212 Somerset St. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6V4, Canada
Long-time restaurant offering all-you-can-eat vegetarian & vegan dishes.
As a vegetarian, I knew about this place but for some reason kept forgetting about it. I finally remembered the other day and so headed there for lunch. Very cozy, quiet, zen place inside - although I did takeout as opposed to eating there due to work. I took the 4 choices option and that day it was dahl, chana masala, saag paneer, and a slightly spicy carrots and peas dish, served with white rice. The portions were pretty huge, especially given the low price; I had to take some back home that evening. It was really good! My favourites were the dahl and the carrots/peas dish. Definitely would recommend to anyone. I hear that the menu changes regularly, so I'll be sure to drop by again to try out their other dishes.
Absolutely amazing staff and incredible food. The atmosphere was very welcoming and everyone was very open and explained everything to me. They also gave me free food!
Lovely food and atmosphere. They gave out free food for ‘Feed the World Week’ and it was amazing. Especially the cake 💖
I love the food here. The place is clean. The food tastes homemade and healthy. However, the quantity of food they put in takeout boxes is inconsistent. Depending on who's serving, sometimes the quantity is generous and, at other times, not enough. The last time I got takeout, I was given barely enough rice for one person. I hope that they provide instructions to their staff on how to serve for takeout.
Pure vegetarian restaurant. Minimal preparation but outstanding food, quality wise. You can take more if you want but try not to waste it. It is satwik and I loved interacting with the devotees as I loved the food there. I am visiting this restaurant time to time and would definitely recommend.
Govinda's is a little slice on all that is incredible about India. Delicious food, welcoming and generous hosts, and a cosy and vibrant atmosphere. Thank you to the kind owner for making our visit, on our 13th anniversary, extra special! We highly recommend going.
Blissful place. Our first Govindas in North America. We've been to one in Mumbai. Great food. One can go with different options of Thali (plate) depending upon how much one wants to eat and are priced accordingly. The volunteers are great to speak to and they're very helpful. There's street parking around if you have a vehicle. Definitely coming back next time we're in Ottawa.
Delicious vegan food😋 and really friendly staff. Will definitely be going back! I've been going regularly for quite a few months now and the food is always delicious!! Amazing price too.
Delicious meal, welcoming hosts and excellent service! Very calm environment. Thank you!
Religious place and has a temple inside. Reasonably priced vegetarian food
Im not a vegetarian but that meal was so full of flavor like a neighbor made it for me with love
Lovely. Great owners! You can feel that their heart and soul has been poured into this place.
Food is delicious and very low price. The staff and owners are very friendly, and the atmosphere is very cozy.
First time dining here and I loved the food! Exactly what I needed after being away from home. Amazing hospitality. Will definitely be coming often for Navaratri.
A peaceful place that s always welcoming to young folks and people from all walks of life. Healthy and affordable food made and served with care. Been going to Govinda s since the 1990s.
Homemade food with religious ambiance.
Delicious, enough choice for all tastes, and super friendly service in a serene atmosphere. THANKS!
Very nice place! The food is delicious!
Great, fresh and friendly food and staff. So convenient and inexpensive. Love it!
I ve been going to Govindas for nearly 30 years. The food is always fresh made and feels so wholesome. The staff are super friendly and the atmosphere is nice. I highly recommend giving it a try. Vegetarian options: All vegetarian or vegan. Dietary restrictions: Vegan and vegetarian
Love this place! Cheapest and healthiest vegetarian food. They also have a student discount.
Excellent food quality. Very large portions. Vegetarian options: Everything is vegetarian. Food : 5/5 |
I would give this place 6 stars out of 5 if I could! What I love about it is the food is very home cooked and not dripping in oil as sometimes Indian food can be. Super value, and the customer service was outstanding too!
The chef is wonderful, and the food is even better!
Tastiest vegan food in the city :)
great food!!
Vegetarian options: Great place with krishnas food. Food
Good food, nice people, cozy atmosphere, verry reasonable price. Went years ago and recently got takeout, delicious. Vegetarian options: Everything is vegetarian. Dietary restrictions: Lots that is gluten free and the staff are typically knowledgeable about the food.
Delicious food.
Phenomenal food and great atmosphere
Very great place and very authentic! Loved it!
