Govinda's Vegetarian Lunch image

Govinda's Vegetarian Lunch

Restaurant Vegetarian restaurant

Weekday vegetarian Indian lunch at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. People often mention vegetarian, lunch, nice, meal, good, friendly, delicious, people, vegan, basement,


Address

305 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Website

facebook.com

Contact

(718) 855-6714

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (208 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 12 to 3 PM
  • Wednesday: 12 to 3 PM
  • Thursday: 12 to 3 PM
  • Friday: 12 to 3 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 12 to 3 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: vegetarian (24) lunch (17) nice (15) meal (14) good (14) friendly (13) delicious (13) people (12) vegan (11) basement (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Albert P. 3 years ago on Google
    This eatery is located right under Hare Khrisna Temple in Brooklyn. A windowless basement where this hell of a meal is warmly served by friendly staff. Opted for vegan options whenever I got the chance to visit. I always let the staff made the choice of my vegan dish which they know best. I love the samosa best which comes with the green dressing over made of celery and some mints which gives some sweet and savory taste at the same time! Fun fact, Hindu tradition prohibits the use of excess salt in cooking! Oh, the zucchini and beans are so savory. The place is spacious with simple setting of tables and chairs. This will always be my fav spot be to have lunch in the neighborhood! Don’t come too late , they run out pretty quickly!
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nodra I. 2 years ago on Google • 42 reviews
    Special place to get your lunch. The cafeteria is downstairs, the temple and gift shop is on the first floor. You don't have to be a vegetarian to eat here- the food is healthful and hearty -cooked with so much flavor and love. The dining hall plays quiet Hari Krishna music, it's a slow, gentle atmosphere. They always have deserts-everything is made with healthy ingredients. Credit cards or cash is accepted.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manideep V. 4 months ago on Google • 171 reviews
    Very nice vegetarian food. Everyday a different menu. Good people, tasty food good music. I really liked the quality of food and service. I prefer Govinda's vegetarian lunch full meal for 12-14$ you get a lot of varieties. I liked the samosa and cupcakes, cheese cakes, curry, salad 😋🥗 And everyday Sunday evening they have Sunday market and they sell all Indian varieties like panipuri, bajji, namkeen, pizza, samosa etc.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bryan C. 2 months ago on Google • 80 reviews New
    This place is always a pleasure. Everyone here is friendly and wonderful. The food always hits a spot. There’s selection of vegetarian cuisine is flavorful filling and prepared with care. Thank you again and again for the nourishing meals
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dakota's D. 2 years ago on Google
    The flavors disappeared just like the wind. I use to leave midtown Manhattan at lunch just for a bite... The food taste and quality is completely off, watered down version of what use to be quality and quantity. When you see that mask halfway off run. The last thing you need is for someone to talk over food your about to consume. I use to really like traveling from midtown for a meal....... I do not now!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hemanth R. 6 months ago on Google • 44 reviews
    Hare Krishna! I was recommended to try the food here after the Darshan and initially I thought twice, but once I got myself some food and tasted it, it was delicious. MahaPrasad of the Supreme ParaBrahma, it had to be. The pricing was also very devotee friendly and they had multiple options available including desserts. While I was having my lunch, I did see that a lot of people come in to have some food and seemed like they loved it. So try it for yourself. Totally worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karthik M. 4 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    I had an absolutely delightful experience at Govinda’s! The vegetarian food there is a culinary masterpiece that I can’t recommend enough. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was soothing, and the service was impeccable.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lance Harris H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a Hari Kristna temple. The restaurant is downstairs. Mainly vegetarian not vegan. I went on a Wednesday. I had black beans and rice with a veggie mix that was so tasty, I was planning in my head my next visit. There is a set menu for every day of the week that features a main course like eggplant parmesan (dairy cheese) spinach lasagna or kofta veggie balls. You can just get sides like I did for around $10 - $12 and have a nice meal. They also have soup and salad and homemade bread. People were friendly and welcoming as Hari Kristnas tend to be. Spacious dining area.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 H. S. 2 years ago on Google
    COVID lunch. No one wears masks, including the people serving food. I will not return for the overpriced food.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sush K. 3 years ago on Google
    Iskcon temples are well known for their delicious, wholesome, vegetarian food all over the world. The Brooklyn location lives up to this reputation. A fun fact I learned - when Steve Jobs was poor college dropout, he used to visit his local Iskcon temple on Sundays for a great, free vegetarian meal. I tried the $12 complete lunch buffet. My meal included a salad, soup, noodles & eggplant parm, a dish of quinoa and scrambled tofu, and a dish of rice and channa. Everything was well made. The eggplant parm really stood out. They even used some gluten based protein in it, which was a pleasant surprise. It was better than I can find at many "Italian" restaurants in the city.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aki B. 4 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    I really love going to Govinda's. The food is fantastic and filling. They give generous portions. The ambiance is next-level (well, it's a temple). The people serving the food are super-nice.. well, they're probably monks. Hare Krishna! Love the whole vibe!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Antoni W. 1 month ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    the cashier was extremely pushy and not consistent in what we asked him about ordering food/payment before getting food and AFTER when we paid for the food. I still paid for the meal, which was more expensive than advertised, costing us an extra $9. Also their website was not working - not surprising for people who serve food out of the basement of a cult house. worst food experience in new york I've ever had

