Review Annalakshmi On The Swan - Perth

Balmy summer sunday evening, sitting out the front of the restaurant and enjoying the sounds of the river. Enjoyed a beautiful tray of 8 different flavours of vegetarian indian goodness. The dessert topped it off with a lovely not too sweet flavour of India. And great value for money.

Amazing venue, and delicious vegetarian/vegan food. They do a daily ritual for the sunset which was absolutely mesmerising. Highly recommend!

This was a lovely meal which was a great price, included much variety, the staff were friendly and the service was super quick :) It was great to be able to try so many different dishes. Even though the bowls are little, you still feel very full by the end! Would recommend!

Annalakshmi on the Swan feels like the name of a ballet. But swept away by the dance you will not be, unless the dance is the excellent spices added to each dish. I heard about this place because I was both excited and fascinated by the “give as you feel” advertisement. But when I made it to this place recently I found that it is NO LONGER a “pay as you feel” place. It is however $15 a person for an endless amount of delicious fare. I brought a friend and look forward to bringing all my friends to enjoy this darling restaurant. The selection was superb, the flavouring ideal and the service kind. They ask you when you arrive what kind of meal you’d like, it’s all vegetarian and delicious. But they are ready to be asked for vegan, gluten free, dairy free etc when selecting your kind of meal. Then they bring you a platter of little dishes of curries, soup, dessert, salad and rices. With a pile of naan and papadam in the centre. Then they come back later to ask if you’d like more of anything. They offer a tea as apart of the main price and a mango lassi for an extra $5. The thing I’d say is the food takes a while to come and they service though kind is slow because it’s run by volunteers and not many of them seemed to be very trained in hospitality. Though they were all kind and helpful. All in all I’ll be back as often as I can. The view of the river was charming and so refreshing. Well done!!!!

Well priced. Great feed for the low price very filling. Good flavours. Staff were all friendly, efficient and helpful. Excellent service. Great views of river/South Perth. Access for mobility impaired with lift. Parking is limited and pay what else would you expect in the city.

An absolutely noble cause is what this place is run for. The food at Annalakshmi is phenomenal. The fact that they have a tagline "Eat to your heart's content and pay what your heart feels" is such a soul touching idea. The location where it is at is simply unquestionable. Right behind the Bell tower on the banks of the Swan River in the heart of Perth, providing quality food with great respect and dignity. Please donate as much as you can, actually after eating this food, you will not want to walk out without paying more than what you got. I strongly suggest you get to this place for either lunch or dinner if you are in Perth. They are open all 7 days of the week. Help them help the world! Enjoy your visit to Annalakshmi. :)

The food was okay. It was more about the experience than the food. It is inspiring to see how this restaurant is run by volunteers. Be prepared that you will be eating with some of the homeless. I will admit that I didn't feel most at ease at first because this is not a typical setting but I'm glad a place like this exists, out of the goodwill of people and you contribute what you are able to. Nothing to worry about, people just there to have a hot meal with comfy chairs. I liked the vegetable curry and the spicy soup. Saw a few dolphins from the balcony too.

Great place on the river offering authentic, traditional vegetarian indian food as a buffet style. Cooked by lovely families. Amazing food. Very relaxing and accepting atmosphere. Usually a rice, chickpea curry, vegetable curry on offer with a small indian pudding for dessert. The food is delicious and it's just a nice place to eat. They also offer cooking classes during the week.

Great place on the bank of beautiful Swan river, I have been there many times and liked the food. Very good place for Indian food lovers. Kudos to Annalaxmi.

What an amazing place in an amazing location. The food was delicious and the view of the river from the deck a delight. Highly recommend this place.

The lunch break started with my determination of getting changed and going for a 5k run! I ended up not changing and ran straight into annalakshmi 😜 I was invited with 2 lovely cups of pepper rasam followed by a veg rice, potato curry, egg plant curry, dhal & cabbage carrot salad. There was a small regret that they don't serve pickle and curd there, but was partly compensated by the the uttapams that were served!Pleasant surprise 😳 I went into annalakshmi today hungry as a puppy but came our burping like a dinosaur! Long live annalakshmi! Long live South Indian food ! 💯💜🥗🍯😄 certainly a happy camper 😄😆

The concept and food is absolutely brilliant. I have visited a couple of times in the past month, whilst travelling through Perth and cannot fault any element of this fantastic restaurant. I highly recommend it!

Delicious food, friendly staff, beautiful & clean place. Stunning view eating right on the River. We all left very full & no one missed not having meat. Highly recommend everyone to come here, we'll definitely be returning 🙂

I have visited twice now ..both lunch times on a Friday and and love the food. The relaxed atmosphere and gentle music mixed with an array of people from all backgrounds, culture, ages, tourists and locals is lovely. I have watched people pay very little for these meals....and yet the reaction of the lady taking the money is always the same....absolutely no judgement....if someone pays a dollar or 100 dollars. Its an amazing place...if in doubt, just try it...I am sure you will be back.

