Ananda

Truly a hidden gem! Literally and figuratively! I've been here twice recently and it's always a great time. The service is top notch! Thanks Logan! Everyone here is so welcoming. We got a tour of the entire place. They have space available for private events - big or small. I love the vibe - the fireplaces are so warm and cozy. There's an outdoor firepit area! The food here is excellent and the drinks are unique, but great! They have an impressive whiskey selection.Check out Ananda! You won't be disappointed!

Came to celebrate my friend's birthday here. This is probably one of the nicest decorated Indian restaurant in Howard county. It's located in a nice and safe community called Maple Lawn. Service is great. They are usually busy so I can see why some reviews say they feel rushed. Our server was pretty nice. Food is mostly great. I love their Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter chicken. We ordered lamb dish that I wouldn't get it next time. It had little too much of the lamb smell. When the lamb is marinated and cooked right, there shouldn't be any smell of it. Rice and naan were great. I wouldn't mind visiting on a special occasions but the price is little too high compare to the quality.

Upscale Indian dining that provides a lovely indoor or outdoor setting in this well to do area of Maple Lawn in Fulton.As others have mentioned, the building that houses the restaurant is difficult to identify from the roadside and the entrance we found was from the parking lot and not the side that faces the road. Parking is easy once you can find it.We were a party of 10 and were easily placed together. Unfortunately, the one thing they were not able to do is give us separate checks and would only take 6 credit cards. Service was okay. They were quite busy for a weeknight. We would occasionally need to flag down our server. There were others who helped clear out table as dishes were finished and refilled our water glasses. We selected a variety of different dishes and everyone enjoyed their meal. The sauces were flavorful, meats were tender and I understand many of the fresh produce used in several dishes comes from their own Ananda organic farm. So vegetables will be fresh.There is no large communal platter of rice that can be shared unless you order one of a variety of Biryanis, which was quite overpriced. Each plate has a preplated serving of simply flavored rice and a side. The one thing I was a bit disappointed about was the Kashmiri naan. It was quite dry and falling apart when trying to lift it. The filling of dried fruit and nuts were falling out. So I needed to scoop up pieces of a tasty bread that I usually enjoy pulling apart. The garlic naan bread had a totally different texture for the others who ordered that bread.All in all, it was an enjoyable night out, a bit pricey for what we ordered. I could see coming here for a special occasion. The dining room is well decorated and quite beautiful. I believe due to certain walls that can be slid opened or closed to the outdoor, the acoustics are limited in dampening the noise levels. Smaller groupings would make it easier to hear one another.

LOVE this place!! I come here often mainly for dinner--arriving into the complex, the parking lot is very dark and not well lit, but don't be fooled, once you get inside it's well lit and has a nice fancy vibe. Food is AMAZING! Top recommendations are the Chicken Tikka Masala/Butter Chicken, Lamb Shank, Garlic Naan or Goat Cheese Naan and Fish Curry! Their Butter Chicken is the best I've had in the DMV area--so delicious especially if you dip the naan bread in the masala sauce--I usually request for extra sauce on the side. The Lamb Vindaloo and Beef Tenderloin are good too! Portions are huge, so expect to get very full.Service is always great--love sitting at the bar because all the bartenders are super cool. They have a full bar and offer lot of the high end whiskey/scotch/bourbon that you don't see too often in other restaurants. The owner comes around too and always stops by to say hi to us.

When we pulled up, I was amazed. This restaurant was gorgeous! The service was great, the ambiance was great and the food was great. I would absolutely go back. Plenty of parking. Bathrooms are spotless. I highly recommend this place.

The restaurant has a relaxing , classy vibe both indoors and out. Outside has a covered area surronded with greenery. The vegetable samosa had a satisfying strong seasoning that was balanced. The grilled broccoli had a complex taste that was delicious.The garam masala goat was prepared perfectly, tender full of flavor. The chicken Tikka masala was good, but I have definitely had much better.

My friend has been talking about this place forever and I finally got to go with her. First of all, I'm glad she drove. This place is tucked away in Maple Lawn and is hidden by greenery. I gave my friend the side eye and asked her if she was trying to get away from me.But once we were inside, the place was lovely. There is also a wonderful outdoor space but it was raining so we just sat by the window.My go to entree at Indian restaurants is Chicken Tikka Marsala. But this day we just got drinks, appetizers and a dessert. The appetizers were nothing like I had ever had and an Indian restaurant. I have never seen tuna in an Indian restaurant and this tuna appetizer is as good and the spices were surprising and amazing. The meat samosa was shaped like a big pop tart, but so much better. Another surprise was goat cheese in naan. I don't know if I can go back. Another surprising dish was the Palak Chaat. I have no idea how they got the spinach so crispy and it still held together.The drinks were also tasty and I'm sorry I didn't take some chai to go. There are still some appetizers I need to try. It might take a couple of trips to get to Chicken Tikka Marsala and that is ok.

5th time we've been to Ananda and the experience never disappoints. Great food, great service, and a great decor that is consistent. The duck and lamb shank are my favorite dishes, although the seafood is also excellent. Cocktails are always top notch as well.Our waitress Maribel was very prompt and helpful with recommendations. We always have the cardamom ice cream for dessert but they also brought us a complimentary lava cake because it was our anniversary.Another great experience and we will definitely return.

I recommend the lamb shank and the dharamshala duck. So delicious. Mo was also great service.

It's OK. They have the whole " we're a more upscale dining experience than other Indian restaurants " thing pretty much nailed.And it's OK. Nothing wrong with the place at all. The food is fine. Acceptable. And overpriced.But it's presented well. And the service is very good. A $17 side order of Palak Paneer with 3 cubes of paneer isn't exactly a bargain. And not nearly as tasty as the same dish at any of the other Indian restaurants in Howard County.$30 for Chicken Vindaloo is a bit much. But if the dish wowed me I wouldn't care about the price.But. It didn't. A small serving. It was...OK. And the place rations rice for some reason. Instead of the usual servings of rice that accompany entrees everywhere else, they provide a small portion served on the plate. On a positive note, the Vegetable Samosa Chaat app was really good!So, 3 shared apps for our group of seven. Entrees for all, of course. 3 alcoholic beverages. 3 shared desserts. $700 with tip. Go for the atmosphere. But you'll likely find much better Indian food elsewhere at a much more reasonable price point.