Woodlands Café image

Woodlands Café

Restaurant Catering service Vegetarian restaurant Indian restaurant Vegan restaurant

Vegetarian Indian restaurant turning out traditional dosas & curries in a quaint atmosphere. People often mention Indian, good, restaurant, service, recommend, delicious, South, authentic, excellent, dishes,


Address

160 Frederick St, Garfield, NJ 07026

Website

woodlandscafenj.com

Contact

(862) 591-1994

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (434 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 12 to 9 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 9 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5:30 to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 5:30 to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 5:30 to 9 PM
  • Friday: 5:30 to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Indian (32) good (26) restaurant (22) service (22) recommend (18) delicious (17) South (14) authentic (14) excellent (13) dishes (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 un k. 4 years ago on Google
    Less than average for sure. Seemed not well managed and unhygienic. Prices are high considering ambience and quantity. Higher than likes of Bombay talk and chowpaty in Edison. Bhel was a joke with mostly mama ra and potato. Even then nothing tasted fresh. Take my advice and drive up to a better restaurant.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ridwan M. 4 years ago on Google • 108 reviews
    A small, quaint but homey South Indian restaurant in a north Jersey town. The owner is really kind and personable, and tends to you personally if he can. The menu is fully vegetarian but is still quite diverse. All items were delicious, especially their dosas (which we came from specifically!) Overall an enjoyable and tasty experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sindhu S. 3 months ago on Google • 87 reviews New
    Amazing food, excellent service and ambience! Would definitely visit again. Typical Bangalore vibes and pakka karnataka style food. Bought poori, Mysore masala dosa, samosa chaat and dahi vada. All tasted great. Polite and homely people. Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 rimsha s. 11 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    I recently visited Woodland Cafe and was extremely disappointed with the food. The dishes lacked any flavor and were not at all authentic to Pakistani or Indian cuisine. The spices used were bland and the overall taste was very underwhelming. I was expecting to be transported to the streets of Lahore or Mumbai, but instead, I was left with a tasteless meal that was a complete waste of money. The service was also subpar, with the staff seeming disinterested and unhelpful. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a true taste of Pakistani or Indian cuisine. Save your money and go elsewhere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Vanessa R. 6 years ago on Google
    Food was good but everything was mega spicy. I asked the guy what is the least spicy thing you have on the menu..(I understand indian food is spicy..and i can tolerate a bit of spicy. Even the less spicy option was very hot! )He brought me another dish which i ended up paying for..but my husband did pick of off the dish so I can't complain. Currie Dishes w rice not the cheapest but appetizer fairly priced. I recommendation going with someone who knows their dishes. We were trying something new. Vegetarian options only.. the pic is the second curry dish he offered that was "less hot"
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dilip P. 7 months ago on Google
    Small cozy place but quality, taste and richness of South Indian cuisine are comparable to any 5 star restaurant. Polite service, delicious food with varieties, flavors are what Woodland is all about. Owner Lokesh and kitchen queen Laxmi are very nice and humble to adjust your any request and taste. We have been following them from Montclair to Parsippany to Garfield since last 20 years.Very authentic and quality South Indian food. Many varieties of crispy Dosas, uttapams, non greasy and light Menduvada and many more delicious dishes.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Pooja D. 6 years ago on Google
    This place has good days and bad days Ok Good days ask for their garlic Dosa and Pav Bhaji Dosa and aloo Puri . Love the music On bad days Paneer pakora batter is raw. Gulab jamun has jeera ( ermmm) and the chaat is bad. They have sweet paan which is amazing as is the South Indian coffee.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brinda R. 1 year ago on Google • 269 reviews
    We enjoyed our weekend brunch here. This restaurant is tucked away in the silent neighborhood. Service was good and food was delicious. Would recommend this place and looking forward to revisiting again in the future

  • 5/5 Deepty Murthy (. 1 year ago on Google • 171 reviews
    Definitely surprised by the clean ambiance and piping hot yummy food. The bajji reminded me of Bangalore bonda/bajji Scene. we tried mirchi bajji or mensinakayi bajji.. it was tooo good.. we additionally tried Pulao and bisibelebath both were excellent to taste… esp pulao was spot on.. highly recommend this restaurant for some good Karnataka/ South Indian style food

  • 4/5 Jay P. 4 months ago on Google • 102 reviews
    Comfort food at a nearby location. The restaurant was clean and well maintained. The staff were courteous & friendly. Food was alright - good, if not exceptional. We will come back if nearby, but if we have time at hand, we might still go to Jersey City or Edison. Overall I will recommend this place.

  • 5/5 Abhijit K. 3 months ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    Family run restaurant making food with fresh ingredients at good prices. We have had their dosa multiple times, it's consistently good. Their service is great too, fast, soft spoken and accurate. Will definitely return!