So much compassion and love. Amazing concept and great food. Volunteers are full of love and passion. Thank you for doing that. Thank you for existing. <3

First time trying to order this (delivery) and followed the instructions as per the advert- orders via email only. Did not receive confirmation. When I called I was informed it was not received and it’s too late to order one now (at 12:30pm). Then I was asked to send another email so I can be on the mailing list so I can get daily menus emailed to me. What is the point when you can’t receive my first email why would sending a second one make a difference? Disappointing. I haven’t tried the food before so my rating is purely based on the disorganisation.

This is such a heart felt concept and I love it and they food is so lovely because of it, it’s all from the heart.

Awesome authentic Vegetarian food in Perth WA. I like the place beside Swan river

The food is divine, pure vegetarian. The uttapam( Salted Pancakes) vanish as they are made.<br/>I also volunteer over here, people visiting this restaurant should understand and remember that the ones who served here are volunteers who aren't being paid a penny. I don't get paid a penny and yet I serve food as I like to do so. Hence don't be rude and don't ask the volunteers to act like your personal waiter. That's downright rude. Also we are not sure which food gas nuts, which has onions. I would like to ask some of you to come and volunteer, then you would know.<br/>The uttapam's are tasty but they are given one piece per person. It takes a lot of time to prepare them and if you insist on taking 4-5 multiple times, then rest of the people who come later won't get any. Be considerate. Also homeless, poor people will share the table with you, if you want special VIP seats then this is not the place for you. Behave well please and treat every fellow being as human. And please please don't let your kids, toddlers out if sight as they run inside the good counter and cause accidents, would you like if a random kid comes and bites you or pulls your shirt?<br/>Again, let me say that this is the best restaurant in Perth only if you know how to be respectful..

Pay as your heart desires - unbelievable!!!<br/>Superb location

I tried the food of potato curry coffee orange juice tea and other beverages and also provide buffet which is friendly vegetarian in Perth CBD

Friendly staff and the concept of 'pay as much as you wish' is good. Though the buffet has limited number of items, taste of food s above average. <br/><br/>Only downside-> quite a number of homeless people turn up and I did not like that.

Love the concept. 5 stars to support the restaurant. Go and experience it! Bring a drink with you if your spice tolerance is low (although they have water and tea for you) 🥘

It's an Indian Veg restaurant for the people who can't pay for their food, they do not charge you for the food and you can give whatever you want to or not to.  I found the food very average. You can't really go and enjoy the view because it's not something you would want to eat something really nice and enjoy the swan river view. 2/5*

An indian-vegetarian canteen where you can eat the amount you want and give the value you think it deserves. All the money is used to produce the food and to nourish those who are in need and cannot afford it. So many beautiful caring people.

Travellers' Delight...<br/><br/>Perth's hidden gem at the Barrack Square Jetty (behind Bell Tower). If you visit Perth please visit Annalakshmi on the Swan for a cultural experience.<br/><br/>Annalakshmi, an Indian Vegetarian restaurant is based on the ethos #Eat to your heart's content and Pay What Your Heart Feels. This institution is supported mainly by like minded volunteers wanting to serve the people of Perth.<br/><br/>When one dines and contributes/pay for their meal it goes towards supporting the Annalakshmi operation and also towards serving another hungry soul who may not be in position to pay much or any for their meal.

As soon as I entered this restaurant, instantly, the place around me transformed into my hometown, Mangalore. I was instantly brought back to my origins, the smells, the people. I was home. I took a seat, by the window admiring the river Ganges (reality it was the swan). The food was served quickly like a bowl down left side by Ravi Ashwin. I took my first bite, the steam moistening the top of my mouth, the cashews from the curry instantly reviving my tastebuds. Wow. The food was amazing, like something I've never experienced before, I will definitely inform my friends at Perth Indian Taxi Drivers Club on Facebook. Every month we try a new restaurant, this one is sure to be next!

This place has a beautiful scenery and has a very good cause behind it. When we often go here we see all different sorts of people and I especially love that this place makes it affordable for those who are struggling. It helps feed the homeless and I think that this restaurant is amazing for this. In terms of the food it is daily reasonable. The best thing I personally think it Poori Tuesday’s as the Poori is always amazingly cooked! <br/>This place is also run by volunteers. On the particular day we were here we did see one of the volunteers being a little rude to not just us but to another man who was clearly struggling which we weren’t too happy about as we felt attacked for asking a question however we thought this place overall was goods love the idea of ‘ eat as much as you want and pay what your heart desires.’ The view is also amazing! <br/>

Indian vegetarian restaurant in the city aimed to help people who cant afford food. They implement "Eat and pay as much as you like" concept. Taste was pretty average, not much variety but you get a view overlooking the swan river.

