Govinda Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant in Richmond

Food is so good

Tasty tasty

Food is amazing Has to be best food in Richmond. The food is saathvik and delicious This is like temple prasadam Place was small was small but the food & service made up for it.

love it so much!!!!!! the food is amazing, atmosphere welcoming, and the service truly warm and stunning

Clean restroom. Simple spiritual place to eat healthy and inexpensive vegan and vegetarian food.

Incredible service and the kindest people Ive ever met! The food is delicious

Order online through THEIR website where I tipped and paid. Arrive to find out my order was given to someone else. Management wanted ME, the customer to call the company that handles their website order to report the issue. I just want the food that I already paid for and he wants me to call them. Another customer walks in and her food order isn t figured out either. They scurry to make my plates and drop pan lids and such in the kitchen. They ran out of something I ordered and tell me to call the company for credit. I ask to just give me something the same price since I already paid. Food was cold despite plates being made right in front of me. Go else where. Terrible customer service. Will never be back.

The owners here are sweethearts as well as the man who was up front . 10/10 good food and energy :)

Vegetarian options: Had chickpeas which was delicious rice and a vegetable nice amout. The food is awesome. Recommended dishes

The food is authentic, the people are authentic and is a gem within the area. Not much in way of having anywhere to sit, but it was still great to support a small local business.

Wouldnt come here again. Ordered food at 7 and it was cold and unappetizing. I ordered Roti and it was do dry that it crumbled apart, not to mention oily. Never seen Indian food this bad. Wouldnt even offer a refund, just told me to come back for a free Roti. Yall, the Roti was 5 dollars. I paid 20 for my food. Im not the first person to have these complaints either. Be advised.

Okay this is an honest review I visited here this past Sunday after going to galaxycon due to the good reviews and all I can say is Im shocked Im guessing people in Richmond dont know what good Indian food is which is understandable since there isnt much of it here but taking this from a fellow Indian this food is mid at best, I really tried to like it but it was absolutely flavorless, bland, small portion (I even ordered another samosa cuz I was still hungry) and even that was not really any good actually worse than the Thali lol and just not worth the hype, a doordasher thought the same when the owner handed her a free sample of sweets, I told them it was good just to get out I was really happy to leave also cuz I was treated rudely being told the trash is outside like why do people have to go outside to throw away trash nobody does that in america? I dont get it. Do yourself a favor Come to New York to try authentic Indian food this is just some easy mom and pop stuff you can get at the grocery store for like $1-2 being flipped for 10 sorry but this doesnt cut it with so many better options around I could make better at my home this food sucks lol.

Considering they don t use garlic, onion, or meat, the food was quite tasty. So long as you manage expectations!

Upon arriving, it s a small corner building that serves great food. I m guessing they help out the community from what they say on the sign I got a tray I forget the name of the tray, but it definitely filled me up. It came with a little appetizer entrée, and a dessert Definitely will come back to support the business

Very welcoming little place serving simple, satvic, vegetarian food at a very reasonable price. My wife and I arrived after they were supposedly closed for lunch at 1 pm. It wasnt a problem. The service-minded, elderly gentleman welcomed us, showed us what was available. We had the thali - rice with a couple of vegetable dishes (subzis), roti and a sweet dish. I wish I had room for the dosa on offer (special on Wednesdays). I would not mind going back for dinner just to try the dosa. It appears that proceeds from the restaurant is used to serve free meals for the under-privileged in the community.

Awesome experience! The food is fresh and tastes great. The people there are very polite and nice. Overall a great place to eat. Make sure to visit the temple behind the restaurant.

If you find this restaurant via their website and attempt to call the 703 number on it, you will be calling the Iskcon Temple, NOT the restaurant. If you hang up after a few rings, expect an angry callback to the tune of, WHO THIS?! And if you explain that you were trying to reach the restaurant and apologize, they might call you back yet again and say nothing. That was our experience anyway. I understand it was not someone at the restaurant calling us back, just the temple they are affiliated with. Sure, didnt engender any goodwill though. I cant blame the restaurant for the creepy callback from the temple, but they might want to update the phone number on the website to avoid this in the future.

A lot of food for the price, it was fun to try everything that came in the platter. The owner was very nice and even gave us free cookies. Vegetarian options: Had vegan and vegetarian options

I cannot recommend eating here more. The food is so filling and delicious; wonderfully spiced, but definitely not that spicy and approachable even for more sensitive palates. The food is also crazy filling and so cheap! My boyfriend and I got the standard plate for 9 dollars and 3 extra samosas. The total came to $14 and we were both stuffed by the end. The owner is also so sweet and very kind even when we arrived 10 minutes before closing; we really appreciated it. Eat here whenever you can; its definitely worth it!

This is a great restaurant, quite settings in the heart of Richmond and walking distance from VCU. The owners are amazing and the service is just as good as the food!

My favorite restaurant around the vcu campus. Affordable, delicious, and lovely people.

This restaurant is not able to meet expectations of devotees,who visit from far places and Iskcon administration must think of improvement. Vegetarian options: Only vegetarians eat here and only devotees can adjust to the food. Lord Krishnas Iskcon temple is a solace in the downtown of Richmond.

