Ok please don't ask me what o had because I could never spell it But from the beginning till the end the service was perfect The the waitress who ended up to be the daughter of the owner, which is so sweet, kind and helpful We start off with some type of appetizer with mixed meat. That was absolutely delicious. I had some lamb dish and my brother had a shrimp dish. Everything that was perfectly cooked perfectly timed we weren't rushed. We didn't wait. It was just a great meal. It wasn't very busy and sometimes when places are quiet that's when you get bad service cause the way staff is doing other stuff, but they were very attentive very kind. Very sweet and very knowledgeable. I will definitely be going back. read more

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People are fickle and so am I; I leapt off the handle in a prior review. The service is good, it's just fine. The food's delicious and here's why: Samosas big and tasty to eat, Indian mango beer a bubbly treat; The Chicken tikka truly a feast; The rice luscious and can't be beat. So mosey on over to Jyoti right now And spent some delightful time chowing down! read more

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I love this family owned operated Indian restaurant. Everything is so good. I love that. You can customize everything. You can even get nut free dairy free creamy delicious curries the lunch special is such a good deal and they even have a movie night where they play Indian movies and they paired the movie with delicious Indian food really fair prices. They even have a full bar with happy hour specials. Definitely check them out!. read more

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Super fast and attentive service, swift refilling of buffet kiosks, and the Galub Jamun was insanely heavenly. Come here for amazing food and great smiles. read more

The food is amazing, along with the ambience. The waitress took good care of me during dinner. Highly recommend Jyoti.

According to their website, they've been at this location for 30 years, and that seems right to me. Back in the day, my oldest friend and I met here occasionally for the lunch buffet, which was delicious and plentiful. Never knew what I was eating, but I always enjoyed everything I had. We never made a conscious decision to stop coming here. My friend moved around a lot. When he was living in Wayne, before his divorce, he would come here with his wife and kids. But it has been a few years since he and I ate at Jyoti. About a week ago, my friend was in the area, and we agreed to meet somewhere for dinner. When he suggested Jyoti, I readily agreed, and when he added, "I know you were never a big fan of it..." I was shocked. "When did I say that? Where did that come from? I never said that! I always liked the place!" Sometimes my friend will say something patently untrue just to get a reaction. He succeeded. I will confess that I'm not a fan of the location. It's on Rt. 46, right where 46 merges with Rt's 80 and 23 in a confusing, maddening, dangerous snarl of speeding, reckless drivers flirting with death within spitting distance of the Willowbrook Mall. We were to meet at 6 and I proceeded down 46 in my usual timid fashion (my night vision sucks, and...as my cataracts progress...my day vision isn't all that great either), I kept my eye (the one with the smaller cataract) peeled for where I remembered Jyoti being located. Despite my intent focus, I still managed to pass the small, non-descript restaurant and instead pulled into the lot of a trucking company next door. The 2 businesses don't connect, and rather than try to navigate the migraine-inducing highways in an effort to find a perhaps very far away U-turn, I instead drove up the shoulder in the wrong direction against oncoming traffic (not recommended) until I was able to pull into Jyoti's parking lot, where my friend waited. Not exactly Popeye Doyle pursuing assassin Pierre Nicoli through rush-hour Brooklyn streets in "The French Connection," but my nerves were nonetheless frazzled. As we entered Jyoti's cool, spacious interior, I found the ambiance calming, and the prospect of good Indian food soothed me sufficiently so that I was able to forget about my harrowing drive and relax. It had been a long time since I had eaten here, but I was happy to be back. The buffet wasn't available, and I felt immediately at a disadvantage, as I've never actually ORDERED in an Indian restaurant, but my friend, who is always a too-generous host, said he would order the food, if I was agreeable, and I was. There was water, and I ordered a Pepsi. My friend ordered Chai tea. Our server was friendly and helpful. She took our orders. This seems to be a family operation, as an older gentleman brought our dishes as we ordered and cleared the table when we were finished. We started with a light cracker-type of appetizer, which was served with a choice of a red vegetable spread, or a green mint one. I tried both (the mint one had spice to it). My friend ordered coconut and cherry naan bread, which was delicious (I ate most of it). I also had a hot coconut soup with raisins (different, but delectable). We split chicken samosa (crispy dough with a filling), chicken tandoori on bone, chicken masala, lamb vindaloo, a lentil dish with vegetables, and basmati rice. It was a lot of food, and I ate most of it (I am mindful of my ongoing diet, but I hadn't had Indian food in a long time, and I hadn't eaten at all that day), but there were still leftovers. The only disappointing aspect of the whole experience was the dessert. I remember Kulfi as some of the most exquisite ice cream I've ever eaten, and I love ice cream. I ordered it, but it wasn't as I remembered it. It was almost like a thin popsicle on a stick. I ate it, and enjoyed it, but it wasn't what I expected based on the Kulfi I had decades ago. Maybe like my late WASP mother's lasagna, the memory is more exquisite than the reality of it actually was. Still, when we come next time, I think I'll try one of the other desserts listed on their menu. Despite the disappointing Kulfi, and the hardship of finding the tiny restaurant amidst the numbing, heavily-trafficked procession of mini-malls, mega-malls, gas stations, trucking companies, motels, fitness facilities, chain drugstores, office buildings, diners, furniture stores, chain restaurants, lamp stores, adult boutiques, etc., that line this bleak, depressing section of Rt. 46, I heartily recommend Jyoti for anyone with a hankering for quality Indian cuisine. I'm not an expert on Indian food, or a connoisseur, but I know what I like. And I REALLY like Jyoti! Highly recommended! read more

