Inventive Indian cooking with standout seafood and ghee roast goat; service can be uneven and automatic service charge surprises some diners.
ANANDA delivers exceptional modern Indian cuisine with standout seafood and ghee roast goat that exemplifies refined technique, yet inconsistent execution across visits—occasional pacing delays and service tone shifts—prevents grade A territory. Strong destination appeal and loyal following support the grade, though the mall setting and variable service attentiveness keep it competitive rather than commanding.
Set above the mall bustle, ANANDA feels lively and polished rather than hushed. Servers can be charming and on-the-ball, though at times a bit brisk. One diner summed it up: "The scallops were silky and the room buzzed like a Friday night." However, service pacing and tone vary, and the automatic charge on the bill catches some by surprise. In the kitchen, the team leans modern and produce-driven, riffing on regional Indian ideas with Irish seafood and seasonal touches. Standouts like the ghee roast goat and coastal seafood plate show clarity and finesse, while butter chicken gets an elegant lift. Expect sides and bread ordered separately, and portions that favor tasting progression over heft. Families do dine here and children who enjoy familiar comforts may gravitate to butter chicken and naan. Adventurous kids will find more to explore, but there is no explicit children menu, and prices reflect a special-occasion spot. For picky eaters, consider sharing simpler starters and breads before committing to complex mains.
Area vibe: Upscale suburban retail hub anchored by Dundrum Town Centre; mix of shoppers, families, and date-night diners.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit shopping district with steady foot traffic into evening hours.
What's nearby: Adjacent to cinema and mall; public transit via Luas Green Line; parking in shopping centre garages.
Standouts include ghee roast goat, the Coastal Seafood Plate and a €60–€70 tasting menu that sidesteps heavier mains
Dress smart-casual, book ahead for weekends and watch for a reported automatic service charge of around 13%
ANANDA is lively and polished, more buzzy than quiet, with mixed opinions on the decor