It's cliche but, if I could give negative stars, I would.
I've been to Everest multiple times over the years with friends and have always had a solid experience -- the food was consistent, the staff friendly and welcoming, and it always felt like one of those cozy, reliable neighborhood gems. So naturally, I decided to bring my family last night for the first time, hoping to share a favorite spot of mine with the people I care about most.
I genuinely wish I hadn't.
From the moment we walked in, something felt... off. We waited nearly 10 minutes just to be acknowledged and place our order. While I usually don't mind a slower pace, that same lack of attention and care carried through the entire meal -- and the overall treatment we received was beyond disappointing.
Our server, frankly, was incredibly rude. One-off incidents I can overlook -- I've worked in hospitality and know everyone has bad days -- but this wasn't one bad moment. It was a string of consistently unkind, dismissive interactions that added up to one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had.
My fiancée ordered a dish that ended up being far too spicy for her. Totally on us -- no complaints there. I politely asked if we could replace it with something milder, and the waiter aggressively responded that he'd have to take the plate back, almost as if we were trying to scam him. I happily agreed to return it -- we weren't trying to get anything for free -- but his tone and body language were unnecessarily hostile.
We ordered three entrees and were given a single small portion of rice -- not even close to enough for four people. As someone born and raised in India and a longtime Indian food connoisseur, I can tell you: every Indian restaurant I've ever been to in the U.S. provides unlimited rice or at the very least a second helping upon request. When I asked for more, the waiter literally rolled his eyes, brought it over begrudgingly, and -- surprise -- charged us $2.99 for it. No mention of a charge, no indication on the menu. I don't mind paying for something I ask for -- I do mind being nickel-and-dimed without warning.
When I asked if he could clear a couple plates, he shooed me away with his hand. I honestly couldn't believe it. The restaurant is small, and yet I had to physically get up from my table to find him when we needed water, or the bill.
All of this might've been easier to swallow if the food had been exceptional, but sadly, it wasn't. The daal soup tasted like overly salted water -- a real letdown, especially when you grew up eating homemade daal that actually had depth and heart. The chicken tikka? Mid at best -- bland, dry, and completely forgettable. My fiancée didn't even touch her replacement dish because, in her words, it just "tasted bad."
The only redeeming quality? The naan. Soft, pillowy, perfectly charred -- genuinely some of the best I've ever had. But naan alone can't justify a meal that cost us over $100 and left us feeling disrespected, dismissed, and disappointed.
I'm writing this not just out of frustration, but genuine sadness. I've had great experiences at Everest in the past, and it used to be a place I'd recommend without hesitation. But after last night? I will never be back.
Everest, do better. read more