5th Element

I've been to Kerala a few times and have been a southern Indian food lover my whole life. Visiting from DC and this is an incredible buffet. The food is clean , high vibrational and authentic! I loved everything I tried all of the dishes and it was all top tier. My favorite part was the chai station and the soft served! Eating here triggered my childhood travels in India I will never forget my time here

Just okay. The menu is very extensive which impressed me, but the atmosphere is rather run-down and looks like it could benefit from some attention. I'm all for hole-in-the-wall places when they're outstanding, but that just was not the case here. I would guess they do most of their business either on their lunch buffet or catering: for supper there were a lot of staff people kind of standing around, instead of one waiter we had like five different workers jump in to help, almost like no one was quite sure what they were supposed to even do .The butter chicken and tikka masala were both ok, but just ok, and a bit bland. When you order something at "medium" I think it's fair to expect some sense of spice--just not highly hot. This barely had any spiciness whatsoever. The rice was a bit gloopy, too. It just felt like the kitchen had its attentions elsewhere--which may have been the case because it seemed like they were taking a large catering order out at the same time to a van parked in the front. So I think 5th Element might do in a pinch but otherwise I'm not likely to return given its ample competition right along Baymeadows.

5th Element has been one of my favorite restaurants since moving to Jacksonville. They have an extensive Indian lunch buffet with a variety of meat and vegetarian options. I love their chicken biryani and tandoori chicken. Usually you'd expect the tandoori chicken to be dry at a buffet, but theirs is moist with excellent flavor and seasoning. Service is quick and they keep the tables clean without letting the plates stack. One of my favorite things about this place is their mango soft serve that you can enjoy after eating their deliciously spiced foods. I would recommend this place to anyone looking to try a variety of different Indian foods at a good price with excellent quality.

I have been to many Indian Buffets all over the world. The thing that stood out the most was the description of the dish and the time it was placed on the serving line. Service even though it was a Buffet was very good and the Buffet line was monitored and attended to. Price point was very affordable, every dish had its own WOW factor given the exotic spices that many people met not be familiar with. This is adventure for those who may be trying Indian food for the first time. Price was spot on for a buffet and does not include soft drinks but does include sweets and hot tea. Clean an also a full bar. Sorry I didn't post photos of the food, but didn't want butcher the names. Go and try it for yourself, firstimer or old hand.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the brand new location of 5th Element Indian Restaurant in Towncenter, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish. The interior of the restaurant is beautifully designed, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is modern yet retains a touch of traditional Indian elegance, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions. Additionally, the patio dining option is a lovely feature, providing a great outdoor setting for meals.The buffet is truly a highlight, offering a wide array of dishes that cater to diverse tastes. Available on both weekdays and weekends, the buffet ensures there's always something new to try. I was particularly impressed by the fresh naan making station. The garlic naan was simply the best I've ever had--soft, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.I had the opportunity to meet the new Chef, @sajanprem2002, who prepared some standout dishes. The spicy chicken and chili shrimp mixed grill were exceptionally delicious, packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Chef Sajan also showcased his talent with the desserts, offering unique and mouthwatering chocolate samosas and creamy pistachio ice cream. These desserts provided a perfect sweet ending to the meal.The service at 5th Element was excellent. The staff were friendly, attentive, and ensured that every need was met promptly. Their warm hospitality added to the overall positive dining experience.For those looking to visit, 5th Element Indian Restaurant is conveniently located at 10208 Buckhead Branch Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246.

I thought the food was amazing. I got the paneer Makhani curry and it was delicious. Hot, spiced right, very flavorful. The service was decent and the food came very quickly.Usually you just get default rice with a dish, however you can get butter naan for no additional charge here. Pricing was reasonable too. They use real butter (ghee) and not soybean oil which is amazing too.I felt very healthy after eating here and plan to come back!

I had the Dosa Masala there a while back. They made it for me because I asked for it and it was delicious. I enjoyed my visit and would return.

5th Element has been my go to spot for comforting and flavorful Indian cuisine for years. Before diving into the main course, don't miss out on 5th Element's delectable samosa appetizers. As a personal favorite, the vegetable samosas are a delightful blend of spiced potatoes and peas encased in a crispy, golden pastry shell. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making it the perfect start to any meal. For those with a penchant for poultry, the chicken lollipops are another standout appetizer option. These succulent chicken drumettes are marinated in a savory blend of spices and herbs, then fried to crispy perfection. They're the ideal combination of juicy and crispy, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.Every visit is a delight, with one of many standout dishes being their lamb biryani. The portion size is more than generous, allowing me to indulge in every aromatic bite and have some for lunch the next day! The bread basket is a perfect accompaniment to any meal, featuring a variety of options including roti, garlic naan, regular naan, and butter naan, each one freshly baked and wonderfully flavorful. Another highlight is the chicken korma, a rich and savory curry that never fails to impress with its depth of flavor and spice to taste. Whether I'm craving a hearty biryani or a creamy korma, 5th Element consistently delivers delicious and satisfying dishes that keep me coming back for more. Additionally, 5th Element offers a chai like no other. Hand prepared with a blend of spices and aromatics, their chai is a soothing elixir that comforts and rejuvenates with every sip. Perfect for any time of day, this traditional Indian beverage is a must try for anyone seeking warmth. For those craving something cool and refreshing, you can also indulge in a delightful mango lassi drink. Made with creamy yogurt and sweet mango, it's a perfect balance of flavors that satisfies the palate and refreshes the senses.

I enjoyed this location, however it was very warm inside I couldn't finish my food. They did keep a neat and tidy restaurant and servers were kind, friendly, and attentive. I wished they had tofu, they offered cheese that was tofu like so I'd say they stay very true to Indian culture.We had appletinis, they were weak in liquor, but I'm open to trying something else. I was pleasantly surprised they had a bar.

Try the lunch buffet to figure out what you like the best on the menu. Some dishes are better than others and every one has different opinions on each dish so try them all.. Very convenient and affordable. Great service. The food is very authentic, my favorite is the blackened mahi.