  • 5/5 Phillip J. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is a gem, right here in downtown Brooklyn! I love how they make their rice with dal, and the cheesecake is amazing too 😇 Super healthy food too, but it's not just healthy vegetarian food; it tastes amazing, so anyone could enjoy! Staff is incredibly friendly too, and their paintings add to the peaceful vibe of the place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Suanne L. 1 year ago on Google
    Govinda's Kitchen is a basement vegan steamtable lunch, which will cost you something between 8-$14 depending on how many dishes you want to try. On this humid Monday, Govinda's had fried tofu filets (YUM), a kidney bean curry, white rice, mixed green salad, roast potatoes, lentil soup, and a cabbage and pea mattar (mustard seed dry curry, YUM) which was mildly spicy. I did the pick 4, which was $12 and I am very full and happy. Service is INCREDIBLY kind. You can eat in or take out, but it IS a basement cafeteria so not a place to Insta your meal. Weekday lunch only, 12-3pm.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Juan S. 1 year ago on Google
    I showed up a little bit after 2 pm on a Monday, and I wanted to go when there wasn’t as many people. A lot has changed since I last went.. you have to buzz yourself in, the door is no longer open as before and no one wears masks. I thought they would at least ventilate the place as much as possible, especially with all the viruses out now. They do now offer electronic options for payment, which I guess is good, but not sure if they charge a fee. The BIGGEST loss is that there’s no free bread or free water/juice like before. The place is DEFINITELY NOT what it used to be.. I bought two items, as I usually get when I go there, and the portions were always generous before. However, this is no longer the case… the tofu fillets were soggy and underwhelming, and the peas with sweet potatoes were decent, but the portions leave a lot to be desired. You’ll be served the smallest portions possible, and you now have to ask for chili pepper pickles to be served (you’ll get one or two pieces instead of serving yourself as you wish) but maybe it’s because I showed up at an off day/time. You have to buy drinks, and it’s sad that I thought they would at least offer a cup of water. I am not returning again, the value isn’t the same and it was a miss in terms of food quality.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily M. 4 years ago on Google
    Best lunch in the neighborhood, and the most affordable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben M. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is terrific, but the “spaciousness” they’ve created, in all senses of that word, is of particular value! There’s a sweetness of spirit here. It’s very fast serve if you’re in a hurry, but perhaps coming here you’ll get a sense that it’s better not to (hurry.)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarjit S. 5 years ago on Google
    Very good vegetarian restaurant, nice food items, it's food offered to GOD and thus reaction free food, must go place. You could also attend 12:30 PM attractive temple service upstairs and get Radha Krishna blessings
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nitish G. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Really amazing service and O.M.G what a food. Specially the pizza they have for just $3 is really good price for nice vegeterian pizza slice. And the samosas and the food itself is a Gem. A must visit place in brooklyn new york.

