Seemor
Bombay Kitchen + Bar - Commercial DrB+Worth Trying
1018 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W9, Canada
· Indian restaurant, Bar & grill, Indian sizzler restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (2077 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Indian spot on Commercial Drive offering generous portions, popular thalis, and Indo-Chinese favorites; strong recent praise but mixed reports on buffet temperature and service speed.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Bombay Kitchen + Bar delivers solid neighborhood Indian dining with strong food quality anchored by standout butter chicken and tandoor work, plus friendly, attentive service that keeps thali plates flowing. The excellent value proposition and convenient Commercial Drive location make it competitive with respected local favorites, but inconsistent execution during peak times—slower refills, temperature lapses—prevents grade A territory. Recent improvements suggest upward momentum worth monitoring.
Restaurant Summary
On Commercial Drive, this spot hums with a warm, lively energy where baskets of garlic naan and sizzling tandoori land at a steady clip. Service skews friendly and helpful, and more than a few diners mention servers who keep thali plates topped up. One diner summed it up nicely: "We left full and happy without breaking the bank." The cooking leans classic North Indian with comfort-first richness, backed by a tandoor and a side lane of chaat and Indo‑Chinese. Expect butter chicken done right, tender lamb korma, smoky eggplant, and street-style vada pav and pav bhaji. The AYCE thali is the value magnet, though peak times can mean slower refills and a few lukewarm trays. For families, this is an easy win: mild curries, rice, naan, and thali variety offer plenty of familiar choices. Kids who like simple flavors will find naan and butter chicken an easy match, while veggie options abound for selective eaters. No formal kids menu noted, but the menu has many straightforward, child-friendly picks.
At a Glance
- Value-forward thali and generous naan
- Balanced flavors with standouts in tandoor and curries
- AYCE refills and buffet temperature can lag at peak times
- Service inconsistency on busy nights
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- AYCE thali value
- Bread baked in tandoor
- Wide vegetarian selection
What People Love
- Feeling well cared for by friendly staff
- Rich, comforting curries and fresh tandoor breads
- Strong value from thali and lunch buffet
- Street-food nostalgia from vada pav and pav bhaji
- Surprisingly tender lamb and balanced spice levels
Points of Concern
- AYCE/buffet items sometimes arrive lukewarm; refills can be slow during rushes
- A few diners reported oily dishes or bland Indo-Chinese on off days
- Policy restrictions on sharing thali frustrated some guests
- Pricing is premium a la carte (mains C$17-22), which may surprise buffet-first visitors
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (polarized ratings, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostC$38-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose one tandoor (C$18-21) and one curry (C$17-19) to share with naan for value
- Street-food starters (C$12-16) add variety without overspending
Perfect For
- Casual dinner with friends on Commercial Drive
- Family meal where everyone wants something different
- Value-seeking thali night
- Group gatherings with mixed diets
Location Insights
Area: Eclectic, artsy corridor with cafes, bars, and multicultural eateries; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked in evenings; standard urban awareness at late hours.
Nearby: Near indie shops, bars, and music venues; strong foot traffic and casual nightlife.
Commercial DriveCommercial Drive, often called 'The Drive,' is a bustling neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants offering global cuisines. The dining scene is casual and diverse, attracting locals who appreciate authentic ethnic food and a laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–22:30
Tuesday10:30–22:30
Wednesday10:30–22:30
Thursday10:30–02:00
Friday11:30–23:30
Saturday11:30–23:30
Sunday10:30–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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