Delicious, healthy and wholesome food. I love cooking here and enjoying dinner after work. The price is a real value in today's terms. The environment is serene. Please note it is on some days vegan, on other days vegetarian, I think they use some dairy. They have a schedule of days. I been on vegan days as a non vegan and really enjoyed it. Rarely do you walk away from a restaurant feeling lighter and healthier! 10 stars in my book. Hare Krishna! read more

Food is plentiful and delicious. Menu changes daily. Buffet style is good value. Ambiance is pleasant with outdoor seating and exotic birds. Service is kind and unobtrusive cashier. Serve yourself food read more

I read other Yelp review ls before coming here and they were so helpful. I knew to follow the signs for Govindas, navigate through the gift shop, then beeline for the cashier to pay before getting my tray and plate. I knew the drinks cost extra, but the reverse osmosis water was included. I also knew to get a new plate when I went back for seconds. I also knew there was a koi pond and aviary on the property. My mom and I were on a girls trip and we enjoy eating healthfully whenever we can. That's not to say we don't also love desserts! We heard this place was vegetarian and were intrigued. Walking in from the parking lot, we were struck at how beautiful the whole temple/grounds were. Beautiful art/water features and statues. The food changes daily, I believe, but on our visit there was a salad bar (with spinach and lettuce options, shredded carrot, cucumber, two kinds of sprouts, chickpeas, grape tomatoes, and zucchini- also don't miss the delicious dressings! I got seconds on salad so I could try multiple dressings!). There was also brown rice and yellow rice options, steamed veggies and curry veggies, coconut chutney, chowmein, and vegan pizza. Oh and rice pudding and halva. Everything was simple and delicious. They have signs on the table about the food being prepared with the utmost cleanliness and love and I believe it. We sat inside (even though the courtyard was beautiful, it was still a bit sunny). Inside they were playing pan flute music and there was the gentle gurgle of a water feature and large crystals lining the wall. Heck yeah! After dinner we wandered around the grounds, admiring everything. I particularly enjoyed seeing Sufi the white turkey, and the peacocks, the pheasants, and the parrots! They were all adorable and seemed happy. The koi pond was also very zen and beautiful. I would definitely recommend this spot with the caveat that it's not for everyone- you have to go in with the knowledge you're eating simply, and all vegetarian, and you're entering a space where others live and worship. For the price, this was a great bargain. I'd love to visit again one day! read more

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Govindas has one of the best patios in town especially on a really lovely weather day. It's a natural food buffet focused on good for you foods made fresh and often a vegan only day. The salad buffet section is my favorite salad to eat out because clearly I get to customize it but I love the dressings housemade. The buffet changes daily offering soups, salads, breads, pastas and more. There is more limited indoor seating but plenty outside. When supporting this business you get to support the community that is behind this beautiful space. Service is incredibly kind and helpful. After or before eating, you can explore the pond filled with massive fish that are bright and view the birds that include species like peacocks. All you can eat, desserts available too. read more

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Everything they make is absolutely delicious! The kindness of the owners and staff are superb!

Looked up vegan options and this was one of the top rated places. I can see why. Menu is all vegan on Thursdays and served buffet style. I didn't know what to expect when I showed up, but this place is amazing. The shop before you enter distracts you for a bit, but once you walk to the buffet area you remember why you are there. Can't beat the buffet price for what is offered. Desserts and certain flavored drinks are extra, but worth it. The day I went they had eggplant medallions that was a battered dip fried eggplant topped with a cashew cream and tomato. I added some of the sauces from the salad bar for extra flavor, but it did not need that. The vegetable fritters were good with some of the salad sauces. The salad bar was amazing with all its options. I also picked up a vegan chocolate pie and it was DELICIOUS! if ever in the area definitely coming back and trying the other vegan desserts and drinks. read more

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The restaurant is actually the cafeteria for the Hare Krishnas temple: something that wasn't clear to me from the website. I thought it was going to be a normal Indian buffet. Food was vegan and tasted ok: roasted squash, rice,.salad, blackeyed peas, some kind of tofu and veg in sauce, rice pudding, apricot bread. Service is on paper plates with plastic utensils. Drinks are not included and it seemed like even $10 was too much to charge for the quality of the meal. read more

