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Hours
Sun
11:30 AM - 9:15 PM
Mon
11:30 AM - 9:15 PM
Tue
11:30 AM - 9:15 PM
Wed
11:30 AM - 9:15 PM
Thu
11:30 AM - 9:15 PM
Fri
11:30 AM - 10:15 PM
Sat
11:30 AM - 10:15 PM
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CUISINES
Indian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
features
Does this restaurant serve alcohol?
Details
CUISINES
Indian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
5.0
842 reviews
Excellent
699
Very good
106
Average
26
Poor
5
Terrible
6
David C
Wadsworth4170 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
This is an upscale place, we were dreadfully under dressed because we didn’t know. The service was fantastic and I made a new friend in our server Rohit. They are very attentive to your every need. The naan is very good and is 3.50 per order. My friend asked for a couple more pieces and they brought him 2 whole orders so be careful with the language barrier. I was offered a veg cauliflower dish that was not on the menu. It was 15.95 for cauliflower but was so incredibly delicious. My colleague had the lamb kabobs which were well seasoned and well cooked. The rice was delicious and tasted of saffron and perhaps a hint of jasmine. The halwa and chai were heavenly together and almost lulled me away. The overall experience with the ambiance, beautiful decor, amazing service and delicious food makes them the best, sabase accha!
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Columbia_Ted
Columbia112 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
From the elegant ambiance to the service to the cuisine, its all first class. It gets pretty crowded on Saturday nights so I would recommend playing it safe and make a reservation. We preferred the smaller side dining room as the main room seemed too large for a quiet romantic conversation. The portions are not oversized like many restaurants these days...just right except wished the soup bowls were larger.. We both answered medium when asked how spicy we wanted our entrees and it was a bit on the mild side. Couldn't have had a more attentive staff without over doing it. My wife ordered a dish from the extensive vegetable specialties selections and I had the Lamb Rogan Josh...both very good. Dinner for two with one glass of wine and one shared dessert came to $68. Not bad for an upscale restaurant in an affluent neighborhood like Columbia, Md. Will visit this place again. On par with Ananda's in Maple Lawn down the road for best Indian restaurants in Howard County. Chutney Restaurant would be my third choice.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKGantu
5 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
Reasonable North Indian food with excellent ambient environment with very pretty décor and pleasing customer service. Food over priced for the portions.
We went one Saturday during in the middle of September almost towards closing time. Impressive location with a separate drive and a separate standalone building with plenty of parking. Imposing entrance when you enter with prominent chandelier with well decorated bar area. Welcome by Manager personally welcome us made us comfortable, and was greeted by the staff with friendly smile. Reasonable wait time. We were seated in a small table somewhat around center of main hall.
Being in Indian restaurant I ordered Vegetable Pakora, Chana Masala and Bhatura (Puffed air filled roti/bread). Food taste good. I would say above average not to die for. Tasted much better North Indian food in other places. Chana masala was good but bread was creasy, brownish and little harder side. Good Bhatura would be close to golden yellow, soft and bluffy. My family ordered Chicken Tikka, Chicken Biryani and Fish Curry, was told they were good but not exciting. Portions are small compared to the price. Usually, I cannot finish any entrees in any restaurant for this price range but I could do it here.
Our server was bit over zealous. Every few minutes he was interfering with our family conversation. I appreciate his service but a bit too much. Later he insisted on ordering a glass of white Moscato, praising how good it was and how it goes well with Indian food. Finally, he offered a compliment glass, although I was pleased with this gesture, I tend to think that left over wine in open bottles he tried to unload which may go waste anyway.
This place has excellent ambient environment with very pretty décor and very pleasing customer service. Food wise above average North Indian style cuisine, little over priced for the portions you get, may be worth paying for the ambient atmosphere. Definitely you can bring special guests and out of town folks to give good impression.
Written December 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreenUnicorn
New Jersey3321 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
We have gone to Royal Taj a number of times when we have visited our daughter in Columbia. This time I thought less of the place than other times.
The place is sooooo dark that it is hard to read the menu and hard to see your food. Service was excellent as always.
My husband and I have a cocktail with our dinner, as does our daughter sometimes. Another member of our party declined and stated they were driving, not true, but should be enough to deflect the server...but no, this person was asked at least twice more about ordering a drink. I get it--high profit margin on alcohol, but please, if people don't want to order a drink, don't pester them!
