Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Install the Yelp app
    Continue your search on the app. It’s easier!

    Namaste Jalsaa

    4.3 (383 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    Order Namaste Jalsaa Takeout or Delivery

    Namaste Jalsaa Photos

    Business Info

    NAMASTE JALSAA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    More like Namaste Jalsaa

    Recommended Reviews - Namaste Jalsaa

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Regular menu
    Kasi M.

    We had a great experience here today with Linda! She was an awesome waitress and super sweet. We came in today when they opened at 11:30 and they were just setting up their lunch buffet (m-thur). It was $14 a person and then kids are $10. The aroma and space were clean and peaceful. Everything was beautiful and felt like we were back in India. The food was outstanding. A variety of salad, curry, paneer and chicken as well as some vegetable fritters and naan. All of the food was hot and fresh. The butter naan was Amazing! My girls went up for thirds. The rice was perfect and each dish was so flavorful. We had water at the table and opted for an extra dish of rice pudding at the end. It was so reasonably priced and we all left stuffed! The service was fast and friendly and they made sure everyone had what they needed for a great meal. Like I mentioned previously Linda was fantastic and she even took my girls to the bathroom (I didn't realize it was connected to the building and had to walk out and to another space) and as a mother I appreciate that gesture so much! We would gladly return. I took several pictures of the menus and inside. They even have a special valentines menu. Def check this one out!

    Ashley G.

    Still a 5 star review years later. The service staff are very kind, and I appreciate that we did not feel rushed out and could sit and talk for an hour after we finished (tables were not full). Excellent variety of veg options.

    Gorgeous

    Amazing all around! The bartender and servers are very kind and attentive, the atmosphere is gorgeous. It's peaceful yet open to laughter. It's where I'll bring all my friends and family. Food is very flavorful as well!

    The food is delicious!
    John H.

    I wish I could give Namaste Jalsa a 4-star because of how friendly the staff were and how great the food tasted, but unfortunately we found a ladybug in one of our dishes and after that we couldn't enjoy the rest of our meal... But for the bug issue, I would recommend Namaste Jalsa to anyone looking for a solid Indian restaurant that serves all the traditional dishes you've come to expect. Maybe one day in the future when this one-off experience (hopefully) is a distant memory, I can give Namaste Jalsa another try and update this review with more positive feedback considering how well the meal was going before the incident.

    Raita - Not very good... too pasty.  Sent it back
    J E.

