We have been going here every other week for 10 years. The fake bad reviews are by “the other” Indian place and it’s annoying zomato doesn’t pick up on this. GG is a thousand times better and we even went to India with them. Can’t go wrong with butter chicken and garlic naan for the kids.
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This was suggested for Father's Day dinner with some pushback from others among the group given there were ten of us and it was a small space. This was my first visit and as such I didn't quite grasp just how small the restaurant actually is. Decor wise it had a fabulous ambiance. It looks kind of unassuming from the outside but there's plenty of atmosphere aided by beautiful lighting, authentic looking pretty tablecloths, brightly painted walls and traditional hanging prints. They have definitely maximised the potential of the tiny space and it actually helps to create a really intimate vibe.
The restaurant was quite full and seem to also be doing a roaring trade in takeaway (in fact I recognised two different groups of people I know which is ironic given it was my first experience there). We started off with a chicken tikka masala and lamb kebabs as well fenugreek chicken kebabs and some fish. My mum proclaimed the tikka to be the best she's had since she first came here 20 years ago (all these years she's never taken me, hmmm).
I was delighted when the garlic naan hit the table because I could smell it coming a mile away. I just love fresh naan. Nothing better than dipping it into a creamy butter chicken sauce. This rendition was quite unique to me as I could detect a strong honey flavour which was an interesting way of sweetening it that I have never come across in all my fortnightly consumption of this dish. It was almost a bit too sweet for me but we also had a vindaloo at the table so if you were eating the two alongside each other it would have made a welcome respite from the heat.
The spinach paneer was also beautifully presented and a hit with the group. Plenty of people in the restaurant appeared to be regulars and interacted really warmly with the staff which was lovely to see. A really family friendly spot
Ginger Garlic can get a little crazy and the food can take awhile but I think its worth it. Its a lovely family run restaurant owned by people who really know their Indian food. As said below the host can be a little pushy but I think it all adds to the atmosphere and vibe of the restaurant, they are passionate about what they serve. The food is fantastic and worth the wait and a bit of craziness. I definitely think eating in tops takeaway... the fresh cooked naan, sizzling platters and curries are top notch. Ask for the lemon rice- it isn't on the menu but we absolutely love it- lemony saffron rice topped with coconut. Sooooo good!
Have not been for a while, couple of years. Nothing really changed. Host a little pushy but nothing to worry about, your free to choose what you want, be strong. Food is still at the top end although a little saltier than we remember which contributes to a food hangover the next day. Somosas are great. All the meats were tender and full of flavour. Kashmiri Naan still top notch. This is a pricier restruant and should have $$$ rating. Service was not an issue with good timing between starters and mains. Atmosphere is great but if you do not like smaller darker venues then avoid as it always seems to be full of people and a little cramped. There are now more options for Induan cusine in the area that are larger and have warmer hosts. Still a 4 star but gap between visits will now be larger.
The Curry Puffs are superb!!
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I've been getting takeaway from here for some time and have also eaten in.
Let me start off by saying the two experiences were completely different.
When ordering takeaway, the lady answers the phone and she is very obliging. I particularly like lamb biriyani, which is not on their menu, however I order it anyway and they always make it for me. Once the man answered the phone, and informed me "we don't have lamb biriyani", and I heard a lady yell something in the background. Then a minute later he said "oh sorry, no we can do that". The reason I returned every time is because the custom biriyani is tasty and consistent, and I think the fact they go out of their way to make it is fantastic.
We had never actually eaten in until recently, and unfortunately I had an experience similar to the other diners. We were served by the male waiter, who was somewhat aggressive in his manner and attempted to upsell at every opportunity. When ordering naan he said "how many slices?" which made me think they were selling it per slice (usually naan is cut in half) instead of a whole piece. I think its part of his upsell tactic. I realised quickly that eating in wasn't as good value, because portions appeared smaller then what you get from takeaway. Basically, I would not recommend dining in, even though I would recommend the food.
It is a shame, because I think the lady who works here is lovely but her husband or colleague is letting the place down.
Always crowded but food great. We went there without a booking on Sat night. Didn't get a table as it was full and there was a queue of people waiting. The restaurant is very small and crowded, and the outside seating is not the most comfortable.
The food is excellent and reasonably price ($18-22 for main). The best recommendation is to have takeaway or go on a quiet night. Don't forget the excellent Naan bread
Good food. Have been coming here or years. Food is as good as other local places and prices are ok as well. Can be limited to an hour if they are busy.
The bloke is a flog and is quite forceful but you can't deny the quality of the food, simply sensational.
Just love the food here. My.... Just love the food here.
My favourite restaurant in Eltham. Lost the magic for a bit but now as good as ever.