Great owners who are friendly and willing to accommodate to your needs. Hygienic food that is healthy and vegan. I am rooting that they continue to thrive. They also contribute to our local community.

Delicious and affordable Indian food, with some dishes that are hard to find elsewhere. Tried patra and loved it!

Very serene. Small place operated by single elderly pleasent kind hearted couple. Vegetarian options: All veggies Parking: Limited on-site parking but street parking available.

Delicious Vegan Indian food, prepared with love and their mission to help feed hungry people hits close to my heart! Vegetarian options: Almost everything is vegan, and if not it s marked as vegetarian *not vegan* Dietary restrictions: Vegan / Vegetarian friendly

Very clean and fresh food.

Delicious. Cheap. Wonderful staff. Had a plate and finished my partners plate as well. I will be back for sure

My wife and I are going through a rough time after I was in a bad accident that almost cost my life and did cost the use of my leg. The owner and his wife fed us and treated us like a family. We had amazing food. The service was as amazing as the food. I will be bringing as many of my friends and my wife and I back to support the restaurant frequently and with pleasure. Thank yall for being here and for being amazing to us Vegetarian options: Vegetarian and vegan friendly

Meh...I ordered this on doordash, and it was okay, I guess. My thali had pasta in it, which was weird. The pakora wasnt good. Everything else was mediocre. Ill try someplace else next time because this just wasnt cutting it.

It is a place by a retired ISCKON devotee who has this place to serve satvik food. There ISCKON temple in the house behind it. The food is vegetarian, devotionally made and served.

True home-cooked indian food prepared by exemplary ambassadors to Indian culture and cuisine. Vegetarian options: Everything is vegan except some rare exceptions. Simply inquire if in doubt.

Excellent vegetarian food! The food served was piping hot and delicious.. reminds me of home cooked comfort food. We got a thali which is more than sufficient for one person, can be comfortably shared by two (with moderate appetite). We also bought a box of chivda which costed a bit more than usual, but after tasting it we know its absolutely worth the price. Very tasty. Shall be back soon.

Ok place to dine in.

Amazing service! Affordable food thats not too spicy but still has good flavor. The plate has a good variety of food. Definitely try their desserts! We tried the Thors Vegetarian options: All options are vegetarian Parking: Free street parking except for Mondays from 9am-11am. Just check the signs. Theres also more street parking further up or further back on the street

Just ate lunch at this place! All good items seems like home made and pure vegetarian!!! LOVED it! Thank you for great food, I will be back again

I went knowing it was vegetarian, I m not, and it was one of the best tasting Indian restaurants I ve eaten at

This place is not just a restaurant. It serves much more than food. It serves you a chance to elevate your spiritual experience #ISKCON. All food is completely satvik. All food served here has no onion & no garlic. The places does have 7 to 8 spots for parking, of course first come first serve, no reservation or valet parking.

Best vegan and vegetarian food Vegetarian options: Roti, Rice, Dal, Vegetable, pakora, samosa, pasta, sweet desert, Patra

This is a charitable restaurant from the ISKON community in the Richmond downtown area wherein you will get food at a very cheaper rate. You can make donations there as well. The food tastes like home cooked food. This is a Satvik(NO onion, No garlic, NO meat or EGG) restaurant. If youre vegan and you love Indian food and want to have home like food then it is the place for you. The best place for students as the food is not that expensive and you get enough quantity. Unless you eat a lot and/or non-vegetarian. P. S. This isnt any fancy restaurant where you want to experience the spicy Indian food an ambience. The menu is limited (max. 10-12 items) and the food is simple. P.P.S. The leftover food doesnt get wasted as they giveaway to the homeless people.

Great food, amazing quality and very healthy

We went on weekend.... we ordered thali. We were served 1 paratha, rice ,Chole, halwa, pasta and mix veg. Paratha was too tight to chew . Pasta was maggi and some pasta mixed. Mixed veg was smelling bad. We complained also but they said its fresh made. I would recommend not to go..

We went in person, and ordered out. Had a nice picnic in a nearby park. We appreciate the simplicity of the menu. We know we can depend on the Sattvik Veg quality and had it confirmed once again for this takeout order Dietary restrictions: Pure vegetarian, no onions and garlic. Parking: Five spaces adjacent

Parking: Parking within premises, around 4-5 spaces Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair ramp entrace into restaurant, bathrooms have bars to hold on to, 1 disabled parking spot available Food : 5/5 |

Reminds me of home :) Will definitely be back!

Superb,Delicious Dishes!!

Great owner. Excellent vegetarian and healthy food made with love, with a mission to truly serve the society

Was driving from SC to NY on I95 and was desperate for strictly vegan food, the owner here stayed open a little later than usual to make sure we got something to eat and even gave us extra sweets and samosas for the road. I will never forget his kindness! Food really hit the spot- simple and good.

Cheap and tasty vegan Indian food!

Pure Vegetarian food, very nice and caring staff. Also, this restaurant runs a food for life program with a goal that no poor should remain hungry in Richmond area, also distributes food free to homeless every Sunday. Which restaurant has such a kindness ? Food quality is excellent, kitchen is clean. If you are a vegetarian or vegan it is a must place to visit.

