Masala Art - Needham

We enjoyed a terrific buffet lunch, were surprised that there were so few people taking advantage of this neighborhood restaurant.

As usual the food was wonderful. It was a Sunday and they had their brunch offering, which looked extensive. We, though, ordered off the menu; even have had their week day buffet. We were introducing a couple to Indian food and wanted specific items we thought they would enjoy, as it was a cuisine they were not familiar with. All items ordered were cooked to perfection and served right from the stove/oven. Even with the crowd for brunch and their front room being taken over by a birthday party service was very good. This was a noticeable feat as the customer count was high. We had a reservation made for Noon at it was ready when we arrived and we were seated promptly.

Our group shared two lamb dishes and a Chicken Saag as well as a bread basket of naan. It was all very tasty with the Chicken Saag being the standout. I appreciate the breadth of gluten free options. The service was a little uneven but pleasant.

Our experience at this restaurant was disappointing from the beginning. The service was odd and only got worse as the meal progressed. The waiter never checked on us after taking our order, and the kadahi paneer was initially served without salt. When we requested it to be properly seasoned, it came back overly salty and inedible. Throughout the meal, we had to wait for service, and it was only when we got up to find someone that the bartender offered us water. To our surprise, an 18% gratuity was added to our bill without prior notice. When we asked for it to be removed so we could decide on our tip, we were treated disrespectfully by the management. They refused to address our concerns and dismissed us without explanation. This lack of customer service was appalling, especially coming from a restaurant we had been loyal customers of for years. Despite our disappointment, there was no apology or explanation for the poor service and rude behavior. Overall, we would not recommend dining at this establishment based on our recent experience.

We used to really like the food at Masala Art, but lately the quality and flavor have been inconsistent. The food doesn't taste fresh. They have a creative menu with some great dishes, especially from the tandoor, but it's hit or miss.