Good food ready for pickup as soon as I pulled up! Busy party place, there restaurant was dead but the hall was hopping . Lots happy parties Food was hot and mild as we ordered it read more

Worst buffet I have ever had in NJ. they served tasteless stale food for buffet dont know how many days old

This restaurant has been at this location for over 30 years based on conversation with the owner. I found it on Yelp as I wanted to eat hot Indian curry's this evening after a long ride from NYS. Stayed at nearby hotel and it was only few minutes from there yet it took me over half an hour as Rt 46 is going east/ west and trying to get right exit was very frustrating. Further entrance to the parking lot is also very tight and confusing when cars behind you are driving over 60 MPH and you have to slow down to-veer in to the lot .. Anyway they have full bar so a glass of burgundy wine calm me down . As i am used to eating Indian curries- ordered mutter paneer - green peas snd tofu like cubes made of curd milk substitute- spiced hot curry and Garlic Naan also comes with side of rice and to start with papadum a crispy protein peas waffer. since place not being busy ... had relaxing wait .. until food arrived.. sipping on my wine... Reasonable priced as most Indian similar type of full service restaurants. shall post photos soon .. read more

I can only have Indian food once in a while for stomach issues but I love it! Part of getting older lol. This place is my go to. We drive out of our way as we don't live in the area anymore. The owners are nice, the food is always fresh and amazing, they catered a work event for me as well, just wonderful. I'm a clean freak so it's very clean. I don't really care about ambiance personally, as long as the food is good, but the place is very aesthetically pleasing not just for a date, but to be causal and bring the family as well. If you're in the mood for Indian, I highly recommend! Like I said I don't even live close and drive past 2 other Indian places to come here. read more

The food used to be much much better but over the years it has slowly declined. I had the lamb kyberi which used to have red and green peppers in the recipe but no more. It also had great flavour. The owners and service staff are very friendly and I'm hoping that they can return to serving some great food again as we enjoyed going there since the late '90's. read more

WOW! What incredible flavorful food! I'm used to Indian food being oily and salty, but instead it was perfectly spiced and so light and not heavy. Wonderful! Best tandoori chicken I've ever had! Plus the owner was very nice. I can't wait to eat here again. Don't miss the desserts! So delicious and not too sweet. read more

Jyoti - A medley! Okra, lamb (so tender!), tandoori chicken was incredible! - Indian Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

