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Ananda

4.2 (742 reviews)
PriceyIndian, Bars
Closed • 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM
Updated over 3 months ago

Ananda Photos

ANANDA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Classy
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Ananda

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Reviews With Photos

Manhattan made by JR
Donyiel C.

Love this place! It's hidden but I like that about them. The service is always great! The food is delicious. During our last visit, our bartender, JR was amazing. He gave great suggestions and was very engaging. There's Sir Davis here! I had one of the best Manhattans I've ever had. Thanks JR! I will be back soon.

Chilean Sea Bass
Chloe H.

This was my first time back at Ananda since the pandemic. The last time I was here, I hosted my birthday dinner with a party of 10. This time it was a quiet solo dinner by the fireplace. This remains one of my favorite Indian restaurants. The service was impeccable. I usually get the whole Goa fish (visited Goa and loved the seafood), but I decided to try something different this time and ordered the Chilean sea bass with classic naan. I also ordered meat samosa and butternut squash and carrot soup as appetizers. My cocktail of the evening was the pomegranate martini. The sea bass was moist and flaky. It was accompanied by vegetable biriyani and cream spinach (I think). I didn't like the spinach. There was also a serving of what tasted like a sweet potato hash and it was delicious! The naan was warm, soft and fluffy. The meat samosa was different. It was tasty, but seemed more like a meat pie than a samosa. The butternut squash soup is always a favorite and it didn't disappoint - rich and flavorful. The pomegranate martini was sweet and smooth. Since I left happily stuffed, I had no room for dessert. I ordered the Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake to go. It was okay. I highly recommend dining here for an upscale dining experience. This place exudes old world charm, and the staff is very attentive.

Specials Menu (9/2025)
Kimberly S.

We arrived just before 5:30pm and were quickly greeted, seated and brought water. We opted to dine inside; however, the beautiful shaded patio was open with live music. Every item was perfectly cooked, well seasoned and came out hot temperature wise. Loved our first experience here and we will definitely be back to explore the rest of the menu!

Garlic naan
Madison P.

Overall: absolutely gorgeous restaurant, indoor, outdoor, and covered patio seating, delicious drinks, incredible food, huge menu, attentive service, multi-stall gendered restrooms, expensive, no happy hour What a perfect place for a nice date night. Every corner of this place is beautiful. I loved their plants and decor and there were so many cute and romantic places to sit. We were sat right away early on a Thursday. We tried four different cocktails- Warrior, cucumber detox, madras mojito, and the Parinda. All four were delicious, but the warrior definitely stood out. There were so many options on the food and drink menus that all sounded delicious. They even had mocktails. All of our food was stellar. It came out altogether. We got the garam masala goat, bengan bhartha, jingha karari, garlic naan, and aloo paratha. The meat was all tender and the flavors were balanced. It sounds like they have a farm which is really cool. The price was pretty hefty. It was a $200 dinner, so sadly we won't be able to frequent this place but I can definitely see us returning for a special date.

Bengan Bhartha
El P.

summary: a total vibe of a dining experience. Upscale and definitely expensive, but up there with some of the best Indian food I've ever had. A must-experience in the area if your budget allows. For context: we went for dinner around 4:30, so the restaurant was empty and just slowly starting to fill up. The decor is very unique and quite nice. There's a lot of covered seating with outdoor fans blowing everywhere (noise wasn't an issue). The service was plentiful and attentive. Side note: there was no sign or indicator from the outside that we were at Ananda (unless I totally missed it), so just bear that in mind if you're looking for it. It's not hard to find though especially if you use GPS - there's only one building in the lot. Drinks - we had a total of 4 signature cocktails (only one picture included) - all of the cocktails are priced at $15. This is how I knew we were in for a treat. The drinks were all delicious in a way where there was a perfect balance of ingredients and a level of depth/complexity where you immediately know the kitchen/bar knows exactly what they're doing. Food - Unsurprisingly, everything was delicious. Cooked perfectly with a perfect balance of seasoning. The shrimp dish had just the right amount of bounce to the meat and the goat was super tender. We were also provided with some rice and sauce to complement the dishes that went really well with the entrees. I honestly think you'll be fine ordering anything on the menu here and it coming out delicious. Price - I do think it warrants mentioning because the prices do feel a bit on the steep side. Small plates and apps were in the mid 10s and above. Entrees were in the mid 20s and many of them going into the 40s per plate. That being said, it was an elevated, upscale dining experience and I do feel like it was worth it. The ambiance and the food really took things to a different level compared to just some other restaurant. If your budget allows and you're looking for an incredible culinary experience, I would say that Ananda is a must check out.

Malabar crab

The food is absolutely mediocre. I mean the flavors are interchangeable and the spices are non existent - seriously disappointed.

Jingha Karari
Selina L.

I love the food here! My favorite dish is the Goa Fish. But everything I've ever had here is tasty. I love that everything taste different too. Huge selection of drinks: wine, cocktails, whatever you fancy. Service is amazing. We were the last table and had to wait for our Uber to come, but the waiter staff were patient with us and let us stay longer even though they were closing.

