tasty. but i mentioned going with a large party because the first attempt at it was with a larger group and the second attempt was just me and a date. their not open monday. yeah when i went they didn't have all of their deserts each time. but oyu didn't mention ordering any of the salads? |