    I've walked by this place a hundred+ times over the years... I love Old Town and have spent many a day and night there. I've always wondered about this place, but was hesitant to stop in for two reasons: 1. It's an Indian restaurant and me being Pakistani, I'm not too fond of the style of curry the Indians prepare. 2. The biggest reason though is that typical of these Indian places along popular/busy thoroughfares, they "Americanize" the food too much. Thus much of the authentic flavor, spice, and heat isn't prevalent. Since I was in the area for work, I stopped in for a late lunch. The lady working the dining room was very friendly and helpful. Their menu is huge! But it's all Indian food... as an example, Chicken Karahi wasn't on it, but Kadai was. I started with their veggie pakora. Pakora is a fritter where they dip veggies (or meats, but mostly veggie only) into a spiced, orange-colored batter then fry it. They make them fresh, so the end result of the fried goodie has strings of the batter in its formation - YUMMM!!! But their pakora was a patty. It appears they used a similar batter and minced the veggies and then patted them all into a patty and sautéed them. The form factor was way off and the way they prepared this actually did affect the flavor... not for the positive. Next up was the entrée, Chicken Kadai in a medium heat. The heat was respectable, definitely far from spicy. The chicken in it was boneless, flavored quite nicely, and very tender. The sauce was decent, but overdone and thick from the pre-preparing they must do... It appeared they pre-made the sauce and then add the protein when it's ordered. The bell peppers were added fresh and that was a nice touch! The rice that came with the entrée was decent. Finally, I asked for a side dish of palak or saag - I'm not sure which they actually serve. Palak is simply spinach, saag is a mix of mustard greens typically with spinach... I prefer saag for the depth of flavor, but I do love both. I have to say, they ground down/stewed down their greens perfectly! It had the perfect texture, which should NOT resemble steamed spinach! It should simply be a thick, green pasty texture. The flavor was decent, though I felt it was missing some spices and the flavor wasn't as rich as I prefer. Heat was on the boring side, at least for me it was. And lastly, I like sauces, so I asked for a bowl of their raita. It had a slimy texture rather than the typical thick, rich yogurt texture. It also was lacking the cucumber slivers that make it bright like a tzatziki. I really didn't like it at all. Frankly, it didn't seem fresh to me. I'm not a fan of using utensils to eat my curries, rather I prefer roti, it's thinner and not as filling as naan, but should have a nice mix of wheat and regular flour. It should almost resemble a tortilla, slightly thicker and usually these are made in a tawa, which is a much flatter style wok. I absolutely love a properly made roti (I grew up calling them chapati) - Theirs was decent. It wasn't too thick. The flavor was on the bland side, but the texture was spot-on. It definitely worked fine to use as a way to eat my curry. Overall - I can see why this place is rated so high. But what I've learned is that "Authentic" Pakistani (and other ethnic joints, like Szechuan) places are absolutely BEST when there overall rating is middle of the road (like 2 - 3 stars), as most "typical Americans" don't know what to expect, so they rate these authentic places based on how they rate the local Outback, Texas Roadhouse, etc... This place deserves the 4 stars I'll give them for their style and presentation. But would I return? Probably not.... But have at it and enjoy!

    Delicious Indian and Nepalese food!

    I really enjoyed the food and service. My family and I dined here while on vacation. We enjoyed chicken tikka masala, dal mahakani, dal tadka, bhindi masala, sekawa chicken, raita and garlic naan. Delicious! The service was great and very friendly. The ambiance was nice also.

    Chicken Tikka Masala Garlic Naan Large Rice
    Angel T.

    My background: I've only had Indian food a few times, so please read this with the caveat that I cannot judge this food for its authenticity. Food: I ordered the green chicken soup, chicken tikka masala, and garlic naan. The soup came out first and I was immediately hooked on the taste. Honestly I could see myself coming here for just the soup in the future. The naan came with four pieces, which seems fairly standard, and the chicken for the tikka masala was generous. Service: The food came out in less than 10 minutes of ordering. The waiters came by frequently to refill my water and moved a fan in my direction to keep me cool! My main waiter was very personable. Atmosphere: I went on a Sunday evening and there was only one large group and a few other duos. Most of their business seem to come from online orders.

    Happy Hour menu
    Gee W.

    Great food, great service, great happy hour! Lagunitas IPA $3 Seriously good food choices on happy hour menu.

    Dahl, Saagwala Paneer, rice

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Amazing lunch buffet! The tandori chicken is delicious. The service is above and beyond!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ami P.
    63
    1
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anh N.
    214
    400
    1090

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Robert P.
    30
    251
    669

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chiara S.
    38
    73
    141

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul A.
    4
    19
    63

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dana Z.
    716
    1270
    593

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Laura W.
    408
    2306
    4976

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lynn D.
    0
    80
    10

    3 years ago

    Fantastic food! Fantastic service! Linda is the best! Try the Naan and the samosas. So good!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kristy Y.
    246
    128
    45

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Food great. Cocktail great. Service excellent. What else can I say? Oh yeah the ambience- it too was nice. Quiet place

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Good food, good service, good ambiance. Samosa chat and the non veg thalli easily fed two people. Mango lassis were good too.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 10

    Ask the Community - Namaste Jalsaa

    Is the buffet back yet?

    Yes ,Lunch Buffet is back only on Mon ,Wed, Thurs and Friday. $14.00 PP

    Do they have a lunch buffet? If so, how much is it?

