19050 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa, FL 33647
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
The best Indian lunch buffet in Tampa Bay can be found at a little strip mall restaurant in New Tampa called Minerva. The food here is always fresh and wonderful, service is great, and the ambiance is wonderful. Although it is far from the best Indian food I have ever tasted, it is the best choice in the Tampa Bay metro area. Living just a few blocks away, this was one of my go-to choices for a workday lunch!
Do plan for a stop at Minerva to check out their afternoon lunch buffet, offered 7 days a week from 11am-3pm. This is the perfect opportunity to try out at wide variety of Indian dishes for one low price. Note that pricing is much cheaper on weekdays than weekends ($15 compared to $20).
Delicious regular or garlic Naan and South Indian Dosa is included. The buffet is always fresh, clean, and constantly restocked. They offer a good mix of vegetarian and non veg options. Options vary daily although and typically include options such as Paneer Butter Masala, pakoras, Chana Masala, and rice pudding.
All of the food is a bit on the spicy side. If you order off the menu, you can request a milder version. A few great entrees to consider include the Palak Paneer and the Vegetable Korma. Lots of great healthier vegetarian entrees and apps to choose amongst.
Update: Unfortunately, this restaurant had a number of health food code violations in 2016. They are currently under new management.
The service here is always wonderful. There is always someone cleaning and restocking the buffet line. Refills are super fast and plates are cleared rather quickly.
The ambiance here is very nice with a spacious dining room and attractive decor. There is plenty of booth seating available. Typically, the vibe is peaceful. Minerva is a great choice for lunch, and definitely the best choice in the New Tampa area by far.
Do visit Minerva if you are seeking the best authentic Indian cuisine in Tampa. The mix of North and Southern Indian dishes, the wonderful daily lunch buffet, and great service definitely place Minerva on the top of the list of best Indian restaurants Tampa.