I liked the pay as you feel concept and the fact that the smell of curry hits you the moment you enter.<br/><br/>The food itself was inconsistent, which is what you'd expect from something run by volunteers I suppose. I had two batches of the potato sabzi and the second was far superior in texture and flavour.<br/><br/>It's authentic food, and really the purpose is to help provide meals to those who maybe can't afford it. In that sense I appreciate this place. In terms of food itself, not sure if it stands out in any meaningful way.

Great concept, food, and atmosphere. Lovely vegetarian menu consisting of 2 different types of rice (including pulao rice), vegetable curries, lentil curries, potato curries, chapati, stir fry vegetables and for drinks there is a nice orange juice or coffee/tea. <br/><br/>I loved lentil curry, chapati and stir fry veggies. (although a little oily though)<br/><br/>All self-serviced and self- cleanup. Great tasting foods and atmosphere. It was quite busy but lots of seats and space. Environment was very clean. You can pay any amount you think it was worth. <br/><br/>Had a great time here! So healthy and so full!

Interesting concept of pay what you want for as much as you want to eat. Service was mostly non-verbal but the atmosphere was buzzing with lots of people, the decor and sunset view out the back. The curries were good but not spicy enough for my liking. It was a nice simple Indian meal.

Been here a few times and every time I’ll get a carb feast by having massive servings of the potato curry! There are usually two types of basmati rice and a few curries, which are all delicious. There is also a rice pudding like dessert (not sure what it’s called) that’s my favourite! This pay by feel restaurant is worth checking out

I visited Annalakshmi on the New Year’s day; the one at the Fremantle markets rather than the one in the CBD. <br/><br/>I had a good experience right from the service to the way authentic flavours in the food.<br/><br/>I’ve had fond memories of Annalakshmi having come from Chennai (a city in South India) where Annalakshmi is a big deal. The restaurant’s concept is that you eat and pay what you feel like and the people working here are mostly folks who are volunteering. <br/><br/>The one in Fremantle market is pretty small and compact. <br/><br/>I ordered Dosa, Vada, Desi Thali (rice, rotis and some gravies), MI Goreng noodles and ended it on a sweet note with some refreshing mango lassi. <br/><br/>The Dosa was delicious, not to forget the accompaniments (chutneys and Sambar). The vada was too dry and hence I’d recommended eating it with sambar as that would go well. The thali was good and maybe could have had more spices but it suits the western population and hence recommended. <br/><br/>The cold mango lassi in the end was refreshing and was a cherry on the top. <br/><br/>Overall, a good experience.

No-one has a right to complain about this place unless they're some sort of vehement capitalists threatened by the business model. Amazing Indian vegetarian food and the price is what you think it's worth or what you can afford. Well worth visiting if you've never been and like some spice!

Love the concept. Love the food.<br/>I was surprised at how clean the place was. Volunteers were very friendly and helpful. <br/>Please don't forget to donate as it is for a good cause.

The food here is far from your average Indian restaurant. Dish selection is limited, and they're all vegetarian. But every dish is delicious, and you will leave here feeling full and satisfied. The view from the balcony over looks the swan river and at night it's quite picturesque<br/><br/>Bonus 1... Almost everything on the menu is gluten free.<br/>Bonus 2... You pay what you feel your meal is worth, or what you can afford.

Beautiful place with wonderfully clean, fresh vegetarian food. The food is so delicious but not too oily or heavy. Lovely atmosphere in the restaurant too. We’ve been going for years and have found that the chefs alternate so the food can vary slightly.

Great place with vegetarian Indian food. serves dessert as well with tea and coffee. An absolute go to place in Perth near the water. Great for both lunch and dinner.

How has it taken me this long to eat here? Well, the location - but now it's been solved! For only ten bucks they will deliver a very generously sized 3 curries with rice AND roti all inclusive!! Absolute bargain, everything was tasty (even though I heard it was a tad bland here it wasn't true that day) and so big even this piggy split it into two lunches. I know they rely on volunteers hence slight inconsistencies with flavour but then the dishes do vary from day to day but I loved everything in mine - a healthy yet tasty zucchini and eggplant tomato based curry, a tadka dhal and a potato curry I couldn't stop eating until I wiped the dish clean. Such a fan of this deal the workmates are doing it as a regular thing - they promptly deliver. Best deal ever!

