Radhika’s Cafe

Unfortunately they have been closed for a while now but they had very delicious vegetarian food. They had great veggie burgers and fake meat sandwiches as well as Indian dishes made by people who know what they’re doing

Alas, this place seems to have closed its doors. Had a craving for Indian. No luck. I was there November 2012, but just now finishing the review.

I’ve eaten here twice on my way home from the springs. My feelings are mixed: it’s nice to have a vegetarian option in Alachua, to be sure, but the way this café is put together just doesn’t quite work for me. Firstly, the parking is horrible: a small lot shared between three businesses and it’s narrow and hard to get in and out of – like, very very hard if crowded. Second, menu isn’t that impressive: they have some Indian dishes but not that many and their other dishes appear to be things that are pretty mundane. I’ve had their matter paneer plate twice and it was ok, but just: the matter paneer itself was no better than frozen versions I’ve bought from the grocery store but the salad was very good and the rice was ok. I also ordered a mango lassi and the small was not just little, but like child-​sized, if even that. The large size was about what I’d call mid-​sized and yet was nearly five dollars. And it was ok, but not great. They’ve been out of samosas both times I’ve been there and I was informed the reason being is they need to find a new person to make their samosas. .. yet they have other baked goods like empanadas so why can’t that baker also make the samosas? Unless, perhaps, the empanadas are sourced from some other business? The cheese and guava empanada I had wasn’t all that good, so it’s possible.
Beyond the mango lassi being tiny, if you ask for water, they bring you a very small paper cup. Maybe in India or in Krishna culture this is typical, but not in America. For that matter, at most Indian restaurants I’ve dined at, you get a decent amount to drink. The whole feeling here to me was everything people compain about with vegetarian restaurants: so-​so quality, high prices, small portions. If you’re in the area and really want vegetarian food, I’d say go, but otherwise I’d say avoid.

***Vegetarian and Sometimes Vegan Eater***
Having lived in Montréal and New York City, my exile in Jacksonville has been a vegetarian’s-nightmare. My favorite Manhattan restaurant was a place called the «Bhakti Café,» which had Indian/​fusion food, reflecting my upbringing (born and raised in North America, but of Indian ancestry).
Just when I thought the Bhakti Café would just be a distant memory for me, Gainesville has proven me wrong again. In the place with the funny name, Alachua, is a hidden gem: Radhika’s Café. Right near the intersection of Hwy 441 and Interstate 75 (15 mins from downtown Gainesville), it is conveniently located and easy to get to. They have ample parking, shared with a printing shop, in the front and lots in the back.
I went there on Saturday, April 7, 2012, and this is my experience:
The interior is calm and beautiful, with photos of various Hindu Deities. But this is no lame Indian restaurant: this is as fusion as it gets. The music is hip and comes from a Pandora Station that plays the hippest cross-​cultural music outside of NYC. With that, it’s not overwhelming at all.
It’s perfect for a First Date. They also have fast and free Wi-​Fi, just in case your First Date walks out on you for acting like Borat (ok, that’s what I tend to do, but hey, it’s good to have a Plan B!).
It is super-​clean, and reminiscent of the best NON-​Indian vegetarian places you might have been to. The server was really friendly and helpful, and she took the time to answer all of my questions about the food. She rocks! :)
A pure vegetarian restaurant with some vegan options, Radhikha’s has the most selection of any vegetarian restaurant in all of Florida (though I haven’t been to Panama City or the state capital yet — not that I’m in any rush to get lynched!). I ordered their freshly baked vegetarian Lasagna, and it was tantalizing. Not greasy at all, nor overly-​cheesed up, it was just right, and possibly the best Vegetarian Lasagna I’ve eaten.
While I was eating that, another patron and her son ordered some Indian food, which will tell you of the variety of cuisines offered here. Radhika’s has Indian, if you want that, but they also have non-​Indian dishes, which is why I went there: It’s the best of both worlds.
Since everything is freshly made, you can alter the way you want the dishes. Just let them know in advance (not after you get the food, people!).
I ordered a few subs and sandwiches to sample back home in Jacksonville. I ate their «Fillet Sandwich» at midnight, which still tasted great after just 30 seconds in my microwave. I gave a piece to a friend who is a former meat-​eater, and my friend said that it tasted similar to a McDonald’s filet-​o-​fish, if not better.
Tomorrow for lunch, I will nuke their Curry Tofu Sub in my microwave, which I can’t wait to taste.
Final point about the food: in addition to their regular menu, they have some daily specials that are different from day-​to-​day. So you’ll never get bored of the food offerings at Radhika’s. Google their Facebook page for their daily specials.
This is a place by and for vegetarians only. You meat eaters can have your Sonnys Bar-​B-​Q — I’m definitely making this my go-​to spot for vegetarian food in Gainesville from now on.
Gainesville, you don’t know how lucky you are with this place just outside your front door. Try living in Jacksonville: you’ll miss places like Radhika’s and wish you went there more often. I envy you, Gainesville… But as The Master from «Doctor Who» once said: «Envy is the beginning of all true greatness.»
Pluses: Purely Vegetarian Kitchen, NO MEAT AT ALL COOKED ON THE PREMISES. For those who are Vegetarian for religious reasons, this would be the place to go if you need to avoid any meat-​contact whatsoever. And they take all credit cards, including American Express (watch out for the $ 10 minimum for credit card orders, though).

I’m glad I gave Radhika’s another shot so soon. When I visited yesterday afternoon, I was greeted as soon as I entered. There seemed to be some confusion about who was waiting on me, but the server who took my order highly suggested the chef’s special (see photo), and that was good enough for me. While taking my order, the server informed me that the rice was made with multiple nuts including peanuts and asked if that would be an allergy issue. I appreciated the sensitivity. I ordered a mango lassi, which came out very quickly, and before I was on my fourth sip the chef herself brought out a platter and set it in front of me with a sweet, shy smile. All was forgiven based on that alone.
And then I began to eat.
Holy mustard on a knife, it was good. The dahl – made with multiple potatoes, onions, bok choy and curry – was incredible. The flavor was subtle and complex. I also enjoyed my split-​pea soup – lots of peas, lots of beans – and the basmati rice, though I found the rice a little bland. I tried to add a little salt and found that the salt in the shaker had completely crystalized. Not a single grain moved. Apparently no one who eats in the restaurant uses it, ever.
I’ve often wondered why I’m resistant to becoming a vegetarian. Then someone serves me something like tempeh chili and it becomes incredibly clear. I expect certain things when I eat a meal – a visceral mouth feel, a certain flavor and texture, and a feeling of «fullness» once I’m done. Getting a wishy-​washy version of sliders or tacos doesn’t satisfy any of those cravings. Getting an actual vegetarian meal – one prepared by people who understand that there’s more to the cuisine than salad or meat substitutes – did. Not once during the meal did I think, «Man, this sure would be good with meat in it.» And I left STUFFED.
Thanks, Radhika’s. Friends? :)
4.25 stars.