Govindas Natural Foods Buffet

I think this is one of the best and most unique vegetarian/vegan buffets in town. The food is fresh, varied, and flavorful without being overly spicy. The inside seating is pretty limited, but there's a large patio seating area with live birds and a koi pond nearby.

I have been going here for more than 10 years and have always had the best food here. Unfortunately they must have decided to have no flavor anymore and don't care about the quality as well. The food made me have to run to the bathroom and had the runs the rest of the day. My friend, who had the same as me, except he ate the soup and did not have salad. We both had mango drinks as well...maybe it was that that made us so sick. He had to puke out the window and got sick several more times after. I was very embarrassed that I had talked the place up so much before. Very sad I lost o e of my favorite places to eat in tucson. I will not be returning

Very fresh and tasty, I enjoyed the fresh lime juice and mango cake. You must try this incredible place, sit outside, and relax under an umbrella. Great gift store with lots of items worth looking at.

This place is a buffet food is great healthy, and doesn't give you that awful feeling when you go to some restaurants I loved all the animals that were outside. The place looks beautiful.

WHAT A FIND. First night in Tucson and I found Govinda's. We got there a little after 5, which is when dinner service starts, and it immediately started filling up.The complex is gated and there are several different buildings. The entrance to the buffet is clearly marked and there is outdoor seating. Inside it's a little tight but everyone is super nice, polite, and accommodating when negotiating the dining room and the buffet. Note to newbies: if you are new, you walk in the door and past a gift shop, then into the buffet area. It seems natural to just take a tray, plate, plastic utensils, etc. because it's right there when you walk in - but you actually have to pass that station and go to the register to pay first.We had several questions for the young woman working the register and after a couple of them she said, "Oh? You've never been here before?" and apologized profusely before giving us the lowdown on how to chow down. Once you pay, you get your tray and plate (and/or bowl), utensils, breads, and tea (if you want it - it costs extra) in the same area, then turn around and have at the buffet.The water they offer is reverse osmosis water and it's in a little alcove behind the buffet. This is also near the compost/recycling station where you return your tray after eating.If you want more food, you must get a new plate before returning to the line. A watchful attendant came to check on the food and restock what was low as we picked out our dinner dishes. This is an unbeatable deal for vegetarians (and I read they also have a vegan night). It was less than $30 for two people with tip! By the time we finished it was dark but we walked toward the aviary and the koi pond anyway. We didn't want to disturb the birds that were roosting and it was too dark to see the koi so we vowed to come back for lunch - and I can't wait! Next to the koi pond we stopped to admire the Ganesha and make a donation. Of course, this is also a temple, and as we were walking outside we received a smile and a wave from a man looking out of the window of a room with an altar inside. The grounds are beautiful and everything is well maintained, including the parking lot. I can't recommend this place enough! The food was delicious, the bread with a smear of Smart Balance was yummy, and I feel so good eating vegetarian, especially after a self-indulgent holiday season. Please give them a try!

First of all let me say what a gem of a place! When you first walk in there is the cutest little shop with clothes, incense, statues and a very nice employee. Walk back to the buffet and there is a vegan/vegetarian spread with all kinda of options. The lady at the register is a bit protective of the buffet and how you serve yourself so beware. Lol, she wasn't rude, but takes the buffet seriously. The garden is very nice, I am concerned for the peacocks as they seem a bit cramped. I hope they let them out when the restaurant is closed. I think this place is perfect for doing shrooms, but they have strict rules about intoxicants probably because it is a religious venue.i adored it.

If someone hadn't told me about Govindas I never would have known it was there. Came here for a Birthday lunch with a friend and we had a great time. I'm not a vegetarian, but I appreciated the many different options Govindas offers. We did the lunch buffet and got the samosas, which was HUGE! Even though it's a buffet I felt pretty full after one plate and left feeling satisfied and healthy, not something you can say about most buffets.

Another lunch with the foodies and I was very impressed with the food and service! Just in case you're looking, they are going to be open on Thanksgiving day and serving a vegan Thanksgiving dinner! Everything appeared very clean and it's a nicely decorated restaurant !

My husband and I love Govindas, especially for their vegan menu W/Th/Fri. Their salad bar alone is great with plenty of toppings and delicious dressings. It's very difficult not to keep eating because it is so tasty and wholesome. They do not overuse salt or sugar. Come with an appetite because you will want to try a bit of everything. Their desserts are great too, both the cakes (extra cost) in the fridge and the apricot bread usually served with meals. The vibe is really pleasant as you enter through their little store and head into the restaurant to pay in advance. There is plenty of outdoor seating but also a smaller indoor area with a fountain/statues/crystals if you would rather be inside. Make sure to visit the birds in the back. Based on family experience, you probably won't find much to eat if you avoid gluten or tomato-based food.

Govindas Indian cuisine buffet is truly in a stellar league of its own, especially their vegan dishes. I've eaten there multiple times and I can honestly say it's my favorite restaurant between New York and Mumbai - absolutely fabulous! The dishes are all made fresh with top ingredients, and every item I've tasted has just been to die for. The peaceful ambiance is also a haven for protected birds, such as parrots and turkeys, and the serenity of the entire establishment can allow you to think you were on a dream vacation in a far-away land. I would give Govindas 100 thumbs up or stars if that were an option. FABULOUS!