I can not recommend this place enough! This is always the place I go to eat with my mum. And my mum being vegan and myself being 90% vegetarian its a great place to come. Annalakshmi is a great non for profit restaurant whos concept is 'eat what you want, pay as you feel'. So is an amazing place to come if you are on a tight budget, or a great place to come if you like to 'give back'. <br/><br/>The food is simple but absolutely delicious! Full of flavour and spices. My favourite of the dishes is the potato and the rice, so basic but I could eat it all day everyday! The buffet style is very convenient, that way you can choose what dishes you like depending on what looks good. <br/><br/>The service is always very welcoming and friendly as well. They also occasionally do a free cooking class to show you the basics of their cooking, always very informative and fun :) I would definitely recommend this place if you're ever visiting the Elizabeth Quay area!

This place deserves to do well. Southern Indian vegetarian buffet makes for tasty food. The key to this place is that, because you pay what you feel the meal was worth, you'll never feel ripped off

Grateful for this amazing free food! I have been to different Indian restaurants in Perth and by far, this is the best. Worth more than I donated.

Eat to your heart's content, a pay with what you think it's worth. A great concept and an amazing place. The atmosphere there was very welcoming. I've been going here since I came back to Perth in 2008 and the food is still as good as before (maybe even better). The Indian styled vegetarian buffet offers a lot of variety and brings traditional home cooked recipes. A must go for those wanting to try Indian cuisine but not sure what tickles their belly. The staff there are always willing to help and explain the foods available.

Fantastic!! I read a bunch of the reviews beforehand and was quite surprised that they were so good given the concept of this place. But boy was I wrong to be sceptical! <br/>The people who work there are so friendly it took me by surprise. The view is lovely. Everything is very clean (even the outdoor tables were spotless). And the food... It was wonderful! Who knew you could have so much variety in a vegetarian restaurant. All the spices were perfect (i.e. not hot) and even the relatively simple rice tasted great! <br/>I will definitely be back and would recommend it to anyone!

Always tasty food in a special a peaceful place, if you can, pay it forward for a couple of the punters who cant afford their meals. Always a pleasure

Great, tasty, pay as you feel vegetarian. Went here a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Everything was suitably spicy, and the staff were all very friendly. Will be back !

Tasty Indian food with the beautiful views of city of Perth & swan river.<br/>They served vegetarian food only & you can pay what you think the meal is worth. <br/>Beautiful views of Perth skyscrapers and swan river with dolphins.<br/>This is really a lovely place.<br/>The original taste of India made & served with love.<br/>🇮🇳

Delicious, hot, fresh food. Buffet style vegetarian. Lovely large restaurant. Delicious little desserts. Pay as you feel. Great location and view of the river. Parking close by can be troublesome.

Simply awesome food and good work on charity...the best part about this place is they offer free meals for everyone and you donate whatever amount you would like to pay which goes fo charity...again you aren't forced to pay ..one of the bestest place.

Quick & tasty. On arrival you are given a big metal platter. Self serve a choice of 2 rice types, 1 soup, 3 veg main, 1 dessert. Liked everything except dessert. You pay what you think is fair, so be honest.

I've passed thru this place many times but I never had the chance of actually visiting it. Me and my mum finally went to this lovely restaurant last weekend. <br/><br/>Its a huge a dining hall which is well decorated and has a great ambience to it. Upon entry, all the staff were very courteous and this place had a very welcoming vibe to it. <br/><br/>Dinner is a buffet which consists of two different types of rice(biryani n original), sambhar, mini dosa, aubergine n chickpeas curry, carrot n cabbage salad and for dessert kheer(photos attached). Everything is self serve so you take how much you want but the staff does serve you rice n dosas. Also you can take tea, coffee and orange juice all available at your service which is self serve as well. <br/><br/>The food tasted fantastic. As I was eating I could feel the food was made with love and care. Highlights for me were the sambhar and the aubergine n chickpeas curry. I went for seconds of course. Kheer tasted delicious as well, not too sweet it just had the right amount of sweetness to it. Overall it was a pleasant dining experience for me and my mum. We absolutely loved it and would definitely come back here again. <br/><br/>This restaurant only serves lunch n dinner. Also the system they have here for payment is different. Basically you can pay how much you feel like. So that was something new to me. Since it's a buffet dinner you can take as much as you want. It's located just beside Swan River with stunning views as your having your dinner or lunch. <br/><br/>So I highly recommend trying this place. Food is amazing, the staff are very welcoming n courteous and the view is excellent!

Visited this place on a vacation to Perth. The whole concept  of this restaurant is laudable. We went there for dinner and the queue for this place was right down the stairs. But the wait was minimal and food was nice and simple which satisfies both kids and adults. The person at the counter was very pleasing which is a rare sight these days.

Annalakshmi has been going in Perth for many years, what a great location on the river with expansive views and some alfresco dining. The food is vegetarian but if there is one cuisine that works without meat it is Indian food. The Annalakshmi serves great vegetarian food in an unpretentious dining hall setting and has the very unusual policy of letting the customer decide what to pay . I recommend the experience for lunch or dinner, go with an open mind and enjoy the alternative to expensive fine dining while still being served well cooked wholesome food.