First of all let me say what a gem of a place! When you first walk in there is the cutest little shop with clothes, incense, statues and a very nice employee. Walk back to the buffet and there is a vegan/vegetarian spread with all kinda of options. The lady at the register is a bit protective of the buffet and how you serve yourself so beware. Lol, she wasn't rude, but takes the buffet seriously. The garden is very nice, I am concerned for the peacocks as they seem a bit cramped. I hope they let them out when the restaurant is closed. I think this place is perfect for doing shrooms, but they have strict rules about intoxicants probably because it is a religious venue.i adored it. read more

WHAT A FIND. First night in Tucson and I found Govinda's. We got there a little after 5, which is when dinner service starts, and it immediately started filling up. The complex is gated and there are several different buildings. The entrance to the buffet is clearly marked and there is outdoor seating. Inside it's a little tight but everyone is super nice, polite, and accommodating when negotiating the dining room and the buffet. Note to newbies: if you are new, you walk in the door and past a gift shop, then into the buffet area. It seems natural to just take a tray, plate, plastic utensils, etc. because it's right there when you walk in - but you actually have to pass that station and go to the register to pay first. We had several questions for the young woman working the register and after a couple of them she said, "Oh? You've never been here before?" and apologized profusely before giving us the lowdown on how to chow down. Once you pay, you get your tray and plate (and/or bowl), utensils, breads, and tea (if you want it - it costs extra) in the same area, then turn around and have at the buffet. The water they offer is reverse osmosis water and it's in a little alcove behind the buffet. This is also near the compost/recycling station where you return your tray after eating. If you want more food, you must get a new plate before returning to the line. A watchful attendant came to check on the food and restock what was low as we picked out our dinner dishes. This is an unbeatable deal for vegetarians (and I read they also have a vegan night). It was less than $30 for two people with tip! By the time we finished it was dark but we walked toward the aviary and the koi pond anyway. We didn't want to disturb the birds that were roosting and it was too dark to see the koi so we vowed to come back for lunch - and I can't wait! Next to the koi pond we stopped to admire the Ganesha and make a donation. Of course, this is also a temple, and as we were walking outside we received a smile and a wave from a man looking out of the window of a room with an altar inside. The grounds are beautiful and everything is well maintained, including the parking lot. I can't recommend this place enough! The food was delicious, the bread with a smear of Smart Balance was yummy, and I feel so good eating vegetarian, especially after a self-indulgent holiday season. Please give them a try! read more

Govindas Natural Foods Buffet - A sampling of buffet dinner on 12/28/23 - Vegetarian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Very fresh and tasty, I enjoyed the fresh lime juice and mango cake. You must try this incredible place, sit outside, and relax under an umbrella. Great gift store with lots of items worth looking at. read more

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We enjoy eating at Govinda's from time to time. The food is always tasty and varied, and the price is very reasonable. Everyone is very kind there. My only problem is sometimes some of the food is a bit spicy for me, otherwise it is a five star. read more

Always a great experience at Govinda's. We love going on their vegan days because ...well we can eat everything. The salad bar is super fresh and the other entrees and bread are also tasty. We went for the Christmas feast which was excellent. There are also extra options outside of the buffet---like mango lassi, samosa, cakes, and drinks. Check out their menu published on their website. We like flavor, but tend to prefer less salty dishes. If you like generously seasoned food, this may not be to your taste. There is plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or just like veggies, this is definitely a place to try. read more

This place is a buffet food is great healthy, and doesn't give you that awful feeling when you go to some restaurants I loved all the animals that were outside. The place looks beautiful. read more

Govindas Natural Foods Buffet - Vegetarian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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If someone hadn't told me about Govindas I never would have known it was there. Came here for a Birthday lunch with a friend and we had a great time. I'm not a vegetarian, but I appreciated the many different options Govindas offers. We did the lunch buffet and got the samosas, which was HUGE! Even though it's a buffet I felt pretty full after one plate and left feeling satisfied and healthy, not something you can say about most buffets. read more

I have been going here for more than 10 years and have always had the best food here. Unfortunately they must have decided to have no flavor anymore and don't care about the quality as well. The food made me have to run to the bathroom and had the runs the rest of the day. My friend, who had the same as me, except he ate the soup and did not have salad. We both had mango drinks as well...maybe it was that that made us so sick. He had to puke out the window and got sick several more times after. I was very embarrassed that I had talked the place up so much before. Very sad I lost o e of my favorite places to eat in tucson. I will not be returning read more

Another lunch with the foodies and I was very impressed with the food and service! Just in case you're looking, they are going to be open on Thanksgiving day and serving a vegan Thanksgiving dinner! Everything appeared very clean and it's a nicely decorated restaurant ! read more