Love the Samosa's, Palak Panir, Yaag-e-Mahl, and the Garlic Naan.
Ginger Garlic thank you both and your staff, for so many lovely meals.
Amazing food and lovely service! Every time we travel from Syd to Melb this restaurant is also a place we visit, shame there is not one in Sydney. Delicious food!!!!
We had a family birthday celebration at GG. I have not been a great fan of Indian food but my wife and I were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. The owners are very helpful and friendly and obviously passionate about their business which extends to more than just the restaurant. A very pleasant dining out surprise in Eltham.
Fantastic Food Again. This restaurant has been going for almost 20 years and is still going strong.
We thought it had gone a bit off a few years back and hadn't been there for a while but the food on a Cold Winters Tuesday night in Eltham was excellent and the room cosy
And great Value for Money
Good local indian. I have been eating at Ginger Garlic for about the last 10 years - mainly takeaway, but also occasionally dine-in. The food is very consistent, and I would rate it as very good, although it is maybe a little on the oily side. Prices for takeaway are very reasonable. The restaurant itself is quite cramped, but if you go on a warmer night you can eat out on the terrace, which has plenty of space, but no special view. The owner does tend to try to upsell (would you like naan bread with that...), but I don't find it pushy.
If I want a more special night out I would probably go elsewhere, but it is our standard choice for a nicer takeaway.
The Best. I have been to india a few times and when I was there I found myself comparing the food I was eating to a shop in Eltham. To all the naysayers I say show me better and I'm moving in next door.
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Happy Customer. As others posted Ginger Garlic can be a bit pricey. One can order from the menu, or the very friendly host is happy to provide a recommended meal for groups, that reflects an unpriced banquet option for sharing everything. He prices items off the menu - you can ask at the time, or go with the flow. You can also ask him to recommend against a budget! Our party left very happy with the selections offered from starters through sweets. Everything was top flight with enough for each, although not enough to encourage over-eating. I count that as a plus. All the plates came timely and in good sequence. Downsides - tables are crowded and service is less than polished with flatware not being refreshed during the meal, but put on the tablecloth as plates were rotated off. The excellent spices are a bit different from mainstream. BYO only. The Machan, referenced in other reviews is a block away and is also very good and a bit lower cost - but the two are different experiences and flavours. The Machan is obviously a good restaurant, but the Ginger Garlic can be more like visiting a mate's.
Great food and friendly staff- bit expensive. Nothing bad I can say about the food here- only compliments can be said. It was delicious and good quality. Would definately eat here every day if I could.
The owner of the restuarant was extremely friendly! However, as we were a group of 11, he convinced us that 'he should make our order' because if we ordered separately the food wouldn't have been able to come out at once because they only had one chef. The food was great, but it came to around $420, quite expensive. However, it was worth it for the food!
Also, it is great on a nice summers night sitting outside overlooking Eltham.
All in all, worth it if you are looking to spend a bit on great quality Indian food.
Great food. Ginger Garlic does some of the best Indian food in Melbourne let alone Eltham. The only down side is the restaurant is tiny and the do struggle with their timings when large numbers are in as the do have heaps of take away customers too. The owner will always try to up sell you. Just say no thanks, not problem really. Definitely worth the effort!
We get take-out more than eat in. But having said that, the food is flavorsome Indian. Love it.
Best Indian in area. We regularly have take away from Ginger Garlic and the food is always good for quality and quantity. There is always quite a long wait, due to its popularity, but the wait is worthwhile. Much better value than others in Eltham and by far the best option for Indian that I know in Melbourne.
Great place:) a bit expensive but fantastic food!!!! I have been there many times and I still love to go!
Best Indian EVER!!!. I love the food at Ginger Garlic... it's fresh and flavour packed without blowing your taste buds away with heat. The spice balance is just right. Getting the owners Ritu and Ashok to order you a selection of entree and main is the way to sample off the extensive menu. But maybe you should make sure you get to try the lamb shank. Nothing better than watching the sun set on the terrace with a glass of red and some great food. Every other Indian restaurant is just another curry joint after experiencing what Ginger Garlic has on offer.
Love it!! The garlic prawns and the pea and potato curry are my faves. Best take-out option in Eltham.
The authentic taste appealed to us. The menu hasn't changed for a while and the is a bit oily. I like it, though!
Food: Vindaloo was great, give the vegetable jalfrezi a miss though - tasted average and looked quite unappealing. Naan was dried out and overdone - it was a busy night (vindalooagainstviolence). Service: below par, understaffed - generally unsatisfying. Value: reasonably priced Worth checking out but takeaway might be a better option; T/A looked very popular.
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