Best place in Ottawa. Perfect vegetarian food with peaceful atmosphere of temple.
Food here was very tasty and comforting, people were very welcoming. A divine feeling to mind and body(clean food and Nutritious). Will definitely visit this place next time we visit Ottawa. Vegetarian options: Pure vegetarian place
Always amazing home cooked food with so much love and affection!
I work at the University of Ottawa and this restaurant is close by, offering delicious food at extremely affordable prices. The restaurant itself is clean and brightly lit by the big windows. It is not fancy but the food is delicious and service is friendly and prompt. With many vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, you can eat a huge lunch for only 10$, 12$ or 14$. There are student specials that make the food even more affordable. Last time I was there I had carrot and spinach curry, cabbage and potatoes, and dahl with rice and salad. Highly recommend!
Wholesome, lovefull vegetarian food for the soul!
Lucky to be here. The food is divine. It s definitely food for the soul. Temple is like a blessing in the west. Hare Krishna Food
Very delicious, and very kind staff. Have been multiple times and always have an amazing meal. Food : 5/5
It was an amazing place, where we met new people but they were very close and the conversation went well with them and it was very knowledgeable, it feels homely there Vegetarian options: you get vegetarian, vegan and also without garlic and onion
Incredible vegetarian and vegan food. Great portions for the price. Very peaceful and calm environment nestled in Ottawas only Krishna temple. The food is already made and placed out in heating bins which you select your options and is graciously served out to you. There is commonly good dessert options as well. The food is made with love and offered to the lord prior to serving. Very high quality of food. Would recommend to any vegetarian, vegan or even just spiritual person.
A devine place for spiritual, emotional and mental peace.
Holy and devine place!
Beautiful place of worship. Very nice people working there. The food is AMAZING! Tastes very home like . Definitely going back!
Very calm
Found this hidden Gem. Best Indian Vegetarian food. Remind me of my mom food. A truly special place, the food is prepared and served with love. You feel nourished inwardly and outwardly when you leave. It is rare to feel so good after eating that much food!
The atmosphere of the temple is very positive. We had a great experience. Mandala is very welcoming.
My favorite place
The best!
Divinely. I am in a big family of saints. Thank you.
Very peacful Lovely people in Jai shri krishan Food : 5/5
Went there for lunch, hadnt had my breakfast that day. They have some of the tastiest vegetarian food. I got a special student discount as well on my thali and free cake at the end of the meal.
Hare Krishna prasadam this place and food both are amazing
One of the best vegetarian indian food, very peaceful and amazing service Vegetarian options: Gujarati Dal, Aloo Gobi, Rajma, Rice, Kofta, Banana Bread
5/5 would recommand! Vegeterian Restaurant with affordable and delicious meal. Food: Amazing Vegeterian option! plus its take-what-you-eat portion size, so you will always be full when you walk out. Atmosphere: the restaurant is the other half of the temple, and the overall place is very neat. Service: would not consider it a factor here but its great! 6/5 Time: come up to the front and ask for food, simple as that.
Im not vegetarian but i would definitely be back. Really good food
Amazing food, calm and welcoming atmosphere, and a very affordable price!
Food was amazing! Very nice atmosphere and very nice people overall. It was a real pleasure to dine there.
Very kind staff, very good food. The pickled vegetable curry was some of the best weve had and I loved the buckwheat. Its nice to find a new vegan restaurant in town!
Hare Krishna!
The most holistic food one will ever find in Ottawa! Guilt free food, the food for Soul ! Ultimate care by the staff! Must visit Food
Super yummy food most recommended .. must visit . their pasta n cakes are super yummy
Literally just the best place in Ottawa. So peaceful and full of love
Great place.
The food was absolutely delicious, wholesome and given in large portions. All items on the menu the day I visited were vegan. They serve lacto vegetarian and vegan food only. Will visit again for sure. The ISKCON temple is adjacent to the restaurant and separately by curtains. Good vibes, friendly people. Students get a discount, and you would get a balanced nutritious meal in a large quantity. If I were a student I would eat here often Vegetarian options: Lacto vegetarian (no eggs, yes dairy) as per Hindu tradition, also known as pure vegetarian Dietary restrictions: Vegan
Food , service, taste everything 1 Number. Dont waste your time to think where to go if you are in Ottawa. Specially and strongly recommended for home made fresh food. ( No extra masala , simple and satwik bhojan ) I am very impressed with food , service and their gestures. Thanks Govindas
Nice and peaceful
A unique feature of this place- Cooking with consciousness.