I think this is one of the best and most unique vegetarian/vegan buffets in town. The food is fresh, varied, and flavorful without being overly spicy. The inside seating is pretty limited, but there's a large patio seating area with live birds and a koi pond nearby. read more

Lucky for us, my friend and I visited on "Indian" night. We both love Indian food, and lean toward vegetarian cuisine, so this was just perfect. I have been to Govinda's in Culver City, CA., and my own city of San Diego, CA used to have a Govinda's, which my husband and I would frequently dine at. However, this type of restaurant was new to my friend, and she was just blown away. The tranquil and beautiful setting is so conducive to enjoying a meal. Other patrons spoke in near whispers, perhaps in reverence to the many monks who were dining among us. The food is self-serve, all-you-care-to-eat. There were fresh produce selections, hot prepared foods, as well as baked items, papadams, rice, more. More than enough variety to satisfy most. My friend was so taken with the delicious food, she bought the small book Higher Taste, which includes recipes. We would have eaten there again, but Indian night only occurs once a week, or so, not every night, alas. I'll surely return when again in Tucson. Allow a few minutes to walk around the small garden. read more

Govinda's is definitely a restaurant that's easy to forget in the sense that it's not on a major road, so it's unlikely you'll pass it and think, "oh, I should get dinner there tonight!" But really, you should make a point to keep it in mind for vegetarian and vegan cuisine -- especially for their Indian nights every Tuesday! Their buffet is constantly changing, so it's difficult to give any particular menu recommendations, but their Indian food is consistently excellent. They post their monthly menu online, so you can get idea of what the options will be each day. It's always vegetarian at minimum with some vegan options, but there are also three dedicated vegan nights per week! This is a self-serve buffet, with disposable (but compostable!) plates and utensils. It's not fancy, but the food is delicious. The indoor seating is somewhat limited, but if the weather is nice I recommend dining in the courtyard. read more

Govindas Natural Foods Buffet - Buffet items on Indian night - Vegetarian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Govindas Indian cuisine buffet is truly in a stellar league of its own, especially their vegan dishes. I've eaten there multiple times and I can honestly say it's my favorite restaurant between New York and Mumbai - absolutely fabulous! The dishes are all made fresh with top ingredients, and every item I've tasted has just been to die for. The peaceful ambiance is also a haven for protected birds, such as parrots and turkeys, and the serenity of the entire establishment can allow you to think you were on a dream vacation in a far-away land. I would give Govindas 100 thumbs up or stars if that were an option. FABULOUS! read more

This is probably my all-time favorite restaurant. As you can see from the photo, I pig out every time I come here without harming any pigs since everything is vegan. This time I went, they had these fun vegan donuts. I have never had a donut there before so it was super fun. I love buffets. Because I'm pretty gluttonous. I like to choose my food myself. The salads here are the freshest of any salads I've ever tried. The sprouts are to die for. I always fill up my salad with a whole bunch of bean sprouts. They give a perfect crunch. The curries are delicious. I love the dal soup as well. I like that there's also something sweet to eat. So I can always eat dessert at the end which finishes off the meal perfectly. There are a couple of different salad dressings. I usually dress my salad with half of each because I love both flavors. Also, I don't know of any places that serve such bountiful fruit. I fill up a bowl with some of the freshest fruits, including papaya, mango, grapes, really, whatever is in season. Blueberries. Strawberries. There is another version of the fruit salad, that includes something creamy. So you can choose your fruit in either of two ways. Again, I'm gluttonous. So I fill up half my bowl with each type of fruit salad. I could eat here every day of the week. Easy. And you can't beat the prices either. For vegans, vegetarians, lovers of Indian, and curries, this is your place. You can never go wrong. The food is consistently fresh and good. read more

Govindas Natural Foods Buffet - Vegetarian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

My husband and I love Govindas, especially for their vegan menu W/Th/Fri. Their salad bar alone is great with plenty of toppings and delicious dressings. It's very difficult not to keep eating because it is so tasty and wholesome. They do not overuse salt or sugar. Come with an appetite because you will want to try a bit of everything. Their desserts are great too, both the cakes (extra cost) in the fridge and the apricot bread usually served with meals. The vibe is really pleasant as you enter through their little store and head into the restaurant to pay in advance. There is plenty of outdoor seating but also a smaller indoor area with a fountain/statues/crystals if you would rather be inside. Make sure to visit the birds in the back. Based on family experience, you probably won't find much to eat if you avoid gluten or tomato-based food. read more