  • 5/5 Abram 6 years ago on Google
    Great place!! Must try

  • 5/5 Jackson B. 2 years ago on Google
    The kindest people work here and they make some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had in my whole life. Amazing cheesecake too! Better than most in NYC

  • 5/5 Joshua M. 2 years ago on Google
    In my opinion, this is the best vegetarian food in all of NYC. The portions are so big, I have enough for dinner or lunch the next day. The service and selection are unparalleled.

  • 5/5 Eric S. 2 years ago on Google
    My favorite spot in Brooklyn. Perfect blend of quality, price and service. Super clean, fresh and tasty. They have a beautiful gift shop upstairs, and live music sometimes. I learned a lot about yoga and meditation talking to the server. The people were incredibly nice. I’ll be back soon.

  • 5/5 Ian K. 5 years ago on Google
    Initially intimidating but ultimately extraordinary. I was looking for a vegetarian restaurant in Brooklyn with high ratings. When I read that it was located in a basement I initially thought of going elsewhere but eventually decided to give it a chance anyway given the strongly positive recommendations. I am extremely glad that I went. The team was so inviting and warm and the food was healthy and delicious (I mean everything). I would definitely go back.

  • 5/5 dennis g. 2 years ago on Google
    Daily specials. Buffet, no frills but good homemade food. Always stuffed when done!

  • 5/5 Roli G. 6 years ago on Google
    Govinda's is my one of my favorite places. Staff is always very friendly. Food is delicious, cooked home-style. It is a very good option for vegetarian and vegan people. Their vegan cheesecakes are even better than regular cheesecakes! Love their cookies and cupcakes too. And really tasty nutloaf, eggplant parmesan and a variety of salads. Their Facebook page is updated daily with menus so you can check that before you go. Always peaceful music playing and ample of place to sit.

  • 4/5 Richard A. 3 years ago on Google
    Govinda's is really the only reason I find myself in this area, suggest getting a full plate at an unbeatable value. Healthy and delicious! Their sweets are great as well, always look forward to my next lunch here.

  • 5/5 Cyril K. 1 year ago on Google
    Food is delicious and staff is super friendly. My favorite lunch spot in Downtown Brooklyn, it’s like having a home cooked meal

  • 4/5 B S. 5 years ago on Google
    Delicious simple vegetarian fare with great portions considering the price you pay. It's not a steal but it's still definitely worth it. The decor is a bit lac lustre but somehow that adds to the vibe of the place. The seating is shared so if you come when it's busy expect to dine with strangers.

  • 5/5 Venkata S. 1 year ago on Google
    Taste is great! everyday of the week there is special dish. Spinach lasagna was great! Like how the meal options was are divided by number of items. This creates lot of flexibility based on our appetite.

  • 1/5 Benjamin J. 1 year ago on Google
    I went in based off the pictures online and the menu. There was a buffet with 4 items and it smelled like feces. I do not recommend.

  • 2/5 Kurosh H. 1 year ago on Google
    Def didn’t live up to ratings. I thought food would make up for ambiance but no. Everything is drenched in butter. The tomato ‘sauce’ just tasted and felt like tomato paste with water. Beets seemed consistency of canned beats not home cooked

  • 4/5 Ramakrishnan K. 10 months ago on Google
    This vegetarian canteen of a Krishna temple/cult has been on my Google Maps Saved List for a few months. I finally got to visit this place as I had a meeting at the nearby NYU Tandon. This restaurant is set very casually in the basement with chants played in the background. The menu is limited and is served by a volunteer over a buffet-style counter. The salad tastes somewhat western/American perhaps because of its dressing. The dal (or lentil soup) was excellent! The rice and black beans was decent, the potato curry was good. Additionally, there was a novel orange-vegetable curry made of sweet potatoes, orange and yellow capsicums. The special dish of the day was lasagna. While the food was tasty, it was very oily and greasy. It looked unhealthy, unlike the satvic food you think of in a temple's canteen. But, atleast a subset of items is good and healthy, and I plan to go there again and eat specific items.

