Cheap Eats 2008: Saravana Palace

Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Dave McIntyre , Rina Rapuano

Saravana Palace

11725 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703.218.4182
Fax: 703.218.4183

Cuisines:
Indian, Vegetarian/Vegan

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Vienna/Fairfax-GMU

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Intimate

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Weekend Brunch, Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Idli; channa batura; medhu vada; potato bonda; poori bhaji; Jaipuri paneer dosa; coconut rice; gutti vankaya; carrot halwa; papri chat; crepe topped with ginger and chilies; chili-and-onion-topped uttapam; lemon rice.

Price Details:
Appetizers, $3 to $7.50; entrees, $5 to $12.


 

Reader's Rating:
No Reader Reviews

Why go: After some ups and downs, this all-vegetarian southern-Indian dining room has found its groove again with lovely breads and terrific rice dishes.

What to get: Idli, steamed rice cakes paired with stewed-vegetable sambar and chutneys; papri chat, a tangy salad of potatoes and chickpeas drizzled with tamarind and yogurt; regular or paper-style dosas, India’s version of crepes, filled with masala-style potatoes and onions and served with green-chili-stoked coconut chutney; a gram-flour crepe topped with ginger and chilies; chili-and-onion-topped uttapam, a pancakelike bread made from rice and lentils; wonderfully fragrant coconut rice; tart lemon rice.

Best for: A quick buffet lunch (watch for waiters coming around with fresh dosas); a leisurely vegetarian feast.

Insider tip: Dals, vegetable stews, and curries have lacked oomph lately.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

See all Cheap Eats 2008 restaurants