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Went here today with my family we ordered paneer tikka masala, methi mattar masala, malai kofta along with cilantro naan, garlic naan and plain naan and biryani. Food was very fresh taste and biryani was very delicious, and flavorful. Also ordered special mango lassi that was a touch of rum and food was amazing very flavorful with perfect spices. The menu has so many options non-veg and veg and indo chinese option. The staff is very nice and its A very lovely place, will be coming back here! Thank you ! read more

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My family and I have been eating here for years - it's one of our classic go-to spots. This restaurant is perfect for vegetarians, family dinners and take-out. The portion sizes are good, food is delicious (we usually get medium spice which is always consistent) and the service is decent. I would recommend getting a lacha parantha cooked tandoori style - it's flaky, filling and ideal for most of the veggie entrees. The eggplant dish sometimes is a bit too oily but taste wise it's great. Ask for a complimentary plate a onions and lemons on the side - squeeze just a little lemon ontop your vegetables and take a few bites of raw onion along w/ your meal -- it will accentuate the taste. (the super stinky breath afterward is worth it!). Their malai kulfi dessert is nice - or at least my family enjoys it. They have a catering hall next to the restaurant. So don't be surprised if you visit the restaurant on a Saturday night there might be some loud indian music going on (sound proofin isn't the best). Additionally, if you go there for a big group dinner, make a reservation and ask for the space in the back of restaurant - it offers a short wall so your group can get some privacy. If you bring a cake or dessert from outside the staff is accommodating in brining extra plates, napkins, etc. read more

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Ordered hour in advance for takeout. When arrived to restaurant they spent five minutes looking for my order and then asked to wait for 20 more minutes, while trying to come up with an excuse why my order is not ready. They were even surprised when I said that I don't want to wait. would avoid this place in the future. read more

I loved this place I was looking for my favorite of fave Satish palace in Montclair for years and finally got bored and scoured the internet to find out it's the same owner and chef so I finally went today and fell in love again, reasonably priced good portions , ambiance is awesome staff friendly and attentive and of course the meal was splendid. I look forward to making my rounds and being here more often only ate this today and I was full all day. Thank you Mega , Mom Satish an staff. God bless you all. read more

Very tasty, authentic food . I'm vegan and the menu has plenty of options for me. The owner and staff are wonderful and friendly, and the service is always exceptional !! One of my favorite indian restaurants!! read more

First of all I want to say thank you to all Jyoti staff & Satish(Owner) for delicious food & extremely good services on my Wife's baby shower Party !!! Food was delicious. Banquet hall is good for around 125 people. Thank you again satish Ji. read more

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food was very good, good prices, and big portions!!! enough for leftovers!! check in for a free samosa is a great deal because their samosas are FIREEEE read more

Jyoti - Great location! Menu is great! - Indian Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

I hadn't been here in years and I was disappointed by both the food and the service. The amount of items out at the buffet was less than what it once was and all the items were either overcooked and/or under flavored. The two chicken dishes were dry, the aloo was mealy and the vegetarian dishes were bland. The sides also were sadly lacking in flavor. It took me quite some time to pay my bill as the manager was busy waiting tables and filling take out orders. Too many places in the area for subpar service and food to be tolerated. read more

Was looking for something different on my recent business trip. Indian is always appealing and was looking forward to a good Lamb dish. It's a very unassuming restaurant but easily accessible (if you are on the correct side of the highway - haha). There weren't very many people when I walked in and I was seated right away. The service was good but nothing over the top. I just really wanted a good meal. I ended up ordering the Vegetable Samosas and Lamb Rohan Josh. I would rate both good. Again there was nothing special about them. The interesting thing was the rice. It was white rice with a bit of saffron, cinnamon and other spices (including food coloring). I thought that it was odd when the waiter told me that. Overall I am not sure if I would seek this restaurant out. read more

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Ordered takeout again- really delicious food- i finally found a place just as good as Tandoori Chef! I will definitely be eating here again! Chicken Timka masala is delicious! read more

So delicious! Best Indian food around:) Such a lovely staff they were all very sweet! Very nice ambiance and very clean!