Annalakshmi has always been those "holy restaurants" in my list where I feel so nice about the "pay as you feel" concept ! I encourage their spirit of vegetarianism!! 👍🏻✌️️i totally love their preparation of "Rasam"!!

Brought the family here on the weekend for dinner. Have always wanted to visit the place for years and finally got the chance to last weekend. We were there just before 6pm and there was a queue already. Once the door opened, the queue moved quickly and before you know it, you are at the serving counters. They serve 2 types of rice there, the white basmati and the briyani ones. They also serve dosai plus 3 different types of veggie dishes and some kind of soup. The dishes weren't spicy as I had thought.  The veggie dishes were really tasty; they weren't bland nor had too much salt or spices. We enjoyed our dinner here. My daughter enjoyed her meal so much that she went back to queue for another round. We also liked the idea of this place offering a free hearty meal to those who can't afford it. Where in Perth can we find another eatery that offers 2 meals a day 7 days a week for free? I must really applaud the people who founded this place and the volunteers who work here. The guy behind the counter collecting the donations did not seem judgemental one bit cos we noticed that he was always pleasant to both paying and non paying diners. We will definitely be back here soon; both to enjoy the food and to donate to such a worthy cause.

This is the best place ever!!!!!!!! You donate what you want to pay so those with less can eat. So don't be an stingy if you afford it ;) <br/>The food is just divine and it's a great night out down by the river.

Hearty, delicious, vegetarian Indian cuisine served buffet style for lunch. We ate overlooking the Bell Tower, and found the volunteers staffing the kitchen warm and friendly to us first-timers. The potato curry was delicious!

Landed in Perth and it was really a chilly weather. The closest was Annalakshmi restaurant. Went straight there to literally hog cuz I was soo damn hungry. <br/><br/>I love the concept! Pay what you feel like. It's more like a service!!! And that's what makes it unique. Well having said that, I also saw that people eat well bit paid less. Remember it isnt a free meal. I think it becomes important to pay a reasonable amount for what you have eaten. <br/><br/>About the food, loved the dosa, the sweet , the curries. I personally do not like the kind of white basmati rice served. So I wouldn't want to comment. But rest was good. Little disappointment with rasa but that's OK. Courteous volunteers serving everyonr with lots of patience. A must visit for food lovers. <br/><br/>Highly recommended!!!

Have heard about this place and finally came to try. Located just next to the bell tower this place has got pretty good views of the swan river. Annalakshmi holds an interesting concept - you eat as much as you want and choose to pay whatever amount you desire. Going there on a Sunday night there was a queue outside the restaurant. Nice Indian dishes (all vegetarian), including dessert.

Great Location but average food. The rasam n pumpkin were good but nothing too great. Being Indian by origin I know that south indian food is wayyyy tastier. May not visit again.

Was taking a evening stroll by the quay and chanced upon this brightly lit restaurant in the first floor. Saw a queue to enter this place, piqued my interest and I walked in. This is a place run for charity wherein you pay what you want! Not sure I've seen an establishment like this outside of India. Not to forget the vegetarian buffet which wasn't bad either. Remarkable place really.

It makes me feel sad to read bad reviews about this place considering that you pay what you feel like and that the people working there are volunteers. I actually found the food very tasty, the venue clean and welcoming, and the staff very nice and helpful.

Read briefly about the venue and was skeptical about the 'pay as you feel' concept but once I set my foot in the restaurant my whole perception changed.from the outer appearance to the walking out from the restaurant I was so impressed. The staff or volunteers as they mentioned was promptly welcomed and gave us a warm plate to take food and we were served pilau rice,potato mash curry,naan bread with pickle,green gram curry with mixed vegetable gravy. The food was heavenly;specially when mixed with the pickle I finished the meal in no time. Lastly I had an orange juice followed by dessert. All in all highly recommended place to visit in Perth.

I haven't been to Annalakshmi for years until I took my family on an outing to Liz quay the other night. The owner of the restaurant was just about to close their doors for the night, but they generously offered us to come in and eat. The place was busy, it is a vegetarian buffet with choice of curry, potatoes, rice, raita, Indian bread and dessert. You can also make your own coffee and tea, and oj is placed in a dispenser. The food is quite tasty, simple but homely and has quite a kick of spice! It's run by volunteers and you pay as you feel. Lovely and friendly service, the management are very helpful too. They have boarded up the right view of the swan river which is on of the things I loved about the restaurant as we used to enjoy staring out onto the river through their large glass windows. However, there is outdoor seating too if you enjoy the river breeze. Always a welcoming place to visit!