  • 4/5 Mandeep S. 6 years ago on Google
    It's a wonderful place for South Indian cuisine. We ordered onion n tomato uttapam and butter masala dosa. Both dishes were so yummy that we finished them as soon as they arrived on our table. After that we couldn't resist to taste their Mysore filtered coffee which was excellent too. The only drawback is to find parking near this spot, which can be bit hard on rush hour. Otherwise, its an excellent place.

  • 5/5 Mayur D. 4 years ago on Google
    Really great food and real Taste of India. Would recommend everyone to try

  • 5/5 Verna B. 4 years ago on Google
    No frills place but authentic Indian food! Great for vegetarians.

  • 5/5 Prashant P. 4 years ago on Google
    This place offers delicious authentic South Indian food. A must try place.

  • 5/5 Sonal A. 4 years ago on Google
    Must go for Authentic south Indian food!

  • 5/5 Abhinav S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good Food, good service!

  • 5/5 Shivam K. 3 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    I have been visiting this place for the last fifteen years and no complaints. They serve authentic South Indian foods. They also make very good Jain food. Customer service is excellent too. Don’t miss out and visit this place.

  • 4/5 Arjun S. 1 year ago on Google
    Food is hot and authentic. But should serve in Steel plates which would have been a authentic experience instead of styrofoam and plastic cups. Rasam which they serve as complementary is excellent. The chole batura was very good. The quality and quantity is excellent.

  • 5/5 Kalpesh S. 2 years ago on Google
    On spot each time, authentic Indian taste, quality of ingredients in whichever variety offered. Would give more stars if possible 👍🏻. A definite go to.

  • 5/5 Jen M. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing Food ! I have tasted Dosas in several restaurants in NJ but this one is by far the best ! If you looking for good south Indian delicacies and vegetarian food , I highly recommend this restaurant. The owner and staff are extremely nice, well spoken and the service is excellent. All the food is prepared to perfection and very flavorful. Do try this restaurant - you will never be disappointed with the food.

  • 5/5 Pauline N. 2 years ago on Google
    The food here is AMAZING! So fresh and flavorful, and healthy tasting too. Our new go to place. Absolutely delicious and great prices. Staff was so kind. Thank you!!!

  • 5/5 Trevor B. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent food here, prepared with a lot of love and fresh spices. Had the samosas, masala dosa, Chana masala, and palak paneer. All excellent, served with fresh condiments like super fresh raita and lime chutney (a favorite). Spices were varied, fresh, and forward, but not overwhelming - a perfect blend.

  • 5/5 viren m. 1 year ago on Google
    Really very authentic south Indian food💯 cooked in ghee!! Freshly prepared and reasonable price. Good calm music. Gajar halwa is also prepared by them and its not outsourced👍

  • 5/5 Archit P. 8 months ago on Google
    Excellent, value for money south Indian food. The cafe has a very basic look, I had a take out though. The preparation time was as promised, food was hot and flavorful. It wasn’t overly spicy, but had right flavors in sambhar and coconut chutney. Medu vada was well made, and dosa was perfectly sized with right flavors. Based on these two dishes, I would probably not order North Indian food like paneer, etc from this place, saying this because I am accustomed to north Indian style of cooking and I am assuming the cooking style here would be liked by someone with a taste for south Indian palate. Portion size is apt, and pricing is right for the type of place and location. The server was welcoming and polite, seems like family run business. I will definitely order south Indian food from here again.

  • 5/5 Sridevi M. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved their Mysore dosas and Woodlands Kara Dosa! They serve it hot and tasty. And their spring dosa has lot of vegetables stuffing made me feel full and healthy! It's a must try!

  • 5/5 Michael B. 6 months ago on Google
    Wow. If you think you like Indian food or just want to try it, you will LOVE it after going to this hidden Gem. The location is in a residential neighborhood of Garfield NJ and well worth the drive. Yumminess will dance in your mouth after every bite.

  • 5/5 Arnold 7 months ago on Google
    We have been going to Woodland’s since 2007 and followed them from Montclair to Parsippany to Garfield. The owner and his sister are very helpful when it comes to explaining the various items on the menu. This is an above excellent restaurant when it comes to vegetarian food and for us (non-Indian) the quality, flavor, presentation, etc etc is really outstanding. If you don’t like the taste of curry, there are more than plenty of dishes to select from. In fact there aren’t that many curry spice dishes. Guaranteed you will enjoy the food and will always come back to try new menu items.

  • 5/5 Deepika C. 8 months ago on Google
    Amazing food, polite staff and quick service. And there found a hidden treasure today. Tried Dahi poori and Dosa’s - taste was great. Will recommend!