Excellent food. Always correct on their spices. We all love different things. I love the Shrimp Nirgisi with medium spice. My newest find in the mango chicken, but next time I will order it with a little spice. Family loves medium hot, lamb Rogan Josh. Son orders Chicken Seekh Kabob, medium mild spice. Naans are solid. We like that they listen to us and take into account our spice levels. Food is definitely solid. We enjoy it and you should also. read more

Sadly I was underwhelmed by the taste of the Indian food here. The price is awesome for a weekend buffet, 9.95....It's normally higher in other places I have been during the weekend. So I loved that. Service was awesome, you get fresh naan at your table. We came in around 1:30p on a Saturday and every item was available but they were a little backed up on the tandoori chicken which is one item I absolutely loved here. The chicken tikka masala though was what was disappointing. No spices like I like it. All the other items were good: chole bhature, samosa, gobi aloo, paneer, saag mushrooms, daal makhani. For dessert there was ras malai which I didn't taste and Gulab jamon - which I am sorry were not good. The Chai however, was hot and delicious!! read more

Rated only on lunch buffet for $11.95. When here today and I was a bit disappointed, the food was just so - so, nothing to write home about and just mediocre tasting flavors through out the different hot buffet items. And yes I have experienced better lunch Indian buffets then this one. The place was a bit dark inside. Service was fine, always empty plates were removed and water glasses refilled with out asking. There was an adequate selection of items on the buffet table. My biggest complaint about this experience was that the flavors were off, something was missing in each of the hot dishes there was also not enough spice in the dishes, some dishes were just warm and one dish was even cold, you just didn't want to have seconds. They had a cold station with the normal items and sauces. Regarding the hot station they had the following: some fried items, Vegetable Pakora, three chicken dishes like chili chicken that lacked spice, chicken Tikka Masala flavors were off, chicken Tandoori was tasteless, goat Curry swimming in sauce with a lot of bones and you had to go fishing for the meat, four vegetarian dishes like Aloo Gobhi, Sag Jyoti Banquet, Chana Masala and Mutter Paneer. also some kind of thin noodle dish that was missing flavor and rice, Plus two desserts Gulab Jamun & Firni. Like most other places they bring Naan to your table however the Naan was not good, it was thick, oily and I felt it was made in a pan and not in the normal stone oven. Overall this place was a disappointment I would not return. But I'll give it overall 2 1/2 stars. read more

Went here with 2 others. It's owned by the same nice people who own Satish Palace, a personal favorite in Montclair. This place by comparison has a bar and a more festive atmosphere, at least if a lot of people show up. It's way larger/nicer looking but it is a bit pricier than Satish. Anyway: Got served Papadum at the start, the normal (but it is Papadum from an Indian restaurant so, yeah. Got a Sweet Lassi, excellent version, nice portion size. I'd give it maybe a 3.5 if I was counting it in the rating. He got a Taj Mahal which was fine, iced glass. I would have gotten a beer but the selection was small, especially compared to the size of the spirits menu. I mean it was Taj Mahal, Haywards 5k (Malt Liquor) and King Fischer. They got the: Vegetarian Assorted Appetizers (for Two) 8.95. I tried the fried potato, the Pakora (though it wasn't the onion one) and a little piece of the Samosa. Good amount of veggies, a lot of fry though. A good mix of stuff, good size for 2/3 people. 3.7 I got: Palak Shorba (or Palak Soup on the menu) 3.50 (I think.) Not on the menu online but it is on their current well offline menu Palak is Spinach. Shorba is soup. So it's Spinach soup...with milk or cream and other stuff. Good version of it, portion was a bit small but the flavors were excellent and it was quite rich. There seemed to be little pieces of Potato or some other similar veggie in there also. 4.1, I'd give it higher if the portion was bigger. Mains: Big plate of Jasmine rice on the side. Hers: Chicken Biryani 15.95: Combination of white and dark meat chicken, cubed and sauteed with bell peppers onions and fragrant basmati rice. A lot of bell peper, a good amount of chicken, and a lot of spices. It came with some raita, which was nice (and it worked well for some of the other dishes. I don't think she was a big fan of it, then again she tried something new. Chicken was tender though. If I had to rate it, I'd give it a 3.7 or something similar. His: I don't remember, at all. It was a reddish curry (big narrowing by me, right?) I tried it. It was moderately spicy, solid overall. I'd rate it if I remembered it more. Mine: Khoa Kaju. 13.95 mashed home made cheese cooked with cashews in Chef's secret spices. I ordered the dish spicy, as I have had similar dishes before. I know the dish is not super spicy usually so ordering it hot. He made sure I was fine with it, and made a little joke that the Sweet Lassi would help with it. Anyway, the dish was a perfect heat to it. It wasn't super spicy, as expected but all of the flavors were excellent. A lot of cashews and cheese, though I would say more cashews (some cashed cooked with mashed home made cheese you mean.) A lot of flavor. Highly recommended. 4.4 Bread: pishwari naan 4.95: Bread stuffed with coconut, raisin, almond Way too much sweetened coconut. Needed more raisins/almonds to balance it. Sickly sweet. I would have gotten dessert but the Pe(i)shwari/Kashmiri Naan was sweet enough 2.3 Overall: 3.98 I'll give this a 4, mostly for my soup and main dish. Don't get that Naan though. Nice people here also. read more