Truly Divine Experience Vegetarian options: The food is strictly vegetarian and also without onion and Garlic. The best part is the food which you are having is offered to Lord Krishna as a prasad before it served to us.
Delicious and nutritious vegetarian food, with generous portions. Excellent service from the people who serve, kind and gentle, all very clean. I loved this place! In the end they gave me a discount for being a student
Felt like home cooked food
I located a vegetarian restaurant on google maps few years ago, so I was thrilled. I was a student at the time and I ate a simple large quantity of food while paying the price of mere $5. It was $6 for non-students. They had a daal, one or two vegetables, salad and sweet too. If I had lived close by it would have been perfect for me to eat there daily. Due to inflation their prices have risen to $12 now I think but they have upgraded their menu too. I love eating there because the food is prepared by simple devotees who chant the name of God whole day. How lucky I am to eat this kind of food! It is invaluable. The food does not contain onions or garlic and is mild. Parking is tricky, but I have been lucky all the times. Once we enter, we remove our outer wear and hang coats etc., remove our shoes while we can keep the socks on. Some people do not like that it is mandatory to remove shoes. The reason for asking to remove shoes is that Krishna Temple is attached to the restaurant. Whenever temples are built their floors are designed to conduct the cosmic energy and positive vibes of the temples through the feet. Temples are a place where cosmic energies meet. Every person who enters the temple becomes the conductor of that energy. Just like electricity is connected to the earth similarly human bodies need to earth the cosmic currents. Even science suggests that morning walks (which I used to do in my childhood) bare feet on dew on grass very early morning is very good for eyes. Having said that, it is also important to keep our shoes on while visiting graveyards and places where negative energy might be present. Bare feet definitely ensure we do not bring any dirt inside as devotees afterwards remove chairs etc. and prostrate on the floor. The same space is used as temple seating. I also go to Govindas for buying bindis and other pooja items. They carry beautiful Indian wear too at very economical prices. I definitely recommend you to visit Govindas Restaurant to enjoy a good Indian vegetarian meal prepared with love and devotion.
Amazing food, and even better people. They are doing a solid for the local community by providing healthy affordable meals. Keep it up!
Decent vegetarian food
A lovely place of worship and the free food service is very nicely managed! They have hygienic healthy meals for anyone and everyone and you can donate whatever you can to support and appreciate them! There intention and purpose to serve the society is commendable. Food
Amazing Food, Amazing Kirtan
Amazing food and staff!
Fantastic vegetarian food, highly recommended.
To appreciate the taste, ambience and aura, you gotta try it once.!
Healthy and full of quality vegan food. Great value for money and the staff is super friendly too!
Food and the staff were excellent. A great choice for Vegans, Vegetarians or anyone who likes good food. The food tasted like home cooked food. The staff are super friendly. Highly recommend this place.
Hare krishna Excellent food!!
Oh My GOD !!! They fed and fed me, that just having rice, curry, pakora, vegan meat balls was so much, it was lot of quantity, for such small price, that I didnt even get a chance to have Dal and dessert, had to pack it for home..and very friendly staff, who cooked all food and explains about the place and food. Definitely going back.
I have been here recently and feel truly grateful for the blessings my family has received through kindness and excellent food.
Very friendly people and nice and genuine food.
Amazing food at a great price served by the kindest, most generous people youll meet.
Lovely place with incredible meals.
I absolutely love the vegetarian food here! So many tasty options and it s affordable. The food is always made with love and is very nourishing and flavourful.
Amazing experience! Would love to visit again.
Tasty, affordable vegetarian and vegan food near UOttawa! The portions are huge (tbh one order is enough for 2 people or 1 very, very hungry person), super authentic and satisfying! There isnt much seating for dine-in but its definitely great for takeout.
Best vegan and vegetarian prasadam Hare Krishna!