    Yes. Monday to Thursday. 10.95 Friday to Sunday. 12.95 Week end more than 24 items, include live… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Indian 15,678 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Spicelife

    Spicelife

    4.5
    (51 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    It's a fast casual Indian restaurant . My dishes (no garlic no onion) of choice:…read morePlain dosa Sambar Coconut chutney Paneer Tikka Masala Samosas 5 stars for the paneer tikka masala...Pleasant staff...If you decide to dine in and have food to take home, they make this convenient by placing it on a service table. What's on it? Drinking water, cups, to go utensils, to go boxes, bags for your to go box. You do have to take your serveware to a bussing (is that a word and probably not spelled right) and trash station. Nice, clean ambiance.

    This review is long overdue since I have been coming here for a while. I love this place. I usually…read moreorder to-go after my workouts, and they have a convenient place near the entrance where you can order and pay for your food. I go once a week or once every other week, and every time the food is consistently excellent. The portions are big, and one meal usually lasts 2-3 meals for me. Everything I have tried is really tasty, and have never had a bad dish. The one big standout is their dessert (if you have room for it) - I've tried their rice pudding and carrot pudding. I am not a huge sweets person, but I LOVE these dishes. I've actually started to mix the carrot pudding in with plain oatmeal and it is delicious. And the staff are very nice and very conscious of how long patrons are waiting for their food. I've also never had an issue with having incorrect or missing food. The excellent customer service and delicious food make this place a winner - thank you Spicelife!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Chicken Tikka Masala
    Chicken Tikka Masala
    Interior

    See all

    Interior
    Royal Nepal

    Royal Nepal

    4.7
    (566 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    I've been writing reviews on this restaurant now for some years. Every time I eat here I find a new…read morereason. I've been eating here since Royal Nepal opened and was under different management. I've even dined at both the original (Brambleton, VA) and Arlington locations of Himalayan Wild Yak, a spin-off of sorts by two of the original owners. Both of these restaurants deserve your patronage as well when you're in either Arlington or out by Dulles. They are all great. The difference that Royal Nepal brings to the "table" is simple. They never lost that neighborhood feel and they don't take their patrons for granted. With a location down the block from the Birchmere and nestled in the up and coming Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria, they project both a hometown restaurant feel as well as an adventurous vibe - have you ever eaten yak? The staff are real gems and the ambiance is a real treat from the "pickled veggies" on the window shelves down to the handmade Nepali napkins, this place is a virtual travelog. I can only say explore their menu and you're sure to find a treasure right here in the neighborhood.

    Went here for a birthday celebration:…read more Owner was super kind and attentive. Gave us great recommendations for our first time trying Nepalese food. The roti was delicious, the duck fried rice was my favorite dish of the night, and the variety of momo with everyone having their own personal favorites (yak, buffalo, wild boar, and lamb) made for an intriguing night. Plenty of other dishes I want to come back and try

    Photos
    Royal Nepal
    Royal Nepal Momo Platter
    Royal Nepal Momo Platter
    Bread Basket

    See all

    Bread Basket
    IndoChen - Old Town

    IndoChen - Old Town

    4.6
    (173 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    My cousin and her husband met me in Old Town for lunch a couple Saturdays ago. Initially, we wanted…read moreto grab American brunch nearby, but the wait was over an hour, so we decided to go to Indochen. It's tucked inside of the hotel lobby, a bit odd, but the food was good. STEAMED CHICKEN MOMO (6) - 13 The chicken momos sat on top of a creamy chili garlic sauce that was a bit spicy. The momos were juicy and the filling was soft and flavorful. Good appetizer to share between the three of us. BUTTER CHICKEN - 19 Creamy and rich, tasted a bit sweeter than I was used to, almost like a chicken tikka masala. Pretty standard, but got the job done. Plenty of chicken in our curry. SAAG PANEER - 19 Vibrant green with the perfect loose, creamy texture that wasn't too chunky. Good amount of paneer in our portion. The spinach actually tasted like spinach, which I find rare at other restaurants that also serve saag/palak paneer. Definitely one of the better ones I've had! GARLIC NAAN - 4 Pretty typical, but good nonetheless. It was a bit greasy than I would have liked, but went well with the curries when we wanted to switch between bites of the basmati rice. Portions were pretty big and generous. Everything we ordered hit and all above average. The three of us were quite full after sharing an app + naan + two entrees. Stop by if you're in the area!

