Restaurant Review: Berco's, Sec 12, Noida (Nr. Noida Stadium)

Berco's Garden - one joint in Noida which is alive and bustling even on a thursday night! This is one stop for families & guys out on a drinking spree -the sections are divided ;). Those who have been to the Berco's in Delhi, please do not compare it to this one.
The Ambience
Very tasteful, lots of woodwork, nice brown interiors, doesn't hurt the eye one bit. And what makes this place special - Live music! A singer with his Piano, does a great job at singing you some oldies and really nice romantic numbers. He is usually available after 8pm if I'm right.
What to eat
The Crispy Chicken is tasty, some of my friends are fans of Crispy Chilli Potato in snacks, I normally stick to the Thai curry and rice for the main course and that too is delightful.
Cost efficiency
This is the best part, this place gives the best value for your money, be it the booze or the food, it's worth every penny. The accept Sodexo (or whatever they are called) tickets too.
Verdict
I have lost count of the number of times I have been to Berco's, me thinks it's above 20, as it is also close to my place, a certain two thumbs up.

Restaurant Review: Rajdhani, Great India Place Mall, Sec 18 Noida

Rajdhani - Well, I am a Bombay boy and anything which reminds me of Mumbai makes me fall in love with it....Rajdhani a chain which first started in Mumbai ofcourse, serves Gujrati/Rajasthani Thali. They have a fixed menu everyday and unlimited servings!!

The Ambience

The restaurant's in a Mall, so it isn't huge and the decor is not bad. The seating is comfortable so that you can binge on the unlimited servings, on weekends you may have to wait to be seated.

The Service

The service is really something to talk about, when you start refusing the helpings, the servers actually convince you to eat some more with a smile, that shows their dedication towards serving you coz it makes better business sense for them to stop!! Kinda reminds you of home where your family just can't stop stuffing you.

What to eat

Now here's the tricky part, since there is a fixed menu everyday, which may have changed from the time I went there, (you get Daal Baati on thursday along with a loads of other stuff); I couldn't get enough of the 'Rotla', which they serve along with all the rotis and parathas, I is a small thick roti, with lots of ghee and mashed jaggery!! Well that's real indulgence for me.

Cost Efficiency

If you are a big eater, this place is made for you, the cost of Rs. 350 per head won't pinch as it is an all you can eat galore, for those with a small appetite, you may get overwhelmed.

Verdict

Check it out if you are in that mall and want a nice pure veggie option, and if you are a big eater then make a special trip to Rajdhani!

(Check http://www.rajdhani.co.in/ for more details)

Restaurant Review: Ilario, Sec 18, Noida (Next to Barista)

Ilario - Italian for Cheerful. The first time I visited this place, I thought that this was just another homely coffee joint, I did not expect this place to have a beverages menu which ran into a few pages in addition to a huge spread of some very delightful Italian food and an awesome bakery

The Ambience

Ilario has a homely feel to it, also has some games like scrabble. It isn't a posh place! it is a place you can go to in your shorts or pyjamas and that's the best part. And yes, worth a mention is the free Wi-Fi access for all us techies or all the yuppies.

The Service

A young and lively bunch of servers, are always smiling and always there, even if you are seated below. The also have home delivery btw.

What to eat

Mushroom Rissotto is heavenly (add a little pepper), Tuna Open Sandwhich is nice, DO NOT FORGET TO try the Chocolate Fudge Cake / Pastry, I still remember the taste!!!

Cost Efficiency

These guys have got it absolutely right, you don't feel ripped when the bill arrives and nor does this place classify in the 'cheap' category.

Verdict

YES, a place you shouldn't miss if you are in Noida, I will keep going to Ilario again and again!Details - Menu & Prices are available at http://www.ilario.in/)

Restaurant Review: Kebab Krazy, Sec 18, Noida (Nr. McDonald's)

Kebab Krazy (blah!) has a lavish menu, is well decorated and at a convinient location. A friend of mine was the first customer here, thus he got a call when they got their liquor lic, and asked me to join him so that I could list it!
The Ambience
The only good thing about this place. Has a nice looking bar with bar stools et al, is well lit and clean. Looks like a lot of effort and money has gone into the look of the place.
The Service
The service was cranky to say the least, for a couple of queries our waiter needed to ask someone else. The beer wasn't cold (maybe some teething problems as the bar section had just started that day), I was contemplating adding ice to it :( which my colleagues called for and after we coaxed the waiters atleast 3-4 times for, got on the table. A couple of kebabs on the platter were also served cold.
What to eat
The fish in the kebab platter was really tasty, rest of the kebabs were just run of the mill. We had the biryani, which was a bit overpriced and wasn't anything to brag about.
Verdict
For a place that calls itself Kebab Krazy and is also priced on the steeper side, I wouldn't recommend it to any of you, just to register my unhappiness, I am giving it an ugly thumbs down :P

Restaurant Review: Swagath Restaurant & Bar - Sec 18 Noida (Next to CSM/Pizza Hut)

Swagath is a place I have been to on numerous occasions for its Chicken Chettinad and its Chilled Beer, especially during Happy Hours where you get a beer on every beer you have. One can safely assume that if you want some quality Seafood in Noida, Swagath is the only option I have come across in my food chases.
The Ambience
A typical family restaurant, clean and plush. Please don't expect great music along with your food/beer!
The Service
There are hardly any places in Noida where the waiters and captains are eager to serve. Swagath scores extremely high on Service, you need not jump out of your seat and sway around to grab the attention of the servers.
What to Eat
Chicken Chettinad along with Neer Dosa, Prawn/Fish Ghassi
Cost Efficiency
Expensive if you are on a modest budget, a meal with Seafood involved will set you back by about Rs. 350-400 a head. Beers make sense in Happy Hours.
Verdict
A must do - Although this isn't a budget restaurant but the food is always tasty and consistent and the beer is always ice cold; electricity or no electricity

(Detailed menu along with prices - https://www.swagath.in/)