My next comment is about the size of the dishes in relationship to their price. The size of the Paneer Tikka at $17.95 is ridiculously small. It is supposed to be an entree! Each of us in our party of four had one small piece, and then we split the other two small pieces. My husband was underwhelmed with the quality of the chicken in his chicken vindaloo. We shared a kulfi...well, I took one bite and said no thanks as I disliked the taste, and my husband finished the extremely small portion that was $5.95.
Three cocktails, one tiny but expensive appetizer, one entree per person, one chana masala (also ridiculously small at $16.95), one tiny kheer and one tiny kulfi = $215.71 with tip. NOT a good value. Well, we didn't overeat; we just overpaid!!
As my daughter likes the place, we probably will go back......but maybe not!
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Wanderer1992
Columbia2614 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I've heard many rave about their love for Indian food, however, I am not a fan of spicy food at all, so I was afraid of it. In fact, it took me over a year to finally conquer my fear and go to this restaurant. I figured with Royal Taj being the number one rated restaurant in Columbia then I might as well put my fear to test at a highly rated Indian restaurant. I went for the lunch buffet because looking at a menu with so many foods I've never heard of would just be intimidating, so I needed options. I picked up one of everything at the buffet. The food was exactly as I expect - it ranged from mildly spicy to very spicy. My digestive system was wondering the whole time what I just did to it. The decor in this restaurant was very extravagant with huge paintings on the walls. If you've ever been to a Hindu temple then you know that Indians sure know how to live in style. The service was also wonderful - the waiter had a dry personality, but he kept our water glasses filled, which we definitely needed. Also, someone stands at the door to let you in and out. The restaurant was completely packed, so even though, my husband and I did not particularly enjoy the Indian cuisine, it seems so many more do. It was an unforgettable experience to say the least.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MfromNW
Columbia1 contribution
Aug 2021 • none
This restaurant was highly recommended, and did not disappoint. You may certainly believe those five-star reviews. It is really top class in every aspect. First of all, the service is impeccable from the moment guests walk through the door. Everyone is greeted warmly, and the staff are very aware of when diners are in need of anything. The dining room itself is beautiful, filled with artwork and floral arrangements, and diners are spaced so that conversations feel private and it is not noisy. The service and ambiance were amazing, but no less attention went into the food. The breads were absolutely perfect, and the main course had just the right amount of spices. There was no overpowering sweet or salty note in the dishes, everything had a wonderful balance. (Speaking of spice - there are levels here, so for any diners hesitant to try Indian food with the reputation for heat, I imagine this is the place to try: ask staff for recommendations or simply order the mild.) Finally, there are plenty of dessert options, and the drink and bar possibilities here seem limitless. If you are looking for excellent Indian food or a completely enjoyable dining experience in the area, this one needs to be on your list!
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GP
2 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
This reminds me of when one goes to India for the first time and the taxi driver knows that you know not the area and takes you for a ride all over town to run up the meter!!
Someone earlier this month called it the "epitome of cheapness" which is the understatement of the year!! A regular customer of this joint but now they have gone too far and have outpriced themselves in an effort to become billionaires overnight at the expense of the unsuspecting customer. Lunch for two a couple of months ago was fairly pricey for Indian food at about $40 for small portions. Now, with smaller portions it was about $75 for about the same thing. Add so many hidden charges like for a few stings of onions, tea etc. that were always provided with meals.
New set of waiters won't engage. Complaint to owner was met with "well, food was good." Answer: NO!
Arrogance to boot.
Don't be fooled by the superfluous greeting at the door.
I am too angry to say more at this time that can be damaging to the "poor" guys.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C.