  • 5/5 P M. 1 year ago on Google
    More close to home cooked food. If you are expecting a typical masala/restaurant then this is not for you. The lady at the counter is extremely friendly and will explain to you what each dish is.

  • 4/5 Jason O. 6 months ago on Google
    Very nice people and weird fun vibe but didn’t love the food. The day i went was Yom Kippur but i was still nailed with jury duty. I wanted to redeem a super boring day with lunch at a place I’ve heard good things about for years. Maybe it was an off day because so many offices were closed? So no samosas or breads which was what i was looking forward to. The offerings were all sort of tofu Indian stews and fried tofu and butternut squash soup as the day’s special. All were bland and one of the dishes (green beans and tofu) was bad and i didn’t finish it. All in sll, nothing was great and the whole was a disappointment. But i would go back on a different day because it’s a lot of food for the $8-14 you’ll spend, maybe it’s better on a busier day, and the people couldn’t possibly be nicer.

  • 5/5 Salvatore P. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing place to get vegetarian friendly meals. Delish and fair priced. Hari bol!

  • 5/5 Nick T. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious, flavorful, satisfying, healthy food. On the day I went everything they offered was vegan! I ordered the 4 items for $10, tofu filets, pinto beans, potato & cauliflower curry, and salad alll drizzled in a delicious white sauce. Made my belly very happy and energized after. Super friendly service too. My second time a couple of the entrees were not vegan, but there were enough for me to get a 4 item container. They were delicious, but the rice had some sort of veggie mixed into it that was unbearably salty. Every other time I've been, have had excellent entrees, the sweet potato, cauliflower potato, vegan yellow sauce pasta, and cheescakes are quite good, especially the base of that cheescake, boy

  • 5/5 Razv S. 4 years ago on Google
    The Eggplant Parmesian is to die for.. Get it as one of the sides with all the other choices..

  • 5/5 Kweli C. 4 years ago on Google
    Never disappoints

  • 5/5 Sudhir W. 4 years ago on Google
    Pure Veg food with cleanliness.

  • 5/5 Tommy D. 4 years ago on Google
    Pleasant and delicious

  • 5/5 Oliver F. 4 years ago on Google
    Coming for years. It's so nice and quiet every time. The food is healthy and cheap. I just wish they would use reusable plates and utensils. Especially as a conscious place.

  • 5/5 noel NAm dela m. 4 years ago on Google
    The best !

  • 5/5 Markus W. 4 years ago on Google
    A beautiful place in the city

  • 4/5 A J H. 3 years ago on Google
    😋 yummy. The staff are always kind and the prices are da 💣!! You could fill up hit belly for $10. Do keep in mind this is the Krishna temple so... there's NO meat! It's good eats if your vegetarian 😋

  • 5/5 Kevin R. 5 years ago on Google
    Fabulous eggplant parmesan on Thursday, with outstanding homemade cheesecake

  • 5/5 cherie y. 5 years ago on Google
    In the basement of the Hare Krishna temple (a bonus for me, but don't let it stop you if you are not a devotee) - excellent food, huge portions. I'm a huge eater (I'm breastfeeding and an ultrarunner so I basically eat more than pretty much anyone I know) and I couldn't finish the "complete" meal even after I shared it w my daughter - huge portions, a lovely salad, bread, soup. Authentic sattvic Indian food. The eggplant parm is divine. Everything is so, so good.

  • 4/5 Tiffany R. 4 years ago on Google
    I requested a spicy dipping sauce for my tots and they were nice enough to include it at no extra charge. The only feedback I would give is more veggies, less rice in the wrap.

  • 5/5 Jaya K. 4 years ago on Google
    Go for it. and blow your taste buds

  • 1/5 Vasantha Krishna K. 5 years ago on Google
    Tastes is ok, but highly overpriced. They have one dish for $5, 2 for $7, 3 for somewhere around $9 and full meal for $12. Do not expect that it's all you can eat buffet. They do not serve everything on the table. I had to ask for yogurt sauce separate. The quantity they give is not really a full meal. I was not full with the quantity they gave me. You get much better and full all you can eat buffet lunch elsewhere. This price is just like any commercial restaurant, this price is absolutely not for a community/temple run restaurant. Except being vegetarian restaurant, its not worth for the money you pay. Do not expect authentic Indian food here, everything is Americanized flavors.