Govinda's is one of the best, most special restaurants I've ever visited anywhere! The atmosphere is peaceful, beautiful, and blissful. The food is amazing - a great, rotating variety of vegan/vegetarian dishes to impress everyone - omnivores will love it, too! The food is served buffet-style and is prepared with a lot of love. This is reflected in the delicious taste and how nourishing it is. And definitely try the desserts at the buffet and in the display case - they are fantastic, too! The staff is very kind and helpful. The restaurant also features a beautiful patio (sometimes with live music), a lovely meditation garden/koi pond, exotic birds, and a great Indian boutique. Govinda's is my top choice for restaurants in Tucson - it is certain to wow out-of-town guests, too. read more

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I had been having a rough week, and a friend brought me to Govindas for lunch. I was immediately transformed to another place, and felt as if I was no longer in the hustle and bustle of the real world, a feeling of peace and tranquility washed over me. I was so grateful for the beauty and the ambience and the kindness of the family that I actually got tears in my eyes. The grounds were so amazing, It took me almost an hour to get to my plate of food which I had forgotten about and that was the reason we came, we were hungry. The selection was wonderful. I sat and appreciated all the natural flavors and the freshness, and never even added butter to my bread. Sadly, I took so long touring the grounds that by the time I had finished my plate the buffet had already closed, which means I will have to go back to taste the rest of the food and I can't wait. As for the review written on February 15 of 2023 by Jennifer B from Los Angeles you must be an ungrateful, uncultured millennial. Based on the hundreds of 5 star reviews over the last 22 years you should take your posting down. It's just an embarrassment to you. Please stay in Los Angeles. Thank you Govindas, you are my new special escape. read more

Govindas Natural Foods Buffet - Just some of the beauty. - Vegetarian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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This place is delicious; fresh food fresh veggies and fantastic choices! The place is quaint and has a very homely feel. The service is the usual at a buffet. They have a koi pond and many birds in cages for display. read more

Had them deliver their takeout dinner (pre-chosen variety of items) and was very impressed. I've eaten there in person and what was amazing was how great the quality was, even with delivery. It came with soup and salad, chana masala, lentil dahl, a paneer dish and rice with an unidentified bread. All delicious, and all represented their care of food and customers. read more

Govindas Natural Foods Buffet - Dinner Curries, Poories, Chutneys, Salad, Raitas and more - Vegetarian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Interesting. A unique place. Small indoor dining are, very simple. Nice courtyard dining for nice weather. A unique oasis in central Tucson. Pay first, get your plastic tray and paper plates and plastic utensils. First time to a vegan buffet. Papadams, homemade bread and rolls, all very good. Salad and veggies Odd salad dressings. Several warmish veg, beans and a pasta dish. Good rice pudding. Worth a visit with the appropriate expectations. Would return once or twice a year. If you are vegan or a bit adventurous check it out. $10 for the buffet. read more

The price is reasonable, the food is excellent. Extremely nice people behind the counter at the buffet line as well as in the retail shop. I never would've expected to love the salad dressings that were made dairy free! The selection of options was good and flavor profile's exceeded my expectations. There were thin seeded crackers and tea options to the left of the counter as well as a full buffet of everything from pasta to potatoes and a salad bar. Stay on the one lower side of the buffet line when you are dishing. The other side is for people walking through and dropping off trays. The outside ambiance is peaceful there's a small bridge and Koi pond to walk around. read more

As if the gardens and the space isn't gorgeous and peaceful enough the food was to die for ! We happened to stumble upon this gem during a very auspicious time so the temple was full of life and there was a incredible kirtan happening. The FOOD oh my gosh ... it was so creative and delicious! It was hard to stop eating , but I did have to get a to-go box ( costs .50 cents) I'll def be back this experience was wonderful . read more

The parking can be a little crazy, and it's not the easiest place to get around if you use a mobility gadget, but the food is good, the atmosphere is lovely when it's nice enough to sit outside, and the buffet offers a good variety of tasty dishes. We are vegan and it's good for us. VERY reasonably priced and there's a lot to look at when one visits Govinda's. I say GO! read more

Absolutely loved the food!! Loved the customer service! The atmosphere was really Inviting and relaxing- thankful for the local place. I am thankful for the vegan food as well! They had a cute pond with birds and fish and turtles! So yummy the food!!! read more

My husband and I have been coming here for years for casual little dinner dates and celebrations. I love the outdoor seating, relaxing pond, occasional live music, delicious food, and friendly staff. The new serving process is nice. The server will ask you what you'd like and you can request more or less of each menu option. Make sure to stop and relax near the pond after dinner and say hi to the birds and the turtles! read more