Baltimore29 contributions
Jan 2023 • family
Easy to find and get to, and the restaurant is more authentic if you’re looking for Indian food. Food was very good, but a little pricey. I love Chicken Vindaloo and use it for my go-to comparison to other restaurants, and it was very good. Good flavor, white meat. Portions, however, could have been larger. Also, the wait staff is very attentive, overly so in fact. I don’t think my water glass ever got more than a third drunk before being refilled, it was just a little too often and actually became annoying. Desserts could be better as they were were very small portions. The wedge of cheesecake was only about 3 inches long and an inch wide if that. Yes it was good, but one should be able to enjoy more than 2-3 bites for the price! Would I go back, probably not as there are other Indian restaurants serving double the portion size of nearly as good of food and at much better price points.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nupester
Jupiter686 contributions
Jun 2020 • family
This is my very favorite Indian restaurant and I’m a second generation Indian who has been all over the country. Just phenomenal spices, ingredients, and authenticity. Great service as well. A must-stop whenever I visit my family in Baltimore, even during the pandemic when they only do carryout.
Strongly recommended! Expensive but worth it. Usually jam-packed so make reservations or be prepared for a wait under normal circumstances.
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel
New York City1 contribution
Sep 2021 • none
I am staying across the street on a business trip, and the front desk enthusiastically recommended this place, so I ordered in last night. I live in NYC and eat Indian food frequently--but the quality of the Chicken Vindaloo was just mind-blowing. Spicy, aromatic, and flavorful. Of course, I went back for a second night and had to wait for a table, but it was well worth the wait. The service was impeccable, and the Maitre d'hotel was gracious to a degree that I frankly don't recall experiencing...anywhere. Their food is wonderful, the place is very popular, and everyone is kind.
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
richard
8 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
My wife and I are always delighted with the food and service here. We had the lamb roganjosh and chicken curry, both were great. Even the rice is the best I've had. But by far the main reason we keep coming back is for the wonderful, friendly service. No other restaurant can beat their service. Be sure to tell them if you want the food mild or spicy and they will comply. We have dined in house and take out meals. This is by far our favorite restaurant.
Written February 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Khoi N
Washington DC4764 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
I have been here many times and always left blown away by my experience. They don't offer their lunch buffet anymore, but their lunch portions will be plentiful. When you enter the main dining room is very grand and has plenty of liquor bottles all through out the room. Definitely a fancy spot and they recently opened the indoor patio with the weather getting warmer.
I stopped by recently with my friends. We ordered the broccoli manchurian, chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, naan and the alu tikki chaat. Flavors are always on point. The manchurian is a must order. A bit salty so I'd suggest order some rice with it. The masala, biryani and lamb dishes are always a must order for me. The rich creamy masala with naan dipped in it is absolutely delicious. Royal Taj is always a place I recommend to my friends that are craving Indian or looking to celebrate an event. We had our water cups refilled over 8 times. Multiple staff members kept asking if we were celebrating anything. Also, the owner came out and shared some kind words about his restaurant's vision and some other business ventures he's working on. Definitely a cozy restaurant with phenomenal decor to enjoy your dining experience. Each of the waiters were kind, gracious and well trained. Highly recommend making reservations for dinner as a random weeknight can be fully booked.
Written April 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard D
Woodbine19 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
Anniversary dinner at Royal Taj was nothing short of amazing. No other restaurant in our area has service like Royal Taj- all of the waitstaff and hosts are top notch. Our dinner was totally fantastic- Lamb Korma, Dal Makhani, and Lamb Biryani. It was hard to decide which was better. The rice was perfect. Meat and lentils cooked to perfection and the spices are fresh with complex flavors. Carryout has also been fabuous but you can't beat the atmosphere when dining in. Chairs are cushy and interior is positively gorgeous. It's quite the experience and we want to thank all the employees for an incredible experience that we'll remember for a long time.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaimeelsabio
Maryland5144 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
While we're regulars at this restaurant, the customer service recently provided went above and beyond. Since COVID, the restaurant has been closed for indoor dining. We've gone a few times for carryout since we like its food so much. On our recent anniversary we ordered carryout and went to pick it up. Upon arrival, the owner greeted us and my wife said she had hoped it would have opened for indoor dining since it was our anniversary. Without hesitation, we were invited to dine indoors and had the entire restaurant to ourselves. That made our anniversary very special and one we'll remember. While there we noticed the restaurant had undergone some renovations, including some new portraits on the walls, new tables, and new chairs.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia L
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • family
Our second visit here at Royal Taj. The Service is always exceptional. The Servers are very kind, polite, always prompt in replenishing water, clean plates and silverware.
The food is exquisite. The Lamb Chops are so flavorful and tender. We will be returning..
Written January 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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