The owners are so welcoming and the food was so delicious! Today was my first time coming in and I ordered the thali and samosas on the side. Everything had flavor and was filling. The samosas were also generously filled and not overly greasy. Govinda s is the place to go for affordably yummy and healthy food :)

Great staff. Great food. A overfilling meal for just $7! It just cant get better. Food controls your thoughts. Govindas all vegetarian and mostly all vegan food creates positive thoughts. Must visit place for Richmonders.

very nice

Excellent food! Its great that you dont have to think as to what to order. They serve you the food of the day! Fresh, tasty vegetarian meal! Always delicious! Divine environment! Great service!

UNREAL vegan Indian food!! Hands down, the best Indian food Ive ever eaten (no easy feat!!)! Everything weve had from here has been absolutely delicious and every dish, overflowing and abundant. You wont find anywhere less expensive either!! A must try...and return to again and again!!!

Soulful home made Indian Prasad!! Must try if you are in the area

Good food for a good price. I usually get two meals out of the thali plate and I appreciate that it is actually authentic Indian food. I 100% recommend.

This is one of the best Indian restaurants in Richmond. It is authentic, fresh, and affordable! The people are very friendly and happy to help. Also they run a food program which is fantastic.

Great vegetarian meal. Generous portions. Neat and clean. Run by very friendly and kind gentlemen.

Wow a complete meal for 7 bucks. Vegetarian and vegan. You get what they have for the day. Only open 5 pm to 8 pm. They feed local people in need so please visit and enjoy!

Always so darn busy

Not sure why there are so many glowing reviews of this place. Its very underspiced, cold and bland Indian food. There are blocks upon blocks, miles, kilometers even, between what this is and the best Indian food Ive had. It isnt terrible. Ive had much worse as well. But the endless reviews proclaiming this the best Indian food they have had beggars belief. It is vegetarian. I presume vegan as well as I noticed a lot of vegan baked goods. The food must be prepared off site and brought here, because everything I ordered was cold. I might have a better opinion if I owned a microwave and could warm it up? I did like the okra over rice. It was cooked properly. The other dishes in my thali were decent. But all were under salted, and lacked any spiciness. I know in Buddhist traditions they will often say you should avoid spicy food as well as garlic and onions because these inflame the passions. I suppose a similar thinking may be at work here, since the Govinda storefront is run by the Krishna Consciousness movement, which seems to have some commonalities with Buddhism. I wish the people serving me had told me the food was room temp. I might not have ordered what I did.

Hare Krishna! The food made me say this. Simple, tasty, quality, fresh food at very affordable cost.

Very nice restaurant, with friendly staff, tasty, authentic Indian food all at a very reasonable price. Vegetarian options: Vegetarian and vegan friendly

This food is so good! The price is unbeatable and the man was very kind:)) will definitely be going again!!!

the best vegan food and the kindest staff!!! only $7 for a full plate!

The food is amazing, and the owner is a legend. This is the first Indian food I ve had where I feel like it s not the same template of this or that curry with naan. Tastes like home cooked food and it s delicious. The mission of this place is admirable

The food was amazing and a very authentic southern indian cuisine. The mission of this restaurant is to help provide people meals if they cannot afford it and the owner is absolutely wonderful! He is such a nice guy and so nice to have this spot so close to campus now!

Delicious food, excellent value, friendly owner

I really like this place! It s kind of nice not to have to make any decisions and just go in and get a plate of food handed to you. It s nothing that will make you go wow like some of the more upscale Indian restaurants in Richmond, but the food is tasty and wholesome and the people who run it are super nice. I have only been twice but I definitely plan to be a regular!

Great food and amazing service for $7! Can t beat it.

This place is absolutely amazing! They give you a whole tray of food for $7!!! The couple that run this place are so nice and welcoming. During my first visit the owner comes up to me and explains the menu in detail, then makes me a tray with everything in it so I can try out all of their food. Imma become a regular here very quickly 10/10

For the price of $8 and being encourage to read some books about Hare Krishna and spirituality, this meal is totally worth it. I had no idea what anything in my box was but i ate every bit of it, had to be over a pound of food. I think my favorite part is that you just order THE meal, theres no choice or options really. I totally recommend this one.

I ve been here multiple times and everything has been delicious. My new go to for comfort food!

This place is a must try if you re looking for authentic Indian cuisine made with love. Not only was our food delicious but the owners were so friendly and kind. The restaurant was also extremely clean which is really nice to see. For $7 you get a huge plate of yummy food. The owner even gave us mango juice drinks for free while we were walking out. We will definitely be returning.

Huge and delicious vegan / vegetarian meal that anyone could enjoy for only $7. The owners are so nice and generous too.

Friendly, fast, delicious, affordable.

The absolute best food in all of Richmond!!!!!!

Very good Indian food. You should try it. This restrunt makes one meal option each evening, which is Vegan and served in take out containers. So you get a really fast meal that changes each evening.

Good food. Quick to get. Nice owner.

Simply the best

Great vegetarian food and such Nice people

The food was delicious and the folks working were super friendly, this is my new favorite spot!