    So delicious! Great lunch specials! Yummy garlic naan! And if you're into pork belly -…read moreyou must have theirs! It's incredible - OMGEE incredible! You'll want to lick the plate Hopefully, the Cameron Station location reopens soon!

    Photos
    Dinner at the bar
    Dinner at the bar
    Gajar ka halwa
    Gajar ka halwa
    Larger seating area toward the back.

    See all

    Larger seating area toward the back.
    Diya Indian Cuisine

    Diya Indian Cuisine

    4.4
    (309 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Oh my gosh! Amazing food. only food from Nepal once before in my life... This is unbelievable!…read moreWhat a hidden gem down in old Alexandria, near the water! I was a little concerned being vegetarian, but they had vegetarian entrées and accommodated everything beautifully! My husband is not vegetarian and loved every bite! Had Veggie Samosa with the two dipping sauces... This is a delicious bread filled with the yummiest filling I've ever had! And the outer bread was just amazing. As I write this, I could eat it again! It's so good!!!!

    This Indian place has a location on the second floor of an office building; you have to walk inside…read moreand look for it. I ordered takeout thanks to a robust discount they were offering; though i would say that this just brought the price down to something fairly typical. The food I received was richly aromatic. A spice mix on top of my gigantic samosa chaat helped, but a ginger-heavy dal takda was I think the most deliciously spiced dish that I ordered. Getting some okra was a good decision as well, and their bread was delightfully flaky. It was filling food. Perhaps overly indulgent, as I poured off some oil. They threw in a rice pudding as well; I don't order Indian desserts often (and didn't on this occasion), but that was fine. The bar for Indian high is relatively high in Northern Virginia, but this place didn't make me regret trying it.

    Photos
    Diya Indian Cuisine
    Tandoori combo
    Tandoori combo
    Palak Paneer

    See all

    Palak Paneer
    Bollywood Masala

    Bollywood Masala

    4.4
    (120 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    My first visit to Bollywood Masala was fantastic! The customer service was on point from the time I…read moreentered the door until I left. Very attentive. The dining area was pleasant and clean, which I always appreciate. I ended up ordering one of my usual dishes I get whenever I dine at an Indian restaurant: Lamb Biryani. I wish I would have remembered to take a picture of my meal. This was hands down the most flavorful biryani that I've ever had and I've had a lot of biryanis in my lifetime. The lamb could have been just little bit more tender but that's the only thing that brang down the score from a 10 out of 10 to a 9.5 out of 10. I definitely will be back to try their other menu item and I suggest you do the same if you're ever in Old Town Alexandria.

    My wife and I were checking out Old Town Alexandria and walked passed this restaurant which caught…read moremy wife's eye. We returned to eat an early dinner here and chose to sit inside given the pollen and passing people near the outside seating. We were seated upstairs near the one window before other patrons joined us. Service was great throughout with being promptly greeted by the hostess, shown to a table, and checked on periodically. My wife and I both enjoyed the Tikka Masala where the big decision appears to be how spicy do you want it on a scale of 1-30. I had a 4 and thought I could have toned it down a notch but I prefer mild over spicy. We both enjoyed our dinner which we also enjoyed with a lovely cucumber salad that was so tasty and refreshing as my wife put it. A wonderful dinner and we will likely return if in the area.

    Photos
    Inside top floor dining room
    Inside top floor dining room
    Lamb Rogan Josh
    Lamb Rogan Josh
    Lemon drop martini

    See all

    Lemon drop martini

    Namaste Jalsaa - indpak - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...