My co-worker Harris and I were craving something good. Something different than the diner food we had been eating lately so we opted for this place and we were SO glad we did! First off, they are open late which is amazing. Second, the service is awesome. I was craving a beer and most admit that King Fisher has always been my favorite Indian Beer. Sadly, it is no longer available as the owner fled India with millions of rupees owed to the government. I tried the Old Monk 10000 Super Beer and it was really really good. Light and crisp flavor. Now for the food: Ordered the chicken tikka masala and vegetable Korma medium heat with Garlic Naan. (I prefer hot but my co-worker wasn't up for it, lol). Both dishes were excellent as was the naan! Next time I am trying the goat and I suggest you do the same. I will be back here any time I am in town for business! read more

Very bad experience. Food quality and taste is not good. I ordered veg haka noodle there were only vegetables in and no noodles. It was too spicy I specifically informed them not make too hot. All in vain. Waste of time, money and everything. read more

A usual "must visit" restaurant for me when I visit the NYC/NJ area! Family owned and operated, the owners even came around to see how the food was! The food is authentic and never disappoints! I came on the weekend, and it was busier than usual - but they did great considering they appeared to be short staffed. I started off with the complimentary papadums, ordered a mango lassi, and an order of fish pakore with their chutney sauces. As expected, fantastic and fresh. For the main entree, I ordered a garlic naan, chicken tikka masala and also tried the lamb roganjosh. The chicken tikka masala hit the spot and the lamb was tender and flavorful. Service was a little slower than usual as mentioned before, but I did notice they were very busy. Would highly recommend and I can't wait to visit again! read more

Papadam was soggy. Asked for fresher and sent it back. Soggy came back. Really? It was like, "Soggy Returns". Or, "Son Of Soggy", "Bride Of Soggy". One dish, my absolute favorite anywhere, was alien to me. Didn't resemble anything like what I've been served for 30 years no matter where I go. Waitress gave a little argument, tried to make it seem like I was nuts, and sent it back. The culinary master in the kitchen drained the sauce and replaced with a watery, tasteless slop. I should've sent it back but this was getting tiresome. I was polite when I told the waitress that it was awful. No refund, no discount, just a bad taste in my mouth.Naan was good. At least there's the bread. Place was noisy. Little kids running around and screaming. Oh well, no one cared. I'm done with this place. read more

I loved this place but it has gone completely down hill. All new faces working here this visit. (Except one bus guy) Not very friendly, but they take our order, come back with our appetizer plates. My plate was dirty, I asked for a new one. I never get a new plate until I ask for the third time, after our samosas arrived. Then I proceed to watch the woman pick up dirty plate off the side table and rub dirt off it with her thumb. (Now I am grossed out and won't use the plate) so I now I am sharing a plate with my husband. The samosas we ordered were not as good as usual. A little greasy and not as flaky as usual. Just not as good as past visits. Next I order Vegetable Curry, this curry was watery, the vegetables were mushy/soggy and the sauce lacked any depth of flavour. It was uneatable, I left the whole bowl. Again not the flavorful dishes of my past visits. The high point of the meal was the rice. It was hot and fresh. Not once did anyone come over to ask about our meal, offer a drink refill etc. In the end we got up and had to go stand at the desk to pay. Poor service and bad food. I won't be back, and this stinks because this Jyoti was always on my go to list of local restaurants. read more