  • 5/5 Y M. 8 months ago on Google
    The food is very tasty. The service is good. Authentic Indian food which is rare to find. Delight for vegetarians.

  • 5/5 Anirudh J. 1 year ago on Google
    Been there ample amount of times and Food never seizes to amaze and there are different varieties of dosas. Their food is reasonably priced and food has homemade taste. Restaurant has an ambient feel and staff is very nice. Would definitely recommend going here. 10/10 experience.

  • 5/5 Hema A. 11 months ago on Google
    Great Food , very authentic and quality food and service is really good !!! We have been catering from Lokesh for years for all our events / occasions and very prompt and excellent taste above all ! Would highly recommend for all events and special occasions TY Lokesh as always 😊👍

  • 1/5 saichand reddy k. 1 year ago on Google
    To begin with, we were welcomed with a cockroach on our table! Followed by, dishes cooked days ago heated and served. The ones that might have been fresh weren't cooked through, smelt weird. Left the restaurant feeling nauseous. Not worth the money at all.

  • 5/5 Trio S. 1 year ago on Google
    Woodlands Cafe is a charming little cafe that serves up delicious vegetarian and vegan food. I had the pleasure of dining there recently, and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed. To start, I ordered the samosas, which were absolutely delicious. They were crispy on the outside and filled with a flavorful mixture of potatoes, peas, and spices. The accompanying chutney was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and really brought out the flavors of the samosas. For my main course, I ordered the thali, which came with a variety of dishes, including dal, chana masala, vegetable curry, rice, and naan. Each dish was expertly prepared, with just the right amount of spice and seasoning. The dal was creamy and comforting, while the chana masala was packed with flavor. The vegetable curry was the standout dish for me, though - it was a rich, hearty stew filled with a variety of vegetables and spices. To finish off my meal, I ordered the gulab jamun, a sweet dessert made from fried dough balls soaked in syrup. It was the perfect way to end my meal - sweet, satisfying, and just the right size. Overall, I would highly recommend Woodlands Cafe to anyone looking for delicious vegetarian and vegan food. The dishes are expertly prepared, and the flavors are out of this world. Plus, the atmosphere of the cafe is warm and inviting, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience

  • 5/5 Gopinathan C. 10 months ago on Google
    We had visited as family previous weekend to this restaurant and myself , my wife and our kids loved the tasty yummy food severed to us , its almost like a home made food also looks like a family own/run restaurant , the staffs are really good as well and the prices are also affordable . we will visit again to this place .Thanks for providing authentic south Indian Vegan food .

  • 1/5 NIMESH H. 10 months ago on Google
    The worst Indian food I’ve ever tried. Food was so bland and disgusting. There is no flavor at all. I’d rather eat a can of beans. We came for the google / yelp ratings which I now believe is also fake and these guys must have used bots to get their ratings up. Don’t be fooled this place is a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!!

  • 5/5 Ellen P. 3 years ago on Google
    Although we can’t dine-in, we always look forward to delicious and refined Southern Indian food from Woodlands Café. The chef makes the best Kofta Malai I’ve ever had. The Kofta are melt-in-your mouth delicate, in an exquisitely-flavored creamy tomato curry sauce. The Muttar Paneer has just the right balance of spicing. Lokesh, the kindly manager, is always courteous and helpful when taking our phone order. Curbside pick-up is available. Family owned and operated.

  • 5/5 karthik p. 4 years ago on Google
    This is our favorite place for South Indian Vegetarian cuisine! They serve the most delicious and authentic dishes from Karnataka I've had anywhere in the US (I'm a Kannadiga).. Though they may not have a 100 different items on the menu like some other popular places, what they prepare is tasty, simple, easy on the system, not too unhealthy (their Bajji and Vada Pav are yummy, but they are deep fried of course!) and will leave you craving for more. If you decide to dine in there, don't be surprised if the ambience is a bit simple. They make up for it with their warm hospitality, quick service and home like setting.

  • 4/5 Suprith S. 3 years ago on Google
    Good food and friendly staff.

  • 4/5 Monica A. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was great. Due to pandemic everything was served in disposable plates and cups but food was delicious. They are open for dine in at 25% capacity and the service was good.

  • 5/5 Maurice T. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing atmosphere and super welcoming service. The food was fresh and delightful. Will easily recommend this spot to others. Fair rates and big portions. Great work.

  • 5/5 Adan F. 3 years ago on Google
    We arrived at this restaurant for dinner. This restaurant was recommended to us by a friend. Well, it was a winning. The crew welcomed us with a smile and we felt excellent. The meal was delicious. We loved this place a lot and we will visit this place again. Keep it up.