I enjoyed the vegetarian food tremendously. It always amaze me how Indian vegetarian food taste so good and so flavourful, with all the spices they put in. The different thing about this place is they don't set a price to their buffet, you pay the amount that you think you should.<br/><br/>They have peas rice, potato, cabbage and pumpkin. All tasting so good with the spices they put in. It come with chick peas gravy as well which was yummy. There's coffee, tea, water, orange juice and some sweet rice dessert.<br/><br/>Would definitely go back when I crave for Indian food.

Mainly I'm just happy that this place has kept going for so long, some 20 plus years i believe. The food is usually quite good, some times a bit hit and miss. obviously the pay as you feel deal appeals to all sorts and i've often seen very different amounts being paid, which i hope balances everything out for the business. The views are amazing. The people are always very friendly and there is never any sense of rush so u can enjoy a leisurely meal and chat.

The view from here is amazing.. the main reason i came here was the craving for proper indian food.. just 2 days in Perth and i started missing indian food!<br/>Food is as such ok.. dal/sambar was too watery. . Potato sabji was good. <br/>But all this is for a noble cause with pay what you want system. <br/>Surely recommended for indians searching for simple indian food in Perth!

the food great but when you go to pay what you think its worth they wont give you change for a twenty and will keep saying thank you thank you and you try to say something but they keep saying oh thank you thank you you liked the food thank you. I wish i was rude enough to say stfu and give me $18 change dammit!!!!

Great concept and view. I didn't think the food was great to be honest. While some of the food was good, a few dishes were oddly flavoured and just didn't taste 'right'. But on the upside, we paid what we thought the food was worth.

Love this place, been twice now in a month, amazing view for a Perth sunset, staff super helpful and courteous, food is delicious, fresh and very tasty. Our new curry night place to go.

The volunteer staff were quite friendly, and the view is nice, but I didn't really think much of the food. It all tasted the same and was too spicy for my taste. The weird pancake naan thing was bland, and the dessert was gluggy and too sweet.

My favourite favourite place to eat ! Indian vegetarian ! Buffet style ! And no price they only ask for a donation , I've taken so many non vego people here and every one has loved it !!! Go on try it ! You might just be surprised !! It's a 3 course with free soft drink for buttons!!!

Perth icon a must see. An authentic vegetarian Indian food, nothing fancy. The concept of paying what you can afford. Not many places you can do that. Staff are always friendly.

What a humble little place this is. I have rated 5 starts purely for the concept of this place - I truly think it is amazing !! On the same token - whilst the kitchen is run mainly by volunteers it does not compromise on taste. I have been here both with friends, and numerous of times on my home from uni when money is tight yet my tummy is hungry !! A must try - especially for vegetarians. And remember to give generously if you can - this place deserves love ❤️

Great place to get a feed of vegetarian Indian food, with potato curry, lentils, a cabbage and carrot dish with rice. You pay what you feel and the food is cooked by volunteers and staffed by volunteers so can't complain!

Finally, we come to the issue of payment. You literally pay whatever you feel the meal was worth as you leave the restaurant. There’s no “suggested” donation, no one staring you down and laying a guilt trip on you if they think you’ve stiffed them. As is the nature of karmic philosophy, it’s all on you and you’ll have to deal with the consequences one way or another. As such, I’m not going to say how much I pay or what I think a fair donation is, but if you screw them over and get reincarnated as a cockroach that lives in Tony Abbot’s wheelie bin you can’t say you weren’t warned.

Love the concept but would love even more people to help out with the decor! Everything is looking very tired - including the ppl volunteering there.

Loved the concept of this restaurant. Volunteers are friendly and place is usually packed. However, really terrible seating though if you're sitting outside. The freezing fresh air hits you straight in the face (and turns food cold) and there is no light.

While there is massive construction work going on around the site Annalakshmi is still open and still producing some of Perth's best vegetarian food with a policy of pay what you can for the meal. A great concept and good to be as generous as you can to support the place. simple but tasty.

Great food, really nice atmosphere and fantastic city views. We will be back!

User reviews. I just love going to a 'safe' buffet where I know everything will be vegetarian! A great place. Love the food and the thinking behind it. Recommend it to everyone in Perth and especially people visiting Perth - great views of the river and the city.

Excellent. I love every single of the dish here and all of them are delicious. My kids love the food even though we are not vegetarian we tried for first time we were so happy and enjoy the food. We will definitely go there again. We feel bless to eat and donate to charity. Its part of Hinduism culture and we are proud to do that in most gifted earth.

SUJI. I am an occasional visitor to Annalakshmi, Perth. Very sadly heard about Suji, sister of Vasantha. She is someone who leaves a lasting impression on everyone. Brought tears after i heard the news from Raju.<br/><br/>My thoughts and prayers are there for Suji and her family. May the spirit of God be with her.<br/><br/>Thampan

Opening Days. With effect from Monday 28 July 2014 Annalakshmi will be open everyday of the week for both lunch and dinner. Lunch is served from 12 noon to 2pm while dinner is from 6.30 to 9pm.<br/><br/>Also note that payment can be made by cash, Visa or Mastercard.