Small and welcoming atmosphere, incredible vegan food, fantastic service, food is prepared with love. Modestly priced.Too close to my apartment.
Great tasting food and incredibly nice service! Thanks!
Perfect combination of good food and great service. Definitely recommend it!
PERFECT FOOD Temple is amazing too. Recommend it to all Hindus, all vegeterians , or everyone that likes good food! Hare Krishna
Excellent grub. No animals hurt!
Wonderful, delicious sattvic experience. Shining faces, kind service and aroma of fresh and pure food. Highly recommend. Love that you respectfully remove shoes at doorway to enter sacred space for Food for the Soul. NAMASTE
First class. Hare Krishna
The portions are soo filling its like two meals in one for the price your paying. So good and beyond worth the trip here everytime!
I really like the people and the food. This is my first time going and Im really happy I tried this place out. The food is good and affordable!
Food was really tasty. It was served with love and blessings. Must visit !!!
What a lovely place! It s definitely a hidden gem. We will try to come back next time we visit Ottawa.
Very tasty and pure vegetarian food. Full of Indian flavours. Better than the Indian food in some of the restaurants
Best food ever! Price are affordable, quantity is amazingly a lot and the flavour is heaven!!!
Very delicious and great place for vegetarians.
Unassuming eatery (and Hari Krishna temple) occupying an unassuming home. We popped in here last week after conducting a quick Google location search for vegetarian restaurants. Mid afternoon on a Saturday and only one other table was in use. Its hard to beat the rice and 2 sides lunch for $10. People were friendly, the food was incredibly yummy and the portions were just right. I would have given it 5 stars but A: I like my food a bit spicier. B: apart from the hot rice, the paneer side dish and others were lukewarm. C: We were not aware that in deference to the faith, we would be required to remove our shoes. I was in sandals and had I known, I would have brought some socks .
Had very good experience there. Best place to eat pure vegetarian (without onion and garlic) food with very affordable rates. Just one suggestion to this place is it would be better if they serve the hot food.
Great food!
Really quiet place and very good ambience. Food was really tasty, its a very nice place to visit and spend time.
Excellent place, small but calm and customer friendly.The food is very good.Hope I will visit this place again to join Bhajan
A truly special place, the food is prepared and served with love. You feel nourished inwardly and outwardly when you leave. It is rare to feel so good after eating that much food! Sattvic prasad.
Very good food but the pasta salad is so much better without the tofu
Delicious vegetarian food. Would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone.
Wonderful food made in a hygienic, sustainable & friendly environment
Really friendly bhakti place. Went there the first day I felt well again and the food was delicious and plentiful, the atmosphere loving and helpful like all of bhakti. Very grateful to have a vegan place to go to, hang out and eat good food when I am well.
Awesome place. Awesome food.
Absolutely delicious Indian food, the best Ive found in Ottawa! Great flavours and so affordable.
We are lucky to have Govinda s in Ottawa. Great food and great people. Healthy, affordable and delicious
Total satisfaction - my well nourished reptilian brain now feels like everything will be okay! Govindas has slightly changed the menu (Covid) for takeout Fridays and Saturdays 12-7 pm. The sweet potato curry, bean and avocado salad, and as always, the dhal are totally excellent. And I have cake to look forward to. ..
Great food, solid portions, sweet bread with even sweeter people.
Tasty vegetarian food. Blessed good. Amen
Excellent satvik food (prasad) It is a hidden gem near university campus. Very pleasant atmosphere
Vegetarian
Healthy and quality food served here.The food is cooked here with lot of love and care. Decent pricing, fresh, high on quality. If youre vegan, vegetarian or just wanna try healthy food, do try Govindas food.
Super tasty vegan meals made with love! There is a Krishna temple here as well and the overall atmosphere is very peaceful. They offer discount to students and are super friendly!
I just love this vegetarian place. The people are so friendly and the food is healthy, tasty, and their cook (or chef?) Mandala makes it conscientiously and even serves it out himself. They have a new menu and are changing it monthly. What fun, that means new revolving flavours yay! Today I had the takeout container. It was a lot and I couldn t finish it all so I saved half for supper. It had some interesting veggie Kafka balls in a light coconut sauce. Their mango blueberry cake was sooooo good!!! I would have bought the whole cake if I could hahaha. I also really liked the basil pasta and bean salad. They also sell their vegetarian cookbook if you want to try their recipes. If you are vegetarian or even if you are not, but like to eat healthy, give them a try!