  • 5/5 david s. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious food. Nice atmosphere. The entree I had was somosa was yummy. I highly recommend this place. You can eat in or takeout

  • 4/5 Robert T. 3 years ago on Google
    I finally for the chance to try it Woodlands Café & I'm glad I did! Food was great! Awesome service! Thanks!

  • 4/5 Judy H. 3 years ago on Google
    Desire was an awesome server. I highly recommend this spot! In the future, i plan to dine here again.

  • 5/5 Sandra E. 4 years ago on Google
    Very amazing food. Great experience. Friendly staff

  • 5/5 Anderson C. 4 years ago on Google
    Would definitely recommend visiting this place. Fantastic vibes, delightful food, good customer service. I recommend this place.

  • 5/5 Diwan M. 4 years ago on Google
    Best South Indian food I have ever ate in the US. This family owned and run place is authentic. They serve fresh food. Wish I had known this place earlier.

  • 4/5 Tahmid C. 5 years ago on Google
    Service is a bit slow but food is good.

  • 5/5 Billy S. 4 years ago on Google
    This restaurant is wonderful and roomy, the food was delicious and the prices were very economical. fast, effective service and very personal waiters. Recommended.

  • 1/5 Shanthi Rao H. 4 years ago on Google
    Totally disappointed with their service to customer. I placed order through ubereats. Owner calls me and says the prices are not correct and they will charge extra for all the additional items. These are the prices that are on the website and they don't want to honor the prices, instead telling me that my bill is going to be higher than what was on the website. Owner was talking as if it was my fault. I cancelled the order. My experience, other restaurants would honor what price they put up on the website. If Woodlands felt the price was not correct, then they should correct it, not make the customer pay more. If I could give them a zero rating, I would.

  • 5/5 Chintan D. 5 years ago on Google
    Good dosa and a nice clean place

  • 5/5 Archie V. 3 years ago on Google
    Tasty Indian food at affordable price. Ordered chole batura and some variety rices. Very tasty anf the quality hasn't gone down in the several times I have eaten at this place. Great for indian takeout if you are looking for one.

  • 5/5 Carl M. 4 years ago on Google
    I celebrated my graduation last night in this excellent restaurant. I am glad to say that we passed a fantastic evening and the venue was indeed one of the reasons for the successful event. The team participated in a sweet way, the cuisine was very good and my guests were so delighted. We shall absolutely return for more joyful events. Thank you very much.

  • 4/5 Michael S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good food and service

  • 5/5 Kryztian S. 3 years ago on Google
    I've taken numerous vegetarian friends here and they are always extremely happy. A very friendly managers and a comfortable low key environment. The Uthappams and Dosas are the best and I always have a Mango Lassi.

  • 3/5 Murali K. 4 years ago on Google
    Avg food quality. Avg ambiance. Okay for price.

  • 4/5 Nokhono S. 4 years ago on Google
    Clean and hygiene that’s what I look for when I eat outside.

  • 5/5 Eli B. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely South Indian Vegetarian cuisine, affordable, filling, and so so flavorful with a wide variety of dishes, spiced just right. Great for a quick lunch or an evening meal out. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Sudha I. 4 years ago on Google
    I consult so typically travel frequently. Over the past 3-4 years I have been to New Jersey several times to different cities. I generally look out for new places to eat and being a South Indian by origin, always crave for good south indian food. This place was warm and welcoming. There were 2 ladies the last time I went, not sure if they were the owners. The food was good , delicious and tasted homely. Definitely give it a try

  • 5/5 Santiago P. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the best onion rava dosas I've had. Lovely restaurant with good service.

  • 5/5 brijesh r. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice smile (Original) Nice dhosa

  • 5/5 Dheepak P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very refreshing South Indian food

  • 5/5 vinesh v. 4 years ago on Google
    delicious food and really tasty

  • 5/5 Jordan S. 4 years ago on Google
    It was amazing

  • 5/5 K A. 4 years ago on Google
    A wonderful indian restaurant we found by chance..great service and awesome freshly cooked indian delicacies..totally recommended by me and my husband and our friend..worth coming here again and again.

  • 5/5 H D. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent South Indian restaurant with good service.

  • 5/5 megha s. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the food and the service. People are very nice and serve food at a good speed. Rasam soup is amazing

  • 5/5 Suchita R. 4 years ago on Google
    Ordered catering for baby shower. Tastes like authentic homemade food. I recommend this restaurant to everyone who loves south indian food.

  • 5/5 Aditi k. 4 years ago on Google
    Very delicious food. Medu wada wasn't oily at all, dosa tasted amazing. I will surely try more items from the menu. Just one advice- if they could invest more in some nice serving utensils that would be a nice touch.

  • 4/5 Sulagna B. 4 years ago on Google
    Good food get price love the Rasam Puri Bhaji and the lassi is so good no fancy stuff only good food


Call (862) 591-1994 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup

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