Amazing food and concept, "Eat As You Like Pay What Your Heart Wish"

Such a beautiful atmosphere in here. staff are beautifully friendly and the good is 5* Especially the curried potato!

Extensive vegan options, bar the desserts sometimes. The curries are remarkably tasty, spicy and authentic. The only downsides are the line that inevitably develops (although it moved quickly and the resultant wait is definitely no more than what you'd expect at a normal restaurant) and that occasionally (as with all buffets) one or two of the curries will not be as hot in temperature. Although the dishes are replaced frequently. Friendly staff, a very unique atmosphere - it's great to people-watch here - and of course the all-you-can-eat and pay-what-you-can aspects are fun. Most importantly though, the food is delicious and very authentic South Indian cuisine.

First time eating here, came for a friends birthday (there were 8 or 9 of us). Quite enjoyed it despite my initial reservations!! Would definitely go again.

One of my favourite restaurants in Perth. I cannot recommend Annalakshmi enough.<br/>I've been here on dates, I've been here with 20 people. I've been going on and off for the last 6+ years.<br/>The food is, at worst, acceptable, and at best, divine.<br/><br/>There are four families which take turns cooking, I believe, so the dishes (and heat/spiciness) vary between them.<br/><br/>Yes, it's not fancy/fine-dining.<br/><br/>What it is is great food, at a great location, with a great view at a great price!

Low quality school camp food which isn't made clear. Potatoes are nice. Don't bring your family or girlfriend. Great if you are poor and have tastes to match

The food is okay but expect to get Evils or told to get lost if donating anything less than $50 / person. Use to come here all the time, average donation was $20 (over priced for the food) always got evils and extremely rude service. Donated $50 once as a bet, look at who is their favourite person. Cheap food, borrowed concept on a good location does not give you class. You get better service at McDonalds.

Truly divine food for a cause. Been here since the 1st day I arrived in Australia. Food has been varied, but sometimes routine/same dishes.<br/>This is one restaurant I cannot fault find...only because of it's cause and objectives. This is not like other Indian restaurants where they serve you stale food-frozen-thawed-reheated again and again. This place prepares fresh food everyday and by 8.30pm all food is wiped off everyday, hence one has to go here early and book in advance to get a table.<br/>Most people working here are volunteers and do not get paid, hence please do not expect lavish pampered service. It is basically self-service, eat as much as you want; pay as much as you wish.<br/><br/>I go here only when I am super hungry.<br/><br/>The food quality and ambience is better than Govinda's in Northbridge. The view of South Perth and Barrack st jetty from this restaurant is beautiful.

Great concept pay what u feel, a lot of homeless people eat here , food is veg but reasonable, great location and food is prepare by down on their luck volunteers, bit salty but nice location , 3/10

I love the 'pay what you wish' concept which allows people from all walks of life to enjoy this delicious food. As someone who considers herself a carnivore I was more than satisfied with the all vegetarian offering. And luckily nothing was too spicy for my weak spiciness tolerance! I would encourage everyone to visit this place and give generously to support their great work!

Came for dinner on a Friday night, got seated straight away. The line for the buffet looked a bit long but we didn't have too long, the food looked warm and filling and delicious! Food made with love is definitely good food! Would come back! Love the concept!

YUM!. What a unique concept of "pay for what you feel it's worth". Well to be honest it's worth a lot more than what people pay that's for sure. The restaurant is always buzzing with people for dinner. You can even sit outside in the balcony area overlooking the Swan River. The food is always delicious with lots of flavour, and the service is so friendly! Love this place!

Winning food and atmosphere. We went to Annalaksmi on a Friday night and we had booked, although probably didn't need to - the place is huge and there's a pretty quick turnover so people were coming and going a fair bit. What a great location, overlooking the Swan, and you can sit inside or outside - which would be lovely on a warm night. Diners were a mixture of travellers, families, some couples, and groups of people on their way for a night out. The (mostly volunteer) staff at Annalakshmi are just delightful and let you know what the protocols are with the buffet style, all-you-can-eat arrangements. The food is authentic Indian, delicious and plentiful - the idea being you pay what you think the meal is worth (profits go to projects in India). The place is vegetarian and non-alcoholic (no BYO either), so the focus is on the food and the busy atmosphere, which is great. We loved it all and would definitely go back again. As a vegan, it was delight to go somewhere and not have to mess with the menu or ask for soy milk, but omnivores will love it too!!