Architectural detail in the dining room.
Leila B.

Dining at Ananda feels like stepping into one of those rare food-centered films where a meal quietly alters your internal state. At the first bite of their savory samosas--crisp, deeply spiced, and unmistakably fresh--it was immediately clear this was not a typical dining experience. The flavors felt grounded and intentional, as if the food knew exactly what it was meant to be. As the meal unfolds, you notice video imagery of the farm: the land, the harvest, the work behind the ingredients. Gradually, it dawns on you that the farmers are also the staff. You catch glimpses of family life--children interacting easily, a young boy riding alongside his father on the farm--and then, moments later, that same boy darts across the dining room with an impish smile. The realization lands quietly but powerfully: this is not a concept being presented, but a life being lived. The space reinforces that coherence. Fireplaces, warm lighting, and a calm, elegant atmosphere invite you to slow down and stay present. Nothing feels performative. Everything feels aligned. Ananda doesn't try to impress. It simply knows who it is. The result is a meal that feels quietly expansive--and lingers long after you leave.

Lexy P.

My husband and I came here for his birthday. The ambiance, food and service were all wonderful. You can taste the quality of the food. This is the best Indian restaurant I've ever been to. We will definitely be back.

Shrimp Balchao
Olivia B.

Ananda has yet to disappoint me! One of my favorites! The roasted broccoli is 100/10. It was a perfect blend of sweet with the tamarind and savory with the cheese. The butternut squash and carrot soup was just delicious. The beef short rib was so flavorful, the beef was super tender with robust flavors and I especially loved the cauliflower and corn smash. My server was so kind and very attentive. The other staff and the manager were also very hospitable and kind.

Clara K.

Came to celebrate my friend's birthday here. This is probably one of the nicest decorated Indian restaurant in Howard county. It's located in a nice and safe community called Maple Lawn. Service is great. They are usually busy so I can see why some reviews say they feel rushed. Our server was pretty nice. Food is mostly great. I love their Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter chicken. We ordered lamb dish that I wouldn't get it next time. It had little too much of the lamb smell. When the lamb is marinated and cooked right, there shouldn't be any smell of it. Rice and naan were great. I wouldn't mind visiting on a special occasions but the price is little too high compare to the quality.

Fish Curry
Vy H.

LOVE this place!! I come here often mainly for dinner--arriving into the complex, the parking lot is very dark and not well lit, but don't be fooled, once you get inside it's well lit and has a nice fancy vibe. Food is AMAZING! Top recommendations are the Chicken Tikka Masala/Butter Chicken, Lamb Shank, Garlic Naan or Goat Cheese Naan and Fish Curry! Their Butter Chicken is the best I've had in the DMV area--so delicious especially if you dip the naan bread in the masala sauce--I usually request for extra sauce on the side. The Lamb Vindaloo and Beef Tenderloin are good too! Portions are huge, so expect to get very full. Service is always great--love sitting at the bar because all the bartenders are super cool. They have a full bar and offer lot of the high end whiskey/scotch/bourbon that you don't see too often in other restaurants. The owner comes around too and always stops by to say hi to us.

Jazz band
Lj S.

We went here for Mother's Day and First the ambiance is great!!! Live jazz in the background soft pillows along the bankhead. The servers were all helpful and very nice! The place was not loud even with a good number of kids around. And the food was awesome!My first son had a tiki masala he said it was delightful my second son had lamb balls that he said was amazing! The seasoning on everything was evenly distributed and overall Mild.My wife had a Peach Bellini and I think she loved it because she ordered 2 of them! Overall this was a Dream restaurant!

Bhindi Pyaaz- Okra, onions, traditional spices

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8 years ago

Once you find Ananda, (seriously, there is no signage), you won't forget it! Beautiful restaurant, great service and amazing food!

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Just the most excellent food and excellent service! The are even patient and kind taking a takeout order over the phone.

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7 years ago

I absolutely love this place food is great . Some of the staff can be a bit snotty but the food is wonderful

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Page 10 of 19

Ananda Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Ananda

Is it dressy or casual?

Its a gorgeous restaurant! I would recommend no flip flops or athletic wear (e.g., leggings, sweatshirts, t-shirts). Jeans are appropriate if paired with a nice top.

Can you order off the regular menu on the weekends during their lunch buffet?

We no longer offer buffets.

Is it halal?

Yes it is halal, we have asked many times before. Some of the meat options are not halal, but there are very few meat items on the menu that are not halal. Most if not all of the meat is halal.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Royal Taj

4.7(1.8k reviews)
5.7 mi
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Truly a hidden gem and hands down my favorite dining spot! I love Indian cuisine so that makes it…read moreeasier. If more than five stars were available, they'd get it!! After first being introduced to Royal Taj by a good friend years ago, I kept coming back. Not once did I have a bad experience. The service here is top notch! Everyone here treats you like royalty. This is where I have my annual birthday dinner. I come other times too, but this is my absolute must for my birthday! I've brought others here and everyone falls in love with them just like I did. I brought my family here this past weekend to celebrate my mom's 75th birthday and everyone had such a great time. I can't thank Royal Taj and it's owner, Binda, enough for the amazing service and hospitality!