We had a nice fulfilling lunch and were amazed by Mandalas cooking, hospitality, calm nature and devotion! Our favorite place in Ottawa for sure!
Amazing food
Unbelievable food. We knew it the moment we entered, wiff of bliss, smelled aromatic. Food was excellent, delicious, homely and of the highest quality. Loved it
Tried this restaurant for the first time today. The food was amazing and the desert was... Wow! Totally added to my list of repeat places?
Best vegan food restaurant in town. Conveniently located near uOttawa and a short walk from Rideau center. Most of the ingredients are from local organic farm, food is prepared fresh and is delicious. Friendly service by Mandala and team. Thank you.
Delicious vegetarian food, super nice people, and easy on the wallet. Note: this is not a restaurant where you can order a wide variety of dishes. Due to the pandemic, there is a limited menu and very limited hours of operation (Fridays and Saturdays, 12:00-19:00). As well, the proceeds support a religious charity. But dont let that deter you from dropping by and grabbing some delicious food. As well, the people at Govindas seem very compassionate and very much at peace.
A special place we like to call home. Food is alwaya amazing. Fresh and flavourful!! Strongly recommend
The best vegetarian food for sure.
I really dont understand the high ratings this place gets. Yes, its inexpensive, but thats about it. The selection is really slim, and the quality is, shall we say, barely passable. I am not in a hurry to return any time soon. If I want vegan/veggie food, Id rather cook it myself or bite the bullet and go to Greendoor. This place just doesnt do it for me.
Simple, cheap fare. Super welcoming and warm !
Best food and service Small not that fancy but if u want warmth and satisfy your heart then best place
Simple buffet. Have visited for years and bring guests.
Indian home food.
Great and cozy vibe
Very nice, good food :)
An affordable all you can eat Indian vegan food - best for students as they pay less. Non-students need to pay a little extra. It is a non-profit. You have less selection (includes a dessert) compared to buffets in Indian restaurants in Ottawa but I give it high rating because each dish is made with love, hygienic and simple. Whereas other Indian restaurant buffets have more than half of the dishes that doesn t taste good. The restaurant is open during school days I guess (closed during summer - but please double check). It is a cozy little place. Small Krishna temple (ISKON) is connected to it - so need to remove shoes. The woman is very welcoming and explains the ingredients in the dishes. A very peaceful place for any kind of person to get filling good food.
Delicious
Absolutely not worth the $9 each. The Rice was mushy and disgusting. The veggie stews were all overcooked and bland. At Govindas you get way less than you pay for. Oh but the banana bread is not bad!
Great place!! Blessed food which will bring you health and calm your mind.
Great vegan food, very reasonable and prepared with care.
Great food, great price, and great staff! I would recommend to any vegans or vegetarians looking for a tasty homemade meal!
Great food, great people
Delicious vegan food, all-you-can-eat at a very low cost. Perfect spot for students to go, and still great for anyone else.
Excellent food !
Yummy affordable vegan food but there are a few drawbacks. The menu is fixed so there arent many options to choose from and the place is a bit cramped.
Amazing
Beautiful home made simple Indian food made with love. amazing :)
Good people! Good FOOD!
Amazing & fresh vegan home made food! Must try! Jai Shri Krishna!
Karma-free eating.
Best place in Ottawa. Great atmosphere, great food. Prices cant be beat.
Great little place. Its very quaint and cozy here as its a small restaurant. The food more than makes up for it though. I brought my wife here for Feed The World Week where they celebrated by offering people delicious plant based ethical meals free so that people could experience amazing food and realise that you dont need meat or animal products to have amazing, healthy, delicious and filling food. I will definitely be going back again to try the regular menu and highly suggest people try Govindas!
Super good food, very affordable for students! Ill definitely be back.
Really great place for a healthy meal
These are honestly the nicest people on earth, the food is really wholesome and delicious, and you seriously cant beat the price. Whats not to love about it? Its even vegan-friendly for your veggie friends. :)
Great for vegans
Lovely atmosphere... hidden gem