Loved it. It was very busy from the moment the doors were open, but I did not mind waiting as we were excited to try out a variety of Indian food. We have had a fair share of disappointing Indian meals in the past, but this will not be one of them. With the opportunity to try out different dishes, and go back for seconds if you wish, was one of the highlights of the evening. Not only food but they let you help yourself to juice throughout your stay.<br/>Highly recommended, and we will be visiting again with many friends.

This restaurant was originally founded on noble, charitable intentions. We came, we ate, we paid, somewhat generously, said thank you (to a nonchalant woman), and stepped out. However, we turned back to ask where the toilets were, and realised we had to cut through the restaurant again. On our way out the second time, the initially nonchalant woman (who had been busy talking to her colleague all that while) screwed up her face and called out to us to pay!! She shot us a filthy glance when we said we'd already paid. She didn't seem to want to believe us nor listen to our explanation by rudely turning away from us. Sickening behaviour from a place that claims to provide free meals to those who can't afford one or if they can, to pay what they please according to their means. Not keen to encounter such hypocritical, judgmental, bullying again.

Having been to Annalakshmi in Singapore some years ago we were so thrilled to find this place. Indian vegetarian with lovely decor and right on the Jetty with great views of Perth. <br/><br/>When we arrived there was quite a queue but by the time we left it was snaking through the restaurant. This place is hugely popular and seems to attract a wide cross section of people. <br/><br/>The food was slightly disappointing. Two of the dishes on the buffet were tepid and the flavours were on the bland side. Still, it was quite nice. The drink on offer was an orange cordial - very sweet. The honour system makes it difficult to know what to pay but we were advised to pay what was in our hearts. I hope people don't take advantage of this system.

Pay what you want, but not really. This place is great, but also sometimes terrible. The food is decent, especially the potato dish, but some of the other curries are a bit average. The staff can be friendly sometimes, but despite being a place where you can 'pay as much as you want', if you don't pay enough they give you evils, or flat out tell you not to come back. As a student, I like to come here because I can't afford to eat out often, and pay as much as I can reasonably spare. But on days where I can't afford to be extra generous, the staff are really rude, and I feel this goes against the point of having a 'pay what you want' system.

Good. As a south Indian I appreciate them for providing fresh and authentic food. Moreover you can pay the amount which you would like to which is good instead of paying a ridiculous amount for unhealthy dishes served in most of other restaurants in the name of Indian food.

Nice, simple indian food and donation based

Love this place. I've been here a number of times, for lunch and dinner, and have enjoyed the food each time. The food is always fresh and tasty, and the service is pleasant. <br/><br/>And the location is amazing!<br/><br/>It's incredibly generous that the people who run this restaurant allow patrons to decide what they want to pay. Do what you can to keep this place open and pay them what you can afford!

Namaste!. Nice indian food, not such fancy food, but damn delicious, a really beautiful venue, a must try!

DIVINE PRESENTS!!!!!. We returned to Annalakshmi after 4 years and we really enjoyd the food and the DIVINE presents of this place. People that eat here and contribute to the sustainability of this place will be truly blessed.The presents of the teachings of THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY is present here.

There is something special about this place. Gorgeous location & lovely home cooked food made with love.

I would strongly suggest ringing to make sure they're open before going. We've been caught out a couple of times,, especially when we've gone for lunch.

Great Food and Place. Great indian food with a donation based and you can enjoy the beautiful city lights (double thumbs up).

Awesome indian food. I dont know whatelse to say, i just have a word "awesome"

Always enjoy the vegetarian meal of the day here – whenever we feel like a delicious cheap and cheerful. Love the pay from the heart idea.

Maybe it was the night i went on, and i know its stupid to complain about a place that doesnt specifically charge you, but the food was below average and the waitstaff were rude. The best aspect was the sunset over the water

Came here with a group of 11 people as my girlfriend wished to try it for her birthday dinner. <br/>I was very reluctant at first, but was pleasantly surprised! I am a fussy meat eater so knowing there was no meat (or meat products) in any of the food ensured I tried all the dishes. <br/>The food was lovely, not bland at all. We did have to wait in a cue at times but what do you expect at a buffet style restaurant... (it's not the Atrium peeps, get over it) and did have to go up again to try one of the dishes that wasn't available first time up. <br/>I bought an ice cream cake as that was the style of birthday cake my gf wanted and rang ahead to make sure they could accommodate it in their freezer, which was no problem. <br/>Overall the group paid about $20 per person, which I think is reasonable. <br/>I would go back again and think people should step out of their comfort zone and try new restaurants.

Good cause. I would love to go back here..especially for the cause...<br/>This is not a restaurant where you pay to eat and demand service..this is a charity where we eat generously..and pay what you feel like...at the same time we are giving something to charity...There are a lot of unfortunate people out there who are not in a position to afford a meal..Annalakshmi is the place, where we eat & pay, to let others eat who can not pay..