Dinner with my husband and (adult) daughter. Greeted and seated promptly…read more Ambience is A-plus. It felt cozy and private where we were seated. We were surrounded by a plethora of beautiful bottles of liquor sealed and decorative. Service was spot on. Waiter checked up on us periodically (not in a bothersome kind of way). The food was very good. Here is a list of what we ordered: Lamb saag Basil pomegranate martini Bhindi masala Dirty martini Sangria Chicken biryani Samosa Papadam Mango lassi gelato for dessert All dishes and drinks were enjoyable. We plan to revisit and try different items on the menu. *bathroom was clean

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Royal Spice - Chicken Saag

Royal Spice

4.6(177 reviews)
13.5 mi
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This place is a real gem!! We go all the way from Ellicott city to this restaurant in Linthicum for…read moreits absolutely delicious food at a fair price point. We feel that Sangam at Ellicott city, though good, is very expensive. The other day we tried Royal Spice's cocktails and they scored there too! We have been recommending this place to all our family and friends! Let's give more business to worthy restaurants like these that serve yummy food along with friendly customer service!

Yesterday met up with some college (4) friends at Royal Spice in Lithicum Heights for late lunch…read more First time there for all of us and the food was flavorful and plentiful enough that we all had leftovers to take home. Not crowded for a Saturday and seated right away. They were pretty busy at least for delivery that it took a bit for our order but maybe because we were busy chatting and reminiscing. Couple of us had mango lassi sparkler - we enjoyed it and one ordered a non-alcoholic mango lassi and ended up not enjoying it - too yogurty for her. For the appetizer: chicken momo (dumpling) and samosa. Not bad! Main meal, I had the mixed platter which was very plentiful and flavorful, butter chicken mild and medium spice for two of the gals, and finally shrimp curry medium for the 4th gal. We highly recommended the very garlicky naan . The only negative I would say is that they were going to charge for extra sauce for my mixed platter. Ambiance was ok but a tad dark.

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Sangam Indian Cuisine - Egg dosa with onions and chutney (coriander, coconut, tomato) and lentils

Sangam Indian Cuisine

4.0(45 reviews)
8.5 mi
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Behind this unassuming storefront, someone is cooking South Indian food as though the spices…read morethemselves have something to prove. The menu is vast, a culinary map stretching from crisp dosas to deeply spiced curries and dishes whose aromas seem to arrive at the table several seconds before the plates do. I've returned more than once, working my way through both vegetarian and meat dishes, and thus far, the kitchen has yet to betray me. Everything has been remarkably good. Bold. Fragrant. Properly seasoned. Simply delicious! Of course, I've seen this story before. A wonderful little restaurant appears. You tell a few friends. They tell a few friends. And then, one unfortunate Tuesday, you drive by and discover the windows covered in brown paper. So I have only one request. Keep the chef. Keep the recipes. Keep doing exactly what you're doing. Five stars!

Food was great. Everything we ordered was really good. Onion Pakora was crispy golden and paired…read morewell with chutney. Vegetarian Fried Rice was nicely cooked with fresh vegetables. Chicken Biryani was very flavorful. Rava Masala Dosa was my favorite. Ended the meal with fresh lime soda. Service was excellent. The server who took our order was very polite. I was thinking in my head to ask the name and put it here but totally skipped my mind while we were leaving. Loved the Ambiance as well. It is a pretty place. Another good Indian find.

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Sangam Indian Cuisine - Spacious booths.

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Clove & Cardamom Restaurant - Lamb Tikka Masala and Fresh Made Garlic Naan! The perfect combination.

Clove & Cardamom Restaurant

4.1(221 reviews)
3.9 mi
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The most pillowy naan I've had this side of the Atlantic!…read moreI'm very picky on what I consider to be good if not great Indian food. As I come from the curry capital of the UK. I grew up with every form of Indian cuisine already on my doorstep. From Goan to the less gravy based Pakistani foods. So I wasn't expecting much, when we needed to book somewhere close to the pavilion. However I was wrong. Everything g we ate was excellent. From the paneer sizzler to the wife's shrimp tika masala. The only criticism would be that we would have loved to have been asked if we wanted another wine. But the place was crazy busy due to the concert nearby. They were rushed. So I'll let it pass.

We stopped here for a a casual midweek date day and it was great! The restuarant is a smaller size…read morewhich made it feel intimate and personal. It also was a modern design that made this place feel a bit more upscale than typical Indian restaurants. After looking at menu and buffet, we chose the buffet which was a great choice! They had many delicious options to choose from including butter chicken, spinach paneer, Biryani rice, naan pizza, curry goat, and more. And it was all at a very affordable price. (And midday it wasn't super busy which could make it a nice family friendly option.) Our waiter was also very attentive to our needs and kind. Overall, it was a great time and I would highly recommend.

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Clove & Cardamom Restaurant - Chicken 65000 Plate - bursting with flavor!!!!

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