Majestic

Until just a couple of years ago, Majestic, located in an old hotel downtown, was about the only option for Indian cuisine in Santiago. It was very popular. But then again, when there’s no legitimate competition, you’re almost assuredly going to be at the top of the pack.

Majestic opened a Las Condes location a few years ago, then later moved to the current location on Kennedy across from Parque Arauco Mall, and since closed the downtown location.

Consumer reviews are a mixed bag. It appears as if this once very popular restaurant is slowly losing favor with locals and with travelers that regularly visit Santiago on business.

That is, in part, due to the opening of two competing restaurants, Jewel of India, in Providencia, and Rishtedar’s new location in Vitacura, both of which can claim the honor of being in the Tripadvisor.com’s ten most favored restaurants in Santiago.

But Majestic still remains a viable option, and many consumers still think that Majestic offers the best Indian cuisine in the city.

The ambience is pleasant, although a bit boring in my opinion, and the service, although inconsistent, is usually attentive.

Some consumers complain that the restaurant is expensive, but the menu prices are right in line with what we’ve experienced at both Jewel of India and Rishtedar.

None of these restaurants are, in my opinion, worthy of huge praise. They’ve all altered the dishes in an attempt to appeal to the perceived taste preferences of locals. Service is, at best, inconsistent. We’ve seen countless reviews complaining of bad or indifferent attitudes on the part of the waiters.

But, in a world of limited competition, Majestic, despite a few flaws, remains near the top of the heap on a hill that doesn’t have much elevation.