This is the best Indian restaurant around! We've been coming here for years and have NEVER been disappointed! The family running the place is so sweet and always makes sure we are taken care of! Even got to meet Jyoti herself! I always recommend this place to family and friends when in the area! Great place to try new things! I RECCOMEND 100% read more

Very average food and service. I would stay away from this restaurant. I wouldn't venture to this place even if I am very hungry as almost all the items were very very below average with respect to taste and preparation! read more

Visited 06/14/2018 Wow, I can't believe it's been 6 years since I was here last. I'm going to have to make more of an effort (convincing my wife) how good Indian food is. I brought my son again, since he's the other one in the family that appreciates Indian cuisine and again, neither of us was disappointed. We started with their Jyoti special appetizer. Cauliflower, shrimp, chicken, sweet potato, potato and a ground lamb 'stuffed dumpling' kind of thing... all dipped in a batter and deep fried. Ok, so if you're going to order this, you're going to want to order less. This app was very filling... not a huge portion, but even split with my son, was just too filling. Good, tasty, but not something I would order again. My son ordered the goat curry... in a hot red curry sauce, while I had the lamb korma. Both of these were excellent, the lamb korma reminding me of my favorite chicken tikka masala, a spicy creamy (yogurt) sauce that I just can't get enough of. The bottled stuff at most any supermarket just doesn't get the job done. We also shared a spicy sag panir... creamed spinach with cheese curds... also excellent. The bottled beer (Stella) did go up... from $3.50 to $5.00. Still a pretty good price. I'm going to make sure I'm back again... well before 6 years. Too long to wait in between. read more

I have been looking for a good Indian restaurant as a regular but haven't found one yet until I came across Jyoti. This is probably the fourth time I have been here and each time I discover something new and exciting on their menu. Tonight we started with the vegetable samosas. Very standard dish in Indian cuisine and usually pretty good. They were tasty and flaky and not as heavy as most Indian restaurants prepare samosas. Next I had a coconut soup which was made with coconut milk, coconut bits and chopped raisins. It was very tasty and made for the perfect appetizer. Finally for an entrée I had the chicken Achari. I have never seen this dish on an Indian menu before so I was curious to try it. It's cubes of chicken in a sauce simmered with pickled Indian vegetables. It had a nice subtle flavor to it and the pickles were not overpowering at all. As with most pickle dishes it had a nice salty taste, although not too salty. If you like pickled things then this is the dish for you. I think I found a new favorite dish. I will continue to come back and would like to try their buffet one of these days. I highly recommend Jyoti. read more

Jyoti - Coconut soup - Indian Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

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We were going out this way and I looked up some Indian places to check out. This one came up, and we were pleasantly surprised! Everything was perfection! From the greeting when we walked in, to the beer recommendation, to paying the check, we felt like regulars! We will be back!!! read more

Jyoti - Indian Near Me - Wayne, New Jersey

We typically love coming here. We generally can't wait to come back. We've been coming here for years! We moved here in '08 and discovered This place not long after. Not certain if there are new owners, when asked, the gentleman at the register said "No, same owners", but, we only recognized one member of staff. The service was bad, the plates were dirty, and the food was off. Way off. Not sure what's going on, but, we'll not be back for a while. Sorry guys. read more

My first Indian restaurant, I enjoyed it, the staff was very cordial and nice, we used a coupon. Its not that expensive, food spicy and tasty, decour is cute. The only thing is they are kinda empty, and they close early. I asked, the owner said they lose business to the bar next door, which is weird because they have a bar area! read more

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Food is great and reasonably priced. Staff are very friendly and courteous when serving me and my family. Would recommend for anyone desiring a good Indian food experience! read more