  • 4/5 Wei Xin Y. 6 years ago on Google
    The space surprised me both location wise (basement) and style (cafeteria/dining hall). Food is healthy. And no meat.

  • 4/5 Heidin E. 4 years ago on Google
    It's so nice to be in a pub that has food I can eat! Loved the breakfast burrito and the tachos (tater tot nachos). Watch out- the soyrizo is spicy! But they offered to put it on the side. Nice atmosphere for a weekday lunch. Food came out very quickly. Even meat eaters will enjoy their vegan food.

  • 5/5 Juan V. 4 years ago on Google
    The place is filled with peace and it’s so welcoming. People will treat you with sincere care and you will leave with a happy face and a happier stomach!

  • 1/5 naser e. 4 years ago on Google
    in the basmant. . have to pay cash yo pay for ech item you chose.not realy good as shoing .food test very poor.will not go any moor.

  • 5/5 Trish A. D. 6 years ago on Google
    Excellent vegetarian food at a good price. Cash only. Very quiet sit down area.

  • 1/5 Komal B. 5 years ago on Google
    Not at all Indian taste ☹️

  • 5/5 Meg M. 5 years ago on Google
    This place is def a hidden gem! Fresh home cooked food delicious, friendly staff, hits the spot

  • 5/5 Paul B. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and friendly staff. I try to come here anytime I am downtown around lunchtime.

  • 5/5 Hemaxi P. 5 years ago on Google
    Good food.

  • 2/5 Farheen M. 5 years ago on Google
    Very affordable but not very delicious

  • 4/5 Sridhar K. 5 years ago on Google
    Vegetarian food guarantee with a menu that changes daily. Good selection, more often than not well made, courteous staff.

  • 5/5 V G. 5 years ago on Google
    Excellent food and service. Great prices

  • 5/5 Roosevelt G. 5 years ago on Google
    This is probably the most underrated place I have personally been. For the price in a cafeteria environment, money well spent

  • 5/5 Bhanuvas J. 5 years ago on Google
    Very nice vegetarian lunch

  • 5/5 Ryan W. 4 years ago on Google
    Great environment and food

  • 5/5 马黑 4 years ago on Google
    Healthy tasty portions!

  • 5/5 Clarissa P. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful vegetarian food!

  • 5/5 Jagannath R. 4 years ago on Google
    Spiritual

  • 5/5 Joyce K. 4 years ago on Google
    The best wholesome vegetarian food anywhere! And the best prices! Heartily recommended for all.

  • 5/5 Sudhakar M. 4 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Govinda's in Brooklyn is a hidden gem for vegetarians and vegans alike. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's commitment to serving fresh, delicious, and wholesome vegetarian dishes shines through in every aspect of the dining experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sound V. 4 months ago on Google • 1 review
    ISKCON NYC's Govinda's vegetarian offerings are a culinary delight, with flavorful dishes that cater to both the taste buds and the soul. The friendly staff and serene ambiance enhance the dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious plant-based cuisine in the heart of the city.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sarah b. 1 month ago on Google • 1 review New
    Went there with my husband and was greeted by a nice man who buzzed us in. He welcomed us with a smile and warmth, which was nice on a cold day. We went downstairs, not knowing what to expect, but was greeted by another nice man who explained things nicely and made us feel welcome. Their smiles seemed very genuine. The space is open for being in a basement and a peaceful atmosphere for being in the heart of Brooklyn. Something unique and special about the food, that in the end really made us feel quite nice. When we were leaving the man in the front , I think his name was merari ( I remember because he said it rhymed with Ferrari) , after sharing him how we felt after eating, told us is that every meal is prepared with love "our secret ingredient". What a wonderful experience with really nice people. Thank you Govindas !


Call (718) 855-6714 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout

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