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I don't follow a plant based diet, but I LOVE the food at Govindas! Oh my word, so tasty, so fresh, and so flavorful. I was skeptical the first time my plant based friends took me, but that skepticism was completely unfounded. Even my "meat and potato at every meal kinda guy" loves eating here. Their buffet is always a little different with a few constants that I've noticed in the 4 times I've dined here. They always have insanely fresh salad with toppings like shredded cucumber, shredded beets, seeds, a tasty bean mixture (that I don't even know what's in it, but it's so good), and crazy good creamy plant based dressings. Then they've always had rice with a few vegetable curry type dishes with potatoes, sometimes tofu, and savory sauces. Yesterday they had a vegan pizza too! It seems to be Indian "inspired". They also had a vegan chow mein dish with skinny noodles that was delicious. Wednesday and Thursday are their completely plant based days. They also usually have a few types of breads to go with your meal. The atmosphere is definitely different than your normal restaurant as it is part of Tucson's International Society for Krishna Consciousness campus. I don't know a lot about their happenings outside of the restaurant so I will not elaborate more, but you can check out their website for more information. The restaurant itself has a very laid back and relaxed feel, there is a beautiful outdoor courtyard to sit in when the weather is cool and they have an adorable pond area with turtles! The staff that manage the restaurant are always kind and welcoming. All of their plates and forks are compostable. I recommend taking a water bottle if you're not going to buy a drink as the cups they offer for water are teeny-tiny cups like the ones the dentist gives you to rinse your mouth. Great hidden treasure in Tucson! Check it out! read more

Exceptional service. Great food and great atmosphere. It was a great experience. I even bought a bracelet. I will definitely be back! read more

Govindas Natural Foods Buffet - Vegetarian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Love the vibe here. First time going, great service, friendly, and helpful. The food was very legit. Enjoyed sitting outside, and will definitely be back for more. If you're looking for something adventurous and different, give it a try. read more

Unremarkable and expensive food. The thing that stood out the most was how cold everything was, even the samosas. Vibes were incredibly weird. The table next to us got told to eat outside (at night, in the cold) for being "too loud," although they seemed to just be having a normal conversation. I couldn't wait to leave! read more

I was really impressed by Govinda's Buffet. Normally, I am turned off by buffets, as they usually have low quality food. Not Govinda's, though. The food here is cooked with care. It's flavorful, filling, and healthy! What more can you ask for? I came on a Wednesday night which happened to be vegan night. To be honest, if you hadn't told me this was vegan, I wouldn't have known. The food was that good. They had lots of great choices - fresh salads with plenty of toppings, a bunch of different sides, and a bunch of entrees. I decided to try a little bit of everything and I enjoyed every bite! There was one vegetable tofu dish in particular that really took me away. I went back for seconds of that. The best part was leaving stuffed but not feeling miserable. That's how you know the food is good for you. The place itself is wonderful. They've got indoor and outdoor seating in their cute patio. It's very spacious. They also have a little shop at the entrance of the restaurant with a lot of Buddhist merchandise, if you're into that. All in all I left Govinda's thinking "wow, this was much better than I expected!". My boyfriend had been telling me to try this place out and I'm glad he did. Anyone vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, will find something they love here. Check it out! read more

Govindas Natural Foods Buffet - A smorgasbord of amazing... Definitely went for seconds! - Vegetarian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Very good vegan/vegetarian food, especially for the road weary traveler. It was near afternoon closing time when we arrived but they welcomed us in and we got a great meal. read more

Govindas Natural Foods Buffet - Lentil soup, basmati rice & beans, Naan, salad - Vegetarian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Govinda's is my FAVE restaurant in Tucson. I eat here multiple times when I visit and I love introducing my friends to this GEM. I started dining here when they first opened in the 1990's and has always been enjoyable dining buffet experience. Delicious food is fresh food nicely prepared. It reminds me of the food at the Ashram I used to go to for Sidha Yoga. The outdoor dining patio is so lovely or you can eat inside. I highly recommend you eat here if you love Indian food like I do! read more

Delicious, Homemade, Healthy Abundance of Vegetarian and Vegan options All their plates and utensils are compostable They have unlimited tea for an extra $1.50 and extras available for purchase. You walk into a small storer with varying things prior to entering the buffet room. Pay first at the register and then you can enjoy as much as you want. read more